The Island of Forgotten Gods

by Victor Pineiro

From the author of Time Villains comes a new fantastical adventure about family, tradition, and seeing things for what they truly are.

Nico wants to be a famous film director. He's pretty sure if he can make the right movie, and soon, his life will completely change. The catch? His parents are sending him to Puerto Rico for the summer to stay with his iconic, but old-school, Abuela Luciana, and his awesome, but unpredictable cousins. Still, the show must go on.

Until Nico and his cousins awaken a monster. A monster that looks an awful lot like the infamous Chupacabra. And it turns out this isn't a chance encounter. The creature begins stalking them all over Puerto Rico, turning up on every dark corner, sandy beach, and moonlit night. To make matters worse, a shadowy cult enters the chase, intent on capturing them before the Chupacabra can.

Soon they are thrown into an adventure that brings them face-to-face with the ancient Taino people, even more ancient Taino gods, and the mysterious Chupacabra, who is somehow linked to everything. Nico keeps his camera rolling, hoping the epic documentary will catapult him to stardom. But in the end, it's the island's fate that hangs in the balance, as they face down the very gods that created Puerto Rico.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mythology, Fiction, Supernatural, Adventure, Family

304 pages, Hardcover

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a fantastic summer book for anyone who has been shipped off to grandparents during the summer - or who has ever wanted to be.
Nico is spending the summer w Abuela Luz and his cousins Kira and Nessi in rural Puerto Rico, hoping to make a video that will get him into the arts high school back in NYC. So, late middle school - perfect low YA/hi middle sweet spot.
Nico encounters mythical creatures before his plane even hits the runway, so you know you're in for a RIDE. Interwoven with the calamities that have hit PR in recent years and the slow erosion of native culture, this story is a love letter to the island. The voices are spectacular - ebullient Kira and goth Nessi, booming Abuela Luz, glamorous Abuela Lina, rough-hewn tios, ancianos with a story to tell, just a treat all around.

[Megan Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor Piñeiro gives us a taut page-turner of a novel in this middle grade love letter to Puerto Rico. This book has it all: humor, adventure, mystery, and horror. Replete with wonderful characters, ancient mythology, vibrant settings, and a thrilling story, readers will be clamoring to devour The Island of Forgotten Gods.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victor Pineiro states in his author’s note that THE ISLAND OF FORGOTTEN GODS began as a memoir of idyllic summers spent with cousins in beautiful Puerto Rico and his love of the island comes through loud and clear in vivid descriptions of beaches, mountains, food and more. A little deeper look by readers will reveal his passion for the country in his obvious respect for the ancient and present day Boricuas and Tainos and their beliefs and customs, including the mythological chupacabra.

12 year old Nico has spent many of his summers on the island of Puerto Rico with two Abuelas, Luz and Lina, and two cousins, Kira and Nessi but this summer is different. Not only will he be there for the whole season instead of just a few weeks, he clearly knows that his parents are fighting again and need him out of the way while they figure out some things plus, he absolutely must create a film masterpiece, win a contest and get bumped from the wait list to acceptance into a prestigious high school sure to help launch his career as a producer. Unfortunately, the trio of cousins seems to have awakened a very real chupacabra and not only is it stalking them, but so are some creepy dudes with distinct tattoos. As the plot develops, readers will be immersed in the folklore of the chupacabra and the ancient culture of the island’s earliest inhabitants, the Taino people. In some scenes, Pineiro’s books seems almost a horror story with glowing red eyes watching from the forest, frequent chases, a kidnapping or two, caverns with eerie cave drawings and even mysterious men who seem to control the sun and rain. Nico’s goal of revealing the existence of a very real chupacabra through film becomes an ethical dilemma and two sets of fighting parents, Nico’s as well as Kira and Nessi’s, add some personal drama amid a hurricane, the fight between good and evil as well as the fight for survival of the whole island.

