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Charlie Hernández #2
Charlie Hernández and the Castle of Bones
Inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America, this bold sequel to Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows, which Booklist called “a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan” in a starred review, follows Charlie as he continues on his quest to embrace his morphling identity.
Charlie Hernandez still likes to think of himself as a normal kid. But what’s normal about being a demon-slaying preteen with an encyclopedic knowledge of Hispanic and Latino mythology who can partially manifest nearly any animal trait found in nature? Well, not much. But, Charlie believes he can get used to this new “normal,” because being able to sprout wings or morph fins is pretty cool.
But there is a downside: it means having to constantly watch his back for La Mano Peluda’s sinister schemes. And when the leader of La Liga, the Witch Queen Jo herself, is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie’s sure they’re at it again.
Determined to save the queen and keep La Liga’s alliances intact, Charlie and his good friend Violet Rey embark on a perilous journey to track down her captors. As Charlie and Violet are drawn deeper into a world of monstruos and magia they are soon left with more questions than answers—like, why do they keep hearing rumors of dead men walking, and why is Charlie suddenly having visions of an ancient evil: a necromancer priest who’s been dead for more than five centuries?
Charlie’s abuela once told him that when dead men walk, the living run in fear. And Charlie’s about to learn the truth of that—the hard way.
Charlie Hernandez still likes to think of himself as a normal kid. But what’s normal about being a demon-slaying preteen with an encyclopedic knowledge of Hispanic and Latino mythology who can partially manifest nearly any animal trait found in nature? Well, not much. But, Charlie believes he can get used to this new “normal,” because being able to sprout wings or morph fins is pretty cool.
But there is a downside: it means having to constantly watch his back for La Mano Peluda’s sinister schemes. And when the leader of La Liga, the Witch Queen Jo herself, is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie’s sure they’re at it again.
Determined to save the queen and keep La Liga’s alliances intact, Charlie and his good friend Violet Rey embark on a perilous journey to track down her captors. As Charlie and Violet are drawn deeper into a world of monstruos and magia they are soon left with more questions than answers—like, why do they keep hearing rumors of dead men walking, and why is Charlie suddenly having visions of an ancient evil: a necromancer priest who’s been dead for more than five centuries?
Charlie’s abuela once told him that when dead men walk, the living run in fear. And Charlie’s about to learn the truth of that—the hard way.
591 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2019
73 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Calejo
21 books186 followersRyan Calejo is an author and teacher from southern Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 6, 2019
This is high-adrenaline! Charlie and Violet start in Portugal, go back to Miami, and then leapfrog across South America before heading through Costa Rica and El Salvador and then into Mexico ending their quest on the Day of the Dead. Castle of Bones picks up where League of Shadows left off and is filled to the brim with the legendary that Charlie's abuela has been telling him about since he was born. His connection to his abuela and his growing friendship with Violet complement the fast-paced action scenes. Includes a glossary at the end of the book that I really found helpful. I am ready for the third installment!
Thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2019
I love the mythology and folklore in this, but Castle of Bones is a disappointing follow-up to the first in the series. Almost 600 pages of story that reads like a video game, Charlie and Violet hopping from one task to the next, leveling up and filling their bag of holding with a Chekhov's armory of loot/information, and yet no character development, no stakes.
We're told at the beginning of the book that Charlie's choices will save or doom the world, but at no point do Charlie or Violet seem worried or frightened or conflicted about the fate of the world. Even when Charlie outright says he's terrified of the myriad varieties of threats and monsters he and Violet face over the course of the story, I don't feel it...and no wonder, when even Charlie and Violet's helpless failures prove convenient to the plot.
A mild thread of mystery attempts to provide some momentum, but even it bogs down amid all the questing hither and yon, and while its long-awaited unraveling proved a satisfying confirmation that I'd guessed the villains correctly, I was mostly just glad to finally arrive at the end of the book (barring a long-winded battle or two, anyway).
And then there's the editing. A number of spelling mistakes, a memorable instance when a sentence from one paragraph is copied almost word for word into the next, a few too many 80/90s kids references ("I see dead people") that I'm not sure the current middle grade audience will know, and the italics.
So many italics.
So many italics.
So many italics.
I kept trying to find the rhythm of Charlie's narrative voice, and every time I thought I'd succeeded, those italics would throw the whole thing off. Italics are great tools for humor and voice...but less is so much more.
From the way this book concludes, I gather there might be another sequel in the works. If so, I'm hoping Mr. Calejo (and his editors) have more success next time in balancing the incredible variety of mythology and folklore with a lean, suspenseful plot and a ruthless editorial eye.
We're told at the beginning of the book that Charlie's choices will save or doom the world, but at no point do Charlie or Violet seem worried or frightened or conflicted about the fate of the world. Even when Charlie outright says he's terrified of the myriad varieties of threats and monsters he and Violet face over the course of the story, I don't feel it...and no wonder, when even Charlie and Violet's helpless failures prove convenient to the plot.
A mild thread of mystery attempts to provide some momentum, but even it bogs down amid all the questing hither and yon, and while its long-awaited unraveling proved a satisfying confirmation that I'd guessed the villains correctly, I was mostly just glad to finally arrive at the end of the book (barring a long-winded battle or two, anyway).
And then there's the editing. A number of spelling mistakes, a memorable instance when a sentence from one paragraph is copied almost word for word into the next, a few too many 80/90s kids references ("I see dead people") that I'm not sure the current middle grade audience will know, and the italics.
So many italics.
So many italics.
So many italics.
I kept trying to find the rhythm of Charlie's narrative voice, and every time I thought I'd succeeded, those italics would throw the whole thing off. Italics are great tools for humor and voice...but less is so much more.
From the way this book concludes, I gather there might be another sequel in the works. If so, I'm hoping Mr. Calejo (and his editors) have more success next time in balancing the incredible variety of mythology and folklore with a lean, suspenseful plot and a ruthless editorial eye.
May 20, 2020
The Charlie Hernández Series by Ryan Calejo is a middle grade adventure series Inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths. This is going to be a series review of the first two books in the series, Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows and Charlie Hernández the Castle of Bones. I don't do series reviews that often, but 2020 has been the year of binge reading for me. When I find a book that I love, I want to be able to grab the next installment and continue on my fun with this characters. That is exactly what I did with Charlie, and I completely loved it! As soon as I was done with the first book, I was completely hooked and I had to immediately dive into the second book. I think this series is perfect for middle grade readers and older readers because it is just pure fun. If you are as big of a fan of legends and mythology as I am, you need to read the Charlie Hernández Series. You will love it!
