A review by bibliobrandie
Solimar : the Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

3.0

The first 50 pages of this are amazing. It's a lush setting, a magical story, with a wonderful Mexican heroine. I love the element of the monarch butterflies and how they give Solimar's rebozo (shawl) magical powers, even though that magic comes with a price (paired it with this book). I liked the family dynamic and the characters were great. For me it took a turn when Solimar had to go on the river quest to save her kingdom when the neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. I do think that think it's a good fantasy for younger students.