The descriptions of all that is Puerto Rican are wonderful and Pineiro’s main characters are distinct and will crystallize clearly in readers’ minds. Nico is a fairly ordinary middle school student but what sets him apart is his determination to succeed and the planning he does in order to achieve his goals. Kira and Nessi have one of those sibling relationships that has two distinct sides-one that involves lots of yelling and disagreeing and the polar opposite, intense protectiveness of one another. “Polar opposite” also describes the two personalities of the girls, Kira and her perpetual motion and volume always set at the highest level doesn’t look at all like her sister’s slow and careful thoughtfulness and equally low level movement. Nessi is set apart from both Nico and Kira by her apparent ability to communicate with and attract animals of all types. In addition to the strength of Pineiro’s characterization and descriptive writing, he sprinkles high level level vocabulary amid plenty of context allowing readers to completely understand the meaning of words like inimitable as well as interpret the Spanish words and phrases that occur throughout the text.

Highly recommended for readers in grades 5-8 who enjoy mythology, action/adventure and a bit of spookiness. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and the violence is limited to that of nature and the already mentioned chase scenes and kidnapping with no blood or death.

Thanks, Sourcebooks, for providing me with a print arc.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This arc was given to me by a local bookshop.

This is a fun summertime middle-grade fiction read following 3 kids spending the summer with their Abuela in Puerto Rico. One of the kids (Nico) has a goal to make an epic documentary while he's on the island with the help of his cousins, Nessi & Kira. Plans change however when they wind up being chased by what they believe to be a shadow monster. Through the story they learn some of the myths surrounding the indigenous Taino culture & touch on the current day struggles the island is facing.

Being Puerto Rican myself and having visited the island several times, I did thoroughly enjoy revisiting some fun points of the island, even saying the spanish parts out loud just to hear it with an accent! I'm also encouraged to research more of the lore & mythology of our Taino ancestors, it's a true sad fact that many of us don't know those stories and have never looked into them.

I have to remind myself this is middle-grade, this was a fun story but a few items didn't hit the mark for me. Kira is full of young slang and phrases, but majority of her phrases are things we said as kids and teens in the 90s. She did however keep the story light and moving, it couldn't get too dark or scary with her around. I think this story might have had a more mysterious & magical impact had it been told by Nessi's perspective. Nico's perspective makes sense in relation to the documentary subplot, but I couldn't find his fear or seriousness in the situation believable.

This book is really a 3.5 for me, but you know. Goodreads.

Last note to any and all readers... NEVER visit La Perla!!

[Shayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book called The Island of Forgotten Gods, the Gods don't really show up until 200 pages into the book. This is more a cultural look at Puerto Rico than a Rick Riorden mythology adventure. I would have like to know more about the Taino gods and people. The characters were great and I think that Pinero does a great job capturing middle school slang and personalities. Nessi reminded me of some of the emo girls and Kira was definitely 100% ADHD and so funny. Her one liners were great. There were some good discussion points like divorce, what it feels like to be both gringo and Puerto Rican and not fully in either world, and personal gain vs doing something for the good of your community. Mostly its just a fun adventure novel with lots of chase scenes and a cool Chupacabra. I thought the pacing was a little slow until the last 75 pages. The 7th graders in my book club enjoyed it for the most part but did have some of the same views as me.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nico and his cousins are spending their summer together in Puerto Rico. Nico has the summer to come up with a awesome short film to get into the special film school he wants to get into. As they bike around Nico takes some awesome shots of the island, but he needs more a really new idea for his film, he starts a few times but quickly dismisses the ideas, until a relative tells them about the Chupacabra a monster of those parts and the three teens are sure they have a encounter with the mysterious Chupacabra.
You’ll have to read the rest to find out what happens and if Nico makes it into the special school. But I can tell you beside the suspense there is a ton of action going on all the time around and to the three cousins. This is a wonderful story and it is really hard to put down once you start reading it.

