Rutabaga's Reads 2026: Part 3

It’s time for my first middle-grade compilation post of the year. This post highlights my love of fantasy and mythology.

Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows (Aug. 2, 2022) by Tehlor Kay Mejia.

<This is the final novel in a trilogy.>

She has saved Emma Lockwood, her best friend. She has saved her dad. But Paola Santiago can’t find a rift to enter the void since her prophetic dreams have ceased. No matter their broken friendship, Paola is determined to save Dante Mata. Her dad, absent for so much of her life, thinks she should be a regular 13-year-old, but how can Paola just be 13 years old? She’s battled spirits and void monsters, is armed with an Arma del Alma and has saved people she loves. She can’t simply flip a switch. Her best chance of entering the void might be in Texas, but she’s still a kid with zero funds in Arizona. Coincidentally, Emma and her group of proactive friends in the Rainbow Rogues are heading to San Antonio, so Paola’s stop is practically along the way, if she can stomach the judgy girls. She’ll discover who Falsita fears most, but Falsita herself will be jarring to Pao. Pao reminds herself that her aim is to rescue Dante, no matter if he hates her, but in a sea of copies, who’s real and who isn’t? A battle is coming, and no one is prepared, but how would one prepare to face off with the lord of nightmares and dread, anyway?

            The trilogy-ender in the Paola Santiago series is a paranormal, fantasy adventure containing the importance of friends and family but also the stuff of nightmares. Based on Mexican folklore, Paola embarks on one more rollercoaster adventure, running away from her family (again) and realizing the hard way that she’s in over her head. Paola is clever and brave, but she’s also angry, rash and sometimes bratty enough that it’s hard to endure her. She’s a girl trying to figure out her identity, not only where she fits in with her long-lost father and her paranormal side, but also her orientation. Despite its fantastical storyline, it’s anchored by emotion and love. Though it isn’t my favorite within the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, the story’s heart and imagination scoot the story along.

            Book One: Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

            Book Two: Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares

The Shadow Crosser (Sept. 1, 2020) by J.C. Cervantes.

<This is the final novel in a trilogy.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

The check-in date for Zane Obispo to begin his training at the Shaman Institute for Higher Order Magic (SHIHOM) has been moved up, but there’s one more godborn to track down with the help of a foul demon who can literally sniff them out. Joke’s on the demon, though, as there isn’t one godborn, but two. Twins Alana and Adrik are found in an antiques shop taking back a red stone that supposedly belongs to them. Camazotz (the bat god) and Ixkik’ (a.k.a. Blood Moon) want it badly. But why? What’s so significant about the stone? Hurakan (Zane’s godly parent) and Ah-Puch (no longer an adversary) inform Zane that a light on the World Tree has gone out. That means a god has died (in this case, Akan, the god of wine, who was sacrificed by Zotz and Ixkik’). Hurakan and Ah-Puch tell Zane they’ll see him the following day, except they don’t. The gods are all missing in 1987! Itzamna will protect the tree as long as he can, but Zane and company will need to locate Ki’in without dying, travel through time and space (without dying) and rescue the gods (without dying and in under 24 hours). There’s no time like the present to locate a magical calendar.

            Magic, mayhem and mythology are a triple threat of adventure in this middle-grade fantasy adventure and concluding novel in the Storm Runner Series. Mayan mythology with Aztec (a.k.a. Mexica) mythology is crafted into a perfect storm with hero youth, uninvolved parent-gods that manage to need saving, a constantly-moving plot and plenty of snark. It’s a little bizarre and not without darkness, but is fully entertaining, even without being a favorite Rick Riordan Presents series of mine. Be ready for high stakes and perfect hot cocoa (thanks, Ixkakaw)!

            Book One: The Storm Runner

            Book Two: The Fire Keeper

The Super-Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (Pie) (Feb. 4, 2025) by Melissa de la Cruz.