Book 1- Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows
Our main character, Charlie Hernández, has been a fan of Latin American myths and legends. He gobbles up his abuela's stories of monsters and creatures, but little did he know that soon these creatures from the legends were going to come to life right before his very eyes. In true adventure story form, Charlie is swept up in a whole new world of secret societies, evil villains and creatures and a quest to rescue his parents and save the world. Everything about this book was right up my alley. I loved the vivid imagery that Ryan Calejo conjured with his prose, and I really loved the characters. Charlie sets out to figure out what on earth is happening, alongside his friend Violet face their challenges (and some pretty creepy creatures) head on. I admired both of them so much! They are brave young adults for sure! Their courage was inspiring, and the scenery was so cool. It was a blast watching all these creatures pop up around Miami, which is a city I know well. The author does such a cool job of mixing in the ordinary with the extraordinary, and as a result the story he weaves is one that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Book 2- Charlie Hernández the Castle of Bones
Without being spoilery (though it is mentioned in the summary of book 2), there was a certain trait that Charlie learns about himself throughout the course of the first book, and I couldn't wait to see more of that in this installment. [spoiler]Charlie is a morphling, which means he can manifest traits of different creatures and even turn into them. Like flying or breathing underwater.[/spoiler]And I was really not let down. Charlie is one cool kid! The stakes are raised pretty dramatically in this novel, and he didn't back down once! Not only is he fascinated by legends and myths, but he is also so courageous, and the mix of magic woven into the story adds a really awesome element that I was not expecting when I first started reading book 1. There is so much fun and adventure going on this book! When Charlie hears that the Witch Queen Joanna is kidnapped he sets to save her. Along the way they travel all over the place and they meet just as many mythical creatures and big bads as they did in book one. I think this was an excellent sequel and it left me hungry for the next installment in what I hope is a long series. Charlie as a character also had some impressive story growth in this novel, which I always appreciate. I also enjoyed the different settings Charlie and Violet found themselves in. There is quite a bit of traveling that takes place in Charlie Hernández the Castle of Bones.
The Charlie Hernández Series is a wonderful quest style adventure filled with great characters, oodles and oodles of myths filled with fierce creatures and monsters and lots of magic to keep readers of all ages entertained. I love these books! Throughout both books, I really enjoyed learning about the myths themselves. The books come with a handy glossary that I consulted more than a few times. I loved this addition because not only did I learn about many new to me legends, but it also helped add a richness to the plot of the story. These books are really fantastically crafted. I cannot wait for more from the Charlie Hernández Series. Please bring on book 3! This series is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan's series (any of them!), J.C. Cervantes' Storm Runner Series, or Roshani Chokshi's Pandava Quartet.
Book 1- Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows
Our main character, Charlie Hernández, has been a fan of Latin American myths and legends. He gobbles up his abuela's stories of monsters and creatures, but little did he know that soon these creatures from the legends were going to come to life right before his very eyes. In true adventure story form, Charlie is swept up in a whole new world of secret societies, evil villains and creatures and a quest to rescue his parents and save the world. Everything about this book was right up my alley. I loved the vivid imagery that Ryan Calejo conjured with his prose, and I really loved the characters. Charlie sets out to figure out what on earth is happening, alongside his friend Violet face their challenges (and some pretty creepy creatures) head on. I admired both of them so much! They are brave young adults for sure! Their courage was inspiring, and the scenery was so cool. It was a blast watching all these creatures pop up around Miami, which is a city I know well. The author does such a cool job of mixing in the ordinary with the extraordinary, and as a result the story he weaves is one that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Book 2- Charlie Hernández the Castle of Bones
Without being spoilery (though it is mentioned in the summary of book 2), there was a certain trait that Charlie learns about himself throughout the course of the first book, and I couldn't wait to see more of that in this installment. [spoiler]Charlie is a morphling, which means he can manifest traits of different creatures and even turn into them. Like flying or breathing underwater.[/spoiler]And I was really not let down. Charlie is one cool kid! The stakes are raised pretty dramatically in this novel, and he didn't back down once! Not only is he fascinated by legends and myths, but he is also so courageous, and the mix of magic woven into the story adds a really awesome element that I was not expecting when I first started reading book 1. There is so much fun and adventure going on this book! When Charlie hears that the Witch Queen Joanna is kidnapped he sets to save her. Along the way they travel all over the place and they meet just as many mythical creatures and big bads as they did in book one. I think this was an excellent sequel and it left me hungry for the next installment in what I hope is a long series. Charlie as a character also had some impressive story growth in this novel, which I always appreciate. I also enjoyed the different settings Charlie and Violet found themselves in. There is quite a bit of traveling that takes place in Charlie Hernández the Castle of Bones.
The Charlie Hernández Series is a wonderful quest style adventure filled with great characters, oodles and oodles of myths filled with fierce creatures and monsters and lots of magic to keep readers of all ages entertained. I love these books! Throughout both books, I really enjoyed learning about the myths themselves. The books come with a handy glossary that I consulted more than a few times. I loved this addition because not only did I learn about many new to me legends, but it also helped add a richness to the plot of the story. These books are really fantastically crafted. I cannot wait for more from the Charlie Hernández Series. Please bring on book 3! This series is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan's series (any of them!), J.C. Cervantes' Storm Runner Series, or Roshani Chokshi's Pandava Quartet.
October 26, 2023
« Each soul carries its own burdens; I find that it is always best not to judge others. »
I’m surprised by how fun this book was and I feel a bit guilty over purposefully putting it aside for so long. I can see why they are comparing the author’s writing to Rick Riordan. I got a very similar vibe/feeling which I love.
The folklore part was still the best thing about it but I enjoyed the writing more this time around and the plot was better. I didn’t see the plot twists coming. I was convinced the Queen had really turned evil and that Saci was truly their friend. Obviously Saci redeemed himself but I’m sad he had to die. I took to the characters better in this book and I really love Charlie and Violet. Are they the next Percabeth or are they better off as friends, though?
I’m surprised by how fun this book was and I feel a bit guilty over purposefully putting it aside for so long. I can see why they are comparing the author’s writing to Rick Riordan. I got a very similar vibe/feeling which I love.
The folklore part was still the best thing about it but I enjoyed the writing more this time around and the plot was better. I didn’t see the plot twists coming. I was convinced the Queen had really turned evil and that Saci was truly their friend. Obviously Saci redeemed himself but I’m sad he had to die. I took to the characters better in this book and I really love Charlie and Violet. Are they the next Percabeth or are they better off as friends, though?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
Charlie Hernandez the Castle of Bones (Charlie Hernandez #2) by Ryan Calejo, 591 pages. Aladdin, 2019. $19.
Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril, Zombies, Monsters)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Charlie's adventures are not over! He's still morphing with strange animal parts like jaguar legs and gills, but it's still not under control. Although he's grounded and can't leave his room, when he hears that Queen Joanna has been kidnapped, Violet and Charlie head back into the world of Hispanic myth and folklore to try to rescue her and stop La Mano Peluda (again). The monsters in book two are more sinister, more scary - Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies! Someone is trying to bring back the dead, and as Abuela said, "when dead men walk, the living walk in fear."
What a ride! The action doesn't stop from the beginning to the very end. Calejo's series reminds me of Artemis Fowl, so many battles, so many bad guys, one right after another. This is one of those series that I will eagerly anticipate each next book. Charlie is a great hero, magical (a little) lucky (a lot) with a great sidekick. I think both boys and girls will enjoy reading Charlie Hernandez. Book 2 is nearly 600 pages, but it's worth it.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril, Zombies, Monsters)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Charlie's adventures are not over! He's still morphing with strange animal parts like jaguar legs and gills, but it's still not under control. Although he's grounded and can't leave his room, when he hears that Queen Joanna has been kidnapped, Violet and Charlie head back into the world of Hispanic myth and folklore to try to rescue her and stop La Mano Peluda (again). The monsters in book two are more sinister, more scary - Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies! Someone is trying to bring back the dead, and as Abuela said, "when dead men walk, the living walk in fear."
