Season of the Bruja is a graphic novel in which we meet Althalia, or Lia, a Bruja apprentice who's learning magic from her grandmother.

I've got to say that, apart from the amazing illustrations and the Hispanic inclusion, I didn't really enjoy this story. I was lost most of the time, I'm not even sure I can remember much of what happened because everything was sort of confusing? (or maybe it's just me?). I know it's the first installment in a series, but I would've appreciated some introduction to the characters and the magic system. Also, although I didn't have trouble with the Spanish bits of dialogue, I believe that a translation would've been nice for those readers who can't speak the language. Since I'm posting this review long after the published date, maybe (and hopefully) this "issue" was addressed before publication.

I wanted to love this, because the premise sounded great and witchy stories are my favorite thing in the world, but sadly it wasn't the case.

*Thank you NetGalley for sending me a digital copy of the first volume of Season of the Bruja in exchange for an honest review

This was not what I was expecting at all and it really hit me in the feelings. This is a graphic novel that hits on some heavy topics and could be triggering for people of latinx decent or someone who had faced religious trauma, but I felt that it was really well done. I really appreciated this story and think it was one that definitely needed to be told.

Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel follows Althalia, her abuela, and two of their friends. It's brimming with magic, witchcraft, and action. It's also based on Latin American mythology which I really loved--I enjoyed learning more about this topic and I think it will intrigue younger readers and hopefully make them curious about Latin American history.

I thought the artwork in Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 was absolutely stunning--likely the most beautiful I have seen in any graphic novel to date. It was colorful, vibrant, and eye-catching.

My main critique about this would be that the plot was a little confusing. From the beginning, we jump into complicated situations without much context, and this pattern continues throughout the graphic novel. I wish the transition from scene to scene had been a little smoother.

Overall, I enjoyed this graphic novel and I think a lot of other people will too. I think it will have more commentary on Latin American history and culture in future volumes which is so important. I would recommend this to fans of fantastical graphic novels, especially those involving witches.

⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one.

Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 by Aaron Duran follows the story of Althalia, a young woman who discovers her magical abilities while facing re-emergent threats from the past.

While the graphics were great, it was disappointing to note that there was zero background information provided, and it felt like dropping into an ongoing story without any context.

Moreover, the characters were not fleshed out properly which left something to be desired. As someone who is relatively new to graphic novels, this book may not have been the best fit for me.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

Season of Bruja left me with a powerful world that I want to know know more about. Athalia and her abuela. drove the story and I can't wait to join them again. I loved the art style and I can't wait to see what happens in the next volume.

I an unable to review this title, as it was archived before I had a chance to download and read it. This feedback is only to stop this title from adversely affecting my netgalley feedback rate. If in the future I have the opportunity to read this title, I will post a proper review here.

I can't wait for the next volume!

The art and illustrations are absolutely stunning! The line work in itself is beautiful but the vibrancy of the colours and the contrast between them are entrancing to say the least! I love the way you have multiple stories to follow before they end up meeting towards the end of the book however there are certain points where you have to accept confusion for a few pages before you are given the context for it to make sense. I feel like future issues will be a lot more 'go go go' panels as this sets up all the world building and magic system building quite beautifully

A seriously fun, wonderfully rendered graphic novel. I love how integrated Mexican culture was in the worldbuilding. The plot moved so quickly that I never felt fully connected to any of the characters, but the illustrations and details were so whimsical and fantastic that I will be on the lookout for more by Aaron Duran.

First I would like to thank Oni Press for providing me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review.

I am trying to diversify what I read and I have always been interested in graphic novels, so when I saw this come up on NetGalley I wanted to give it a try and see if I liked it. I am so happy I did give this a try cause I just finished it and I'm already wanting to re-read it and see what comes next.

What I Loved:
- Art, the art in this graphic novel is AMAZING. With all of the colors and just overall vibrancy it really lent well to the story and the focus of the culture.
- Culture, as a Hispanic women I was interested in this story since I have read and heard about the different types of Bruja's in the Latin cultures and this just added to my love and awe of these stories
- Loquita, Althalia's alebrije and she is a flying house cat that can grow into a flying jaguar when the need arises. What cat lady wouldn't fall absolutely in love.
- Family, this is a main focus of this story both Althalia's blood family as well as her chosen family they are there for her when she needs it most and refuse to let her push them away
- Depiction of faith, I appreciate this story did not cower away from depicting the truth related to the Christians deadly impact on native cultures.

I really enjoyed this novel and I hope there are many more to come in this world. With such a great addition to my reads for the year, I foresee reading many more graphic novels throughout 2023 and beyond.

This was a quick read and I really enjoyed it. Althalia is from a long line of brujas and I loved seeing her fight for her heritage and those she loves.