This review copy was provided by netgalley

[Chelsea]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro is a first person-POV Middle Grade paranormal fantasy set in Puerto Rico. After his latest short film doesn't have the same impact he hoped it would, Nico starts to think of new ideas as he also prepares to spend the summer with his cousins, Kira and Nessi, at their Abuela’s in Puerto Rico. But things take a turn when the three think they've found evidence of a chupacabra.

The island of Puerto Rico serves as a character itself in the story and it truly comes alive in the descriptions and in the citizens. We get side characters who share bits of knowledge, colorful neighborhoods, food, and important recent historical and political moments such as the impact of Hurricane Maria and wealthy Americans buying up property at a rate that is forcing Puerto Ricans to move to mainland USA.

I would say that this book is as much an educational tool and it is an entertaining story. A major theme includes the connection of folklore to history and culture and how it all has manifested in Puerto Rico. Readers will learn a bit about the colonization of the island, the Taíno Indigenous people, the place of Catholicism in modern Puerto Rican culture, the term ‘Buricua’ (which is how many Puerto Ricans refer to themselves), that many Puerto Ricans are descended from the colonizers, the Taíno Indigenous people of the island, and the enslaved people brought by the colonizers, and much more. It's an awesome tool to have in the classroom or library for lessons about the history of the Americas.

Nico’s journey is really his single-minded desire to produce a movie that will impress his dream high school so much that it will override his last attempt and get him a spot for freshman year. He treats Nessi and Kari like his assistants and bemoans when he doesn't get the footage he wants even though he does have some incredible interviews about the island on film. His inability to see the forest for the trees in the wake of his failure is something a lot of young readers will be able to relate to.

I would recommend this to educators looking for books discussing both modern and historical Puerto Rico, readers looking for a book that acknowledges that the Taíno people are still among us and are not relics of the past, and fans of Middle Grade that combine folklore with history and modernity

[Rina Heisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love supernatural adventures, learning more about cultures, and enjoy a cast of cousins- this book is for you! Nico sets out to film a documentary about the island, but the script is flipped when Nico and his cousins spot a shadowy creature trailing them, and it just might be the legendary Chupacabra. They pivot from documentary crew to investigators, and using the documentary as cover, they start questioning locals. Soon they are drawn deep into Taíno mythology—uncovering a link to their own family’s past along the way. Bonus: Piñeiro's rich descriptions will make you want to learn more about Puerto Rico and its folklore.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted by beasts that cling to the shadows, hunted by cultists who worship a forgotten god, Nico takes us on a wild ride across Puerto Rico as he tries to get the perfect shot for his latest film project, primas in tow. Filled with action, adventure, mystery and a whole lot of heart, Victor Pineiro seamlessly weaves themes of cultural identity and preservation—and what it means to be Borícua—into a poignant story about a boy who’s summer vacation takes a turn he never would have imagined.

