Starred Review ALA Booklist (Mon May 08 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Starred Review Zapotec teen Donaji departs her village on a quest to find her long-lost father. Brimming with confidence, she loses her way, stumbling upon Itzcacalotl, a Mexica boy separated from his own party of warriors, members of the enemy Triple Alliance. Despite differing allegiances, they band together on Donaji's quest, pitting her fearlessness, her god-inhabited poncho, and his burgeoning crow-themed superpowers against the supercompetent thief Citlalmina, as well as various supernatural creatures, including the ghastly, terrifying Yohualtepuztli, the Night Axe. As this summary attests, here is a historical epic that fully immerses readers in Mesoamerican culture, religion, politics, language, and aesthetics. However, a visual language that is pure manga, vibrant colors, and burnished lighting combine to make it feel absolutely immediate and tonally modern. Indeed, the fully fleshed-out cultures soar to heights of such marvelous fancy, the setting could easily be taken for wholly invented high fantasy, making this a great way to sneak some history to your fantasy-minded readers. The characters and emotions, though, are highly relatable, the climax turning not on battle but on Donaji's ability to confront her own shortcomings. Both a thrilling epic and a setup for forthcoming volumes t to mention a rollicking action-adventure featuring well-crafted characters is gets the highest recommendation, right down to its very helpful back matter, addressing language, beliefs, and historical context.

Kirkus Reviews

This fantasy adventure based on a popular webcomic introduces a mythical world of gods and monsters overlaid on the historical backdrop of the Triple Alliance in the final days of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.The book opens on a forbidden ritual performed under cover of darkness, as orbs of light rise and summon a Child of Darkness against the backdrop of the first days of colonial expansion in Mesoamerica and reign of the Triple Alliance between Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. Meanwhile, Itzcacalotl, an ambitious, 17-year-old would-be Mexica warrior, wanders from his group into the jungle where a murder of crows brings magical transformation. Elsewhere, 15-year-old Donaji prepares to leave her Zapotec home on a quest to find her long-lost father with help from a quechquemitl, a poncholike garment, imbued with the spirit of a god. A wrong turn puts Donaji in Itzcacalotl's way, and they are able to join forces on the quest to find Donaji's father, though the path is fraught with supernatural dangers. But how the dark creature from the ritual ties into their journey remains shrouded. Alert readers will know that Spanish invaders lie on the horizon, leaving them eager for the next installment. Graphic novel fans will appreciate how the colorful, manga-inspired illustrations dramatically bring the Mesoamerican setting to life, and history buffs will enjoy the footnote factoids sprinkled throughout.An enticing, fast-paced series opener. (map, name glossary, places, historical context, deities, author's note, additional sketches) (Graphic fantasy. 12-18)

School Library Journal (Mon May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gr 6 Up —Inside a hollow mountain, a masked group gathers, and a forbidden ritual is completed. Darkness enters the world, as readers learn the Triple Alliance of the Nahua cities of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan aims to conquer the known world. A young Mexica warrior, Itzcacalotl, goes off on his own to explore, leaving a marching army behind, and falls into a trap. In the small village of Quie Yelaag, Zapotec teen Donaj&7; celebrates her 15th birthday by heading out into the world to find her missing father. Accompanying her will be a god named Chicahualizteotl, who inhabits her poncho and grants her tremendous strength. These two adventurers are bound to cross paths, and when they do, their adventure will be legendary, and world-changing, even pitting them against gods themselves. Set in 15th-century Mesoamerica, this graphic novel was originally a webcomic hosted on Tapas. The author/illustrator, who is based in Mexico City, is also the creator of the 2017 animated short film Donaj&7; &; the Magical Poncho, which serves as a prequel to this story. The art style is vibrant and colorful, capturing the imagination and serving the story well. VERDICT With roots in Mesoamerican mythology, this fantastic tale will charm any reader. Its connection to history and tradition makes it wonderful for teaching while being entertaining with its adventure.—Adam Fisher