Review by Booklist Review
Twelve-year-old Nico is on his way to Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, in the hopes of having a relaxing summer vacation at Abuela Luz's while his parents work on their crumbling marriage. Bitter over not getting accepted into a prestigious film school, Nico rallies his twin cousins, Kira and Nessi, to help him with a video essay on Puerto Rico for the Juan Miguel Film Fest. While the cousins amble around town, collecting some B-roll, they come across a demonic-looking creature that resembles a chupacabra. The trio slowly uncovers clues about the mythological creature, discovering how their abuela Luz ties in to the native Taíno history of gods, and figures out who is attempting to hunt them down. Piñeiro's newest fantasy is a beautiful and exciting love letter to Puerto Rico, featuring an enchanting landscape of Borinquen culture that also sheds light on the many environmental and financial difficulties the island faces. Children will resonate with both Nico and his cousins as they deal with the turbulent emotions of understanding their parents' separation.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Cousins team up for a summer of discovery. Nico's summer plans for a family trip from New York to Puerto Rico, where he was born, are upended when his parents decide to stay behind to "work things out"--it will be Trial Separation Number Two. Instead, Nico travels solo to stay with Abuela. He reunites with cousins Kira and Nessie, who are also spending the summer there without their parents. Still reeling from being wait-listed by LaGuardia, a prestigious arts high school, Nico hopes to redeem himself by winning a prize at a film festival with an entry that celebrates the magic of Puerto Rico and could earn him admission. But when the cousins spot a shadowy creature on the island, their project takes a supernatural turn. As they investigate the mysterious presence, they uncover connections to Taíno mythology, deeply buried family secrets, and some very real dangers. With richly detailed writing, heartfelt and comedic dialogue, and an honest spotlight on Puerto Rico's real-life struggles (including the impact of natural disasters and economic woes), Piñeiro's latest is a vibrant blend of contemporary coming of age with mythological adventure. Nico's unforgettable summer is deeply rooted in love for family, storytelling, and the history of a place that is both magical and real. An action-packed story of legacy, identity, and the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico. (map, author's note, glossary)(Fantasy. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