This book is such a powerful, and timely read, with a narrative of Boríken—Puerto Rico—that I haven’t often seen, or experienced. Every page an ode to the island, with its rich history and culture shining through, this is one book you won’t want to miss.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Nico is being "dumped" with his abuela in Puerto Rico for the summer as his parents try a second trial separation. He's glad to be with his cousins, Kira and Nessi, who are experiencing family problems of their own. Their grandmother's small village, Quebradillas, is a great place for the three to run around. Nico, an aspiring filmmaker, has recently applied to LaGuardia High School for their arts program, but has been put on the waitlist after what he considered a horrible interview. Since there is a video essay contest run by a popular director who went to school with his father, Nico has decided to work on a documentary about Puerto Rico during his visit. He workshops ideas with his cousins, especially when he sees the poverty and unemployment all around him. He starts interviewing relatives and neighbors, but when the subject of his recurring nightmares seems to come to life, he switches gears. Long traumatized by having been in a storm when he was young, Nico often sees a wind witch in his dreams, and thinks he has hallucinated seeing her on the plane. When all three see what is later determined to be a Puerto Rico version of a chupacabra (more like a bat, with glowing red eyes!), he feels a need to investigate. At first, the cousins are afraid of the creature, often called the Shadow beast, but when it saves Nessi and a toddler from falling over a cliff, they reconsider. Abuela Lina takes the children up into the mountains, where relevant information about their Taino family heritage is shared, and they learn a lot about the life and legends of the indigenous people of the island. How does all of this feed into the current mystery of the chupacabra? And will it all make a good film?
Strengths: Nico isn't thrilled to be going away for the summer, but mainly because his parents' marital problems are bugging him, and he is generally grumpy after his school interview. A generally grumpy but resilient main character is somewhat hard to find, and I enjoyed that he was able to spend time with his cousins, work on a project, and have some interests that got him outside of his head. The depiction of everyday life in Puerto Rico is something that I would love to see more of; there are not a lot of books set there. The explanation of indigenous culture and history was interesting as well. The fantasy elements make sense, and help drive the plot. Abuela Lina is a great character, and I wish we could see more of her, even though her hands off approach gives the kids more room to venture out on their own.
Weaknesses: There are so many culturally connected fantasy novels and, at my school, they don't circulate well. Something like Cartaya's Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish, however, does. I would love to see a realistic fiction story set in Puerto Rico. The parts of the story set in the village were fun to read, and shed a lot of light on some of the problems this US Territory has had.
What I really think: The combination of visiting a grandparent for the summer and learning that the family has magical connections is a tried and true formula. This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Maunakea's Lea and the Fire Goddess, Rivera's Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls, Cole's The Empty Place, or McMann's Going Wild series

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[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book that teaches some of the culture and history of a country that is often overlooked: Puerto Rico. It’s a United States territory with a rich history. It has also dealt with a lot of tragedy, most recently a horrific earthquake and Hurricane Maria, as well as the influx of wealthy Americans buying up property and forcing locals out of their own towns. This all plays into the story.

Nico’s parents need time to work on their marriage, so he’s sent to stay with his grandmother in PR for the whole summer, not just a visit. His cousins are also there—and their parents are also in the midst of a breakup. The three (ages range from about 9-14) are allowed to roam on their own much of the time as Nico attempts to make a film about the island that will get him into a prestigious arts high school.

One on of their first outings, they come across a supernatural creature. This continues to haunt them—literally and figuratively. This is the mystery they end up trying to solve, and there are people actively working against them. There is danger along the way, as wells as some amazing revelations about their grandmother.

I learned a lot about Puerto Rican history and culture, and particularly about the native people who lived there before colonization.

For me, the two cousins came off as a little older than their actual age, especially the youngest, Nessi. The older sister, Kira, is manically energetic, and I found her a difficult to tolerate at times.

Overall, though, it was a strong story that kept my attention throughout, with a satisfying ending.

Possible objectionable material:
Parental marriage problems, including possible infidelity. Smoking and drinking are mentioned. One character lived through a hurricane, and his descriptions are a bit terrifying. Kids run around unsupervised a lot. Supernatural elements, including gods from old native lore. Some people are virtually naked—wearing only loincloths.

Who might like this book:
Those who like learning about other cultures, histories, and mythologies.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #MiddleGrades #PuertoRico

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nico needs to escape from his feuding parents and his rejection by a New York art school. So he is heading to Puerto Rico, his ancestral home, where he will stay with his old-school abuela, hang with his two quirky cousins, Kira and Nessi, and create the best film ever. Maybe then his dream school will accept him. But then Nico and his cousins discover something unimaginable – something big, with bat wings and shadows. Nico can hardly believe it, but they might have woken up the infamous chupacabra, and it’s following them. Faster than Nico can hit record, the three cousins are launched into a gripping chase of shadow creatures, shady cults, and ancient Taino gods. The fate of Puerto Rico is on the brink, and Nico is eager to film it all for his knockout documentary. But while it might save Nico’s future, will his movie be enough to save his country?

