I absolutely love this book! The mixture of Puerto Rico's indigenous history of its Taino people and the myths of the island will engage middle schoolers. One is made to feel like they are there, inside the book, on the adventure with the main character. Who does not like an adventure filled with some surprises and mystery.

In the spirit of Rick Riordan, this story follows Nico and his cousins on a summer adventure in Puerto Rico. I love the inclusion of oft-neglected (literature-wise) cultures and folklore, as well as the vivid descriptions of la isla and her people. There are action-adventure elements alongside family values, common struggles, and some modern-day commentary about what's really happening there and how it's affecting the people. A fun read that also has social value.

This fun adventure story is about Nico, who is going to spend the summer in Puerto Rico with his grandmother and two cousins, Kira and Nessie. Nico is happy to spending the summer with his cousins in Puerto Rico but is worried about his parents, who need some time to decide if they want to stay married, and the next school year, because he got waitlisted for the prestigious school he applied to. So he comes up with a plan to make a video about Puerto Rico to prove to the school that he deserves to be there. The project involves both current and folkloric information, including some of the monsters from the folklore. It's a fun, exciting, beautiful love letter to Puerto Rico. It's a fun read!

Nico is intent on getting into a selective NYC high school for the arts, but when his dreams seem to be shattered his one hope is to make a movie that will convince the school to let him in. That seems especially hard when his parents send him to stay with his grandmother and visiting cousins in Puerto Rico for the summer while they work on their marriage back home. The kids' lively adventures take a turn when they come across a creature that might be trying to hurt them or trying to help, but it's scary either way. As they delve into Puerto Rican mythology and Nico works on his movie, they discover both the island's magical past and learn more about current challenges. A wonderful book!

Like a 3.5 almost 4. I didn't feel the intensity of the discoveries and movement across the country the way it was written-- I need a little more action-adventure.

However, creatively and culturally, this was a sweet homage to Puerto Rican heritage and culture both present and past. As Pineiro explains, he started off writing the book as a memoir of his summers in PR after leaving in third grade and only returning during summer. But then it shifted into the stories of the Taino people, culture, and gods with a chupacabra at its heart but with a bunch of kids uncovering stories by interviewing people and understanding the present through the past-as it's connected to one specific Abuela.

It's a mix of the mythology that makes books like the Percy Jackson series popular and the friendships and fun of a summertime adventure quest.

This is another book that teaches some of the culture and history of a country that is often overlooked: Puerto Rico. It’s a United States territory with a rich history. It has also dealt with a lot of tragedy, most recently a horrific earthquake and Hurricane Maria, as well as the influx of wealthy Americans buying up property and forcing locals out of their own towns. This all plays into the story.

Nico’s parents need time to work on their marriage, so he’s sent to stay with his grandmother in PR for the whole summer, not just a visit. His cousins are also there—and their parents are also in the midst of a breakup. The three (ages range from about 9-14) are allowed to roam on their own much of the time as Nico attempts to make a film about the island that will get him into a prestigious arts high school.

One on of their first outings, they come across a supernatural creature. This continues to haunt them—literally and figuratively. This is the mystery they end up trying to solve, and there are people actively working against them. There is danger along the way, as wells as some amazing revelations about their grandmother.

I learned a lot about Puerto Rican history and culture, and particularly about the native people who lived there before colonization.

For me, the two cousins came off as a little older than their actual age, especially the youngest, Nessi. The older sister, Kira, is manically energetic, and I found her a difficult to tolerate at times.

Overall, though, it was a strong story that kept my attention throughout, with a satisfying ending.

Possible objectionable material:
Parental marriage problems, including possible infidelity. Smoking and drinking are mentioned. One character lived through a hurricane, and his descriptions are a bit terrifying. Kids run around unsupervised a lot. Supernatural elements, including gods from old native lore. Some people are virtually naked—wearing only loincloths.

Who might like this book:
Those who like learning about other cultures, histories, and mythologies.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #MiddleGrades #PuertoRico

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2025/08/mythology-comes-to-life.html

In THE ISLAND OF FORGOTTEN GODS, Nico is off to Puerto Rico to spend the summer with his abuela and two cousins with big plans to create a film that will help him win a scholarship to an elite art school. He starts off intending to create a documentary about the island, but his storyboard takes an unexpected turn when Nico and his cousins notice a shadowy creature following them. Suspecting it is a chupacabra, they switch gears and begin to investigate. Using the documentary as a cover, they question those around them and soon find themselves immersed in Taino mythology, discovering a shocking connection to their own family history in the process.

Each character, from determined Nico to his cousins with their polar opposite personalities and his two abuelas, is distinctive and well-developed, helping to propel the story. Both the folklore and ancient culture of Puerto Rico and the current issues the island is facing after extensive damage from Hurricane Maria are beautifully woven into the plot. The mix of mystery and mythology makes for a fun and fascinating summer read.