<This is the second novel in a series.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

Is the moon made of cheese? Octos Edwin, Li’l Kimmy, Dilip, Julie, Ting-Ting, Anton and Harold are about to find out when they strap in for an emergency trip to the moon, following traitorous Maureen, who’s commandeered Octagon Valley’s best rocket, which almost turns into a crash landing. The Octos have lost their fearless leader and the only adult on the impromptu mission, the brilliantly peculiar Onasander Octagon. They get what they think is the ingenious idea to become campers with the influx of other YAK campers arriving. It gets tricky fast when they’re not put on the same team (a.k.a. quadrant), and mingling with the other teams during lunchtime, for example, turns out to be a big no-no, subject to stares, judgment and even flung insults. The team’s best chance is to win the Cosmic Games and be granted access to the YAKs’ lunar labs and their top secret activity. How will any of them win when none are actually YAKs? What if the YAKs already have Onasander?

            Infiltrating a lunar camp and participating in the Cosmic Games are big components in this middle-grade fantasy adventure involving a youthful team of geniuses, an eccentric mastermind, a backstabber whose devious ways may not be her own doing and a moon-full of vengeful YAKs (we still don’t know what YAK stands for – Young Available Kittens? Yodeling Angry Knights?). Along with the racial and cultural diversity, the setting outside Earth and the story’s entertainment value, there is weight to this novel. There are lots of personalities in these characters and the struggles that go with all of those varying (genius) minds. There’s jealousy in those whose superpowers haven’t manifested, underlying resentments and nefarious aliens (different from the aliens that the Octos are). The novel is high-energy with high-stakes momentum. My only grumble is with Edwin. That kid needs a big ole slice of humble pie with a side of humility. But don’t let Edwin stop you from picking up this energetic installment.

            Book One: The (Super Secret) Octagon Valley Society

Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 16

It’s been a push to piece together a third middle-grade compilation post, but I made it. In this round, you’ll find Never After heroes vs. Never After ogres, Feast vs. Famine and feisty Mayan gods vs. at least one desperate godborn.

The End of the Story (Dec. 3, 2024) by Melissa de la Cruz.

<This is the fifth and final novel in a pentalogy.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

The Never After crew are back together for one more world-saving adventure. Queen Olga isn’t vanquished. They are looking to locate Sabine, the last surviving fairy, before Queen Olga and her minions do. Sabine is also known as ... Tinker Bell! She must be protected. If the last surviving fairy dies, so does all of Never After. Filomena, Gretel, Jack and Alistair join friends new (like Captain Hook, an adventurer, not a pirate, with a flying ship courtesy of the fairies and a good history with crocodiles) and old. Their search will take them to Neverland and the forever boy, Peter Pan, who’s nothing like the fairy tale mortals know in the human world. There’s an impressive blacksmith’s shop “straight down till morning” in a little-known place called Everland, and the nymphs know all the tea. The Dragon Realm refuses to help them, stating that it’s too soon since they last helped them. Filomena knows what battle they’re referring to, but Jack, Alistair and Gretel do not. Filomena has time-jumped and retains her memories, but few others remember Before, and it’s shredding Filomena up keeping that secret to herself. With evil closing in and mischief afoot, the good friends must figure out how to protect the magic of Never After and conquer Olga once and for all. Then, and only then, might it come to the End of the Story.

            What’s a middle-grade fantasy adventure without some world-saving? There is drama and friendship, ogre-slaying and compassion, dragons and swoop holes. There are hellos to be had and big decisions to make, not only leading up to the End of the Story, but what might happen beyond The End. (As of this posting, there’s no rumor of a spinoff series, but I’d love one.) As with the book’s predecessors in the Never After series, the heroic characters are relatable, courageous and diverse, the plot rapidly unfolds, and Jack eventually remembers. This final tale is exhilarating and the conclusion is satisfying. The author’s given a fresh take on twisted fairy tales, and I’ve enjoyed every spellbinding moment.

            Book One: The Thirteenth Fairy

            Book Two: The Stolen Slippers

            Book Three: The Broken Mirror

            Book Four: The Missing Sword

The Fire Keeper (Sept. 3, 2019) by J.C. Cervantes.

