The Other Moctezuma Girls

by Sofia Robleda

In sixteenth-century Mexico, a fearless young woman strives to uncover the secrets her mother kept as the last Aztec empress in a sweeping historical epic by the author of Daughter of Fire.

“A must-read!” ―Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi

"I adored every page.” ―Mariely Lares, international bestselling author of Sun of Blood and Ruin

“A tale so absorbing it claimed me completely.” ―Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro, author of Bochica

“A love letter to the beauty and depth of Mexican history.” ―Liana De la Rosa, USA Today bestselling author

“A rare glimpse into the little-known history of Tecuichpoch, thoughtfully and vividly brought to life.” ―Eve J. Chung, USA Today bestselling author of Daughters of Shandong

“Gorgeously written and intricately woven with Aztec heritage.” ―O.O. Sangoyomi, author of Masquerade

Tenochtitlan, 1551. Thirty years after the Spanish Conquest destroyed everything she loved, the last Aztec empress has passed and left behind a pristine yet tenuous legacy for her children. As her last will and testament is read out, her daughter Isabel suspects that another account of her mother’s life may exist, hidden away chapter by chapter in the Valley of Mexico. Following each clue, Isabel is determined to find out who her mother really was and to discover the secrets she buried in order to survive.

Joined by her siblings and a handsome young cook named Juan, the party embarks on a perilous journey to piece together the past—a journey that will force them to brave the brutal viceroyal court, face fearsome legends in mystical chinampas, and trek through desert, fire, and snow. As Isabel’s feelings for Juan grow, she confronts everything she thought she knew about her Spanish father, her empress mother, and herself. From the tunnels of ancient pyramids to the summit of an active volcano, Isabel will meet every challenge to fulfill an epic quest for the truth.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

Unknown Binding

Published February 1, 2026

About the author

Sofia Robleda is a Mexican author. She spent her childhood and adolescence in Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. She completed her undergraduate and doctorate degrees in psychology at the University of Queensland, in Australia. She currently lives with her husband and son in London.

Her debut historical fiction novel, Daughter of Fire, was an Amazon First Reads and Editor's Pick for July 2024 and hit the top 100 Kindle bestselling list. It has been translated into Spanish.

Her second novel, The Other Moctezuma Girls, is now available for preorder. Join Sofia's newsletter Author Antics (via her website) for more insights into her writing process, travels, and historical research. You can also follow her on Instagram (@sofiarobleda).

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Other Moctezuma Girls by Sofía Robleda was like stepping back in time through a magic portal. I stepped immediately into Isabel's mind in her world. I was disappointed when I had to return to my own life.

Isabel's mother, the final Aztec Empress, has recently died, and her will has been read. She has bequeathed a set of cushions as a series of clues to find their inheritance. And we're off on an adventure that is rich with the flavor of life in 1500s Mexico.

Robleda's writing style is exactly what this story needs. It's lyrical without being flowery, emotionally devastating in a very controlled, human way, and historical without feeling distant. Cultural details are sprinkled over the story like cacao and spice in a pot of chocolatl. All of these things allowed me to move magically back in time and quest alongside Isabel. The three siblings I spent the most time with were Isabel, Catina, and Nano, all of whom had emotional depth that made their actions feel believable.

We see the story mostly through the lens of Isabel, but there are some chapters that are accounts of her mother's life from her mother's perspective. Getting most of my information from Isabel's perspective is what really allowed me to immerse myself into the story. Some of the chapters leaned long, and I was grateful for the occasional section breaks in each chapter. Otherwise, what was a steady journey would have felt more drawn out.

Robleda gives a voice to women during a time when women's lives were controlled by fathers, husbands, and conquerors. We gain insight into how their thoughts weren't all that different from ours today. She shows us how grief manifests differently for everyone, even those closest to one another. Most importantly, her story demonstrates how far a mother's love can reach, even after she's gone. Readers who enjoy authentic-feeling historical fiction should spoon this up like spiced chocolatl, but I believe that women, especially, will feel the impact of this delicious morsel of a book.

Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— Atmospheric historical fiction with real emotional weight

Let's Discuss:
How far do you think a mother's love can shape a child’s life, even after they’re gone?