What a ride! The action doesn't stop from the beginning to the very end. Calejo's series reminds me of Artemis Fowl, so many battles, so many bad guys, one right after another. This is one of those series that I will eagerly anticipate each next book. Charlie is a great hero, magical (a little) lucky (a lot) with a great sidekick. I think both boys and girls will enjoy reading Charlie Hernandez. Book 2 is nearly 600 pages, but it's worth it.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
April 6, 2023
OK...this book was awesome! I haven't enjoyed a book (for fun reading) in a very long time. The characters are vibrant. There is good versus evil...with good winning out! This is about a pre-teen who had slaying abilities. He has been taught Hispanic folklore, mythology, and tales. He has the ability to change into different animal manifestations. Charlie and Violet embark on a new adventure and meet lots of cool beings, creatures, demons. They problem-solve and do so without any naughty language or disrespect to adults. I LOVE these stories. I think of him as the Hispanic Rick Riordan. Similar style...
Come on Ryan...We need #3!
Come on Ryan...We need #3!
July 19, 2022
Just two words can wrap up this book perfectly. Best. Friends.
September 27, 2021
Would have been a lot better if I’d realized this was book two. It was good but would been better if I had read book one. I think I’m going to try and forget it and reread after book one like, two years from now.
March 13, 2020
This sequel was just as good — if not better than — the first book in the series. I’m just fascinated by the folklore and legends that whirled around this adventure. Castle of Bones was a bit darker than book one, and the danger felt much more ominous. I highly recommend reading this series in order because the character development is so important to understanding the events.
We have this book in both print and audio, but we leaned heavily toward the audio. In print, you can see the spelling of the unfamiliar names and words. It’s quite a long book, which is intimidating for many kids. I think the formatting of dialogue paragraphs makes a difference there.
The audio version is terrific! The same narrator voices both the first and second book which is so helpful for continuity. Hearing the Spanish phrases in an authentic tongue makes the story really come alive. There were times when the narrator had an awkward rhythm to his fluency, but it didn’t impact the message. My son said he wished there would be more voices, comparing it to The Graveyard Book full-cast production. I can see what he’s saying there.
My daughter really wanted to see more romance develop between Charlie and Violet in this book. I guess that’s her teenage-ness showing itself. She even said she wanted to write to the author with her suggestions. Ha! While there was a hint of flirtation and some deeper feelings in this book, it was appropriate for a middle grade story. However, as the characters age, it might become a bit more serious. We eventually saw that with Ron and Hermione, Percy and Annabeth, and basically every other middle grade save-the-world duo. I appreciate that Calejo is keeping it innocent for the time being.
When we finished the book, both of my kids started talking over each other. I asked them what star-rating they’d give, and they both shouted at once — FIVE! FIIIIIIIIVVVVEE!!!! over and over. So there you have it. The crowd has spoken!
I asked my school librarian to purchase this series for our school library. The copies I put on my classroom shelf are long gone. They were passed around from student to student several times before I noticed they were missing. I suspect that my students loved them so much they wanted to keep the books! And who can blame them? This series is amazing.
(Note: I received a print copy of the book from the author. Opinions shared are mine, and the free book did not influence my review. I purchased the audiobook myself.)
We have this book in both print and audio, but we leaned heavily toward the audio. In print, you can see the spelling of the unfamiliar names and words. It’s quite a long book, which is intimidating for many kids. I think the formatting of dialogue paragraphs makes a difference there.
The audio version is terrific! The same narrator voices both the first and second book which is so helpful for continuity. Hearing the Spanish phrases in an authentic tongue makes the story really come alive. There were times when the narrator had an awkward rhythm to his fluency, but it didn’t impact the message. My son said he wished there would be more voices, comparing it to The Graveyard Book full-cast production. I can see what he’s saying there.
My daughter really wanted to see more romance develop between Charlie and Violet in this book. I guess that’s her teenage-ness showing itself. She even said she wanted to write to the author with her suggestions. Ha! While there was a hint of flirtation and some deeper feelings in this book, it was appropriate for a middle grade story. However, as the characters age, it might become a bit more serious. We eventually saw that with Ron and Hermione, Percy and Annabeth, and basically every other middle grade save-the-world duo. I appreciate that Calejo is keeping it innocent for the time being.
When we finished the book, both of my kids started talking over each other. I asked them what star-rating they’d give, and they both shouted at once — FIVE! FIIIIIIIIVVVVEE!!!! over and over. So there you have it. The crowd has spoken!
I asked my school librarian to purchase this series for our school library. The copies I put on my classroom shelf are long gone. They were passed around from student to student several times before I noticed they were missing. I suspect that my students loved them so much they wanted to keep the books! And who can blame them? This series is amazing.
(Note: I received a print copy of the book from the author. Opinions shared are mine, and the free book did not influence my review. I purchased the audiobook myself.)
June 16, 2020
I have to give this a 5 because I did really enjoy it. Yes, it was LONG for a middle grade audience. Did I read it in one day? Yes, but I'm able to spend an entire Saturday focused on one book and nothing else. I hope that with the amount of excitement in this book, younger readers could do the same or at least be able to dig in for the long run. They might not get all the 90s references that the author threw in. I did, but I doubt anyone under 20 would get them all (he did the same in the last book).
Attention to detail was still missing in some points; little things like something being red...and then being black and gold. Something being wood and then a few pages later, metal. The kids plan to meet in a restaurant they somehow know about...even though they haven't ever been in this town. Little things that to me, just make it seem like too much was taken on in this book. Could it have been done better? Yes. But overall this was such a fun book that was surprisingly well put together for something so expansive.
I was also impressed with the amount of Latin American folklore that was covered in here. I felt like I went on a tour of my dreams in one book, which is pretty cool. I'm happy younger readers have the chance to learn about myths that aren't Greek or Roman. I eagerly look forward to a new installment in this series with new myths for me to research after reading!
Attention to detail was still missing in some points; little things like something being red...and then being black and gold. Something being wood and then a few pages later, metal. The kids plan to meet in a restaurant they somehow know about...even though they haven't ever been in this town. Little things that to me, just make it seem like too much was taken on in this book. Could it have been done better? Yes. But overall this was such a fun book that was surprisingly well put together for something so expansive.
I was also impressed with the amount of Latin American folklore that was covered in here. I felt like I went on a tour of my dreams in one book, which is pretty cool. I'm happy younger readers have the chance to learn about myths that aren't Greek or Roman. I eagerly look forward to a new installment in this series with new myths for me to research after reading!
January 31, 2020
Charlie's adventures are not over! He's still morphing with strange animal parts like jaguar legs and gills, but it's still not under control. Although he's grounded and can't leave his room, when he hears that Queen Joanna has been kidnapped, Violet and Charlie head into the world of Hispanic myth and folklore to try to rescue her and stop La Mano Peluda (again). The monsters in book two are more sinister, more scary - Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies! Someone is trying to bring back the dead, and as Abuela said, "when dead men walk, the living walk in fear."
What a ride! The action doesn't stop from the beginning to the very end. Calejo's series reminds me of Artemis Fowl, so many battles, so many bad guys, one right after another. This is one of those series that I will eagerly anticipate each next book. Charlie is a great hero, magical (a little) lucky (a lot) with a great sidekick. I think both boys and girls will enjoy reading Charlie Hernandez. Book 2 is nearly 600 pages, but it's worth it.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
What a ride! The action doesn't stop from the beginning to the very end. Calejo's series reminds me of Artemis Fowl, so many battles, so many bad guys, one right after another. This is one of those series that I will eagerly anticipate each next book. Charlie is a great hero, magical (a little) lucky (a lot) with a great sidekick. I think both boys and girls will enjoy reading Charlie Hernandez. Book 2 is nearly 600 pages, but it's worth it.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
January 5, 2022
This book is about a Hispanic boy who saves the world from the darkest Spanish myths imaginable. I like this book because the plot continues moving and keeps you interested and reading. This book also contains a lot of Spanish so it's good for those that want to polish up on their Spanish. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology, humor, and a really good plot twist!
