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Shadow Bruja #2
Dawn of the Jaguar
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the breathtaking finale to J. C. Cervantes's Maya-inspired Shadow Bruja duology, in which Ren makes a bargain for her life.
Shadow bruja Ren Santiago was relentlessly pursued by the evil Aztec Lords of Night, who claimed that she was destined to be their queen, a destiny she wasn't willing to accept. So she chose death instead.
Too bad death wasn't the answer to her problems. Ren soon realizes she must return to the land of the living to make things right. Unfortunately, that means negotiating with Ixtab, queen of the underworld. Ixtab offers her ten days aboveground in exchange for the discarded crown of jade and shadow. If Ren fails, she will return to the darkness for eternity. Ren agrees, knowing full well that she also has to save her friends Marco, Monty, and Edison and, while she's at it, put those pesky Lords of Night back to sleep forever.
The only problem is, Ren lost her shadow magic and time rope when she lost her life. How will Ren manage to accomplish what feels impossible? The answer lies not in manipulating shadows or time, but in recognizing the awesome power that has always been inside her.
Shadow bruja Ren Santiago was relentlessly pursued by the evil Aztec Lords of Night, who claimed that she was destined to be their queen, a destiny she wasn't willing to accept. So she chose death instead.
Too bad death wasn't the answer to her problems. Ren soon realizes she must return to the land of the living to make things right. Unfortunately, that means negotiating with Ixtab, queen of the underworld. Ixtab offers her ten days aboveground in exchange for the discarded crown of jade and shadow. If Ren fails, she will return to the darkness for eternity. Ren agrees, knowing full well that she also has to save her friends Marco, Monty, and Edison and, while she's at it, put those pesky Lords of Night back to sleep forever.
The only problem is, Ren lost her shadow magic and time rope when she lost her life. How will Ren manage to accomplish what feels impossible? The answer lies not in manipulating shadows or time, but in recognizing the awesome power that has always been inside her.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
36 people are currently reading
1185 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Cervantes
20 books846 followersJ.C. is a New York Times best-selling author. Her books have been published in more than twelve countries and have appeared on national lists, including the American Booksellers Association New Voices, Barnes and Noble’s Best Young Reader Books, and Amazon’s Best Books of the Month. She has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including the New Mexico Book Award and the Zia Book Award.
She currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family and spoiled pups, but keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn’t writing, she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world.
Author also writes under Jennifer Cervantes
She currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family and spoiled pups, but keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn’t writing, she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world.
Author also writes under Jennifer Cervantes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
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February 1, 2023I need this book yesterday.
March 1, 2024
Dawn of the Jaguar was a fun and quick read. I enjoyed all of the characters and their magic. Ah-Puch really grew on me in this series and is now one of my favorites! I felt like the story really wrapped up well. It was exciting and even a little educational on Mayan and Aztec mythologies.
August 6, 2023
My students loved the first book in the Shadow Bruja Duology and are eagerly awaiting this second book and JC Cervantes doesn't disappoint. Dawn of the Jaguar is filled with action, adventure, and lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing right to the last page.
Thank you NetGalley and Disney for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Disney for the ARC.
October 13, 2023
My full review: https://youtu.be/SNvg5a7NIqw
Really enjoyed this world and characters so much! Will miss them :(
Really enjoyed this world and characters so much! Will miss them :(
November 11, 2023
This was a good ending for the duology, although the overall situation is left in such a way that the author could do another offshoot if she wanted to. But this story was resolved in a very satisfying way. You absolutely should read the first book before you read this one as the first ends in a cliffhanger. I'm going to try keeping this spoiler free in case someone reads this review before reading the first book.
It's been a year since I read the first book, so at first, I didn't remember how the first book ended and I had to try remembering who all the characters were. But the author does a good job of jogging your memory and it wasn't long before I was drawn back into Ren's world. Ren begins the story without her shadow bruja powers (Aztec powers), nor her time rope (Mayan powers). I love how the author draws from both mythologies/cultures and incorporates them into Ren's story. In order to get out of her situation at the beginning, she needs to agree to a quest, which means she needs to find her friends and convince them to help her. She also needs to tap into her true self, something we don't learn until this book. But I absolutely love what she discovers about herself. As in the first book, besides Ren, my favorite characters in this story are Edison and Ah-Puch. There were some fun discoveries revealed at the end, which was very satisfying.
I also like how Ren's relationship with her mom (we learn about her in the first book) is pretty complicated, and it always makes me laugh when Ren gets mad at her for being oh so helpful (not!) because it's such a normal reaction between a mother and daughter. But despite her frustration, you can feel a real connection between them and the ending seems to imply that that relationship can continue growing. I am hoping that perhaps the author will do another offshoot in this universe but Ren will continue to be a part, so that we can get more glimpses into her life and relationships.
Overall, this was a very satisfying ending and a worthy finale to the Shadow Bruja duology.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It's been a year since I read the first book, so at first, I didn't remember how the first book ended and I had to try remembering who all the characters were. But the author does a good job of jogging your memory and it wasn't long before I was drawn back into Ren's world. Ren begins the story without her shadow bruja powers (Aztec powers), nor her time rope (Mayan powers). I love how the author draws from both mythologies/cultures and incorporates them into Ren's story. In order to get out of her situation at the beginning, she needs to agree to a quest, which means she needs to find her friends and convince them to help her. She also needs to tap into her true self, something we don't learn until this book. But I absolutely love what she discovers about herself. As in the first book, besides Ren, my favorite characters in this story are Edison and Ah-Puch. There were some fun discoveries revealed at the end, which was very satisfying.
