I expected a weak imitation of a Rick Riordan book, and while it is very similar to many popular fantasy/adventure stories, Charlie Hernandez hooked me from the start. The writing is fun and vivid, with just enough snappy humor to be funny without trying too hard. There are some characters I hope will be fleshed out a little more as the series progresses, but Charlie and the many mythical characters were lively enough to keep the story fun. ( )

diverse middle-grade children's fiction (humor/adventure - "Percy Jackson" for Mexican/Latinx mythology).
Really, really MORE please! I actually enjoyed this more than the Rick Riordan presents titles that I've read thus far (which are also good), and am glad that more and more diverse authors are getting to be published, and that kids are able to read them and see characters like themselves in major roles.

The writing is funny and has mass appeal to 4th-grades and up. It helps to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish (I've had half a semester of Spanish and found I could just about figure out the phrases), but it isn't critical--less-fluent readers will still be able to enjoy the story. Highly recommended. ( )

"Filled with action with fast-paced chapters, Calejo's novel is sure to draw in readers and introduce them to the magic, beauty, and history of Hispanic myths and legends (many of which are elaborated on further in a glossary for those unfamiliar with the stories). This is a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan's many series, particularly for those eager for mythologies beyond Greek and Roman stories." -- Booklist *STARRED REVIEW*

With fast-paced adventure, this book steers through Central and South American myths in an exciting and fun frenzy.

Charlie is a middle-schooler, who was normal until his house burnt down and his parents disappeared. A couple of months later, and living in a foster home, his life gets really strange. Horns grow out of his head, feathers burst from his chest, and even more. If it wasn't for a sudden new friend, Violet, he might think he's loosing it. Her instincts as an investigative reporter have her more than willing to help him figure out what's happening and maybe, what happened to his parents. But neither of them expected to run face-to-face with practically every mythical creature Charlie's grandmother once taught him about. And most of them are not exactly friendly.

This is a whirl-wind adventure. The beginning reminds a bit of the Goonies but quickly steers into an extremely fast-paced adventure, reminding a bit of Rick Riordan's tales. Except in these pages, there is little time to catch a breath. Once the creatures start to appear, Charlie runs into one after another. The danger and tension fly nonstop as he and Violet try their best to figure out what is happening.

The story heads in the prophecy direction when it comes to Charlie, but it does take an interesting twist with the mounds of myths tossed in. For anyone not familiar with the myths, it's definitely a learning experience and opens up to the richness of these cultures. It also feels like jumping into cold water. With every new creature, the author builds in a very short summary to give the reader a quick glimpse behind the corresponding tale since many readers probably won't necessarily be familiar with them. But there are a lot of different myths built it. The creatures hit rapid fire, and while this definitely keeps the pace high, some pass by with a blink before the next one already swoops in. In any case, it is an exciting read that is sure to hold until the very last page.

Charlie and Violet make a wonderful duo, balancing each other with very different personalities. Charlie has the myth knowledge but is in a little over his head. Still, he does what needs to be done and reacts pretty well on his feet. Violet is gung-ho and more than ready to dive into any situation. Still, she keeps a good head on her shoulders and knows when to stop. The middle-schoolers do act a bit old for their age at times, but it reels back in during other scenes to keep it believable. Either way, it's fun and easy to root for Charlie and Violet until the very last page.

This is a fun adventure for action fans, and those who love reading tales of all those things hiding in the shadows. The myths are interesting and definitely an extra treat.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed diving into this read so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. ( )