Title: Lucha of the Night Forest
Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia
Publisher: Random House Children’s
Publication date: March 21, 2023
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Summary
Lucha does what she can trying to keep her and her sister together after their mother disappears. Most likely thanks to the drug that’s making the rounds in their hometown. When Lucha gets an offer to help eradicate the drug for good, she takes it. No matter the cost. She doesn’t want to see anyone else suffer like her mom has.
What she doesn’t factor in is a strange new girl who’s arrived in town and tags along with Lucha. Lucha also doesn’t realize she’s stumbled into a fight that’s been years in the making, between a scorned god and higher powers that be. Will Lucha be able to fully step into her new powers? Or will she end up being consumed by the Night Forest?
Review: Lucha of the Night Forest
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an advanced copy of Luch of the Night Forest by Tehlor Kay Mejia to review! After reading We Set the Dark on Fire, Mejia became a favorite. Also, how does she score such beautiful covers? Honestly, this one is absolutely stunning.
First of all, Mejia’s writing drew me in right at the beginning. I always appreciate the way that she builds worlds in her books. She drops small details here and there and isn’t afraid to just drop you in the middle of the action. At the core of this story is Lucha’s relationship with her sister. She will do anything to ensure that her sister is safe. That her sister doesn’t have to deal with the hardships of their mom.
Additionnally, there’s a sweet romance that builds between Lucha and Paz. The whole central cast of characters is well developed, overall. Coupled with the unique nature of the magic system, and this felt like a breath of fresh air in the YA fantasy genre. Fans of her previous YA works will definitely enjoy this one. She’s also sure to gain some new readers as well!
My only complaint about this book has to do with the pacing. The beginning does start off a little slow, meaning it takes a bit to actually get to what the central plot is in the book. However, once you do get to main conflict, hold on to the edge of your seat
All in all, this is a new YA fantasy filled with a lot of promise. Definitely check it out when it comse out in March!
4/5 stars