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Quetzal's Labyrinth
From the Pura Belpré Award–winning author of Lola comes an action-packed middle grade fantasy where Aztec mythology crashes into everyday life. When twelve-year old Diego discovers ancient gods are real, he must journey into a deadly labyrinth to stop a vengeful power before it destroys the world.
Diego never believed his abuelo's stories of gods and monsters and the ancient magic woven through Mexican history. Not until he finds himself sprinting down a dark hallway, chased by a beast straight out of lore—its fur as coarse as iron and five human hands clawing furiously at his throat.
Turns out, the myths are real, and their magic is erupting into Diego's world. As shadowy creatures besiege his apartment, abuelo's dog Cholo fixes Diego with a human gaze and speaks. Cholo reveals they've been unwittingly ensnared in a centuries-old rivalry between the great God Quetzal and his ruthless brother Tezca. Tezca is rising, summoning an army of minions, while Quetzal, the only one strong enough to stop him, has vanished.
Humanity hangs by a thread, and Diego has no choice but to enter Quetzal’s labyrinth—accompanied by his friends Violeta and Cholo, a sassy rubber chicken, and a bloodthirsty kitten—to face a power older than civilization itself.
The stakes are legendary, but maybe, deep down, Diego is too.
Diego never believed his abuelo's stories of gods and monsters and the ancient magic woven through Mexican history. Not until he finds himself sprinting down a dark hallway, chased by a beast straight out of lore—its fur as coarse as iron and five human hands clawing furiously at his throat.
Turns out, the myths are real, and their magic is erupting into Diego's world. As shadowy creatures besiege his apartment, abuelo's dog Cholo fixes Diego with a human gaze and speaks. Cholo reveals they've been unwittingly ensnared in a centuries-old rivalry between the great God Quetzal and his ruthless brother Tezca. Tezca is rising, summoning an army of minions, while Quetzal, the only one strong enough to stop him, has vanished.
Humanity hangs by a thread, and Diego has no choice but to enter Quetzal’s labyrinth—accompanied by his friends Violeta and Cholo, a sassy rubber chicken, and a bloodthirsty kitten—to face a power older than civilization itself.
The stakes are legendary, but maybe, deep down, Diego is too.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Karla Arenas Valenti
21 books66 followersKarla Arenas Valenti is the Pura Belpré award winning author of best selling middle grade novels, chapter books, and picture books.
Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.
Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy.
Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.
Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.
Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy.
Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Diego's parents are going on a very exciting (not really) trip for the Association of Tax Assessors and as he most certainly does not want to attend will be spending the first week of summer vacation with his Abuelo and his dog Cholo. Which is fine with him he loves hanging out with his Abuelo who makes yummy food and tells him all sorts of stories about the Aztec Gods. The very first day he is there though something strange happens, he meets the Flores family, speaking the eldest daughter Violetta who has some very strange plants in her house, you could almost say magical. After he leaves though he realizes he can't remember what he did with Violetta at her house. Not necessarily concerned about this Diego heads to bed that evening expecting a normal day the next day. However, when his Abuelo won't wake up the next morning and the very normal day he planned on having takes a turn for the absolute worst. Cholo his grandfather's dog tells him an unbelievable story; about Gods, the end of the world, and more importantly that Diego with the help of himself and Violetta must stop it!
This was such a good book! Omg I am not kidding guys, if you are looking for a fantasy middle grade read for your kiddos I'd make it this one! Heck, I say buy two copies one for them and one for you!
I loved Diego so very much! He was such a perfect Chosen One! He fights against it for sure for much of the book but with a lot of valid concerns like, "Hey, I'm just a kid!!" which I know that seems like a gimme but like he is just a kid and I enjoyed that was his really big hang up here. He complains a lot through the book too, but again there was at no point where is complaints weren't understandable. Plus, we have only one instance where he actually blows up at Violetta, which is usually not the case. The last chosen one middle grade book had the "chosen one" being mean pretty much throughout the entire book. Diego showed up when he was needed and he may have complained about it but he did it anyway.
Violetta is a fantastic side character as well! She's got her own hang-ups, as a Sabioflora (omg I hope I spelled that right) which is kind of like a magical horticulturist, she creates all of these to me (and to Diego) super amazing magical plants, but the never turn out as expected. So she thinks she's doing it wrong, so while she comes across as this extremely strong character for most of the book she's not entirely and I really enjoyed that. She's the perfect character to kind of push Diego because she keeps trying even though in her mind she's not the best.
Cholo is a God 3 guesses as to which Aztec God, based on the fact that he is a dog. I love it!
Also, there's a sentient rubber chicken. He helps save the world. You should read it on these last two facts alone.
The world building in this is truly what hooked me with this book though. Between the vivid descriptions of the truly magical world of Nahualan (I'm going to call it the realm of the Gods, it's actually more like a neutral ground than specifically the realm of the Gods but it would take a lot to explain), to the amazing foods that the kids devour while there to some of the creatures they come across it is the very definition of magic.
