Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls is an engaging, adventurous, and heartfelt story about a girl who lives in a village haunted by fear and traditions—they must fight brujas (witches) who steal souls, and criaturas (creatures) and dark spirits that prey on the people. When 12-year old Cece accidentally gets her older sister stolen by El Sombrerón, she decides to fight fire with fire and become a bruja to rescue her sister. She has to learn how to control the souls of criaturas and win bruja fights, but something in her rebels against the requisite cruelty. Using compassion and love, Cece befriends and allies herself with an unlikely group of criaturas, including the original Coyote, Namer of beings. With their help and her unique magic, she must find a way to defeat her enemies without losing her own soul.

I loved how this story wove in Mexican myths, but even more, how Cece repeatedly found just the right and satisfying twist to solve each problem she faced. Her friendship with the criaturas and her relationship with her family were also so well-written. A thoroughly engrossing book that will fly off the shelves.

This week I traveled from Mesopotamia to Latin America and their different mythologies. It was great. I enjoyed Cece and am so happy that she found her voice and strength despite her family and community. Her friendship with the criaturas shows the importance of acceptance.

What do I not love about this title? I can’t think of anything. This was a much needed and thoroughly enjoyable distraction. This is one of those books that pulls you into its world and has you entranced. The descriptions are vivid and has scenes playing out in my mind. The characters are flawed but also complex, relatable, and empathetic. The story weaves in cultural stories beautifully and has me researching brujas to learn more. I will definitely be purchasing and booktalking this one.

Life in the desert town of Tierra del Sol is marred by the season the the criatura, when spirit creatures come to threaten the humans of the town. But Cece has a different view of the criatura after one helped her find her way home when she was younger.
Marked by the town as an outsider because of her interaction with a criatura, Cece has grown up thinking of herself as weak and all too different
But when her sister is kidnapped by a dark and powerful criatura, CeCe knows she’s the only one to save her beloved sibling.
What follows is a fast paced adventure as Cece gathers unexpected allies to defeat both the shadow enemies and her own self doubts.
With rich world building woven through with Mexican mythology, this book is a wonderful and exciting read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2992568597?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

This book is truly amazing! It may be a little difficult for younger readers and a wee bit frightening, but it is extremely well written and has amazing characters. The story is fantastic. I am over 50 and truly I loved this story. It brings to life SW lore in children's fiction which is not often used.

What an AMAZING book. I absolutely loved this so so much and I will be recommending to all the MG lovers I know. Such a smart story, with wonderful fantasy elements, and easy to love characters. What a treat this book was!

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.