The Ordinary Bruja

by Johanny Ortega, Johanny Ortega

Something in the dark knows her name...

Marisol Espinal has spent her life trying to shrink herself. Hide her magic. Hide her grief. Hide the parts of her that never seemed to fit the perfect boxes everyone else lived in. But when her mother's death pulls her back to Willowshade, Ohio, she can no longer outrun the one thing she fears the family secrets buried on Hallowthorn Hill.

The hill has always been there-watching, waiting. Once dismissed as superstition, it now calls to her in ways she can't explain, stirring visions of ancestors she's never met and whispers of a magic she was taught to deny. As Marisol grapples with the weight of inheritance and identity, she uncovers the chilling a darkness tied to her bloodline is waking-and it's been waiting for her.

Visions blur into reality. Shadows stretch longer. And somewhere deep beneath the roots of Hallowthorn Hill, something stirs-something that feeds on fear, shame, and self-doubt. To survive, Marisol must reclaim the pieces of herself she buried long ago-the curls, the curves, the culture, the magic-and confront the legacy that threatens to consume her.

Haunting, lyrical, and infused with Dominican folklore, The Ordinary Bruja is a coming-of-age novel woven with magical realism and psychological suspense. In a town that sees her as ordinary, Marisol must discover the extraordinary strength hidden in the parts of herself she once tried to erase.

Because the hill is patient.

The hill is watching.

And the hill is waiting for her to remember who she was meant to be.

Genres: Horror

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2025

About the author

From the sunny shores of the Dominican Republic to the vibrant streets of the United States, Johanny Ortega’s love for reading has always been her guiding light. Upon immigrating to the U.S., she quickly learned English, driven by a desire to immerse herself in the forbidden romance books in her school's library.

But Johanny often found the literary world lacking in diversity, with few tales reflecting her own rich experiences. Determined to change this, she embarked on a journey to create stories that celebrate her heritage and community.

Johanny’s imagination knows no bounds, transforming her myriad "what-if" scenarios into compelling books, blogs, short stories, and novellas. Her unique perspective shines through in every tale, featuring quirky, haunted, resilient characters who overcome life’s challenges with grit and grace.

Johanny Ortega's (J.E. Ortega) books are a must-read for those seeking journeys into new worlds, unforgettable characters, and emotionally devastating stories. Discover them and connect with her at www.haveacupofjohanny.com.

Reviews

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Ordinary Bruja' hooked me right from the start. We follow Marisol, who heads back to her hometown after the passing of her mother. This journey forces her to finally face the deep family secrets and powerful magic that have been suppressed for years. What follows is a wonderful story about finding her true self, embracing her heritage, and accepting the witch she was always meant to be after denying that side of her identity for decades.

This novel does a fantastic job of weaving in fascinating elements of Dominican folklore and magic alongside some very heavy but essential themes. The book dives into grief and generational trauma, showing Marisol's struggle to process her mother's loss while learning to wield her powers. The core of the story revolves around Marisol reflecting on herself and digging up the past of her ancestors to finally confront the evil that plagues her family line.

What I loved the most was Marisol's evolution. Watching her go from a self-isolated character to someone who slowly but surely breaks down her walls and accepts help from others was truly beautiful. Her fight to uncover and battle the dark force haunting her family was utterly gripping.

Another great winning point for me was the pacing and realism. Unlike other novels where character development feels rushed or over-the-top, this story takes its time. It gives Marisol the necessary space and time to process her emotions, evolve naturally, and develop her abilities. It felt authentic, relatable, which is quite rare in novels. It's also very easy to connect with her as the main character.

My only slight issue, and why I knocked off a star, was the frequent sprinkling of untranslated Spanish words throughout the English text. Sometimes it felt confusing or distracting, which was a bit of a nuisance. However, that minor complaint aside, the book is genuinely good. The story is catchy, mysterious, and definitely one that will lure you in and keep you turning pages until the very end.