September 25, 2022
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Overall
Not gonna lie, the moment I saw these covers, I knew I had to have the books. Pictures just don’t do them justice. They’re absolutely gorgeous. In fact, when I got book three, my brother-in-law saw it come in, and he immediately stopped what he was doing and had to come look because it caught his attention. Book covers almost never do that (because he’s weird). I’ve actually been meaning to start this series for some time now. I even bought books one and two so they could sit on my shelf and judge me. However, when I saw that book three was in the pipeline, I thought I’d just go ahead and wait so I could read them all together, and what a good choice that turned out to be!
The Charlie Hernández trilogy is a set of fast-paced fantasy adventure books that feature fun (and dangerous) quests, an interesting squad, a hopeless (but well-meaning hero), a strong female sidekick, and a whole host of creatures straight out of Hispanic folklore.
This series is absolutely packed chock full of action and adventure. At times, it became a little overwhelming, but I for sure didn’t want to put it down, either. While all the books tie together in general, each one also has its own little subplot that wraps up neatly by the end, which I rather appreciated. I mean, I’m not against cliffhangers in general, but it’s kind of nice to find books that don’t end on massive cliffies. I absolutely loved this world, and frankly, I’m kind of disappointed to have to leave it. Oh, sure, it’s full of danger and mayhem, but aren’t all the best worlds?!
My Thoughts
- Calejo’s writing style continues to be funny and delightful, easy to read and pulling me forward from one page to the next. These books are on the larger end of middle grade, especially this one. I hardly even noticed, though, as the whole thing just flew by. Charlie’s narrative is quippy and funny. Sure, sometimes the puns and jokes with his friends are a little groan-inducing, but that’s half the fun, isn’t it? (Plus, have you ever heard preteens talk with their friends? Can confirm, it’s a bit cringey.)
Charlie is back, with his same barely-capable self, getting into trouble that he can’t always get out of again. What can I say? It’s part of his charm. I really enjoy how easy Calejo’s writing style is to read, and I think it’ll be a big win for middle graders who have trouble getting into books.
- Charlie finds himself smack dab in the middle of danger . . . again. This time, though, the whole world is at stake. And he won’t be able to do this one alone. Do you have a deep-seated love (or fear) of zombies? Well, strap in, because they’re getting a bit of a remake. It’s not necessarily zombies in their traditional sense that’s the big threat in this book. It is, however, a necromancer. Because how cool is that?! The stakes are so much higher than the first book, because the Big Bad isn’t necessarily coming just for Charlie. It’s coming for the world. No pressure, right?
Since the stakes are so much higher, the tension of this book is ratcheted up, and the obstacles are much bigger. Charlie has a lot more to contend with, but he doesn’t have to do it alone. Violet is still there, of course, offering her much-needed assistance and guidance. But there’s also La Liga offering their magical assistance, as much as they can. Everything isn’t entirely as straightforward as that, though, because the entire magical world is divided now. Meaning Charlie has no idea whom he can trust. Not even La Liga is safe.
- This book is absolutely jam-packed full of action from page one, and it doesn’t let up until the very end. It’s got a very Indiana Jones or maybe even National Treasure vibe to it. This can be good and bad, of course, depending on what you’re looking for in a book. If you’re a hardcore fan of adventure and want something high stakes that’ll get your blood pumping with one big, crazy challenge after another, this is perfect for you. The flip side of that, of course, is that it doesn’t give the reader much chance to come up for air, and it lacks a certain emotional impact (though there are certainly emotional scenes scattered throughout it!). This really boils down to personal preference, of course, but for me, I really enjoyed the high-intensity, fast pace of the story.
- This book introduces a new character named Saci pererê, who is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series! Saci is actually a trickster from Brazilian folklore, and boy does his character reflect that. He can definitely be meddlesome and annoying with his “pranks” (which are definitely not always funny). But okay, I’ll give him some credit, it’s sometimes funny.
Despite his penchant for mischief (or maybe because of it?), he quickly won my heart. Especially as the trickster becomes the tricked and he’s forced to help Charlie against his better judgment. Particularly because the “help” isn’t always so helpful. But hey, what do you expect from a trickster? Saci definitely keeps the group on his toes, and his sarcasm and crankiness was pretty darn funny, too.
Overall
Not gonna lie, the moment I saw these covers, I knew I had to have the books. Pictures just don’t do them justice. They’re absolutely gorgeous. In fact, when I got book three, my brother-in-law saw it come in, and he immediately stopped what he was doing and had to come look because it caught his attention. Book covers almost never do that (because he’s weird). I’ve actually been meaning to start this series for some time now. I even bought books one and two so they could sit on my shelf and judge me. However, when I saw that book three was in the pipeline, I thought I’d just go ahead and wait so I could read them all together, and what a good choice that turned out to be!
The Charlie Hernández trilogy is a set of fast-paced fantasy adventure books that feature fun (and dangerous) quests, an interesting squad, a hopeless (but well-meaning hero), a strong female sidekick, and a whole host of creatures straight out of Hispanic folklore.
This series is absolutely packed chock full of action and adventure. At times, it became a little overwhelming, but I for sure didn’t want to put it down, either. While all the books tie together in general, each one also has its own little subplot that wraps up neatly by the end, which I rather appreciated. I mean, I’m not against cliffhangers in general, but it’s kind of nice to find books that don’t end on massive cliffies. I absolutely loved this world, and frankly, I’m kind of disappointed to have to leave it. Oh, sure, it’s full of danger and mayhem, but aren’t all the best worlds?!
My Thoughts
- Calejo’s writing style continues to be funny and delightful, easy to read and pulling me forward from one page to the next. These books are on the larger end of middle grade, especially this one. I hardly even noticed, though, as the whole thing just flew by. Charlie’s narrative is quippy and funny. Sure, sometimes the puns and jokes with his friends are a little groan-inducing, but that’s half the fun, isn’t it? (Plus, have you ever heard preteens talk with their friends? Can confirm, it’s a bit cringey.)
Charlie is back, with his same barely-capable self, getting into trouble that he can’t always get out of again. What can I say? It’s part of his charm. I really enjoy how easy Calejo’s writing style is to read, and I think it’ll be a big win for middle graders who have trouble getting into books.
- Charlie finds himself smack dab in the middle of danger . . . again. This time, though, the whole world is at stake. And he won’t be able to do this one alone. Do you have a deep-seated love (or fear) of zombies? Well, strap in, because they’re getting a bit of a remake. It’s not necessarily zombies in their traditional sense that’s the big threat in this book. It is, however, a necromancer. Because how cool is that?! The stakes are so much higher than the first book, because the Big Bad isn’t necessarily coming just for Charlie. It’s coming for the world. No pressure, right?
Since the stakes are so much higher, the tension of this book is ratcheted up, and the obstacles are much bigger. Charlie has a lot more to contend with, but he doesn’t have to do it alone. Violet is still there, of course, offering her much-needed assistance and guidance. But there’s also La Liga offering their magical assistance, as much as they can. Everything isn’t entirely as straightforward as that, though, because the entire magical world is divided now. Meaning Charlie has no idea whom he can trust. Not even La Liga is safe.
