Charlie Hernandez likes to believe that he just an average run of the mill kid. Never mind that he slays demons and has an encyclopedia-like knowledge base of Hispanic and Latino mythology in his mind. And he is a Morphling, which allows him to manifest into any animal trait found in nature.
While Charlie is getting used to his new "normal" life, he has to constantly watch out for the La Mano Peluda. However, when Witch Queen Jo is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie is certain the La Mano Peluda is at it again. Charlie is determined to rescue the queen and keep their alliances intact. Together with his best friend, Violet Rey, they embark on a dangerous magical journey to track down the masterminds behind Queen Jo's capture. As each clue leads the pair into more danger, they are left with more questions than answers.
I started reading this book first as I didn't realize it was the second book in the series. However, while the novel could be read as a standalone, I think it would be better to read the books in order. I thought the novel was an interesting read and fun. I like how the author weaved mythology seamlessly into the story. Personally, I am not well versed in Latin mythology so, some parts of the novel were confusing. However, it was an enjoyable read and I can't read more of his books.
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About the Book:
Title: CHARLIE HERNANDEZ AND THE LEAGUE OF
SHADOWS (Charlie Hernández #1)
Author: Ryan Calejo
Pub. Date: October 23, 2018
Publisher: Aladdin
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 330
“This is a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan’s many
series, particularly for those eager for mythologies beyond Greek and Roman
stories.” —Booklist (starred review)
“A winner for all kids, but it will be especially beloved by Latinx and
Hispanic families.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The Lightning Thief meets the Story Thieves series in this middle grade fantasy
inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula
and Central and South America.
Charlie Hernández has always been proud of his Latin American
heritage. He loves the culture, the art, and especially the myths. Thanks to
his abuela’s stories, Charlie possesses an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the
monsters and ghouls who have spent the last five hundred years haunting the
imaginations of children all across the Iberian Peninsula, as well as Central
and South America. And even though his grandmother sometimes hinted that the
tales might be more than mere myth, Charlie’s always been a pragmatist. Even
barely out of diapers, he knew the stories were just make-believe—nothing more
than intricately woven fables meant to keep little kids from misbehaving.
But when Charlie begins to experience freaky bodily
manifestations—ones all too similar to those described by his grandma in his
favorite legend—he is suddenly swept up in a world where the mythical beings
he’s spent his entire life hearing about seem to be walking straight out of the
pages of Hispanic folklore and into his life. And even stranger, they seem to
know more about him than he knows about himself.
Soon, Charlie finds himself in the middle of an ancient battle
between La Liga, a secret society of legendary mythological beings sworn to
protect the Land of the Living, and La Mano Negra (a.k.a. the Black Hand), a
cabal of evil spirits determined to rule mankind. With only the help of his
lifelong crush, Violet Rey, and his grandmother’s stories to guide him, Charlie
must navigate a world where monsters and brujas rule and things he couldn’t
possibly imagine go bump in the night. That is, if he has any hope of
discovering what’s happening to him and saving his missing parents (oh, and
maybe even the world).
No pressure, muchacho.
About Ryan:
Ryan Calejo was born and raised in south Florida. He graduated from the
University of Miami with a BA. He’s been invited to join both the National
Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honour Society.
He teaches swimming to elementary school students, chess to middle school
students, and writing to high school students. Having been born into a family
of immigrants and growing up in the so-called “Capital of Latin America,” Ryan
knows the importance of diversity in our communities and is passionate about
writing books that children of all ethnicities can relate to. His first novel
was Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows.
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