Many, many thanks to Johanny Ortega and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.

[ObscureVi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely enjoyed The Ordinary Bruja. It was a perfect mix between horror (with a slight humor - thank you early Marisol and her "nope" moments + Kia) and a story that shows you that you need to find your own way, even if everything is pushing you down.

It was my first book in Dominican culture setting and I will definitely search for more, since it seems like I missed out on a lot till now. Saying so, I obviously appreciated the fact that everything that was unfamiliar to me because of cultural differences was explained on the go and I didn't have to pause reading to quickly search it up.

Hoping we will have a chance to meet Kia & Marisol once more, even if in a short novella, because these two were an absolute sweethearts and I loved them (rooting for them!)

I will definitely be keeping my fingers crossed for the second book in the series.

[Yari Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this as an ARC available to read on NetGalley so I decided to give this a try! And omg this did not disappoint. This was such an amazing, beautiful written book! It really hit close to home and I related so much to the mc Marisol. As a Latina, I really connected with the cultural details and loved seeing Taíno representation, it made the story feel so real. The grief was written beautifully, and the whole book felt warm, emotional, and entertaining. I would def read from this author again.

[Hoarding Wyrm | Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Have a Cup of Johanny and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book weaves together grief, guilt, identity, and ancestral trauma into a story that feels both powerful and deeply personal. I especially loved the Dominican culture and folklore threaded throughout - it was new to me, but I really enjoyed learning about it alongside the FMC as she slowly reconnects with her roots and her heritage.

That said, I didn’t fully click with the FMC - purely a personal preference thing when it comes to character style and development. Some of the dialogue also felt a touch stilted at times, with jokes that seemed added in just to break the tension.

Overall though, I think this book will really resonate with late teen readers who enjoy mysterious, emotional coming-of-age stories rooted in magic, folklore, the supernatural, and with a strong sense of identity and belonging at its heart.

[Adell Lashawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick take: A tender, street-level folk-horror where brujería is less spectacle and more survival.

What I loved
• Marisol’s arc from “keep-your-head-down” to protector who claims her name and her gifts.
• The everyday texture—school, family expectations, neighborhood pressures—grounding the creeping dread.
• Folklore as function: protective workings, prayers, and community wisdom used like tools.
• A slow, satisfying creep with watchful shadows and night paths.

What I wanted a bit more of
• The middle revisits a few fear beats; a touch of tightening and a longer aftermath would have pushed this to 4.5/5 for me.

My line (Adell LaShawn):
“Rooted in love and old magic, The Ordinary Bruja reminds us that ‘ordinary’ is just another word for power you haven’t claimed yet.”

Main-character resonance
I connected with Marisol’s instinct to stay small for safety until responsibility to community pulls her forward—that quiet, steady bravery felt real.

Content notes (non-spoilery)
Menace and violence, family trauma, grief, folk-magic practices.

Shelves: ARC, folk horror, Latinx horror, coming-of-power, community, brujería.

Disclosure: Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC; opinions are my own.

[Mybookish.odyssey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how unique this book is. This dark fantasy follows Marisol Espinal -FMC, currently grieving the death of her mother. She returns to her hometown where she never felt like she never really fit in. Family secrets begin to unfold; keeping glued to the book!
I really enjoyed the “Spanglish” style of writing and the Latin folklore depicted in the book. Highly recommend this book for those readers that enjoy…
Dark fantasy, curse( generational), psychological suspense, Latin folklore, resilient FMC, and magical realism.
Thank you Netgalley and Johanny Ortega for providing me with this eARC.

[Carolina Familia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Have a cup of Johanna and Booksprout for an e-arc of this book.

This is a coming of age story featuring magical realism, horror, and Dominican folklore. The story follows Marisol, who is still grieving the death of her mother of Covid. She, along with her friend Kia, must solve the mystery of the haunted hill that she lives on. The story provides life lessons and guidance on how to break free of generational trauma and step into your own identity. Great for teens and adults alike.