The plot moved at a good pace. When I finished, I found I wanted more so that makes me excited for another volume.

Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for an ARC of this graphic novel.

Season of the Bruja was a quick read about Althalia and the fight against prejudices. She is the last of her kind and must work to keep her culture and ancient ways alive. The novel was pretty quick and I felt that it could have been longer. From the start you're dropped right in the middle of action that just keeps going. I could never get a breath in or handle on what was happening. There definitley could have been more in this volume. I'm excited to see what else happens in 'Lia's life though in the next volumes.

Season of the Bruja v.1 by Aaron Duran, illustrated by Sara Soler. Oni Press, 2023. Thank you Oni Press for providing an e-book copy through NetGalley.
Rating: 1-5 (5 being a starred review) 5
Genre: Fantasy Graphic Novel


What I Liked: Althalia is a bruja - a powerful latine witch descended from a long line of magical Mexican women before her. Her abuela, Isadora, taught her about Latine culture, history, and the importance of preserving both through her bruja rituals and patience. But Althalia wants more - She wants to help those in need and goes about her magic in risky and brazen ways. But when she runs headfirst into a Catholic priest, whose plans are to destroy the last line of brujas, Althalia must learn what being a bruja really means, the long history of her people before the conquistadors showed up, and how she can move forward from the tragedy of her people, and of her own life.


Season of the Bruja is a gorgeously illustrated and well-written graphic novel featuring a Latine protagonist whose passion and need to do what’s right fuels the action. Althalia, our main character, drives the plot forward, and readers root for her even when she makes near-fatal errors or acts before thinking. Her grandmother is the basis of morality and teaches her in a patient and caring way. Her two friends - Chuey the chupacabra and Dana the werewolf - help out as much as they can, providing honest advice and physical support of Althalia’s drastic actions. This graphic novel contains a heartful and unapologetic story of surviving as a Latine in a conquered world and fighting to keep your traditions alive from those who wish them destroyed.


What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!

Who Would I Recommend This To: Middle and high school students who love witches, magic, and fighting to protect your heritage and those you love.


Review Date: February 7, 2023

I enjoyed reading this one quite a bit. I love how strong and independent our main character is. I like how supportive her family and friends are. The art style is what attracted me the most to the book. It's easy to read and colorful, It helps bringing the story a more personal touch to me. I will definitely be reading the next volumes.

This was a fantastic graphic novel! I loved the relationships between Athalia, her friends, and her grandmother was written so great. I also loved the found family aspect of this graphic novel. The story was engaging and I really enjoyed the pacing of the plot. It picked up towards the end but I was fine with that. It didn't feel rushed to me at all. I'm really looking forward to reading the next volume!

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an eARC of this one. ☺️
I thought the artwork in Season of the Bruja was beautiful, especially the bold use of colour.
The story had a lot of really strong points but I think it would have benefited from taking more time as there were a lot of big moments that felt rushed. It ended on a cliffhanger which would have had more impact if there had been stronger overall development. That said a lot of interesting things were set up in this first volume and while I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series myself I can see a lot of potential for the next one.
Rating: 3.5/5🌟

"The past is the past, that cannot be changed. . . . Do not let it dictate the future." - Abuela

Althalia's learning about her powers and how she can utilize them. But being young and a little naive she doesn't fully understand the extent of her abilities or what the price for using them is. She wishes to control the things she can since there are larger things out of her control. . . Namely the prejudices people have against her people and her ancestors.

Things change drastically and our young bruja's about to begin her coming of age journey when a priest approaches her and her grandmother. A situation occurs leaving 'Lia with so many unanswered questions and a mission that she will not detour from! But our little witch is about to learn some lessons the hard way. Will her spirit be broken? Or will she come out stronger?

First of all, the art in this comic is utterly beautiful! I got feelings of "Coco" and "Encanto" as I read through the book and loved everything I saw. The vibrancy of colors and the depictions of everything was just utterly phenomenal! The illustrator did such an amazing job and there were a few panels that gave me chills because of the beauty and the impact of the work.

'Lia's being a little carless with her gift and being the overly confident teenager that most of us can relate to. She knows she's strong and doesn't hold back when others are trying to warn her to be careful. I loved her attitude and her personality when we are first introduced to her in the beginning of the story. I chuckled several times with just how she handled the "bad" they were up against. She's already a very strong young woman!

'Lia's surrounded by people with abilities even if they don't all have the gifts her and her Abuela do. She works for a shop focused on oddities and helping others with supernatural problems. Because we humans are curious creatures and sometimes meddle in things we shouldn't or things we should do more research about! Luckily the team is able to help when situations arise, even if 'Lia tries to pull a one-woman-show.