I read a digital copy made available by AmazonCrossing through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Sofia Robleda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not gonna lie… this book is pretty darn good.

Thanks also to everyone who writes a review - I really appreciate it.

Viva Tecuichpoch y viva Mexico!

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Sofia for the ARC!

My thoughts: I loved this whole journey I just took with this book. You kind of always wonder and imagine what happened with historical figures and what would they say if they did leave anything behind. I personally think this did a really great job at mixing what was known about Tecuichpoch and her children and giving it a possible story. Also, who doesn’t love trying to read the Nahuatl names!

What I loved:

🇲🇽 First if all, hell yeah! Mexican representation!!
🇲🇽 like I said, I just loved the inclusion of Nahuatl through out the whole book. It was fun and it made it personal and not like something just slapped together.
🇲🇽 I loved the sibling dynamic between Isabel, Catina, and Nano! It was fun and heartwarming even when they were going through challenges.
🇲🇽 La Llorona mention! Love her she’s grand.
🇲🇽 To quote Taylor, “F the patriarchy”. Of course it would be men tuning everything and causing so much hurt.
🇲🇽 ugh I got so hungry reading about the food! Like I want some tamalli now 😍

Overall, 10/10 for me. I just love stories about my heritage. It’s something cool reading a book (fiction or not) that shows you your people. The hardships and the love that we go through!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Moctezuma Girls does an excellent job of blending historical fiction with a little scavenger hunt. I knew I was going to like this book when I saw the 'note on Nahuatl pronunciation" before the story even began. It has historical authenticity, a sweet love story, a set of siblings who are desperately trying to figure out their late mother.

I was drawn to this book because of the setting. The fact that it is set in 1550's Mexico, right after the invasion of conquistadors (Hernan Cortez) was what sold me in the first place. I was not disappointed. From the use of the Nahuatl language and the descriptions of Tenochtitlan, to the incorporation of the important historical figures at the time, I was captivated. I love when a book pulls me in so much that it makes me want to learn more about the time period/setting. During and after reading I was googling layouts of the city and how chinampas function. I went down a rabbit hole looking up Mexica rulers, Spanish colonization, and other traditions.

Our main character, Isabel, is one of seven siblings so I had to make sure I had a clear understanding of who was who, the only thing I found somewhat difficult in the beginning. What I did not know, however, was that there were actually seven siblings. They are all important to the story and a little bit into the book it was clearer. I think some people might be a little thrown with the Nahuatl names BUT it feels important to recognize this as a very necessary part of the story and how identity is shaped. (This is where the family chart at the beginning was helpful).

I just really liked this book. I reviewed this as an ARC from NetGalley but the opinions are all my own. It checked a lot of boxes for me, especially. because I may not have originally gravitated towards it. I plan on reading her other book now that has a similar setting.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a book!
my first novel by sofia robleda and definitely not my last.

i honestly thought it'd be just another good historical fiction, but it was so so so much more! the family relationships and ties were so good and made me feel for all the characters (even some of the bad ones), because each person's pain was so prominent. the adventure was fun and i loved traveling along with our crew to all the places, even though sometimes it seemed that they got the clues a bit too easily. the culture, history, myths were incredible. i think i will spend some time in the future researching everything, because I found it all so fascinating.

and don't even get me started on the food descriptions !! everything sounded so delicious and made me so sad because my last (and first!) trip to mexico was only 4 months ago, and i already want to go back!

4.5 stars
thank you netgalley and amazon crossing for this arc.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can truly say that this book by Sofia Robleda is one of the best historical fiction novels I have read this year. "The Other Moctezuma Girls" takes place in sixteenth century Mexico and tells the story of the lasting and devastating effects of the Spanish conquest there. We follow the journey of Isabel Moctezuma, who is one of the daughters of the last empress of the Aztecs. Isabel's mother was also the daughter of the Aztecs' last emperor before the Spanish conquered the Aztecs. Isabel, along with her two siblings Catina and Nano and the family's young cook Juan, embark on a perilious journey to retrieve different writings left by Isabel's mother that tells them the story of her life. They all travel to different parts of Mexico in order to find these journals, and end up finding out more about themselves as well. The group also confronts mythical beings and legends along the way, which is a very intriguing aspect of the book.