I enjoyed the mystical aspect of the books and the similarities between my own lineage of powerful Dominican females and the one ones from the book. It was slow to get into the story, but picked up half way through. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Genoveva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world in which this story is in is absolutely intriguing. I really enjoyed how we get an FMC that is navigating the world after a significant loss and how real her feelings were protrayed. Loved learning more of her background and her coming to view herself in a way that made her proud.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Ordinary Bruja, J.E. Ortega delivers a haunting, lyrical story about Marisol Espinal, who returns to her Ohio hometown after her mother’s death and confronts the family secrets she’s been hiding from—including a legacy of magic she was taught to deny. Rooted in Dominican folklore and infused with magical realism, the novel explores identity, grief, and the generational trauma that shapes us.

This book also pushed me to confront my own assumptions about history. Reading about a Dominican family with deep roots in Ohio reminded me how much of our country’s past is erased or whitewashed. Ortega’s story is a powerful reminder of why #ownvoices fiction matters: it challenges readers to recognize overlooked histories and question cultural narratives we take for granted.

The Ordinary Bruja releases November 4, 2025—don’t miss this unforgettable coming-of-age story. Read the full review on my blog https://writeontheworld.wordpress.com....

An advance reader copy of this book (ARC) was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lupita_333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief, self reflection, and uncovering the past/trauma of the main characters ancestors play a big part of the story. Marisol’s character growth of going from self isolating to then breaking down her walls and accepting the help of others was a beautiful process. The way Marisol fought to uncover and fight against the thing that had been haunting her family and now her was super interesting to read.

The in depth information of the other characters and their connection to Marisol and Salvador helped tremendously with bringing the story to life.

The setting was spooky. Many frightening moments involving the hill, Salvador, and Marisol’s visions/the voices she’d hear.

Intriguing use of Dominican folklore and culture. I loved the representation of the folklore and culture along with queer representation in this story.

I loved the ending.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Robert Negut · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received this book through a giveaway on The StoryGraph. This has in no way influenced the opinions expressed in this review.

I must say that The Ordinary Bruja is a book of very different parts, so if I'm to start with the good I must skip well ahead, the parts where it shines being those that take place under the hill. There are some more good moments here and there and the writing shows promise all along, but that's where it actually delivers. One reason is probably that the fantasy elements can run loose there, no longer being confined in any way by the contemporary setting, but the differences go well beyond what may be explained by that, so it may also be a matter of more attention being paid to those chapters, and maybe of the author feeling more comfortable depicting a powerful, collected, determined Marisol who's fighting back and fulfilling the mission thrust upon her.