Island of Forgotten Gods is an adventurous quest of movie-making, forgotten mythology, and transformation. The journey starts with Nico desperate to make the film of a lifetime and ends with him fighting for the very existence of Puerto Rico. Fast-paced and full of twists and turns, the plot will take readers on a thrilling ride as the three cousins encounter dangerous foes and discover clues about the truth of their island. The exploration of the Taino, from the culture, folklore & mythology to the people themselves, is a big highlight of the story. A forgotten and overlooked people, the Taino are an important part of Puerto Rican and Caribbean history, and Pineiro brings the culture to life in a respectful, imaginative, and admirable manner. The three cousins play off each other well: Kira is high energy, Nessi is quiet and controlled, and Nico keeps the two together (and from killing each other). Overall, an exciting adventure story that celebrates the intricate culture & history of Puerto Rico. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

12-year-old Nico’s are trying to work things out again and are on trial separation number 2. A family trip, now turned solo, Nico heads to Puerto Rico to see where he was born. Staying with his Abuela, he reunites with his cousins. Still upset reeling from being waitlisted by a prestigious art school, Nico hopes winning a prize at a local film festival to earn his admission. Thing take an unexpected turn when Nico’s cousins spot a shadowy creature on the island. As Nico and his cousins look into the mysterious creature, they discover more than the bargained for. With ties to Taino mythology, the creature’s presence unearths family secrets and a secret cult has it out for the group. Will Nico and his cousins be able to save the island from the mysterious creature? Will they be able to thwart the cult?

The plot is fast paced, well written, and full of mystery. The characters are humorous, realistic, and engaging. The world building is well developed and draws the readers into the story. For readers who like fantasy, mythology, and adventure this is a must read. Recommended for most library collections.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nico and his cousins are sent to Puerto Rico to spend time with their Abuela. While ignoring the looming divorce of his parents back home, Nico sets his sights on making a film about the island. With his sights set on becoming a famous director, Nico knows he needs to get into the top high school to do it. While the subject and content of the video changes throughout the story one thing is for sure, waking up the Chupacabra's wasn't exactly part of the plan.

Victor Pineiro shares in his authors note that The Island of Forgotten Gods was originally going to be a memoir about his summer spent in Puerto Rico with his cousins. Given his passion and connection for the island, it's no surprise that these make up my favorite parts of the book. The rich tapestry of history is intricately weaved throughout the story as Nico learns more about Puerto Rico, his families ties to the island, and the mythology of the Gods.

This is the type of middle grade fantasy that I love because it bring forth real world issues; Puerto Rico as a territory, outside investors, weather events...etc, but introduces them in ways that work within the story to make the reader thinking versus it sounding like a list of points to hit.

Thank you Sourcebooks Kids for the gifted copy.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we first meet Nico, he feels immensely anxious. As he flies to Puerto Rico for the summer, he feels deeply aware he's on a plane thirty thousand feet above ground. Every jerk of that plane instigates outright anxious chaos.

Nico isn't afraid of flying, exactly. He knows something the rest of us don't.

His foundation feels unstable. Back home in New York, his parents quibble and fight over just about everything. Instead of a family vacation to Puerto Rico, his parents separate – again.

They send him to Puerto Rico to spend the summer with his Abuela and the rest of his family. Before he reaches Abuela's house though, he receives a warning, or maybe a threat. He can not shake the memory of it.

WIth some help from his playful cousins, he gets to work on his video essay about Puerto RIco.

Soon however, he realizes he cannot run from another story, one that is altogether different from what he had in mind - and far more dangerous.
He faces an ancient people, ancient gods, and a challenge like no other.

This is a wonderful entry into middle grade fiction. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

In THE ISLAND OF FORGOTTEN GODS, Nico is off to Puerto Rico to spend the summer with his abuela and two cousins with big plans to create a film that will help him win a scholarship to an elite art school. He starts off intending to create a documentary about the island, but his storyboard takes an unexpected turn when Nico and his cousins notice a shadowy creature following them. Suspecting it is a chupacabra, they switch gears and begin to investigate. Using the documentary as a cover, they question those around them and soon find themselves immersed in Taino mythology, discovering a shocking connection to their own family history in the process.