This read does touch on the underbelly of prejudices against Latinxs' and their culture. History is very much interpreted by the "victors". . . I believe all cultures and races have dark histories and I appreciate that the author mentioned this through some of the dialogue. When you get away from the "approved" history books that schools issue you will be amazed by what you find.

The more I learn about Hispanic cultures, their beliefs, history, and holidays the more I am in love honestly. There's so much beauty in the world and within other cultures that are not your own and it is very sad that some still choose to be closed minded and ignorant. I really love the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, and just all the decorations, symbolisms, and everything about the holiday. Was excited when I recognized some of the elements within this book because of "The Book of Life".

There are also depictions of how religion can be very toxic and manipulative. Controlling the masses and doing things in the name of a god. . . Religion can be a good thing, but it can also be a very harmful thing. Wiping out whole civilizations of people or enslaving thousands all for the name of religion is very wrong on so many levels!

'Lia's Abuela helps to balance her and help to teach 'Lia that there are two sides to every story. I loved Abuela in this book and her familiar! The familiars of the two bruja's were perfect and I enjoyed the comedy they helped to provide for the read. This is a YA comic series and things are kept lighthearted for the most part. But there's grief in the read, loss and some wonderful action sequences!

I do wish some of the Spanish was translated down in the footnote or maybe have an asterisk to direct you to the glossary. A glossary would be very nice as well to help teach others about words used with the read and how to properly say them. There were a couple of moments where I was little lost on what was specifically said but could tell from body language and things revolving around the panel what was being conveyed.

The language is clean except for a curse word in Spanish here and there. Some violence and a scene of someone getting body modification done but it's cut off. Things are implied but you don't see the full process. The volume does end on a cliffhanger, but it is a gentler one. I also really enjoyed that there was a recipe in the back of the book along with notes from the author and the illustrator! The team did a great job with this installment, and I cannot wait for more!

Enjoy the read with so much beauty, action, wonderful characters, and some angst! Don't forget to give the author some stars!

Season of the Bruja: Vol. 1 caught my eye one day while scrolling through the influential streets of Bookstagram. I got introduced to a badass, head-strong Latina witch-in-training willing to prove that she could change the supernatural world.

In the beginning, the graphic novel started off confusing for me. It was a lot going on. But as the story progressed, the narrative started to smooth out. I loved that Duran included Aztec mythology in the story. Mixing those tales with the discovery of America and the lineage of Bruja practice, the story held my attention until the last page.

3.5 stars

From a young age, Althalia knew she would someday be the last of her kind—a bruja, tasked with keeping the power and stories of the ancient ways from fading fully into history. Never alone, Althalia works in a paranormal museum with her friends, a real-life Chupacabra and a were-coyote, while living with and caring for her beloved abuela. Through these powerful connections, her skills and knowledge grow.

But the prejudice her people have always faced continues, and after a seemingly random encounter with a priest, Althalia feels the weight of hundreds of years of religious oppression coming down upon her and her abuela. She must realize her destiny and grow into it quickly if she is to prevent the church from achieving its ultimate goal—destroying the last bruja.

The art is excellent, with rich colors and inventive illustrations. Althalia, despite her power, comes across as a convincing young girl who struggles with her grief and anger in ways that aren't photogenic or convenient. The church is a terrifying villain, with powers more demonic than anything Althalia could summon from the underworld. Wish there were more - it felt like no sooner had I become engaged in the story than the volume ended.

Season of the Bruja was one of my most anticipated reads for January but unfortunately, it feel a little flat. Straight away you are thrown in action, which I like, but none of it made any sense. Althalia and her colleagues are dealing with a demon, which is part of their jobs. However, none of this is explained very well and throughout the entire graphic novel I was lost on what was happening.

After reading a couple of pages and not understanding who these people were or why they had some kind of magical powers, I worried I had somehow stumbled into the middle of the series, but no. That’s just how it is written. There is no introduction just pure action.

After a while you come to understand these things a little better, but it made the reading experience very disjointed for me. It might just be me but I like it when characters are properly introduced and you get to know more about them.

I absolutely love the art style. Everything was so vibrant and perfectly detailed. The cover is what first drew me into Season of the Bruja and the artwork did not disappoint.

The plot was definitely interesting and I’d love to learn more about this world and its magical history, but the pacing was off. Everything happened a little too quickly and it was over before I knew it.

I did really enjoy the characters though. Their love for food and how its a big part of their friendship was really sweet.

Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 was a fun read, but one that was a little too quick for my liking. The art style is absolutely gorgeous and the story has a lot of potential. It is a series I may consider continuing in the future.

I didn’t have time for this book when I was approved. I plan to read it in the future though. Looks fun!