It takes a while to get there, however, and the earlier parts may be somewhat difficult to get through. The fact that it's a pretty light read overall helps with that, and being a coming of age story that's very well anchored in the present times, including characters glued to their smartphones and the way in which social networks are currently used, or misused, may make it work better for a teen or young adult audience. But it may hit too close to home for some, perhaps most notably in the parts about bullying, and I was starting to feel awkward wondering when, or whether, all of that will be over and done with, modern settings being something that I'd much rather stay away from in general.
Admittedly, that may be a matter of preference, and perhaps of having some years, or maybe even a decade or two, too many, but I don't think that can also explain the issues I have with Marisol's denial phase. True, I remember taking issue with how strongly some characters denied the supernatural elements despite the evidence the few other times I read urban fantasy, but here the denial of magic is mixed with the denial of feelings and both are just overdone, drag on too long, are emphasized too much... The later lasts even longer but nevertheless lacks the impact it should have, and then makes for such a missed opportunity for emotionally charged moments that was simply ignored, while in case of the former an additional issue is the overblown persistence of the magic against it, when something like this should probably develop more gradually and subtly.
Then again, there's simply too much magic and it's too visible, too obviously powerful, for such a contemporary, realistic setting. Considering the quality of the parts where it can truly be unfettered, it makes some sense, but it requires a strange kind of suspension of disbelief, especially when the few minor characters that happen to be mentioned and the general public that you have to assume exists don't seem to take note. That may be explained to some extent by the fact that what's meant to be a series spanning generations begins with the end of the story, which is actually specified in the afterword, but when you just read this book, which is the only one that currently exists anyway, it's quite jarring.
Actually, speaking of the fact that the following books in the planned series are apparently supposed to go back and depict what happened before, how things got to this point, it strikes me as the sort of thing to do when readers are already sufficiently invested to desire the details, to want to know just how things happened when they already know what happened and the final outcome. And, to put it bluntly, I'm not. And I don't see how many could be after a single book, and a relatively light one at that, at least if we're talking about being interested in the story and the action in itself and not of any mental links one may make.
On that note, I recognize that the use of Spanglish makes sense in that setting and for those characters, and most probably also for the primary target audience, who'll find many more aspects to relate to as well, but for someone who doesn't directly relate to the main character for personal and quite specific reasons, it just makes some things incomprehensible because of one crucial flaw: There are no translations. Or, all right, sometimes the translation appears right after the bit that's in Spanish, but often it doesn't, and sometimes it may even be difficult to tell, so I quickly gave up. I could have probably figured out most of it if I tried, and anything else would have just required copying the word or phrase into a translator, but the reasonable thing to do, if the author cared for readers who are outside that target niche, would have been to add footnotes to translate each of those bits. So, if she doesn't care, I decided that I won't either.
And, to finish with some odds and ends, it was rather strange to see that "playlist" at the end, but I did look up all of the songs, finding a few that were pretty nice, but plenty that I couldn't even get myself to listen to for more than a matter of seconds, so I guess it's another matter of different tastes. And seeing one listed out of position and another appearing before the chapter number and title instead of after makes me think that the section was added in a hurry, since the editing is otherwise very good... Or nearly so, which actually made it stand out when I spotted something, like using "condensation" instead of condescension, a "Kiar" instead of Kia, and maybe a spot where a "them" may probably indicate changing the idea mid-sentence.

Now, I focus on the negatives, so it may not look like it after all of the complaints listed above, but the truth is that The Ordinary Bruja shows promise and has some parts that can really pull you in. But it's quite obviously mainly meant for a specific target audience, for people who can directly relate to the main character, though a wider range of teens and young adults may possibly also get more from it, even if certain issues that are brought up may hit too close to home. For the rest of us, it can be read relatively easily, in a detached manner, with a focus on the parts that take place under the hill and a few other better moments, though small changes like the addition of footnotes for the Spanglish would be needed. The contrasting issues of the overdone denial phase and the magic that is too obvious for a contemporary setting would be harder to fix, however, and that also goes for the lack of emotional impact of the romance.

[Maria Valenzuela]

I love to read books but I have never read a book written by a Latina. I am the type of reader that has to be hooked on the first page. This book hooked me on the first page. I felt like I was there and I related to the character. I recommend this book. It is a easy read and I can't wait to read another one from J.E. Ortega.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ege · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not thank Have a Cup of Johanny and NetGalley enough for this ARC!

As Johanny says, this story follows Marisol`s journey through grief, reclamation, and the radical magic of remembering.

Marisol returns to her hometown after her mother’s death. She’s forced to confront the magic and secrets her family buried long ago. Hallowthorn Hill — a place alive with whispers, memories, and darkness — calls to her, stirring visions of her ancestors and unearthing the parts of herself she’s tried to hide.

The way that Latin history and ancestral roots blended was so beautifully done. The mystical and the frightening scenes just captivated me and i turned the pages so fast. The atmosphere in this book is unreal — lush, eerie, and full of longing. Every page felt alive with whispers and roots and echoes of something ancient. Johanny’s prose is so lyrical it almost reads like a spell. You can feel the tension between light and dark, fear and power, memory and forgetting — and the way she ties it all to Marisol’s growth is just stunning.