Finally, this is actually chock full of information regarding the Aztec Gods both throughout the book and at the end where Arenas Valenti has a guide to each of them. I learned a ton! So if you're buying this for kiddos it doubles as a great learning tool!
I really can't recommend this one enough, it was just a ton of fun for children and adults alike!
As always thanks to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for the eArc!
This was such a good book! Omg I am not kidding guys, if you are looking for a fantasy middle grade read for your kiddos I'd make it this one! Heck, I say buy two copies one for them and one for you!
I loved Diego so very much! He was such a perfect Chosen One! He fights against it for sure for much of the book but with a lot of valid concerns like, "Hey, I'm just a kid!!" which I know that seems like a gimme but like he is just a kid and I enjoyed that was his really big hang up here. He complains a lot through the book too, but again there was at no point where is complaints weren't understandable. Plus, we have only one instance where he actually blows up at Violetta, which is usually not the case. The last chosen one middle grade book had the "chosen one" being mean pretty much throughout the entire book. Diego showed up when he was needed and he may have complained about it but he did it anyway.
Violetta is a fantastic side character as well! She's got her own hang-ups, as a Sabioflora (omg I hope I spelled that right) which is kind of like a magical horticulturist, she creates all of these to me (and to Diego) super amazing magical plants, but the never turn out as expected. So she thinks she's doing it wrong, so while she comes across as this extremely strong character for most of the book she's not entirely and I really enjoyed that. She's the perfect character to kind of push Diego because she keeps trying even though in her mind she's not the best.
Cholo is a God 3 guesses as to which Aztec God, based on the fact that he is a dog. I love it!
Also, there's a sentient rubber chicken. He helps save the world. You should read it on these last two facts alone.
The world building in this is truly what hooked me with this book though. Between the vivid descriptions of the truly magical world of Nahualan (I'm going to call it the realm of the Gods, it's actually more like a neutral ground than specifically the realm of the Gods but it would take a lot to explain), to the amazing foods that the kids devour while there to some of the creatures they come across it is the very definition of magic.
Finally, this is actually chock full of information regarding the Aztec Gods both throughout the book and at the end where Arenas Valenti has a guide to each of them. I learned a ton! So if you're buying this for kiddos it doubles as a great learning tool!
I really can't recommend this one enough, it was just a ton of fun for children and adults alike!
As always thanks to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for the eArc!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
The plot will sound familiar to young readers, as the main character, Diego, learns he is the new gatekeeper charged with saving humanity. He’s a normal thirteen-year-old kid thrust into a battle of gods and evil spirits. The author grabs readers’ interest by opening with a wolf-bear-wild boar sending Diego, Violeta, and a talking dog running for their lives. The setting then goes back two days, but readers know that the book will eventually return to Diego running for his life. The first few chapters are very short, which creates a feeling that the action is moving rapidly. They let readers know that the story will be full of strange creatures and lively action.
The author blends drama and humor, as Diego’s team strives to complete his quest. Throughout the book, Diego is tracked by a creature with five hands, including one on the tip of its tail. It will always be in the back of readers’ minds, and they’ll wonder when it will finally confront Diego. Diego enters the magical world of the gods and finds many characters are willing to help. However, skeptics will consider the possibility that some of them may not be allies. The rubber chicken helps Diego reach the labyrinth and adds levity to the story. The author uses sentence structure and description to develop suspense as the plot nears the climax.
The story is based on Mexican folklore and culture. Quetzal and Tezca are godly brothers who have taken turns wiping out mankind. Tezca will do it once again if he escapes the labyrinth, since Quetzal hasn’t been seen in years. Diego encounters many mythical personalities and creatures, and he’s surprised by some of the modes of transportation. His abuelo has taught him the history of the myths, and Diego is in disbelief that he’s now a part of it. However, he doesn’t fully realize the closeness of his connection until the plot nears the climax.
What didn’t work as well:
There are short sections when the author uses random creatures to describe what they see. It’s a unique strategy helping explain the story, but it sometimes makes readers pause to understand what’s happening. It’s more effective early in the book when evil minions take control of various animals, for example, a mouse.
The final verdict:
Experienced middle-grade readers will easily follow the story, as Diego is the reluctant hero, facing dangers he’s not ready for. Overall, it’s an entertaining version of Mexican folklore, and I recommend you give it a shot.
The plot will sound familiar to young readers, as the main character, Diego, learns he is the new gatekeeper charged with saving humanity. He’s a normal thirteen-year-old kid thrust into a battle of gods and evil spirits. The author grabs readers’ interest by opening with a wolf-bear-wild boar sending Diego, Violeta, and a talking dog running for their lives. The setting then goes back two days, but readers know that the book will eventually return to Diego running for his life. The first few chapters are very short, which creates a feeling that the action is moving rapidly. They let readers know that the story will be full of strange creatures and lively action.