Each character, from determined Nico to his cousins with their polar opposite personalities and his two abuelas, is distinctive and well-developed, helping to propel the story. Both the folklore and ancient culture of Puerto Rico and the current issues the island is facing after extensive damage from Hurricane Maria are beautifully woven into the plot. The mix of mystery and mythology makes for a fun and fascinating summer read.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like a 3.5 almost 4. I didn't feel the intensity of the discoveries and movement across the country the way it was written-- I need a little more action-adventure.

However, creatively and culturally, this was a sweet homage to Puerto Rican heritage and culture both present and past. As Pineiro explains, he started off writing the book as a memoir of his summers in PR after leaving in third grade and only returning during summer. But then it shifted into the stories of the Taino people, culture, and gods with a chupacabra at its heart but with a bunch of kids uncovering stories by interviewing people and understanding the present through the past-as it's connected to one specific Abuela.

It's a mix of the mythology that makes books like the Percy Jackson series popular and the friendships and fun of a summertime adventure quest.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nico is being dumped in Puerto Rico for the summer while his parents do a trial separation. He doesn't have high hopes that things are going to go differently than the first time, but at least he will be with his cousins, get to see his Abuela, and work on his film.

Until they encounter the Chupacabra, and it scares the bejezus out of them, but Nico has a new direction for his film to go....

I thought Victor Pineiro did an amazing job of bringing the setting of Puerto Rico to life. I loved the relationship between Nico and his cousins, Nessa and Kira. Nessa is definitely my fav, along with their Abuela. There were some great twists that I didn't see coming, and I had a really fun time going along this adventure with Nico and his family.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little on the fence here but am rounding up for the way the author portrayed Puerto Rico-there he definitely captured something at least as magical as the most magical creatures and powers depicted in the story.

Nursing his wounds after a school rejection, future filmmaker Nico is determined to make his mark during his stay with family in Puerto Rico. His cousins are all too happy to help out with the filming, but a dark presence jeopardizes their project and their lives. This could be the story of his homeland that could make his future--if it doesn't kill them in the process.

Some of the plot is convoluted--Nico's own power and how it feeds into everything felt a bit confusing, but where the story is strongest is when it's focused on the story of Boriken itself, its tragedies, its resilience, and the stories left in the wake of both.

There's a lot of action, chupacabra spookiness (and surprises) and a number of strong, brave, female characters and leaders. It also really pays tribute to the Taino people and culture, so all in all a lot to recommend it.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Nico wants is to become a famous filmmaker, so he decides to make the best documentary ever while on summer vacation in Puerto Rico. Before he knows it, he and his cousins are tangling with ancient gods and monsters in this fun, funny, and exciting contemporary fantasy. While the characters are vivid (determined Nico, energetic Kira, serious Nessi, larger-than-life grandma) and the mystery strange and thrilling (wind witches, chupacabras, a terrifying beast that follows them everywhere), the best part of the story is how it shines a spotlight on Puerto Rico's people, culture, traditions, and natural beauty. The author seamlessly melds an exciting fantasy with a nuanced exploration of the difficulties and struggles Puerto Ricans have faced recently. Highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nico is excited and anxious to spend the summer with his cousins in Puerto Rico with their abuela. Unfortunately, his parents and his Aunt and Uncle are all “working” on their marriages which actually means they are working out their divorces. Nico is especially upset because he was not accepted into the magnet arts school and now worries his future film-making career is in jeopardy. With the help of his cousins, he plans to film an epic documentary and enter the “Juan Miguel Baranda” film contest. What starts out as a fantastical story of chasing the chupacabra – and they do have some scary encounters! – turns into a documentary about the state of Puerto Rico from Taino roots to devastating hurricanes to economic policies favoring wealthy Americans over native Puerto Ricans.

[Alysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack your bags and get ready for a fantastic adventure in Victor Pineiro's THE ISLAND OF FORGOTTEN GODS! Pineiro's latest bursts with mythical creatures, humor, and love. The story offers up a tender look at love for Puerto Rico, its culture, the people, and its complicated history. There is Nico's love and dedication to his art (filmmaking) and his determination to make a place for himself in the world. And above all, there is love of family— the ones we're born into (even when they're breaking) and the ones that we find— in this case, in incredibly surprising places.

But above all, this Island is packed with adventure and wonder! Pre-order it, work it into your curriculum, and hand it to readers who love adventures with a twist of the unexpected and fantastical!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Young Readers and Netgalley for the eARC.

[Melissa Dassori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nico is intent on getting into a selective NYC high school for the arts, but when his dreams seem to be shattered his one hope is to make a movie that will convince the school to let him in. That seems especially hard when his parents send him to stay with his grandmother and visiting cousins in Puerto Rico for the summer while they work on their marriage back home. The kids' lively adventures take a turn when they come across a creature that might be trying to hurt them or trying to help, but it's scary either way. As they delve into Puerto Rican mythology and Nico works on his movie, they discover both the island's magical past and learn more about current challenges. A wonderful book!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put down Victor Pineiro's latest middle grade adventure, an absolute love poem to Puerto Rico. This book brims with the island's history, culture, and folklore without ever losing sight of young readers' need for humor and excitement. The characters are instantly relatable, the dialogue is witty and fresh, and the action is edge-of-your-seat. Above all, a deep, deep love for family just glows on every page. This was an unforgettable read. My thanks to Sourcebooks Young Readers for the eARC.

[Jessica Vitalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booklist called this book a "love letter" to Puerto Rico, and I can see why––the incredibly setting shined on every page! A fast-paced adventure about an aspiring filmmaker shipped off to his grandmother's house for the summer only to find himself running from a monster he calls the Shadow Beast. I enjoyed the realistic and well-drawn characters in this story, and I especially loved how the author incorporated an exploration of the indigenous Puerto Rican culture into the plot. A wonderful fantasy adventure for middle grade readers!

[Jame_EReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

👦🏻review: Ever heard of chupacabra? Well, this mystical tale of creature in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. This book about Nico going back to his abuela’s house for the summer holiday is definitely not a treat, but having the opportunity to observe and explore everything about Puerto Rico is priceless. At first I can relate to Nico’s frustration because it’s not easy to acclimate to a place that he didn’t want to go, but the chance to be with crazy cousins and mysterious explorations—this is absolutely incredible. I really like this entertaining and funny book!

[Julia Pika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Kids for the copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed 20% of the way through.

This was way too fast-paced even for a kids book. The protagonist just zooms through any action/drama without thinking about it for 5 minutes. The introductions for any character is so brief I'm just feeling like I missed something. It's very dialogue-driven but again, everything happens so quickly that nothing is explained.

Just a very chaotic book that wasn't for me.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nico is hoping to spend his summer in Puerto Rico with his abuela and two cousins forgetting his waitlist status for the high school of his choice and his parents' second trial separation. If he can just make the right movie, his place at the art high school will be assured. However, his plans are hijacked by the awakening of an ancient Taino god and the threat of annihilation for Puerto Rico. It soon becomes more complicated, though, when what Nico and his cousins thought was the threat turned out to be benign and the real threat was much more sinister.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for this fresh and new middle grade story with mythology roots. I loved the Puerto Rican setting. I loved the mythology. I loved the action. It's a fun book. At times I wished for a little more development of characters and story as it seemed to run from one action to the next.

Thank you Sourcebooks for sharing a copy with me.

[Sam Subity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew we needed a Percy Jackson / Stranger Things mashup with kids on bikes battling Puerto Rican gods and monsters? But oh man, was this fun -- hilarious, terrifying, and heart wrenching all at the same time.