<This is the middle novel in a trilogy.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

The Maya gods required him to write a book, but he’s the one who snuck a secret message in it, visible only to other godborns. Zane Obispo currently resides on a secluded tropical prison, er, island. His family (his mom and Uncle Hondo) and closest friend (Brooks) are there, but life feels far from picturesque. His dog-turned-hellhound, Rosie, isn’t the four-legged companion she was pre-hellhound, and that rift hurts. He’s ready to bust out and go save Hurakan (his godly parent), but there’s the matter of getting off an island that keeps other gods out, but also keeps him trapped inside. Before Zane and Brooks set their plan in motion to leave, a godborn arrives in a boat steered by no one with shadows surrounding her. Renata “Ren” Santiago saw his secret note in the book (she checked it out from the library). Unfortunately, he learns that in inserting that note, he unintentionally put other godborn youth at risk. On top of finding Hurakan, he must find the godborns before the gods do, because they will kill them. And, bonus note, Hurakan is scheduled to be executed. The Fire Keeper may be able to change the future if the god can be located. Zane will do whatever it takes to save his dad, even if it means interacting with Ah-Puch. Even if it means sort of dying.

            I love learning about mythology, especially mythology that’s still new to me, but I struggled with Zane. Yes, he’s desperate to save Hurakan and juggling also saving the godborn children, but his thoughtless haste, while youthful, irritated me. The pacing started off slow, but picked up. This Mayan mythology, middle-grade fantasy is fiery, the plot is busy, and the gods are as feisty as ever. As the middle story in a trilogy, it does fall a bit to middle-book syndrome, like there’s more verbiage than helps move the story along. But with secrets and lives to save, it should satisfy the most voracious of mythology fans.

            Worthy of note (to me): Itzamna, a Maya creator god of the moon, bringer of writing and culture, creator of the calendar, and father to the Bakabs: “I’d much rather read great works, write poetry, play the flute, and float across the starry sky.” Me, too, Itzamna. Me, too.

            Book 1: The Storm Runner

The Last Great Heir (Jan. 28, 2025) by Carina Finn.

<This is the first novel in a series.>

With their thirteenth birthdays around the corner, the fated duel between Merriment Feast and Rue Famine is about to commence. Raised as rivals, Feasts are adept at charms, while Famines excel at potions. Fauret has been under Feast rule for generations, and only Feasts benefit from Feast rule. Their feasting is gluttonous, and those beyond Fauret’s walls are starving. Merriment’s life has been like one big party, filled with beautiful attire and no shortage of delectable pastries. Rue’s life has been monotone in comparison, filled with studies and learning how to use her magic to help others. One has grueling studies under a tyrannical aunt, the other studies without the guidance she needs. They’ve never met, but they have more in common than they realize, including a common enemy.

            A tale of female heirs dueling to the death reminds me of Kendare Blake’s Three Dark Crowns series, but the comparison ends there. Whereas Blake’s series is YA and quite dark + violent, this story is middle-grade and only mildly gloomy. The Feast and Famine series opener receives much fanfare, but what should be a fantastical, sparkling debut loses some of its luster in its lack of smooth plotting and a later-in-the-story reveal that needs more backstory. There definitely could’ve been more worldbuilding, but I do feel I was able to distinguish between Rue’s and Merri’s voices. There are sincere moments, the setting is charming, and the premise has great promise. My favorite characters just might be the fickle, mercurial demons, with specific shoutout to Jahi.

Rutabaga's Reads 2020: Part 3

Whenever I construct compilation posts, I save them under a nickname. This one had two nicknames. It’s my first middle-grade post of the year, but all three books are also from Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint of Disney-Hyperion Publishing. All of the stories within this imprint are mythology-based, though there is a good chance these mythologies may be unknown or slimly known by wider audiences (by this reader included). Considering they all have Rick Riordan’s approval, I have high expectations, and I was not disappointed.

Aru Shah and the End of Time (Mar. 27, 2018) by Roshani Chokshi.