The author blends drama and humor, as Diego’s team strives to complete his quest. Throughout the book, Diego is tracked by a creature with five hands, including one on the tip of its tail. It will always be in the back of readers’ minds, and they’ll wonder when it will finally confront Diego. Diego enters the magical world of the gods and finds many characters are willing to help. However, skeptics will consider the possibility that some of them may not be allies. The rubber chicken helps Diego reach the labyrinth and adds levity to the story. The author uses sentence structure and description to develop suspense as the plot nears the climax.
The story is based on Mexican folklore and culture. Quetzal and Tezca are godly brothers who have taken turns wiping out mankind. Tezca will do it once again if he escapes the labyrinth, since Quetzal hasn’t been seen in years. Diego encounters many mythical personalities and creatures, and he’s surprised by some of the modes of transportation. His abuelo has taught him the history of the myths, and Diego is in disbelief that he’s now a part of it. However, he doesn’t fully realize the closeness of his connection until the plot nears the climax.
What didn’t work as well:
There are short sections when the author uses random creatures to describe what they see. It’s a unique strategy helping explain the story, but it sometimes makes readers pause to understand what’s happening. It’s more effective early in the book when evil minions take control of various animals, for example, a mouse.
The final verdict:
Experienced middle-grade readers will easily follow the story, as Diego is the reluctant hero, facing dangers he’s not ready for. Overall, it’s an entertaining version of Mexican folklore, and I recommend you give it a shot.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Diego loves spending time with his Abuelo, a person who seems to deeply understand Diego in ways that make him feel seen. Because Diego’s parents are away on business, Diego gets to spend a week with Abuelo, but this visit is unlike any that has ever come before. Strange happenings occur around them, and when Abuelo demands that Diego eat a moth that has mysteriously emerged from Abuelo’s mouth, everything shifts. Eating that moth turns Diego into a Tlapani, a guardian of the boundary between the human and the spirit realms, and Diego must determine whether he is willing to embrace his unique destiny.
This fast-paced middle grade novel is centered around Aztec mythology, featuring characters inherent to this worldview and the humans who ascribe to it. Diego is the primary protagonist, and his journey to self-actualization is the focus of the novel, even as supernatural elements abound. Frequent perspectives of additional characters are interspersed within the narrative, offering clues and details of which Diego himself is not aware. Written in a straightforward, direct way, the book is appealing to a younger middle grade audience thanks to the accessible delivery and relatable character interactions within it. Interestingly, though the story takes place in Mexico City, Spanish language is noticeably absent within the narrative. Readers who enjoy the Percy Jackson series will find a comparable hero in this book as they explore another global mythological construct. Mythology and reality collide in this engaging story, and while action and adventure are frequent in this narrative, Diego’s personal journey is equally important. End matter includes details about the Aztec deities and reflection questions for readers. Open to a sequel, this is a good addition to library collections serving middle grade readers.
This fast-paced middle grade novel is centered around Aztec mythology, featuring characters inherent to this worldview and the humans who ascribe to it. Diego is the primary protagonist, and his journey to self-actualization is the focus of the novel, even as supernatural elements abound. Frequent perspectives of additional characters are interspersed within the narrative, offering clues and details of which Diego himself is not aware. Written in a straightforward, direct way, the book is appealing to a younger middle grade audience thanks to the accessible delivery and relatable character interactions within it. Interestingly, though the story takes place in Mexico City, Spanish language is noticeably absent within the narrative. Readers who enjoy the Percy Jackson series will find a comparable hero in this book as they explore another global mythological construct. Mythology and reality collide in this engaging story, and while action and adventure are frequent in this narrative, Diego’s personal journey is equally important. End matter includes details about the Aztec deities and reflection questions for readers. Open to a sequel, this is a good addition to library collections serving middle grade readers.
August 15, 2026
Follow Diego, his friend Violeta and his grandfather’s dog Cholo through an adventure in the underworld that will determine the fate of humanity. This was a fast paced adventure based on the Aztec gods and goddesses. Not only were you introduced to the many different gods and goddesses but you traveled through spectacular worlds and learned about Mexican culture. It is a voyage that children will enjoy while learning about a new and interesting cultural tradition. I found it fascinating and highly entertaining. Diego is a brave and kind hero that has to overcome his fears and sacrifice for the sake of all humanity. Read along to see how he does.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson this book stars a reluctant hero who never wanted to be the chosen one. Diego along with his talking dog, Cholo, and a girl named Violeta who has planet powers, must travel through the Aztec underworld in order to free Quetzalcoatl and stop the end of the world. While the rest of the group want to free Quetzalcoatl, Diego is more concerned with getting the cure to save his Abuelo. Readers will fall in love with these characters in this fast paced story.
July 13, 2026
I received a physical ARC of this book from a local independent bookstore.
This was a great MG mythological read! I really loved Karla Valenti’s book Lola and this one didn’t disappoint either. It’s comes out September 1, 2026!
This was a great MG mythological read! I really loved Karla Valenti’s book Lola and this one didn’t disappoint either. It’s comes out September 1, 2026!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews