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A review by crosswarrior7
Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia
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!