The Smoking Mirror

Garza Twins #1

by David Bowles

Carol and Johnny Garza are 12-year-old twins whose lives in a small Texas town are forever changed by their mother's unexplained disappearance. Shipped off to relatives in Mexico by their grieving father, the twins soon learn that their mother is a nagual, a shapeshifter, and that they have inherited her powers. In order to rescue her, they will have to descend into the Aztec underworld and face the dangers that await them.American Library Association, 2016 Pura Belpre Author Honor winning novel.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mythology, Young Adult, Fiction, Juvenile, Adventure

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2015

About the author

David Bowles is a Mexican American author and translator from south Texas. He has written several award-winning titles, most notably THEY CALL ME GÜERO and MY TWO BORDER TOWNS

His work has also been published in multiple anthologies, plus venues such as The New York Times, Strange Horizons, School Library Journal, Rattle, Translation Review, and the Journal of Children’s Literature.

Additionally, David has worked on several TV/film projects. In 2019, he co-founded the hashtag and activist movement #DignidadLiteraria, which has negotiated greater Latinx representation in publishing. He is presently the president of the Texas Institute of Letters.

Reviews

[Russell Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The marketing departments for book publishers think they have to categorize books in order for them to sell. They want to reach a targeted market, so they pigeon-hole works into categories like middle grade novels, young adult novels, romance novels, mystery novels, and so forth. I hate that, for it limits audiences. Fine writing is fine writing; the human condition is the human condition, no matter what age a character is or in what situation we find him or her. Millions of readers of the Harry Potter novels proved that; although the books were marketed as children’s books, they appealed to a much wider audience. And that brings me to David Bowles’s The Smoking Mirror: Garza Twins Book One. Bowles is a skillful writer, and his book—although targeted to a middle grade audience—is instructive, witty, and charming. It is the tale of twins Juan Angel Garza and his sister Carolina. They are tasked with saving their mother, who has been taken into the underworld. And what Bowles imparts is the idea that all of us have the power to accomplish extraordinary tasks if we have the motivation. And love for their mother is certainly a powerful force. I’m not discounting the fact that this is a book that children will love and learn from. But I am saying that anyone, no matter what age, will identify with these kids and will enjoy Bowles’s well-crafted, exciting adventure. He takes us into the underworld of Aztec and Mayan mythology. His gods, goddesses, and creatures come from tales told to him as a child, and they are directly from the Aztec/Mayan myths. In his acknowledgments, Bowles admits that he stayed true to what he’d read about the underworld in those myths, but he also embellished a bit. Any child of American Hispanic origin will relish this tale simply because it explores the roots of their culture. The book is peppered with Spanish, but Bowles is so skillful a writer that not knowing Spanish is not a hindrance (and he helpfully provides a glossary at the conclusion.) Thus any child not of Hispanic roots will take the wild ride and be dazzled by its fire-breathing villains, its zombie-like creatures, and its shapeshifting heroes. This is Fun—and that capital “F” is not a typo, for this, as they say, is fun with a capital “F.” I’ll end with my best imitation of a carnival barker: “That’s not all, folks. Tell you what I’m gonna do: if you like The Smoking Mirror, we’re gonna throw in (in 2016) a second Garza twins story.” So the saga of the shapeshifting twins will continue. Children and children at heart will be able to enjoy the Garza twins long after they finish The Smoking Mirror. Que bueno!

[Laurann · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was assigned to me for my Children's Literature Course...I didn't like it. I was intrigued by the story, but overall it was poorly written and felt forced. The characters were flat and didn't seem to grow. If it wasn't for a class I would have quit reading it.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

diverse children's middlegrade fiction (5th grade and up--mesoamerican mythology/magical adventure)
I found the 9 circles of the Underworld to be fairly tedious when one scarcely has anything to do with the other, but this would work nicely for a kids' adventure, and also great for a chapter-a-day readaloud (provided the reader can pronounce the Spanish words alright). Includes a glossary for the Spanish words/phrases, as well as an explanation of the various deities the twins encounter.

parental note: no language or sex (or even kissing) or drugs, though there is a bit of gore involving a "removal of the heart from human sacrifice" ritual, which is over with fairly quickly.

[Ernest Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrill-packed read for the kids that also provides an excellent introduction to preColumbian mythology.

[Bobscopatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy from David Bowles in exchange for the promise of a review. David and I are online friends for many years though we have never met in person. I will always buy anything he writes because invariably i enjoy it, whatever it is.

So, on with the review. The Smoking Mirror tells the story of twin twelve year olds, Carol and Johnny Garza, and their search to find their missing mother. The kids struggle through months of routine in their shattered family, only to be shipped off to relatives once summer vacation hits. The story gets stranger and more complex as they learn startling truths about themselves and their mom, eventually leading them on a trail of constant peril. Anything more would be spoiling the fun. I'll just clue you in that it IS a fantasy novel as advertised.

This is a great story, well told, with strong character development. Family ties and self worth are dominant themes that helped push this from a four star to a five star rating for me. David Bowles manages to do that without becoming preachy or hitting us over the head with sentimentality. The twins' characters feel realistic to me as they work through loss, alienation and overwhelming emotions. The story is action packed and makes a quick read. Lots of new vocabulary and concepts , but nothing too daunting for any fan of high fantasy works. Some knowledge of Spanish, South Texas and Mexican culture is helpful, but not at all necessary. I had fun learning the group names for various bird species too.

[Janie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure I received an advance copy of this book, and I could not be happier. This story quickly draws the reader in. The characters are young, heroic and at times stubborn just like any child at that age. The lengths to which one would go to find answers to a question no matter what the possible outcome may be is represented in this epic read. The knowledge and usage of local culture makes this novel so unique.
Once I began to read this book, it provided an up and down roller coaster of emotions from a what were you thinking to a breakdown of emotions. You truly feel like you are with Carol and Johnny on a daunting journey of not just being a child on the cusp of being a teenager but rather a journey of self discovery.
The story also provided locations that I as a child had once visited and could easily picture some of the locations taking in the imagery as well as personal memories. The folklore and history that is intertwined within the plot made me want to do some research into my culture as well bringing some items into light that I had never even heard of. I can't wait to continue reading the series. It's a definite must read. Can't wait to add it to my personal library at school. I've already placed it on Must Be Read List that we have for our avid readers on our team. On pins and needles for book 2.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, and I really appreciate that this book features latino characters and Aztec mythology. Should appeal to Percy Jackson fans. I thought the writing was OK, not bad, not great. The characters were realistic and appealing. Part of my lack of enthusiasm stems from the fact that this kind of book just isn't my cup of tea ... I don't have much love for Percy Jackson himself. But it's a book I'm happy to add to my middle school collection, and to recommend to adventure/fantasy loving kids, who will enjoy this book more than I did.

[Isabella · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a horrible book. As a young teenager I was apart of the target audience for this book. The book was too slow and too fast at the same time. The writing was hard to read and there were several grammar mistakes. There was no character growth and their actions made no sense. It feels like a rough first draft written by a second grader who only had 30 minutes. Please do not read this book unless you’re doing a competition on who can last the longest through a bad book. It shouldn’t have any sequels. It is literally the WORST BOOK IVE EVER READ. Don’t read it.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros--liked the Mexican/Aztec mythological setting.

Cons--there were some typos in the book, misspellings and such. And the storyline seemed a bit forced, but I didn't care much.

Overall, this was a good adventure story, an Aztec version of Percy Jackson, as some others have described it. I would like to see stories like this, with the ancient beliefs of our own continent, become more commonplace. History written like this, while fictional, makes it come alive for readers.

[David]

Book one down; four more to write!

[Aura Nizharu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how to think about this book.
I like it, I like it a lot, but, simple, I don't know.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was awful! I had to read it because my school district expects me to use this with my students as part of their new curriculum. I’m going to have to find some alternatives.

[Hannah Gazdziak · Rating 5 out of 5]

So.... as one critic said it's pretty much a Latino Percy Jackson. One addition is a shapeshifting element which I love.