- This book is absolutely jam-packed full of action from page one, and it doesn’t let up until the very end. It’s got a very Indiana Jones or maybe even National Treasure vibe to it. This can be good and bad, of course, depending on what you’re looking for in a book. If you’re a hardcore fan of adventure and want something high stakes that’ll get your blood pumping with one big, crazy challenge after another, this is perfect for you. The flip side of that, of course, is that it doesn’t give the reader much chance to come up for air, and it lacks a certain emotional impact (though there are certainly emotional scenes scattered throughout it!). This really boils down to personal preference, of course, but for me, I really enjoyed the high-intensity, fast pace of the story.
- This book introduces a new character named Saci pererê, who is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series! Saci is actually a trickster from Brazilian folklore, and boy does his character reflect that. He can definitely be meddlesome and annoying with his “pranks” (which are definitely not always funny). But okay, I’ll give him some credit, it’s sometimes funny.
Despite his penchant for mischief (or maybe because of it?), he quickly won my heart. Especially as the trickster becomes the tricked and he’s forced to help Charlie against his better judgment. Particularly because the “help” isn’t always so helpful. But hey, what do you expect from a trickster? Saci definitely keeps the group on his toes, and his sarcasm and crankiness was pretty darn funny, too.
May 11, 2023
Absolutely amazing book! I love every minute of it! I hope there's going to be a third because I need more of this series in my life.
January 5, 2021
I loved this book finished it in 2 sittings
May 11, 2023
So many betrayals. So many shifting sides. Plot gets better and better. And I love that I get to practice my Spanish
February 22, 2020
41% female speaking characters (compared to male)
53 total speaking characters
24 male
12 non-gender specified
17 female
This interview was originally published by GeekMom.com on 12/12/19
“My goal for the books was to start a conversation between generations, and I believe that dialogue is the best way parents can bring the oral traditions back to life.”
~Ryan Calejo
Back in February, I reviewed an exciting new middle-grade book called Charlie Hernandez and The League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo. I met Charlie, a bi-lingual middle-schooler turned reluctant hero battling and befriending legends and creatures from Spanish speaking folklore, along with his adventure-seeking partner, Violet. Charlie is the last Morphling, a human with the ability to transform into various beasts. I was hoping it would become a series since the world and characters were so rich, and to my delight, the second book came out this fall! The Castle of Bones is another non-stop ride with Charlie and Violet, but this time they travel to South America in search of clues to find the missing Queen Joanna, leader of the good side in this mythology. With all-new friends and foes taken from the deep legacy of Spanish and Portuguese cultures, The Castle of Bones is a winner. Here is an interview with the author, Ryan Calejo:
GeekMom Rebecca Angel:
Hi Ryan! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about The Castle of Bones for GeekMom. I am enjoying your series very much. You have mentioned previously that the lack of Spanish-speaking characters in the books you read growing up was the impetus for writing the Charlie Hernandez books. Do you feel there is a shift in children’s literature today towards more diversity?
Ryan Calejo:
That’s a great question, and I do feel like there’s been a big shift. I’ve heard so many amazing stories from teachers about what a tremendous impact diverse books are having in the classroom, especially on underrepresented and underserved youths. But I honestly feel like this is only the beginning.
Rebecca:
You have said that you use both oral family stories and written research to craft your books. Many families have lost their oral history traditions. Do you believe books like yours can fill that gap? How can parents bring oral traditions back to life?
Ryan:
I think so and that was actually one of my main reasons for starting this series. I wanted to do my small part to make sure these stories weren’t forgotten. I also wanted to write books that kids and parents could bond over, that could be a springboard to touch on topics of culture and ancestry. My goal for the books was to start a conversation between generations, and I believe that dialogue is the best way parents can bring the oral traditions back to life. Teach the stories to your children. But don’t stop there. Talk to them about the lessons in the myths, about the places and cultures that gave birth to them; ask them what they found interesting, what was relatable/what wasn’t, how the stories made them feel, what themes they noticed, and then—eventually—do that all over again with your grandkids, and maybe even with your great-grandkids!
Rebecca:
Many ancient myths that are the basis for The Castle of Bones can be violent, creepy, and frightening. How do you approach this aspect of your retellings for children?
Ryan:
Honestly, I’m not a big fan of anything overly violent or frightening, so I tend not to deal with those aspects of the myths. My abuelas filtered a lot of that out when they told me the stories, and I try to do the same, playing more with the creepy funny as opposed to creepy horror. There’s just so much culture and history wrapped up in those ancient myths and I try to focus on that.
Rebecca:
How do you select which creatures and manifestations of Charlie will make it into your books?
Ryan:
I picked the ones I remembered most from my childhood. The stories that made me laugh or had me checking under the kitchen table when I didn’t eat all my vegetables. I actually wanted to cram in a bunch more, but then both books would’ve been over half a million words and probably would’ve ended up collapsing someone’s shelf. For the manifestations, I tried to imagine which animal traits or abilities I would’ve wanted if I had been born a Morphling. That’s why one of Charlie’s very first manifestations was feathers—I’ve always wanted to sprout some . . . 🙂
Rebecca:
Charlie is a reluctant hero while Violet is always itching for more adventures. Will this dynamic ever change? How will their relationship evolve over time? (How old do you plan to take them?)
Ryan:
I do plan on aging them up a bit over the course of the series, at least three or four years. And I can certainly see that dynamic changing as Charlie grows into his powers, but I honestly can’t imagine Violet ever shying away from an adventure. As far as their relationship goes, I don’t want to give too much away (I can occasionally be a walking spoiler alert), but it’s definitely going to evolve some in the coming books (and sooner rather than later). But I think I’ll stop typing now since I can already feel the spoilers trying to burst through my fingertips!
Rebecca:
“Just stay positive. That’s the most important thing.” This quote from Violet in The Castle of Bones is when things are looking pretty bad and Charlie is getting discouraged. Violet’s home life does not seem very supportive or loving; how does she keep such an upbeat attitude?
Ryan:
I love that you noticed that because I actually based some of Violet’s personality/backstory off a friend of mine, who’s one of the most upbeat and positive people I know even though she didn’t exactly have a very supportive home life growing up. I think in both their cases it’s a sort of inner buoyancy, a hopefulness that things will eventually get better that keep them upbeat. I’ve always admired that kind of positivity in the face of adversity and it’s something I wanted to reflect in Violet as best I could.
Rebecca:
Saci is an exasperating, yet lovable character in The Castle of Bones. He also grows beyond his one-dimensional folk-lore self. What was it like bringing him to life as a real person?
Ryan:
I’m not going to lie—Saci has always been one of my absolute favorite myths, so it was basically like getting to live out a childhood fantasy! I really had a lot of fun trying to imagine what pranks he might think up, how he would interact with Charlie and Violet, and how he’d behave—or rather misbehave—on their adventure.
Rebecca:
Looking at only male to female speaking characters (not neutral creatures), you had 50% females speaking in The League of Shadows and 41% in The Castle of Bones. Do you keep track?
Ryan:
No, I don’t really keep track, but the biggest and most positive influences in my life have been female, which probably explains why I tend to give them the best characters.
Rebecca:
So what can we expect next in your creative world?
Ryan:
I’m working on a couple of different things at the moment, including the third book in the Charlie Hernandez series, which I’d love to tell you all about but unfortunately, I’ve been sworn to secrecy. What I can say, though, is that there’s a heaping serving of myths, laughs, and adventure on the way! Hopefully, readers will enjoy.
Rebecca:
Can’t wait to read more! Muchas gracias!
