Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--7--Now that Pilar has returned from Zafa, she has decided to keep her adventures a secret, including the truth about her long-lost cousin Natasha. On a family trip to the Dominican Republic, Pilar is pulled back into danger by friends who need help. The Curse of San Zenon is being recreated by Raiza, which brings on storms and great danger. Now Natasha and Pilar are in for the fight of their lives. Both must utilize their powers to defeat the evil that threatens both worlds. Action-packed details on every page fully bring the conclusion of this duology to life. VERDICT A satisfying conclusion that is highly recommended. Hand to fans of Rena Barron's Maya and the Rising Dark and B.B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A gutsy tween faces mystical dangers to protect the ones she loves and bring peace to the island of Zafa for good in this duology closer. It's been almost a year since Pilar Ramirez, now 13, defeated demons and escaped from Zafa, the magical world inhabited by Dominican legends and influenced by the ruthless real-life dictator Rafael Trujillo. Unsure of how and when to break the news of the reappearance of her cousin Natasha, who had been missing for 50 years and presumed dead, Pilar is still grappling with the terror of what she experienced in Zafa while learning to hone her newly acquired bruja powers. Pilar is excited to tag along on a trip to the Dominican Republic with her family and her sister's professor (who played an instrumental role in the previous volume), hoping to find more answers about her heritage and abilities there. It's no relaxing vacation however, as Pilar immediately begins experiencing unsettling visions and is soon contacted by Carmen, her dear Zafan friend who happens to be a ciguapa, a mythological being from Dominican folklore. Up against terrifying new enemies, Pilar returns to Zafa to find the answers she'll need to protect her family from sinister supernatural danger. Pilar celebrates her Afro-Latina heritage and is open about her desire to improve her Spanish; she uses Spanish words and phrases liberally throughout the story, adding to the text's delightful rhythm and flavor. Dominican lore brings a fresh perspective to a thrilling tale. (Adventure. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