This novel intimately explores themes including family dynamics, colonization, and identity. The complex relationships Isabel has with many members of her family, including her mother before she passed away, adds to the depth of the novel and made the characters very relatable to me.

One aspect of the book that I really loved was the author's style of writing as it felt very poetic and intimate. Robleda writes the characters beautifully and the events in the novel flow together seamlessly. I also enjoyed getting to know more about Aztec and Mexican culture, and we also get to hear about the effects of the Spanish invasion from voices typically marginalized in Mexican society. I appreciate the author including notes in the beginning of the novel that describe how to pronounce the Nahuatl words that are featured in the novel, as well as general information on the Aztec, or the Mexica, people. This novel is a stunning piece of historical fiction and I am sure that many people will fall in love with this story just as I did. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work in the future as "The Other Moctezuma Girls" is now one of my favorite books.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Viola Hartung · Rating 4 out of 5]

english:
Thirty years after the conquest, a young woman begins to unravel the secrets of her mother, the last Aztec empress. This epic story unfolds a quest full of courage, memory, and cultural depth. Between lost chapters, familial tensions, and the question of identity, a multifaceted portrait of female strength emerges. With poetic language and historical precision, the novel interweaves past and present into a moving mosaic of indigenous history.

german:
Dreißig Jahre nach der Eroberung beginnt eine junge Frau, die Geheimnisse ihrer Mutter zu entschlüsseln, der letzten Aztekenkaiserin. In dieser epischen Geschichte entfaltet sich eine Spurensuche voller Mut, Erinnerung und kultureller Tiefe. Zwischen verschollenen Kapiteln, familiären Spannungen und der Frage nach Identität entsteht ein vielschichtiges Porträt weiblicher Stärke. Mit poetischer Sprache und historischer Präzision verwebt der Roman Vergangenheit und Gegenwart zu einem bewegenden Mosaik indigener Geschichte.

[sash. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Sofia Robleda and Amazon Crossing for the ARC!

This is the kind of book that reminds you exactly why you love reading historical fiction. Even though I've heard of Moctezuma (as Montezuma) I never knew about his daughter Isabel and her story, the losses she suffered personally or the fact that her children ended up being torn apart by her death and the inheritance.

The way that Sofia has written this story disarmed me. The first half of the novel was enamouring but I read the last 50-60% ravenously. I see so much of myself in her daughter Isabel, her feisty, fierce, assertive character made me laugh and cry. I really appreciated the care and depth of the characters, the frank openness of the pain suffered by the Mexica peoples and the insight into a period of history I wish I had paid more attention to.

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me like four months to read! I was super excited due to loving Daughter of Fire but sadly The Other Moctezuma Girls almost let me down. I just felt it got quite slow and jumbled throughout the middle- i love the journal chapters and would become super engaged in the writing and story then just lose interest. I'm glad I kept reading because I enjoyed the ending and learning more about Indigenous Mexican history. Excited to see what the author comes out with next!

[MaddiBReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! Main story of siblings on a journey while addressing grief from their mom dying and learning who she is. Latin American historical fiction, depicting Spanish colonization and addresses Indigenous points of view. Fast paced, engaging story. Healing in ways I didnt know I needed. Will be grabbing a physical copy when out

[Leslie Zemeckis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this - loved the ancient Aztec history - a family torn apart when their noble mother dies and three of the siblings set out to find her long lost history!

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounding down to 3. I very much appreciated having such a strong female protagonist, and the great care in presenting Indigenous people and culture in the context of the then still recent arrival of Europeans. These were the strongest parts of the story, along with the flashbacks via hidden letters of Montezuma's daughter and all that she and the native peoples had to suffer and endure.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5


An interesting story dealing with the granddaughters of Moctezuma as they uncover their mother's history.


I liked how this story was told. The mother's story follows a linear flow but it's broken up into various pieces. Literally. Her children are following clues to notes their mother left behind. And each piece is found in an area that was important to their mother. 


Along the way, the daughters, Isabel and Catina Cano, begin to come into their own make big life decisions. 


I feel like I'm not doing this book enough justic with this review. There's budding romance. Intense sibling rivalries and betrayals. Murder. History. A history that is often glanced over. Class distinctions. Colonizer vs colonized society. This book has a little bit of everything. 