I highly recommend Charlie Hernandez and The League of Shadows and The Castle of Bones for ages 11 – 14.
https://geekmom.com/2019/12/charlie-h...
53 total speaking characters
24 male
12 non-gender specified
17 female
This interview was originally published by GeekMom.com on 12/12/19
“My goal for the books was to start a conversation between generations, and I believe that dialogue is the best way parents can bring the oral traditions back to life.”
~Ryan Calejo
Back in February, I reviewed an exciting new middle-grade book called Charlie Hernandez and The League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo. I met Charlie, a bi-lingual middle-schooler turned reluctant hero battling and befriending legends and creatures from Spanish speaking folklore, along with his adventure-seeking partner, Violet. Charlie is the last Morphling, a human with the ability to transform into various beasts. I was hoping it would become a series since the world and characters were so rich, and to my delight, the second book came out this fall! The Castle of Bones is another non-stop ride with Charlie and Violet, but this time they travel to South America in search of clues to find the missing Queen Joanna, leader of the good side in this mythology. With all-new friends and foes taken from the deep legacy of Spanish and Portuguese cultures, The Castle of Bones is a winner. Here is an interview with the author, Ryan Calejo:
GeekMom Rebecca Angel:
Hi Ryan! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about The Castle of Bones for GeekMom. I am enjoying your series very much. You have mentioned previously that the lack of Spanish-speaking characters in the books you read growing up was the impetus for writing the Charlie Hernandez books. Do you feel there is a shift in children’s literature today towards more diversity?
Ryan Calejo:
That’s a great question, and I do feel like there’s been a big shift. I’ve heard so many amazing stories from teachers about what a tremendous impact diverse books are having in the classroom, especially on underrepresented and underserved youths. But I honestly feel like this is only the beginning.
Rebecca:
You have said that you use both oral family stories and written research to craft your books. Many families have lost their oral history traditions. Do you believe books like yours can fill that gap? How can parents bring oral traditions back to life?
Ryan:
I think so and that was actually one of my main reasons for starting this series. I wanted to do my small part to make sure these stories weren’t forgotten. I also wanted to write books that kids and parents could bond over, that could be a springboard to touch on topics of culture and ancestry. My goal for the books was to start a conversation between generations, and I believe that dialogue is the best way parents can bring the oral traditions back to life. Teach the stories to your children. But don’t stop there. Talk to them about the lessons in the myths, about the places and cultures that gave birth to them; ask them what they found interesting, what was relatable/what wasn’t, how the stories made them feel, what themes they noticed, and then—eventually—do that all over again with your grandkids, and maybe even with your great-grandkids!
Rebecca:
Many ancient myths that are the basis for The Castle of Bones can be violent, creepy, and frightening. How do you approach this aspect of your retellings for children?
Ryan:
Honestly, I’m not a big fan of anything overly violent or frightening, so I tend not to deal with those aspects of the myths. My abuelas filtered a lot of that out when they told me the stories, and I try to do the same, playing more with the creepy funny as opposed to creepy horror. There’s just so much culture and history wrapped up in those ancient myths and I try to focus on that.
Rebecca:
How do you select which creatures and manifestations of Charlie will make it into your books?
Ryan:
I picked the ones I remembered most from my childhood. The stories that made me laugh or had me checking under the kitchen table when I didn’t eat all my vegetables. I actually wanted to cram in a bunch more, but then both books would’ve been over half a million words and probably would’ve ended up collapsing someone’s shelf. For the manifestations, I tried to imagine which animal traits or abilities I would’ve wanted if I had been born a Morphling. That’s why one of Charlie’s very first manifestations was feathers—I’ve always wanted to sprout some . . . 🙂
Rebecca:
Charlie is a reluctant hero while Violet is always itching for more adventures. Will this dynamic ever change? How will their relationship evolve over time? (How old do you plan to take them?)
Ryan:
I do plan on aging them up a bit over the course of the series, at least three or four years. And I can certainly see that dynamic changing as Charlie grows into his powers, but I honestly can’t imagine Violet ever shying away from an adventure. As far as their relationship goes, I don’t want to give too much away (I can occasionally be a walking spoiler alert), but it’s definitely going to evolve some in the coming books (and sooner rather than later). But I think I’ll stop typing now since I can already feel the spoilers trying to burst through my fingertips!
Rebecca:
“Just stay positive. That’s the most important thing.” This quote from Violet in The Castle of Bones is when things are looking pretty bad and Charlie is getting discouraged. Violet’s home life does not seem very supportive or loving; how does she keep such an upbeat attitude?
Ryan:
I love that you noticed that because I actually based some of Violet’s personality/backstory off a friend of mine, who’s one of the most upbeat and positive people I know even though she didn’t exactly have a very supportive home life growing up. I think in both their cases it’s a sort of inner buoyancy, a hopefulness that things will eventually get better that keep them upbeat. I’ve always admired that kind of positivity in the face of adversity and it’s something I wanted to reflect in Violet as best I could.
Rebecca:
Saci is an exasperating, yet lovable character in The Castle of Bones. He also grows beyond his one-dimensional folk-lore self. What was it like bringing him to life as a real person?
Ryan:
I’m not going to lie—Saci has always been one of my absolute favorite myths, so it was basically like getting to live out a childhood fantasy! I really had a lot of fun trying to imagine what pranks he might think up, how he would interact with Charlie and Violet, and how he’d behave—or rather misbehave—on their adventure.
Rebecca:
Looking at only male to female speaking characters (not neutral creatures), you had 50% females speaking in The League of Shadows and 41% in The Castle of Bones. Do you keep track?
Ryan:
No, I don’t really keep track, but the biggest and most positive influences in my life have been female, which probably explains why I tend to give them the best characters.
Rebecca:
So what can we expect next in your creative world?
Ryan:
I’m working on a couple of different things at the moment, including the third book in the Charlie Hernandez series, which I’d love to tell you all about but unfortunately, I’ve been sworn to secrecy. What I can say, though, is that there’s a heaping serving of myths, laughs, and adventure on the way! Hopefully, readers will enjoy.
Rebecca:
Can’t wait to read more! Muchas gracias!
I highly recommend Charlie Hernandez and The League of Shadows and The Castle of Bones for ages 11 – 14.
https://geekmom.com/2019/12/charlie-h...
November 28, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Ryan Calejo
Book Series: Book Two of the Charlie Hernandez series
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 12, 2019
Publisher: Aladdin
Recommended Age: 10+ (little blood, some scary moments)
Synopsis: Inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America, this bold sequel to Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows, which Booklist called “a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan” in a starred review, follows Charlie as he continues on his quest to embrace his morphling identity.
Charlie Hernandez still likes to think of himself as a normal kid. But what’s normal about being a demon-slaying preteen with an encyclopedic knowledge of Hispanic and Latino mythology who can partially manifest nearly any animal trait found in nature? Well, not much. But, Charlie believes he can get used to this new “normal,” because being able to sprout wings or morph fins is pretty cool.
But there is a downside: it means having to constantly watch his back for La Mano Peluda’s sinister schemes. And when the leader of La Liga, the Witch Queen Jo herself, is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie’s sure they’re at it again.
Determined to save the queen and keep La Liga’s alliances intact, Charlie and his good friend Violet Rey embark on a perilous journey to track down her captors. As Charlie and Violet are drawn deeper into a world of monstruos and magia they are soon left with more questions than answers—like, why do they keep hearing rumors of dead men walking, and why is Charlie suddenly having visions of an ancient evil: a necromancer priest who’s been dead for more than five centuries?
Charlie’s abuela once told him that when dead men walk, the living run in fear. And Charlie’s about to learn the truth of that—the hard way.
Review: I really really enjoyed this one! It was full of mystery and intrigue. The book was excellently written and the characters were very well developed. The plot was intriguing from start to finish and overall a greatly enjoyable read.
My only concern is that the length of the book is quite long for a middle grade book (not needlessly long, all of it was required for the plot), and the pacing can be slow at times. The fighting scenes are also a bit chaotic and a little hard to follow as well.
Verdict: I definitely recommend this one!
Author: Ryan Calejo
Book Series: Book Two of the Charlie Hernandez series
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 12, 2019
Publisher: Aladdin
Recommended Age: 10+ (little blood, some scary moments)
Synopsis: Inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America, this bold sequel to Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows, which Booklist called “a perfect pick for kids who love Rick Riordan” in a starred review, follows Charlie as he continues on his quest to embrace his morphling identity.
Charlie Hernandez still likes to think of himself as a normal kid. But what’s normal about being a demon-slaying preteen with an encyclopedic knowledge of Hispanic and Latino mythology who can partially manifest nearly any animal trait found in nature? Well, not much. But, Charlie believes he can get used to this new “normal,” because being able to sprout wings or morph fins is pretty cool.
But there is a downside: it means having to constantly watch his back for La Mano Peluda’s sinister schemes. And when the leader of La Liga, the Witch Queen Jo herself, is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie’s sure they’re at it again.
Determined to save the queen and keep La Liga’s alliances intact, Charlie and his good friend Violet Rey embark on a perilous journey to track down her captors. As Charlie and Violet are drawn deeper into a world of monstruos and magia they are soon left with more questions than answers—like, why do they keep hearing rumors of dead men walking, and why is Charlie suddenly having visions of an ancient evil: a necromancer priest who’s been dead for more than five centuries?
Charlie’s abuela once told him that when dead men walk, the living run in fear. And Charlie’s about to learn the truth of that—the hard way.
Review: I really really enjoyed this one! It was full of mystery and intrigue. The book was excellently written and the characters were very well developed. The plot was intriguing from start to finish and overall a greatly enjoyable read.
My only concern is that the length of the book is quite long for a middle grade book (not needlessly long, all of it was required for the plot), and the pacing can be slow at times. The fighting scenes are also a bit chaotic and a little hard to follow as well.
Verdict: I definitely recommend this one!
December 25, 2022
4.5/5
"Evil has always drawn its power from fear, from anger. So don't hold on to any and it won't have any power over you."
After meeting Charlie and Violet in book one as they came face to face with characters from Hispanic mythology, in this second installment the pair zip all over South America, trying to find the Queen of the Sombras (shadows) and to figure out what all these creepy castles made of bone are along the way.
This weighty tome, over 500 pages long, is a non-stop odyssey with a pace that never lets up. While the first book felt a little surface level in its characterisations, this one snuck a little deeper under my skin, without ever taking its foot off the plot pedal. Lots more mythological creatures and characters are encountered from all over the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world. I particularly enjoyed the trickster Saci Pererê who ends up tagging along for much of the adventure, and the evolution of his character.
The splash of wry humour from the first book is still present, and the story has lots of trials, twists and betrayals. It even managed to get me in the feels at the end there.
My one slight niggle is that Charlie constantly uses pop culture references in his jokes that are familiar to me as a 90s kid but that I'm pretty sure my modern 11 year old would never have heard of - Looney Toons, the macarena, Scooby snacks, the movie The Sixth Sense?? I suppose it could be cultural but I just don't think modern tweens/teens are using these kinds of references. I'd almost have thought it was set in the 90s/early 00s except Violet has a phone with a flashlight.
Despite this minor irk, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and I can't wait to read the third. I'm secretly hoping to see Saci again :-P
"Evil has always drawn its power from fear, from anger. So don't hold on to any and it won't have any power over you."
After meeting Charlie and Violet in book one as they came face to face with characters from Hispanic mythology, in this second installment the pair zip all over South America, trying to find the Queen of the Sombras (shadows) and to figure out what all these creepy castles made of bone are along the way.
This weighty tome, over 500 pages long, is a non-stop odyssey with a pace that never lets up. While the first book felt a little surface level in its characterisations, this one snuck a little deeper under my skin, without ever taking its foot off the plot pedal. Lots more mythological creatures and characters are encountered from all over the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world. I particularly enjoyed the trickster Saci Pererê who ends up tagging along for much of the adventure, and the evolution of his character.
The splash of wry humour from the first book is still present, and the story has lots of trials, twists and betrayals. It even managed to get me in the feels at the end there.
My one slight niggle is that Charlie constantly uses pop culture references in his jokes that are familiar to me as a 90s kid but that I'm pretty sure my modern 11 year old would never have heard of - Looney Toons, the macarena, Scooby snacks, the movie The Sixth Sense?? I suppose it could be cultural but I just don't think modern tweens/teens are using these kinds of references. I'd almost have thought it was set in the 90s/early 00s except Violet has a phone with a flashlight.
Despite this minor irk, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and I can't wait to read the third. I'm secretly hoping to see Saci again :-P
November 26, 2019
What I Loved:
Can I just start by saying I have some very serious Cover Love for this series!! I love the way the above and below ground are reflected. I feel like it just gives you such a feel for what this book is going to be!
The fantasy world that Ryan Calejo build for Charlie Hernandez had me completely submersed in every little detail. The location of the story was really fun, as it has a fun southern feel along with the fantasy.
How I Felt:
This was a book that I could not put down. My son also read it, as it is targeted for middle grade and he LOVED it! The way the story takes Charlie from one clue to another, really gave the book that page-turning feel. I got a little more information, but not ENOUGH to satisfy and I just had to know more.
I did feel that the book could have been edited down just a bit. It is 608 pages and for a middle-grade reader, that’s a LOT of book. There were some very descriptive sections that could have been reduced to make this book a bit shorter. Overall though, this was a solid read!
To Read or Not To Read:
This is the second book in the Charlie Hernandez series. While, I think The Castle of Bones could be a stand-alone, I believe that you would find it a much more enjoyable read if you read the first book in the series first. (Charlie Hernandez and The League of Shadows).
This book is targeted towards middle-grade readers, 4th grade +. This could also fit into a Young Adult reading category for lovers of books like the Lightening Thief.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
Can I just start by saying I have some very serious Cover Love for this series!! I love the way the above and below ground are reflected. I feel like it just gives you such a feel for what this book is going to be!
The fantasy world that Ryan Calejo build for Charlie Hernandez had me completely submersed in every little detail. The location of the story was really fun, as it has a fun southern feel along with the fantasy.
How I Felt:
This was a book that I could not put down. My son also read it, as it is targeted for middle grade and he LOVED it! The way the story takes Charlie from one clue to another, really gave the book that page-turning feel. I got a little more information, but not ENOUGH to satisfy and I just had to know more.
I did feel that the book could have been edited down just a bit. It is 608 pages and for a middle-grade reader, that’s a LOT of book. There were some very descriptive sections that could have been reduced to make this book a bit shorter. Overall though, this was a solid read!
To Read or Not To Read:
This is the second book in the Charlie Hernandez series. While, I think The Castle of Bones could be a stand-alone, I believe that you would find it a much more enjoyable read if you read the first book in the series first. (Charlie Hernandez and The League of Shadows).