[Jasmine]

Percy Jackson has become a big name in our house this last year as my 10-year-old has discovered the magical world of Greek mythology. It got me thinking about how much I know about the Greek myths compared with other realms of mythology. We clearly center these myths in our society with, for example, the reading of The Odyssey and The Iliad in school. And of course we do! The worlds of Gods and Goddesses and magical powers are such fun places to explore but American classrooms write the Greeks and Romans as superior and make no reference to the contributions from Babylonia, Egypt and Arab-Islamic cultures, for example. I made it my intention, then, to seek out books that explored the stories and myths from other cultures. This is how I found the work of David Bowles. I am the type of person who, when I read a book I love, I immediately request all the books by that author from the library. @davidobowles is no exception. In everything I’ve read so far, his South Texas upbringing is front and center, which brings a level of authenticity that only an #ownvoices book can. In this book, one of a series of 5, The Garza twins, Johnny and Carol, set off on an adventure from their home in south Texas to Mexico and then to the Aztec underworld to save their mother, who disappeared 6 months before the book opens. Along the way they meet numerous figures from Aztec mythology and learn that they and their mother are naguals, shapeshifters. I think my favorite aspect of the book, however, is Carol’s strength. In a society filled with damsels in distress, Carol’s quick-thinking and courage ensures that she and her brother complete their odyssey and reunite their family. I look forward to more of the Garza twins in my life.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one. Twins Carolina and Johnny are sent to live with relatives in Mexico for a summer after their father realizes he isn't dealing well with the loss of their mother. The twins have started to notice something funny happening to them at night. It turns out they are naguales, shapeshifters that can turn into a wolf and a leopard, respectively. It is a generational thing, and twin naguales are special and unique. They discover their mother is actually trapped underground, and they are going to have to travel the Aztec underworld to find her.

If you have a kid who is a mythology nut, this is a great addition to that genre. I enjoyed learning a lot about Aztec mythology. I was also grateful for the glossary and definition guide in the back, because I didn't know a lot of the words, having never taken Spanish and not being familiar with Aztec culture. I'll be interested in checking out the second one.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free review copy of this book.
It's gripping right from the start! Are the kids secretly werewolves?
I'm not sure what it means or if it's even possible to get students, who are presumably citizens, "classified as migrants" to remove them from school, but I DO know it's not necessary! A parent can withdraw them at any time. Certainly, no one's going to bat an eye if a family starts summer vacation a little early, assuming testing is done for the year.
The story moves along quickly, with a lot of twists and family drama, even among the gods! Why are twins so important? Also, why is Caroline trying to boss her brother around when they're the same age?
The trip through the underworld reminds me of Dante's "Inferno," but it's probably a coincidence.
The glossary at the back was very helpful, when I couldn't pick up words from context!
I really liked meeting all the different gods and mythical beasts.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for teaching young kids archetypes and the hero's journey. Thankfully we finally have POC representation when it comes to teaching myths and legends. I feel like some of the code-switching was forced and a lot of legends were squished into one novel. I would love to see each get their own story. Everyone saying "just read Percy Jackson" has obviously never suffered for lack of representation in their books, especially for kids. This is a great alternative for the worn-out Greek/Roman repeats.

[Deja · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is a young adult book I found myself entranced in the story of these twins. It has all the makings of a great series and possibly a series that could crossover into the adult fiction. I liked this book and would recommend it to teenagers if they like the idea of a world beyond our own.

[Ellen Deckinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being from Central Texas, I greatly appreciated the culture woven through the narrative. This is a great fantasy story that uses cultures typically unfamiliar to readers. Refreshing to read, and highly enjoyable.

[Merlot58]

I did not rate this as it was really not written for someone of my age/experience. I read it for a reading challenge list item. It did check off quite a few list items! I think that this would be very much enjoyed by someone who likes middle grade fantasy books.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I appreciated the effort into telling the story of these Mexican legends, but this was just poorly written and the characters were unlikable. The tweens were so archetypal and didn't seem like real kids.

[Patrick Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read to my 8 year old- bad decision. This is a “read it to yourself” book.

[Cynthia Strobel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like fantasy adventure, this will be a good book for you. It is a series book.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

CPS grade 6 book. Probably will not read the others in the series.

[Kate Soupiset · Rating 3 out of 5]

this just about killed me😑

[Lexi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cool story, interesting topic- but omg did I hate this book. The minor characters got confusing at times bc there was sooooo many of them. Then it just became predictable.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is is about two Mexican American teenagers, Carolina and Johnny Garza. When there mother goes missing, their father begins to fall apart emotionally. He sends them to stay at their aunt's house in Mexico to allow him to pull himself together. While in Mexico, they discover that they are narguals, meaning that they can shape shift into various animals. They also learn from their grandmother that she and their mom are narguals, as well, and that their mother is in danger because of this. The twins travel to the Aztec underworld to rescue their mother.

