There were a couple things I was iffy about at first and then the plot really started going. This is a fun, fresh interpretation on elves that I REALLY hope people give a chance. Not to mention how the author wove in elements of her own Puerto Rican heritage into this contemporary fantasy landscape (which she did beautifully with the Blazewrath Duology as well). Amparo is simply a brilliant author. She crafts worlds that she, as a teen, would have enjoyed that we ALL get to enjoy and be enriched by now. Truly one of my favorite authors in the game currently. I hope to continue reading and raving about her works.

I'm not really sure where this one went wrong. The synopsis caught my attention, but once I started reading, I lost interest. By the 25% mark, I was dreading reading. This was the sign for me to give up. Sure, it might've gotten slightly better, but I knew I wasn't going to like the rest.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Here's the thing:

I'm a Puerto Rican woman who currently lives in Puerto Rico (stay with me, this is important). I love all the Puerto Rican rep we've been getting in the media lately, but sometimes I wished that books actually took place in the island. Sure, I love reading about Boricuas in the diaspora but sometimes I'd also love to read about Boricuas who actually live here.

And that's where Amparo Ortiz comes in.

I really loved how Sevim is a goth, because there also isn't enough Puerto Rican goth rep (I said what I said). She's pretty cool and we have similar book tastes so 10/10 right there. I also loved Aro, even though I thought he came off a little bit strong at first BUT it all comes together later on, trust me. I loved all these thing, but ya'll wanna know what I loved the most? How accurate it feels to read the Spanglish dialogue between characters, because that's actually how we talk over here, and the importance of our history. Even though it's a fantasy book, readers will learn so much about Vieques, its history and our people. It's just beautiful to see.

I did think the book was a little bit long, but I get intimidated by any books that has more than 30 chapters so it's a personal thing. But please buy this, request it at your libraries, gift your friends a copy (or twelve) because we really, REALLY appreciate the representation.

Book review of Last Sunrise in Eterna by Amparo Ortiz. Sevim Burgos is out in Puerto Rico, collecting dead elves to avenge her father’s death. When Prince Aro, from the island of Eterna, sets a trap which then barrels into Sevim participating in the yearly Exchange.
The Exchange, where three humans are selected to enter Eterna and are given three challenges using the powers of the elves. This year unbeknownst to her, Sevim was the last-minute guest of who she thinks is Prince Aro. The same Prince Aro who knew she was a dead elf kidnapper and had set out to entrap her, who might’ve kidnapped her Mother in order to force her to take the invitation.

Things take a turn when upon arrival to Eterna Prince Aro is surprised to see her. He had no idea what she was doing there. That’s when Sevim starts suspecting something else is taking place during The Exchange. Will her newfound friends Jason and Ryujin help her figure out what is really going on? Will she find out who kidnapped her mom? And what her recurring nightmare truly means?
It’s important not to disclose more because I do not want to spoil it for the readers. This was a page-turner. As someone who lived on the island, it was touching to read the names of the cities. Reading the names Bayamon or Carolina and Vieques. The author also mentions the Mall of San Juan. Reading how certain events that did take place were intertwined with this story. The Naval Base and the damages that its presence caused the island of Vieques. Amparo Ortiz also does a great job of being inclusive with her characters in Last Sunrise in Eterna. Her storytelling is fantastic. This is my first time reading a book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last.

I've never read a fae fantasy story that doesn't take place in a Euro-centric setting. Absolutely loved the diversity in characters and place! The true history of Puerto Rico and the fantastical elements were woven together so well, adding a rich depth to the story.
The main character, Sevim, is brave and on a quest of self-discovery. It was a joy to watch her develop throughout. The twist towards the end totally took me by surprise, and I couldn't stop reading!
An adventurous read!

A fun fantasy dark and twisty book. Love the premise and the characters are pretty fun. All about the enemies to better trope. Will def get in store.

I didn't like this book enough to finish it. Made it slightly over half way through. None of the characters are likable. None of the characters are even interesting. The idea behind it is really nice, but the writing wasn't very good, and as previously stated, the characters are all either idiots or completely obnoxious. I can't figure out why most of the decisions or dialogue happens the way it does. There doesn't seem to be any reasonable explanation for anyone's behavior, and sometimes the same person seems to do something that directly opposes what they literally just said or did. Having an interesting basic backstory is not enough if the story itself isn't any good, and this one isn't.

This YA fantasy is inventive and original, something I think is hard to achieve in the genre. Ortiz has written a distinctly Puerto Rican story and this fresh perspective adds depth to the plot and the characters. The twist at the end made my jaw drop. Highly recommend for YA readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with complex emotions and characters.

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, Page Street Kids, for allowing me to read Last Sunrise in Eterna early!

I'm yet to read Ortiz's previous works, but I heard nothing but praise about them for their originality and Last Sunrise in Eterna is no different in this aspect. What I wasn't a fan of, were the characters which felt not-fully fleshed-out.