Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hot kisses, gory monster, Filipino fashion in magic sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Maria Josephina Robertson-Rodriguez, now Queen Mahalina Jazreel of the Court of Sirena and ruler of Biringan, had hoped for a happy future with her true love, the knight Lucas, by her side, but she didn't count on THE ENCANTO'S CURSE. Unwelcome discoveries rule the day: First of all, Lucas is promised to another in marriage, and to a girl who's been mean to MJ from the start. Then word comes that her best friend Nix's imperial family is trying to force her return home to be married off, and is prepared to kidnap her or go to war with Biringan to make it happen. Plus, a magical monster called a mananananggal is preying on the kingdom, devouring animals, leaving trails of gore, and attacking happy couples by night. Worst of all—MJ realizes that she is the monster. She needs to protect her people. She also needs to protect herself, because Nix's princely brother is a famed monster slayer.
Is It Any Good?
Emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas aplenty, amid gore, star-crossed love, hot kisses, dynastic marriage, fabulous fashion, and threatened warfare in this sequel set in a world of Filipino magic. As The Encanto's Curse unfolds, MJ begins her reign in Birigan, finds her true love only to lose him, faces the loss of her best friend, tries to be a wise ruler, and transforms by night into a monster that threatens the kingdom. It's a lot. As MJ struggles to do the right thing, protect her loved ones, and avoid a monster slayer who's also a cute guy, readers will have plenty of "Wait, What Just Happened?" moments, but it's a fun romp awash in mananananggal and Maria Clara dresses.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like The Encanto's Curse, where young characters find themselves on the throne after a long struggle—only to find their troubles are just beginning. Do you find MJ's struggles relatable? What other tales do you know of other young royals facing big challenges?
Do you know anyone who's being pressured by their family to live a very different life from the one they would choose for themselves like Phoenix here? What's going on? Is there anything you can do to help, or is it better to stay out of it?
Have you ever had jealousy get the better of you? What was it all about, and how did you deal with it?
How does MJ show self-control in this story? What are the barriers to self-control that she faces? Is self-control important to you? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : January 23, 2026
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