I was so deeply connected to Marisol in many ways: being scared to show my own culture, to actually know my own history. This book felt like a mirror — tender, haunting, and healing all at once. I loved how Marisol’s journey wasn’t just about confronting magic or fear, but about learning to belong to herself again. The way the story wove together identity, grief, and generational wounds left me genuinely breathless. By the end, I felt like I’d reclaimed a part of myself too.

This isn’t just a story you read — it’s one you feel. Like the whisper of wind through old trees, it lingers. The hill is patient, the hill is watching… and I can’t wait for others to feel its call too.

It’s a reminder that our roots, our grief, and our magic are all part of who we are. It’s haunting in the best way, and I know Marisol’s voice will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you again to Have a Cup of Johanny and NetGalley for the chance to experience this early — it’s one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

[LV · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blown away by what this book manages to accomplish. The writer is especially talented with her turn of phrase, as the imagery her words create are so visual and evocative. I was captivated by the dark beauty of some of the supernatural scenes.

There is also a strong narrative voice that takes the story of Marisol, a character who perfectly captures the post-covid malaise many of us feel, into a rousing experience that reminds us not to sink into the shadows or hide ourselves away.
The characters are very relatable, and I adored the sweet relationship between Marisol and Kia.

The book tackles complex themes of grief, experiences of being a second generation migrant, ancestral trauma and the power of reclaiming identity, through the process of remembering. Although these are heavy topics they are weaved into the fabric of the plot in a seamless way.
The magic is described in detail and I was intrigued by the use of Dominican folklore, such as the briefly mentioned Ciguapa. I also really appreciate that the climax wasn't over too quickly, but was well thought out and planned.
The book may start a little slower than expected, but it continually builds pace until the climax.
This novel is clearly a passion project and the writer has put their soul into it. I really look forward to the next novel in the series and learning more about Isadora's story.
If you are a fan of Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches, or dark supernatural witch themed books in general you will love this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Noire Anthology · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ordinary Bruja: Marisols Story situates Dominican diasporic magic within a small Ohio town and layers it with psychological horror. Marisol’s conviction that she is unremarkable reflects both external harm from bullying and subtle internalized narratives about what counts as important or powerful. When mirrors begin to speak, cigar smoke appears without a smoker, and Hallowthorn Hill exerts an uncanny pull, buried Espinal family magic resurfaces despite generations of suppression. The novel uses these manifestations to explore how cultural practices survive under the pressure of assimilation, violence, and patriarchal control.

Salvador, the ancestor who bound Espinal magic to hoard it for himself, functions as a personification of exploitative power. His ghost embodies both literal and metaphorical haunting, feeding on fear and doubt that have been planted in descendants. Marisol’s journey requires confronting the intertwined legacies of family silence, colonial histories, and queer longing. The book weaves generational trauma, identity reclamation, and romance into a narrative that is at once intimate and mythic. The horror elements, including the hill and the spectral encounters, carry the weight of historical and emotional truths rather than serving as mere jump scares. At times, the density of thematic material and emotional beats creates a crowded narrative space, but the central arc of reclaiming bruja identity and embracing wholeness remains coherent and satisfying.

[Katina The Witch’s Bookmark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book. Thank to NetGalley and Have a Cup of Johanny for providing me with an advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

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The Ordinary Bruja is a horror-adjacent fantasy that blends witchcraft, Dominican folklore, grief, and identity into a character-driven story about Marisol’s journey to reconnect with her heritage while navigating loss, anxiety, and self-doubt.

Marisol is the strongest part of this book. Her emotional struggle with identity and cultural disconnection feels grounded and relatable, and her journey toward self-acceptance carries the story.

I also enjoyed the integration of Dominican folklore and witchcraft, which felt rooted and authentic rather than decorative. The subtle sapphic undertones and cosy atmosphere added warmth to the heavier themes.

