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libbey_wolfe's review against another edition
5.0
A really enjoyable read. I can't wait until I have the second book , Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares in my hand so I can continue to read about Paola and her friends adventures.
Anyone who's enjoyed reading any of the Percy Jackson Series or any of the Rick Riordan presents series, such as Aru Shah, will most likely enjoy reading Paola Santiago and the River of Tears.
Anyone who's enjoyed reading any of the Percy Jackson Series or any of the Rick Riordan presents series, such as Aru Shah, will most likely enjoy reading Paola Santiago and the River of Tears.
ursa_allioth's review against another edition
3.0
3,5/5
Fun book and an overall easy read. I don't care what anyone says I'll defend Paola Santiago until I'm not in this world anymore (astronomy lovers have to support each other after all).
But, the book at times felt a little lacking???, especially in character development for anyone who wasn't Pao or Ondina, this perfectly showcased through Dante with whom I couldn't even bring myself to care that much about him and his "boy-girl weirdness", as the book describes it, with Pao.
Maybe if the book's synopsis hadn't already told directly at your face that La Llorona (who appears for less than 4 chapters) was going to be a main part of the story I would've like it more.
I'm still going to read the rest of the series, In hope to see these issues resolved.
Fun book and an overall easy read. I don't care what anyone says I'll defend Paola Santiago until I'm not in this world anymore (astronomy lovers have to support each other after all).
But, the book at times felt a little lacking???, especially in character development for anyone who wasn't Pao or Ondina, this perfectly showcased through Dante with whom I couldn't even bring myself to care that much about him and his "boy-girl weirdness", as the book describes it, with Pao.
Maybe if the book's synopsis hadn't already told directly at your face that La Llorona (who appears for less than 4 chapters) was going to be a main part of the story I would've like it more.
I'm still going to read the rest of the series, In hope to see these issues resolved.
crosswarrior7's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t know why, but ever since The Mark of Athena, I’ve been struggling through Riordan’s books (haven’t finished that series, don’t plan on picking up ToA anytime soon, dropped Magnus Chase after barely finishing book 1, holding onto hope for Daughter of the Deep). However, PJO and The Kane Chronicles are some of my favorite books. And this series following Paolo Santiago? It is the first time since the very first couple of HoO books that I felt like I was reading early Riordan.
Obviously, Tehlor Kay Mejia isn’t Rick Riordan, and there are variances in style, but it just had the same vibe that I’ve longed to see again since The Son of Neptune. The integration of the Mexican folklore/mythology was great, the characters had realness and life to them, and there was a real depth to the relationships and occurrences within the plot.
Paolo Santiago is a science-loving pre-teen raised by a mother who believes in magical tales from Mexican culture so, like, I’m sure you can see how well they’d mesh. But then one of her best friends goes missing, and yeah. Things start getting really complicated. So complicated that she and her other friend get tossed into a magical journey to find her.
The adventure is fun. Paolo’s voice remains strong throughout. Her best friend is a guy who really fits the basic image of a hero, and that creates a very interesting tension for Paolo, especially when she feels like she has some connection with the monster that took her friend.
There’s just so much this book does right and I just want to gush honestly. If you’re looking for a middle grade mythology book with heart, this is a great pick up. I look forward to the rest of the series!
Obviously, Tehlor Kay Mejia isn’t Rick Riordan, and there are variances in style, but it just had the same vibe that I’ve longed to see again since The Son of Neptune. The integration of the Mexican folklore/mythology was great, the characters had realness and life to them, and there was a real depth to the relationships and occurrences within the plot.
Paolo Santiago is a science-loving pre-teen raised by a mother who believes in magical tales from Mexican culture so, like, I’m sure you can see how well they’d mesh. But then one of her best friends goes missing, and yeah. Things start getting really complicated. So complicated that she and her other friend get tossed into a magical journey to find her.
The adventure is fun. Paolo’s voice remains strong throughout. Her best friend is a guy who really fits the basic image of a hero, and that creates a very interesting tension for Paolo, especially when she feels like she has some connection with the monster that took her friend.
There’s just so much this book does right and I just want to gush honestly. If you’re looking for a middle grade mythology book with heart, this is a great pick up. I look forward to the rest of the series!
rebelliousflare's review against another edition
2.0
Paola Santiago deserves better than this. She deserves the whole fucking world and yet her book struggled to give that to her. More to come when I properly collect my thoughts, but this book feels like "I threw whatever I could at it... let's hope it sticks!" This book had so much potential but definitely fell flat at the halfway mark.
licensetoshelbs's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
michelles_teaandreads's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bookish_withsky's review against another edition
4.0
This was so incredible. That's all I can really say.
littletreefox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
readingelli's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Violence
Drowning, water mishapslaura_cs's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Paola Santiago loves science. Creating and testing hypotheses, conducting experiments, seeking rational and logical explanations for why things happen. Which is why it frustrates her that her mother relies on tinctures, tarot cards, and candles as solutions to their problems. Pao may not take her mother's superstitions and stories seriously, but she does listen to one thing her mother always tells her: Don't go near the Gila River. After all, last year a girl supposedly drowned in the river, her body never found. But things change when Pao's best friend goes missing... and Pao knows that she didn't drown, and can be rescued. Suddenly, Pao's world changes; logic has failed her, nothing makes sense, and legends are coming to life. To include one of the most terrifying legends of all time.
The infamous La Llorona....
An amazing addition to the Rick Riordan Presents line-up, and an action-packed middle grade debut for Mejia, "Paola Santiago and the River of Tears" is a fantastic exploration of Latinx culture and folklore, beautifully (and, in many ways, grotesquely) brought to life. Paola is a fierce protagonist, with a lot to learn about being a hero and understanding herself, and that sometimes faith is more important than facts.
Paola Santiago loves science. Creating and testing hypotheses, conducting experiments, seeking rational and logical explanations for why things happen. Which is why it frustrates her that her mother relies on tinctures, tarot cards, and candles as solutions to their problems. Pao may not take her mother's superstitions and stories seriously, but she does listen to one thing her mother always tells her: Don't go near the Gila River. After all, last year a girl supposedly drowned in the river, her body never found. But things change when Pao's best friend goes missing... and Pao knows that she didn't drown, and can be rescued. Suddenly, Pao's world changes; logic has failed her, nothing makes sense, and legends are coming to life. To include one of the most terrifying legends of all time.
The infamous La Llorona....
An amazing addition to the Rick Riordan Presents line-up, and an action-packed middle grade debut for Mejia, "Paola Santiago and the River of Tears" is a fantastic exploration of Latinx culture and folklore, beautifully (and, in many ways, grotesquely) brought to life. Paola is a fierce protagonist, with a lot to learn about being a hero and understanding herself, and that sometimes faith is more important than facts.