This book is targeted towards middle-grade readers, 4th grade +. This could also fit into a Young Adult reading category for lovers of books like the Lightening Thief.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
September 12, 2019
Charlie Hernandez likes to believe that he just an average run of the mill kid. Never mind that he slays demons and has an encyclopedia-like knowledge base of Hispanic and Latino mythology in his mind. And he is a Morphling, which allows him to manifest into any animal trait found in nature.
While Charlie is getting used to his new "normal" life, he has to constantly watch out for the La Mano Peluda. However, when Witch Queen Jo is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie is certain the La Mano Peluda is at it again. Charlie is determined to rescue the queen and keep their alliances intact. Together with his best friend, Violet Rey, they embark on a dangerous magical journey to track down the masterminds behind Queen Jo's capture. As each clue leads the pair into more danger, they are left with more questions than answers.
I started reading this book first as I didn't realize it was the second book in the series. However, while the novel could be read as a standalone, I think it would be better to read the books in order. I thought the novel was an interesting read and fun. I like how the author weaved mythology seamlessly into the story. Personally, I am not well versed in Latin mythology so, some parts of the novel were confusing. However, it was an enjoyable read and I can't read more of his books.
While Charlie is getting used to his new "normal" life, he has to constantly watch out for the La Mano Peluda. However, when Witch Queen Jo is suddenly kidnapped, Charlie is certain the La Mano Peluda is at it again. Charlie is determined to rescue the queen and keep their alliances intact. Together with his best friend, Violet Rey, they embark on a dangerous magical journey to track down the masterminds behind Queen Jo's capture. As each clue leads the pair into more danger, they are left with more questions than answers.
I started reading this book first as I didn't realize it was the second book in the series. However, while the novel could be read as a standalone, I think it would be better to read the books in order. I thought the novel was an interesting read and fun. I like how the author weaved mythology seamlessly into the story. Personally, I am not well versed in Latin mythology so, some parts of the novel were confusing. However, it was an enjoyable read and I can't read more of his books.
February 20, 2020
3.75
I really enjoyed this sequel and all the adventure it had to offer. It was funny and heartfelt at the same time. Charlie and Violet had some twisty and crazy times gallivanting across South and Central America!! And yes there was at least two chapters set in El Salvador and I almost screamed! I totally did.
However, I did think it was a tad too long and sometimes labourous to get through. I mean I understand why it needed that length but I felt myself just wanting to get to the point already.
On a more personal fault, I really should have read this book and not listened to the audiobook. Don't get me wrong, the narrator was fantastic. But there was a lot of info to get through and I didn't have the luxury of easily flipping back to the chapter or the glossary to know what exactly was going on.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! And I definitely think there will be a book 3, so I am looking forward to it!
I really enjoyed this sequel and all the adventure it had to offer. It was funny and heartfelt at the same time. Charlie and Violet had some twisty and crazy times gallivanting across South and Central America!! And yes there was at least two chapters set in El Salvador and I almost screamed! I totally did.
However, I did think it was a tad too long and sometimes labourous to get through. I mean I understand why it needed that length but I felt myself just wanting to get to the point already.
On a more personal fault, I really should have read this book and not listened to the audiobook. Don't get me wrong, the narrator was fantastic. But there was a lot of info to get through and I didn't have the luxury of easily flipping back to the chapter or the glossary to know what exactly was going on.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! And I definitely think there will be a book 3, so I am looking forward to it!
March 18, 2021
It's been a while sense I read this book (around last summer, July) and I still hold it to high regard. I'm in it's intended audience, and this second book was fantastic. One jarring thing that kind of diminishe dthe books value to me was the twist at the end. When we find out that everything was planned all along it really removes any narrative stakes making it feel pointless. The characters introduced were very memorable and well fleshed out pieces of mythology. I really hope a third book comes out because as a mexican asian mix, I have no knowlage of mythology that's so intrigueing.
Props to you Ryan!
Props to you Ryan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
My Percy Jackson loving daughter bailed on this one. I almost did as well. It was just...too much. Action-packed scene after action-packed scene, coincidence after coincidence, myth after myth after myth. It kept the pace too jam-packed to appreciate. I remarked to my daughter that it was odd to claim I was bored and skimming when there was so much going on, and she replied there was so much going on that she didn't care enough to finish. We liked the myths and the culture and even the characters, but some editing was sorely needed, especially for the pacing. It's hard to appreciate a climax when the entire book just never stops and...breathes.
January 27, 2020
Devoured this delightful sequel in a day! Charlie Hernandez is back with some friends old and new, which is good because this last Morphling is going to need all the help he can get when Queen Joanna is kidnapped and the dead walk again... The action doesn't let up as a slew of dangerous mythological beings stand in the way of Charlie and Violet's rescue mission. Or are they? So much adventure and mystery! And just when you think Charlie's got it all figured out... PLOT TWIST! Fast, funny, and full of lame puns that will have you laughing out loud. It's morphin time!
October 8, 2023
Kind of a 3ish star for me, but giving the benefit of the doubt for those younger readers who this targets.
This book continues to follow Charlie and his friend as bumble and sleuth through mythic Spanish-speaking monsters (and Portuguese). But the pacing in this chase feels much smoother than book 1, and where the first book feels like constant pop-in monsters, this feels more properly adventurous (despite having many new monsters).
Has a bit of a Scooby Doo vibe at the end. Anyway, hopeful the continuing books keep up this better flow!
This book continues to follow Charlie and his friend as bumble and sleuth through mythic Spanish-speaking monsters (and Portuguese). But the pacing in this chase feels much smoother than book 1, and where the first book feels like constant pop-in monsters, this feels more properly adventurous (despite having many new monsters).
Has a bit of a Scooby Doo vibe at the end. Anyway, hopeful the continuing books keep up this better flow!
February 14, 2020
for the audio book. Charlie's second adventure as a morph-ling. with the ability to manifest animal traits to help rescue him and his family and friends from the approaching invasion of the dead at the summoning of la mano peluda (the bad hand) manifested as a Chupa Cabra. many heroes, villains and legends of Latin, Iberia and Central, south American folklore make their appearance on birth sides of the epic battle between good and evil. hope the series continues.
October 2, 2020
I was so excited to read this sequel, but it just didn't quite live up to my expectations. It was very uneven, and I had to push to make myself finish it. I got the audio of this one, so that I could hear the correct pronunciations of the Spanish and Portuguese, but *really* didn't like the narrator. Cajelo definitely set things up for a third book, but I'm not sure that I'll race to get my hands on it. Maybe this just suffered from being-second-in-a-trilogy syndrome?
October 22, 2020
The journey for Charlie and Violet continue and man it was a whirlwind. They make friends with a naughty kid and I found their friendship hilarious. More and more folklore and mythology was discovered and it did not disappoint. Listening to the kiddos on their adventure was fun and it kept me entertained. Sadly, Charlie and Violet go through some grief but I believe her only makes them stronger. I can’t wait to read the nest installment!! The narrator does a fabulous job as well!
September 27, 2020
This is the second book in this series. Percy Jackson fans, you will love this! Any of those who wish to see more Hispanic culture being spotlighted- this is for you!
Rick Riordan himself could have wrote this. Ryan Calejo did an excellent job of blending a modern day world with hispanic mythology. My 6th graders are going to love this series!
Rick Riordan himself could have wrote this. Ryan Calejo did an excellent job of blending a modern day world with hispanic mythology. My 6th graders are going to love this series!
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