I read this book for one of my courses, and I honestly wasn't expecting much. But this book was such a fun adventure. The shape shifting abilities and setting were interesting. I also really enjoyed the main characters, and their sibling relationship. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Percy Jackson, or any other mythological-based stories.

[Winter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for my Children's Lit class.

If you've ever wondered what the 'Great Value' Aztec knockoff version of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series would be, you've found it right here. To sum it up: cheap, disappointing, and ultimately drives you back to the vastly superior name brand item.

[Rich in Color is now on StoryGraph]

Review copy: purchased

The Smoking Mirror is exactly the kind of book I wish I’d been able to stumble across when I was in the target audience’s age range. Protagonists of Mexican descent as heroes in a fantasy book? Facing trials in nine levels of a hellish underworld to save their mom? That would have meant the world to me when I was twelve, and as an adult, it still makes me really happy. It also made a lot of other people happy—The Smoking Mirror was named a 2016 Pura Belpré Honor book.

Author David Bowles straddles the line between middle grade and young adult with The Smoking Mirror. It is a great action/adventure story—the nine levels of the Mictlan prove to be a harrowing (and gruesome) checklist for the Garza twins to get through. Each section is distinct (and terrifying), populated by gods and monsters who get in their way, and thereby keep the pace from lagging by providing ever-new challenges for the twins. Each time they made it through a level of the underworld, I was eager to see what they would be up against next. Occasionally, it felt as if their victories weren’t as difficult as I wished they were, but there were many other, more satisfying encounters.

While I felt that some of the writing was weak in places (or distracting—my taste in humor didn’t always line up with the author’s) and wished that there had been more space to explore the world (including their relationship with their grandmother and their family’s grief), Bowles made up for it by creating a pair of protagonists I enjoyed rooting for. Carol and Johnny are engaging heroes, and I enjoyed the back and forth of their distinct POVs. Despite their not-infrequent clashing, watching the twins come back together and depend on each other during the story was a rewarding journey. The descriptions of the Mictlan and the frequent use of Spanish are also some of my favorite parts of the book.

Recommendation: Get it soon! The Smoking Mirror is an entertaining adventure story that moves at a quick pace and features a memorable and underrepresented mythology. While the book isn’t without its flaws, it nevertheless kept my attention on the story it was trying to tell. I’m happy to learn that the next book was recently released—I think this series would be a great addition to one of my younger sibling’s bookcase.

[Mrs. James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Link to Synopsis (Amazon or Common Sense Media): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UZ97PTU/...

Genre(s): Fantasy

Theme(s): Family, Trust, Balance, Good versus Evil

Cultures/Under-represented Groups: Mexican culture and Aztec mythology

Grade Level (Interest/Difficulty): 7th grade and up-This book would appeal to fantasy and animal lovers, who enjoy reading about an epic, magical quest like the Percy Jackson series. Because Aztec mythology is heavily woven throughout the novel with untranslated Spanish phrases, students may find accessing the vocabulary frustrating or distracting, even though a glossary and pronunciation guide is provided in the back of the book by the author.

Appropriateness (Edgy Content/Issues): None

Instruction: Because this book appeals to a very specific type of reader, this book would be difficult to use for instructional purposes at the whole-class level; however, it is a wonderful resource to provide vocabulary support when conferring with students individually because the author utilizes a rich vocabulary.

Other: After the Garza twins, Johnny and Carol, wake up with blood on their hands and torn bed sheets after the unexplained disappearance of their mother, their despondent father ships them off to Mexico to live with their Aunt Andrea. In a fateful meeting with their stricken grandmother, she reveals to the twins their true ancestry as rare nagual shapeshifters, meaning their mother's disappearance was no accident and she is being held by the lord of destruction and chaos, Tezcatlipoca. As the twins descend into the Aztec Underworld to conquer the nine deserts with the help of Xolotl and other mythological figures, they discover the extent of their powers and their true destiny at the center of an ancient family feud between two gods.

Each chapter switches point of view between the twins in first person. Because this is the first book in the series, the author focuses primarily on world building and less on character development, which detracts from the strength of the novel overall (especially as a reader who depends on characterization to sustain interest). Clocking in at a little over 200 pages, the plot feels rushed and when coupled with the distracting language, readers may have difficulty engaging in the novel.

Review by: K. James, Mercer MS