*ARC provided by NetGalley*

[El☽⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction meets a treasure hunt, with an added sprinkle of family drama. ✨
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected. I have never read anything that focuses so closely on sixteenth century Mexican history, so I was glad to have the opportunity to explore it and to see meaningful Mexican representation.

The Other Moctezuma Girls is set in 1550s Mexico, thirty years after the Spanish Conquest, and unfolds right after the death of the last Aztec empress and during the uncovering of the last will she leaves behind for her seven children. The novel is rooted in real history: Tecuichpoch Ichcaxochitzin, later baptized and given the name Isabel Moctezuma was a real historical figure, as were many of the characters we encounter throughout the story.

The premise is relatively simple. Our main character is 16 year old Isabel Moctezuma, one of Tecuichpoch’s daughters. Along with her younger sister Catalina, her older brother Nano, and the family’s new cook, Juan, Isabel embarks on an unexpected journey. In the opening pages, Isabel discovers that her mother left her more than a traditional will she left behind clues to her life’s story, hidden within a series of journals. Isabel and her companions race to collect these journals throughout the book. However, with the empress’s death, the Moctezuma family is grieving, and their relationships are strained, complicated, and fraught with consequences.

This novel is a testament to female resilience and the enduring power of family bonds. It explores the politics of the sixteenth century, the heartbreaking reality of women’s bodily autonomy within positions of power, and offers thoughtful representation of disability. It is evident that the author conducted extensive research into Tecuichpoch’s life and that of her children, transforming history into a compelling fictional treasure hunt. As the journals are uncovered, readers discover alongside her children the empress’s early life, motivations, and legacy.

Thank you NetGallery, AmazonCrossing and author Sofia Robleda for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. 🍀

[Gwendalyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Moctezuma Girls
by Sofia Robleda
Pub Date: Feb 24 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In sixteenth-century Mexico, a fearless young woman strives to uncover the secrets her mother kept as the last Aztec empress in a sweeping historical epic by the author of Daughter of Fire.

Tenochtitlan, 1551. Thirty years after the Spanish Conquest destroyed everything she loved, the last Aztec empress has passed and left behind a pristine yet tenuous legacy for her children. As her last will and testament is read out, her daughter Isabel suspects that another account of her mother’s life may exist, hidden away, chapter by chapter, in the Valley of Mexico. Following each clue, Isabel is determined to find out who her mother really was and to discover the secrets she buried in order to survive.

Joined by her siblings and a handsome young cook named Juan, Isabel embarks on a perilous journey to piece together the past—a journey that will force the party to brave the brutal viceroyal court, face fearsome legends in mystical chinampas, and trek through desert, fire, and snow. As Isabel’s feelings for Juan grow, she confronts everything she thought she knew about her Spanish father, her empress mother, and herself. Facing everything from the tunnels of ancient pyramids to the summit of an active volcano, Isabel will meet every challenge to fulfill an epic quest for the truth.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Other Moctezuma Girls by Sofia Robleda tells the story of Isabel, an Aztec princess in the 1550s, who goes on a quest after her mother's death, to find journals that relate the true and previously hidden story of her mother's life. I liked Isabel a lot as a narrator, particularly her very honest reactions to things, as a rebellious young woman in a very patriarchal society. Her interactions with her siblings felt quite modern, but then I guess teenagers have always been teenagers! The reportage style of Nantzin's journals made those sections a lot less dynamic than the main narrative - but they were, at least, a lot more credible as diary-style narratives than you find in most stories. The puzzle hunt was really exciting, I thought the romance was well done and impactful, and I enjoyed the highs and lows of Isabel's changing relationships with her brothers and sisters. The book was a bit grim in places, but that was in keeping with the nature of the story and certainly made the stakes feel very real. The historical setting was rich in detail and seemed well researched - and I thought the very end of the story had a really satisfying punch to it. Very enjoyable overall!
[I received a Netgalley ARC of this book.]

[G Flores · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's really bumming me out that I couldn't finish this, but I just couldn't care. As soon as we mentioned the "find seven journal entries" thing I was bored. I wasn't particularly intrigued by the first two entries they found and the budding romance with Juan just felt silly.