*This is the first novel in a tetralogy.*

Truth-bender. A girl with an active imagination. In all honesty, 12-year-old Aru Shah is a liar, not out of a sense of meanness, but in a way that makes her life seem more prominent than it is. She boasts of things that are not, because she desires them to be. Aru and her mother, Dr. Krithika P. Shah, live in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture in Atlanta. Aru was always told she should never light the lamp, though she didn’t know why, so when she’s dared to light it, she does. In so doing, she awakes the Sleeper. Now, suddenly, she’s being berated by a very judgmental pigeon she christens Boo, and she has a soul-related sister (not blood-related) named Mini. It turns out that she and Mini are the reincarnations of two of the Pandava brothers (from the Mahabharata); there have never been Pandava sisters, and they are the soul-children of a major Hindu god. Those gods are: the Dharma Raja (the Lord of Death and Justice), Indra (the king of heaven, god of thunder and lightning), Vayu (god of the wind) and the Ashvins – Nasatya and Dasra (twin horsemen gods of medicine and healing who symbolize sunrise and sunset). They meet with Urvashi and Hanuman, members of the Council of Guardians (like a celestial board of directors). They are tasked with a quest to find the keys to the Kingdom of Death, which in turn will lead them to the celestial weapons. And they have to do all of this while preventing the Sleeper from getting the keys or the weapons. There’s also a time frame. Anywhere the Sleeper ventures, life is frozen in time (including Aru’s mom and Mini’s family). If they do not stop the Sleeper before the new moon (in nine days), they’ll be frozen forever. Saving the world from a forever freeze and death? Should be a cake walk, right? Ha. Ha. Ha.

            As soon as I began reading this story, I loved it. With Aru’s quick wit and sarcasm, this story reminds me of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series (which I also love), albeit with a female lead character and a different mythology. The first in the Pandava series, Chokshi strikes fast with a roaring adventure and plenty of mythology to make someone’s head spin (and it’s likely not even the tip of the iceberg). The writing crackles with magic and is bright like lightning, and Aru takes to the quest as gracefully as a bull loose in a china shop while wearing Spider-Man pajamas. This first in Chokshi’s middle-grade debut (she has also written YA) is an absorbing, high-octane, fun and funny novel that seems to effortlessly intertwine Hindu mythology, simultaneously teaching and entertaining readers as the story runs along. Despite my lack of Hindu mythology knowledge, I connected quickly with this story, which includes lessons on family and friendship. Before I was done with this book, I’d ordered the second and pre-ordered the third! This book is great for fans of Rick Riordan and anyone who enjoys mythological tales.

            P.S. That Palace of Illusions, I would adopt it.

Dragon Pearl (Jan. 15, 2019) by Yoon Ha Lee.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Young gumiho (fox spirit in Korean mythology) Kim Min is 13 years old and has attacked an investigator with a saucepan (Disney’s Rapunzel would be so proud of her). Lest she be sent away to a remote village on the already desolate planet of Jinju that they reside on, Min runs away. The investigator accused her older brother, Jun, of desertion from his service aboard the Pale Lightning in the Space Forces. Min knows that Jun would never desert, and she is determined to find him. After surviving an attack by mercenaries, Min finds herself aboard the Pale Lightning and uses her fox gift to assume the form of Bae Jang, a Space Forces cadet who died in the attack (she did get Ghost Jang’s permission to use his persona as long as she finds out who killed him), as well as her gift of Charm to convince others that Jang lived while Min died. She finds friendship in Jang’s friends: Haneul, a female dragon, and Sujin, a non-binary dokkaebi (Korean goblin folk).

            Min is told that Jun deserted to go in search of the legendary Dragon Pearl, a mystical object rumored to have such tremendous power as to build up or destroy entire worlds. In the right hands, the Dragon Pearl could terraform an entire planet … or finish terraforming a planet, say, like Jinju. In the wrong hands, well, picture the destruction for yourself. Min’s research aboard a ship impersonating a cadet on the fly brings her investigation to Captain Hwan’s office. She doesn’t want to cross him, predatory tiger form that he is, but he is hiding something major. What does he know? Where is he hiding Jun? Can sister and brother reunite to explore the Thousand Worlds together (there aren’t actually a thousand worlds)?