Victor Piñeiro delivers a fast-paced, culturally rich middle grade fantasy adventure in The Island of Forgotten Gods, where summer vacation turns into a supernatural thrill ride.

Twelve-year-old Nico’s dream of becoming a filmmaker is sidelined when he's sent to Puerto Rico to stay with his Abuela and cousins. What begins as a reluctant family visit quickly transforms into a wild, horror-tinged journey when Nico accidentally captures footage of a mysterious creature—the chupacabra. But this isn't just a cryptid sighting. As Nico and his cousins investigate, they become entangled in a dangerous chase involving shadowy cult members, ancient Taino gods, and long-buried secrets that connect directly to their family legacy.

Piñeiro blends humor, heart, and myth in a story that celebrates Puerto Rican heritage while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The magic feels grounded in culture and landscape, and Abuela Luciana is a standout figure—both wise and mysterious, with layers slowly peeled back as the story unfolds.

Nico's passion for filmmaking is a fun and creative lens through which to view the unfolding chaos, and the found-footage vibe adds urgency to the plot. Some pacing issues emerge as the mythos deepens, and younger readers may find certain scenes intense. Still, the stakes remain personal and epic in equal measure.

With its mix of cryptid lore, gods of legend, and a cinematic flair, The Island of Forgotten Gods is a compelling adventure that blends fantasy with family, culture, and courage. A strong choice for fans of Rick Riordan Presents or stories that bring folklore vividly to life.

3.5 Stars

I had high hopes for The Island of Forgotten Gods, but it just didn’t click for me. It starts well enough, with a good setup for the rest of the book in the opening chapters. However, I struggled to connect with the main character (Nico) and the first half feels very slow.

My favorite elements of The Island of Forgotten Gods are when author Victor Piñeiro touches on everyday life in Puerto Rico and when he details indigenous culture and history. For me, the fantastical elements came too slowly, but they do make sense in Piñeiro’s world, and once more present, move the story forward.

The Island of Forgotten Gods is a good fit for older middle readers and lower young adults. I suggest checking it out from the library prior to purchase.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

This is an unsubtly sweet book, an homage to Puerto Rico and its people and also a lovely depiction of being a second-culture kid. Nico is a budding filmmaker, desperate to win the approval of the most famous Puerto Rican in the world, filmmaker and musical writer Juan Miguel Baranda. (I said "unsubtly," didn't I?) He's spending a glorious summer with his abuela and his two primos, looking forward to lazy days at abuela's house, glorious snacks, and beach time.

But the three cousins have far more adventure than they bargained for when they encounter a chupacabra--and the rest of the legends of Puerto Rico are not far behind. Nico and his family have to figure out what the mysterious creatures and sublime beings are trying to tell them, before the island they love faces devastation again--this time possibly for good.

Sometimes Nico's angst about his movie career and his parents' relationship slows the pace of this middle grade fantasy, but cousins Nessi and Kira are always there to pick up the pace--and Pineiro succeeds in what Nico hopes to do, painting a portrait of the island he loves so that the rest of the world can see what he loves about it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro is a first person-POV Middle Grade paranormal fantasy set in Puerto Rico. After his latest short film doesn't have the same impact he hoped it would, Nico starts to think of new ideas as he also prepares to spend the summer with his cousins, Kira and Nessi, at their Abuela’s in Puerto Rico. But things take a turn when the three think they've found evidence of a chupacabra.

The island of Puerto Rico serves as a character itself in the story and it truly comes alive in the descriptions and in the citizens. We get side characters who share bits of knowledge, colorful neighborhoods, food, and important recent historical and political moments such as the impact of Hurricane Maria and wealthy Americans buying up property at a rate that is forcing Puerto Ricans to move to mainland USA.

I would say that this book is as much an educational tool and it is an entertaining story. A major theme includes the connection of folklore to history and culture and how it all has manifested in Puerto Rico. Readers will learn a bit about the colonization of the island, the Taíno Indigenous people, the place of Catholicism in modern Puerto Rican culture, the term ‘Buricua’ (which is how many Puerto Ricans refer to themselves), that many Puerto Ricans are descended from the colonizers, the Taíno Indigenous people of the island, and the enslaved people brought by the colonizers, and much more. It's an awesome tool to have in the classroom or library for lessons about the history of the Americas.

Nico’s journey is really his single-minded desire to produce a movie that will impress his dream high school so much that it will override his last attempt and get him a spot for freshman year. He treats Nessi and Kari like his assistants and bemoans when he doesn't get the footage he wants even though he does have some incredible interviews about the island on film. His inability to see the forest for the trees in the wake of his failure is something a lot of young readers will be able to relate to.