I guess I just felt like the stakes were too low and I never really understood what was on the line a third of the way into the story. Presumably it is love with Juan, escape from the convent, and... what? Find out about mom's past? What will that do? Is that going to undo the colonization? Is somebody going to be brought to justice on the word of a bunch of diary journals written by a dead woman widely regarded to have been illiterate?

Forgive me for my lack of imagination, but I just never connected with the characters and couldn't particularly care about their struggle. As an American Mexican and Latino, it sucks because I am always looking for myself in these novels featuring Latino and Mexican characters. I want books like this -whose success would increase the odds that more such books would be written- to succeed.

In the end, this one just really wasn't for me.

[Karla Palare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the Author Sofia Robleda for sending me this marvellous ARC.

What a wonderful book! Sofia's writing is magical! transports you to ancient Tenochtitlan, immerse yourself through its towns, taste the flavors of the food, see the colors of the surroundings, Pyramids, hike in the volcanoes, navigate in a chinampa!

This is a historical fiction with a bit of retelling about the strength and importance of Isabel Moctezuma Tecuihpoch -the last Mexica princess- for Tenochtitlan as well the New Spain.

This story has it all! Adventure, love, sibling bonds, mystery, drama, your blood boils with rage at the story and what she had to endure.

This book should come with a warning! When you finish it you’ll have a craving for tamales!🫔

If you like historical fiction, inspiring stories about strong women, and want to learn about pre-Hispanic Mexican don't miss out this book!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

A phenomenal follow-up to A Daughter of Fire! Sofia Robleda excelled at creating a historical fiction that honors the complexity of post-Conquest Mexico. She skillfully navigated the cultural tensions of a world where Spanish colonial rule attempted to erase Aztec heritage, but persisted in hidden corners. Isabel's position as the daughter of the Aztec empress and a Spanish conquistador perfectly embodied these tensions, making her quest for truth personal and political.
Robleda's portrayal of the last Aztec empress through fragmented revelations builds a portrait of a woman who survived impossible circumstances. She continues to demonstrate sensitivity to the historical trauma of conquest while creating an adventure that moves you forward. Robleda successfully brought 16th-century Mexico to life!

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The Mexican culture and history are woven beautifully throughout, creating a rich, vibrant backdrop for the story. The storytelling is heartfelt and compelling, and I was fully invested in the sisters’ journey to uncover their mother’s past. Each revelation felt meaningful and added real emotional depth.

I also love when a book helps you pronounce the names and places correctly, so the note on Nahuatl pronunciation was such a great touch. It made the story feel even more immersive and respectful of the culture.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC—this was an unforgettable, culturally rich read.

[Lollita · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off ill note I received this ARC through goodreads.

I liked this was a nice paced story filled with adventure and family drama, a little romance and characters you'll like and hate. Two sisters set out to discover their mother's past they're sent to different locations and face different challenges each time to "prove" their worth for each part of the story, they're joined by one of their brothers and a cook. Not much more to say without giving away too much of the story. I'll admit I dont know much about this period of history in this geographic region so was nice to have a different backdrop then im use to for historical fiction. Was an enjoyable read all in all.

[Kayla Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I knew I was going to enjoy this story, but after just one page, I was hooked. I was so happy to see the Mexican representation and to see how the author handled this historic event. A special kudos has to be given because I have a cousin named Tonantzin and I've never really seen that anywhere else, so I was especially happy to see it in the book. I also appreciated the accuracy of the setting of the book, but also how the author expanded on this and really dug into the relationships between the characters and really brought them to life for the reader.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I definitely felt this book was well-written and very thoroughly and painstakingly researched. I think it mostly just didn't really suit my personal tastes. I can't really find anything particularly "bad" about it in any way, but I struggled to want to stick with it. That definitely isn't really because there's anything wrong with it and I have a great deal of appreciation for how hard the author worked on it- I think I just went a little too far outside my comfort zone with this one.

[Darrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well-researched and an interesting insight into the aftermath of the colonization of Mexico all while providing layered characters and a gripping story. Looking forward to following Sofia Robleda's career and reading more of her work.

*Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Crossing for an advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.*

[J. Else]

Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/