Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cool Mayan and Aztec magic clash in rushed finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DAWN OF THE JAGUAR: A SHADOW BRUJA NOVEL, the goddess Ixtab forces Ren to make a bargain to get back to the living world. She only has a week to steal the crown from the Lords of Night and give it to Ixtab or she will be forced to return to the underworld. Forever. The problem is, the crown broke in pieces and disappeared when Ren was shot with one of Monty's arrows. Another big problem: her godborn friend Marco is missing and sometimes she can hear him calling to her, telling her that he can't hold on much longer. And yet another problem: the Lords of Night are demanding her return to marry the Prince Lord as she promised, or else. And the biggest problem of all: Ren was forced to leave her powerful shadow magic with Ixtab. So now she must uncover the mystery of her godborn powers or she can't save anyone, least of all herself.
Is It Any Good?
While this mix of Aztec and Mayan mythologies fascinates, too much comes at the reader too fast to make the story truly memorable. Not that anyone would want to vividly remember a trip to the underworld, which is where Dawn of the Jaguar begins, but a visit to such a sinister place deserved more. Ren freaks out in a few dark rooms with some big slash-y spiders and is then treated to a formal brunch with Ixtab. Visits to other otherworldly places also seem rushed and barely described, especially the Aztec Death Row, Devil's Tower, and Pacifica's secret hideaway with cool sentient, healing lily pads. Author J. C. Cervantes, instead of immersing the reader and the characters in the scene, puts Ren to work explaining everything -- this only works well when she discovers her new godborn powers. Just like the balance of power is off among the Lords of Night, the balance of action, description, and reflection out of whack. This quest may be a success in the end, and readers will certainly cheer for Ren and friends, but, sadly, it won't be long before they forget where and how they got there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about forgiveness in Dawn of the Jaguar. What would have happened if Ren decided not to rescue the rogue godborns? How does her integrity -- in this case, a willingness to let go of anger and work with those who betrayed her in the past -- help herself and everyone around her?
Some scenes depict ghosts and monsters – are they ever too frightening? Does it help that the characters fighting them all have powers and are often healed by magic?
Would you read about more quests from Ren and her friends? Some of Ren's friend Edison's secrets are out in this book. Which other characters do you want to know more about?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Rick Riordan Presents
- Publication date : October 10, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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