However, the pacing was uneven in places, particularly in the middle, and there were occasional continuity issues that affected immersion. As an ARC, some of this may be refined in the final version.

Thematically, it touches on grief, ancestry, and belonging, though I personally wanted some of these ideas explored in more depth.

Overall, this is a character-driven story more than a plot-heavy one, and I was most invested in Marisol’s emotional journey rather than the external conflict.

[little blue haired old lady X · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ordinary Bruja: Marisol’s Story
Las Cerradoras Book 1
By Johanny Ortega
Published by Have a Cup of Johanny, LLC

Johanny has written a beautiful book about what happens when we accept ourselves, let go of shame, and trust in ourselves as well as our ancestors. It is a story that lets us know we are never alone, if only we open our eyes and trust.

Marisol comes from a long line of witches from the DR. With the loss of her mother it is up to her to break a multigenerational “curse.” The characters are well-fleshed out and likeable. There is spirituality, magic, ghosts, there is plenty of love, there is loss; and above all there is familia, both genetic and of choice.

Don’t pass up Johanny’s touching afterword.

Thank you to Have a Cup of Johanny for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Ordinary Bruja" beautifully blends elements of horror with a compelling narrative about forging your own path, even in the face of adversity.

Marisol hails from a rich lineage of witches in the Dominican Republic, and with her mother's passing, she must confront a long-standing multigenerational curse. The characters are well-developed and relatable, bringing depth to the story. You'll encounter themes of spirituality, magic, and the supernatural, interwoven with experiences of love and loss. Central to the story is the concept of family, both by blood and by choice.

Johanny, I look forward to reading more of your work. Job well done on this book!

[Laila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an early copy. I really appreciate the opportunity.

Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. I tried several times to get into the story, but the writing style and pacing never quite clicked, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. There were interesting ideas here, but they didn’t connect in a way that kept my attention.

While it wasn’t a good fit for me personally, I’m sure other readers might enjoy it more depending on their tastes.

[Elly Veritas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed and resonated with this book & the themes of erasure and identity. I particularly loved how Mari grew into herself and how realistic her growth arc is. My only issue is in the way Mari's childhood memories resurface all of a sudden, crystal clear, when others vaguely bring up certain topics. It jarred me a little out of the story because it felt somewhat unrealistic.
Still, a pretty minor peeve. I can't wait to read more by this author!

I received an ARC in exchange for a review & all opinions are mine.

[Martha K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ordinary Bruja really had my mind active and trying to guess ahead what would happen next. It was such an interesting read with so many characters from our main character’s family tree. It took a while to ping point everyone, but all the characters felt essential to the story and left no plot holes. 
 
I enjoyed the most how Marisol overcame her fear and grief to put an end to generations long evil. She was such a badass for it. 
 
I would love a prequel of the prior Cerradoras! 
 
Thank you to NetGalley and A Cup of Johanny for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Mellonie Yasmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ordinary Bruja is an emotionally rich and powerful exploration into ancestral heritage and identity. I truly appreciated the weight the story carries, especially how it handles generational trauma and self discovery.
The storytelling feels intimate and reflective. The blend of psychological depth with cultural folklore stayed with me. I found the focus of the emotional truth and inner journey compelling. I really enjoyed reading this and it still lingers with me.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF : The blurb drew me in! This book sounds great! My hang-up was the frequent Spanish throughout. I know very basic Spanish and some things I picked up/understood but other things I had to Google as I went. And it was just a bit too frequent to keep me drawn into the storyline of the book.
I hope for those who are English/Spanish bilingual, it's much more enjoyable!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story pulled me in right away. It was creative, emotional, and full of heart. The writing felt honest and personal, and I loved how the story blended magic with real life and personal growth. It had a peaceful rhythm to it, but also moments that made me stop and really feel. A meaningful and memorable read.