CECE RIOS AND THE DESERT OF SOULS is an action/adventure story with a soul. I loved the messages in Cece's story: the importance of finding your own strength, of unexpected friendships, of kindness, of family. I loved the girl power! And the beautiful legends that are central to the story made me want to learn more about Mexican folklore. I wish I could quote from this uncorrected proof, because the prose often reads like poetry. Highly recommend for middle grade readers who like action stories with heart.

Thank you so much to Kaela Rivera and to Harper Collins Children's for the eARC of this book.

This book is especially entertaining for those who like to read fiction incorporating folklore and mythology, written by somebody with a family background tied to the mythological region it is based in. This feels aimed toward the market of teens, and upper elementary school kids who like Rick Riordan Presents books. I will buy this book for my library and will recommend it to anybody looking for books like Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, and other similar works.