Parents' Guide to The Lords of Night: A Shadow Bruja Novel, Book 1

Exciting magical powers and intriguing characters anchor this quest tale that just doesn't dig deep enough into its fascinating story. The Lords of Night could have used more of everything, starting with more time to get to know the main characters as a team. How do all their powers work? How do they work together? Just when they're establishing a sweet rapport the quest drives them apart. Every scene with them hanging out and training could have been longer. Every curious clue about the Lords of Night deserved more time for the characters to digest it. What makes the lords villains? How are they connected to the five rogue godborns and to Ah-Puch, the Maya god of death? This is barely touched on.

Every nail-biting action scene should have been longer as well, and should have been set up much more clearly. The best example of this is when Ren and her team visit the ghost-filled market. This had so much potential to scare the pants off readers. Instead of really being able to feel the danger, the tensest moments are hurried, and overall, it's really hard to visualize this grim, enchanted place. The action at the very end is rushed through as well, so readers may feel more confused than shocked at the cliffhanger. Here's hoping the sequel of this duology has more detailed storytelling and less confusion. And more shadow magic as well. It's pretty cool.