            When one envisions Korean mythology, one probably doesn’t think space odyssey, but it works marvelously in Lee’s capable mind. The universal appeal of this story isn’t solely because it takes place in space, but in that Lee makes Korean mythology accessible to those who aren’t familiar with the folklore. There is complexity in the diverse personalities of the characters and the struggles within, be it that they stem from family, magic (or lack thereof), duty to the Space Forces or loyalty to friends. The mythology, plot and overall narrative are woven so well, that I think this story would appeal to guys, gals and those who are non-binary. I also wouldn’t flag this as being for middle-grade students only; adults shouldn’t dismiss this story. With magic, deception, sabotage, mercenaries (pretty much space pirates) and vengeful ghosts tied together with dynamic characters and a propulsive storyline, this adventure will appeal to a wide audience.

The Storm Runner (Sept. 18, 2018) by J.C. Cervantes.

*This is the first novel in a trilogy.*

There is a Beast in Zane Obispo’s backyard. It’s a volcano in New Mexico. Despite his leg (one is shorter than the other), Zane has explored his volcano countless times with his trusty dog, Rosie, eventually finding a secret entrance to the volcano. He’s at his first day at Holy Ghost Catholic School, where he manages to get sent to the headmaster’s office before the day’s done, and he meets Brooks. It turns out Brooks is a nawal (shapeshifter), and she’s there to warn him of great danger and a legendary prophecy. All of that Mayan mythology Zane enjoys reading? Turns out it’s real, and Ah-Puch, the Mayan god of death, darkness and destruction, really is as terrible as the stories say and exudes a stench just as putrid. It turns out that there’s a reason for Zane’s short leg, and it goes back to his birthfather. Looks like Mom left out a major detail or two, like the fact that his dad isn’t human?! Being a godborn should come with amazing powers, right? But all Zane can tell is that he can see really well in the dark, Ms. Cab (real name: Antonia Caballero) is a Seer who makes a very cranky chicken and Mr. O (Ortiz), well, there’s nothing magical about him, but he’s a hot pepper connoisseur. (If it can decommission a god or a godborn, might it have magical properties?) Without alerting his mom to the threat against his life, Zane leaves town with Brooks and Uncle Hondo (it’s okay, Hondo and Zane left a note). They meet Jazz-E (not to be confused with rapper Jay-Z), a descendant of the great Maya giants (but he comes from much better stock than Sipakna) who’s friends with Brooks, a couple of egotistical, beauty-obsessed, power-greedy godborn twins (who go by Jordan and Bird) and some gods. The gods don’t all stink: to name a few, there are the creator gods Hurakan and Kukumatz/Kukuulkaan and Ixtab, the goddess/caretaker of people who were sacrificed or died a violent death (though Ixtab does wear a garment whose hem is lined with teeth). When an “idiot bonehead” releases Ah-Puch from his prison, can Zane find a way to kill Ah-Puch before the other gods reach him? Because if Zane doesn’t, he’ll either become a soldier of death (pleasant) or go to Xib’alb’a, the Maya underworld and land of darkness, upon his impending death (probably better than becoming the Stinking One’s death soldier).

            As the headliner in a trilogy, this adventurous storm packs a gargantuan punch (or maybe that’s Jazz when he finds out you’re a godborn). The characters are relatable; they have their perceived flaws, as we have ours, and they don’t always make smart choices, same as us. Our very basic knowledge of Mayan mythology alights with this tale, told truthfully by Zane, because the magical paper he wrote on made it so and was provided by Itzam-yée’ (can see the three planes like Heimdall can see the nine worlds in Norse mythology, except Itzam is a bird deity). “The Storm Runner” is thrilling, witty and immersed with a noxious villain and his repulsive underlings (beware the slime the demon runners secrete; it is poisonous and will do terrible things to your clothes and skin). While I didn’t love this telling as much as anything from Rick Riordan or Roshani Chokski’s Aru Shah series, I found the spirit of this story to be entertaining as well as informative. Additionally, as a godborn of Ixkakaw, the goddess of chocolate, I expect to have access to the finest chocolate at a thought. Also, the calories and fat content won’t count.