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Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls

Published in
2021
4.35
on Goodreads (1,457)

Description

Living in the remote town of Tierra del Sol is dangerous, especially in the criatura months, when powerful spirits roam the desert and threaten humankind. But Cecelia Rios has always believed there was more to the criaturas, much to her family’s disapproval. After all, only brujas—humans who capture and control criaturas—consort with the spirits, and brujeria is a terrible crime. When her older sister, Juana, is kidnapped by El Sombrerón, a powerful dark criatura, Cece is determined to bring Juana back. To get into Devil’s Alley, though, she’ll have to become a bruja herself—while hiding her quest from her parents, her town, and the other brujas. Thankfully, the legendary criatura Coyote has a soft spot for humans and agrees to help her on her journey. With him at her side, Cece sets out to reunite her family—and maybe even change what it means to be a bruja along the way.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
352 pages
Book in series
#1

Why to read

  • Inspiring story of bravery and self-discovery
  • Rich incorporation of folklore and mythology
  • Vivid and imaginative world-building
  • Strong themes of family and empowerment