I would recommend this to educators looking for books discussing both modern and historical Puerto Rico, readers looking for a book that acknowledges that the Taíno people are still among us and are not relics of the past, and fans of Middle Grade that combine folklore with history and modernity

Nico is supposed to be spending his summer with his parents on a trip from New York to Puerto Rico, so that he can see where he was born. When his parents cancel the trip to “work things out” Nico goes solo. There, he reunites with his cousin and Abuela. Still upset that he was waitlisted by a prestigious art school, Nico hopes winning a prize at a local film festival will help redeem him and earn his admission. The project takes an unexpected turn when Nico’s cousins spot a shadowy creature on the island. As Nico and his cousins investigate the creature, they discover ties to Taino mythology. Soon, family secrets unearth themselves and a secret cult has it out for the group. Will Nico and his cousins be able to stop the creature and the cult? The plot is well written, full of mythology, and mystery.

The characters are likable, realistic, and humorous. The world building is unique and draws the readers into the story. For readers who like fantasy, mythology, and adventure this is a must read. Recommended for most library collections. 5 stars, Gr 3 to 7.

12-year-old Nico’s are trying to work things out again and are on trial separation number 2. A family trip, now turned solo, Nico heads to Puerto Rico to see where he was born. Staying with his Abuela, he reunites with his cousins. Still upset reeling from being waitlisted by a prestigious art school, Nico hopes winning a prize at a local film festival to earn his admission. Thing take an unexpected turn when Nico’s cousins spot a shadowy creature on the island. As Nico and his cousins look into the mysterious creature, they discover more than the bargained for. With ties to Taino mythology, the creature’s presence unearths family secrets and a secret cult has it out for the group. Will Nico and his cousins be able to save the island from the mysterious creature? Will they be able to thwart the cult?

The plot is fast paced, well written, and full of mystery. The characters are humorous, realistic, and engaging. The world building is well developed and draws the readers into the story. For readers who like fantasy, mythology, and adventure this is a must read. Recommended for most library collections.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Audience: Upper middle grade, low ya
Content: Kidnapping, parents getting divorced (mention of a woman on the side), and the violence is more related to nature than blood and death

THE ISLAND OF FORGOTTEN GODS sweeps you into the beautiful culture of Puerto Rico.

What's not to love? Kids staying with their abuela on an island paradise, movie-making, and monsters!

This is a fantastic adventure that kids will eat up. It reminds me of Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls, but I think it's for a slightly older audience. Sometimes, I thought the kids used expressions that middle graders would not be familiar with.

My favorite part is the mythology and how the kids peel back the layers until they discover the problem with the island gods. It's an intriguing story.

Happy reading!

Pack your bags and get ready for a fantastic adventure in Victor Pineiro's THE ISLAND OF FORGOTTEN GODS! Pineiro's latest bursts with mythical creatures, humor, and love. The story offers up a tender look at love for Puerto Rico, its culture, the people, and its complicated history. There is Nico's love and dedication to his art (filmmaking) and his determination to make a place for himself in the world. And above all, there is love of family— the ones we're born into (even when they're breaking) and the ones that we find— in this case, in incredibly surprising places.

But above all, this Island is packed with adventure and wonder! Pre-order it, work it into your curriculum, and hand it to readers who love adventures with a twist of the unexpected and fantastical!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Young Readers and Netgalley for the eARC.

I couldn't put down Victor Pineiro's latest middle grade adventure, an absolute love poem to Puerto Rico. This book brims with the island's history, culture, and folklore without ever losing sight of young readers' need for humor and excitement. The characters are instantly relatable, the dialogue is witty and fresh, and the action is edge-of-your-seat. Above all, a deep, deep love for family just glows on every page. This was an unforgettable read. My thanks to Sourcebooks Young Readers for the eARC.

Adventure meets culture in this rollicking love letter to Puerto Rico. Nico, a big dreamer who suffers from anxiety and visions of the Wind Witch, visits his homeland one summer. Determined to capture the footage he needs to redeem himself and win his way into his dream high school, he teams up with his cousins for an adventure the three of them never imagined. Readers who love fast paced, fast talking characters who aren’t afraid to take on mythological creatures, will have a blast with this one.

Nico and his cousins are spending their summer together in Puerto Rico. Nico has the summer to come up with a awesome short film to get into the special film school he wants to get into. As they bike around Nico takes some awesome shots of the island, but he needs more a really new idea for his film, he starts a few times but quickly dismisses the ideas, until a relative tells them about the Chupacabra a monster of those parts and the three teens are sure they have a encounter with the mysterious Chupacabra.
You’ll have to read the rest to find out what happens and if Nico makes it into the special school. But I can tell you beside the suspense there is a ton of action going on all the time around and to the three cousins. This is a wonderful story and it is really hard to put down once you start reading it.

Great for fans of the Riordan line and all the authors on his imprint. It took a while to get into but once that halfway point was reached it became a roller coaster of action and history. Too bad it didn’t come out at the beginning of summer, it would make a great audio book for a road trip.

This was a fun and vibrant book filled with creatures that young readers will obsess over. The incorporation of relevant issues to Puerto Rico was fantastic and will prompt lots of discussion. Overall, I think a wide variety of readers will love this story. Highly recommend.