I also like how Ren's relationship with her mom (we learn about her in the first book) is pretty complicated, and it always makes me laugh when Ren gets mad at her for being oh so helpful (not!) because it's such a normal reaction between a mother and daughter. But despite her frustration, you can feel a real connection between them and the ending seems to imply that that relationship can continue growing. I am hoping that perhaps the author will do another offshoot in this universe but Ren will continue to be a part, so that we can get more glimpses into her life and relationships.
Overall, this was a very satisfying ending and a worthy finale to the Shadow Bruja duology.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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October 24, 2023this Aztec- and Mayan-inspired book is filled with so many incredible, imaginative vistas of mythic imagery and enchanted places. Author JC Cervantes fuses a boundless imaginativeness with lessons from Mayan and Aztec culture to create realms of wonder-- from Underworlds with cobwebby skeins designed by mechanical spiders, to pacific realms of healing water lily ponds with restful stone courtyards, to places out of this world with hills upon hills leading towards a tranquil turquoise ocean under twin suns, to a mermaid's pool-- this is a creative comfort read that is a great fantasy for kids and adults alike.
Read
November 2, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Torture
Captivity
Animal attack (spider)
Torture
Captivity
Animal attack (spider)
June 20, 2025
3,5*
Wie immer schön. Obwohl mir Ah-Puch gefehlt hat.
Das Ende ging bisschen fix für sehr viel Build-up - aber unterhaltsam.
Wie immer schön. Obwohl mir Ah-Puch gefehlt hat.
Das Ende ging bisschen fix für sehr viel Build-up - aber unterhaltsam.
July 8, 2025
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Mit diesem zweiten Band findet die Shadow-Bruja-Dilogie ihren Abschluss – und zwar auf eine Art, die sowohl konsequent als auch emotional erfüllend ist. Obwohl die Geschichte rund um Ren in vielerlei Hinsicht zu einem Ende kommt, bleibt die Tür in diese faszinierende Welt weit genug offen, dass zukünftige Ableger oder Spin-offs möglich scheinen. Und ehrlich gesagt – ich hoffe sehr, dass die Autorin diesen Weg noch einmal beschreitet.
Ren steht am Anfang dieses Bandes mit leeren Händen da. Ihre Schatten-Bruja-Fähigkeiten – die auf aztekischer Mythologie beruhen – sind ihr ebenso abhandengekommen wie ihr Zeitseil, das auf die Maya-Kultur zurückgeht. Ohne Magie, ohne Hilfsmittel, und ohne klares Ziel muss sie sich zunächst orientieren. Die Entscheidung der Autorin, ihre Heldin erst einmal zu entmachten, ist mutig und klug: Sie zwingt Ren – und damit auch die Leser:innen – dazu, tiefer zu schauen. Wer ist Ren, wenn man ihr alles nimmt, was sie besonders macht? Die Antwort auf diese Frage entfaltet sich über den Verlauf des Romans hinweg und bildet den emotionalen Kern der Geschichte.
Dabei steht nicht nur das Wiederfinden alter Kräfte im Vordergrund, sondern vor allem das Erkennen und Annehmen der eigenen Identität. Ren muss sich mit ihrer Herkunft, ihrer inneren Zerrissenheit und ihrer Rolle in einer Welt voller Erwartungen auseinandersetzen. Der Weg dorthin ist keineswegs geradlinig, aber umso authentischer erzählt. Ihre Entwicklung fühlt sich nie erzwungen an, sondern erwächst aus konkreten Entscheidungen, Zweifeln und Momenten der Erkenntnis.
Einer der herausragendsten Aspekte der Reihe ist die Verbindung von Mythologie und Fantasy. Die Autorin schöpft nicht aus den gängigen europäischen Sagenwelten, sondern lässt sich von der reichen Symbolik und Spiritualität der aztekischen und der Maya-Kultur inspirieren. Diese kulturelle Verankerung verleiht der Geschichte nicht nur Frische, sondern auch Tiefe. Die mythologischen Elemente sind kein dekoratives Beiwerk, sondern eng mit Rens innerer und äußerer Reise verflochten. Man spürt den Respekt vor den ursprünglichen Quellen – und gleichzeitig die kreative Freiheit, die daraus entsteht.
Natürlich begegnen wir in diesem Band auch vielen bekannten Figuren wieder. Besonders Edison und Ah-Puch stechen erneut hervor – letzterer bleibt eine faszinierende Mischung aus Humor, Bedrohung und unerwarteter Weisheit. Die Dynamik zwischen den Figuren ist glaubhaft und lebendig, nie flach oder klischeehaft. Es gibt schöne, stille Momente der Verbundenheit, aber auch dramatische Spannungen und Wendungen, die das Tempo hochhalten.
Ein besonderer Lichtblick ist für mich die Beziehung zwischen Ren und ihrer Mutter. Sie ist von ambivalenter Wärme geprägt – einer Mischung aus Liebe, Frustration, Missverständnissen und tiefer Verbundenheit. Die Dialoge zwischen ihnen wirken ehrlich und lebensnah, oft humorvoll, manchmal schmerzhaft. Wenn Ren sich über die "Hilfsbereitschaft" ihrer Mutter aufregt, musste ich mehr als einmal schmunzeln – denn wer kennt solche Situationen nicht? Und doch schimmert unter all dem immer wieder ein echter Wille zur Verständigung durch. Das Ende lässt offen, wie sich diese Beziehung weiterentwickeln könnte – aber es gibt Grund zur Hoffnung.
Das Ende des Romans wartet mit einigen gelungenen Wendungen und Enthüllungen auf, die der Geschichte noch einmal eine neue Tiefe verleihen. Dabei bleibt der Ton stets stimmig, die emotionalen Momente wirken ehrlich verdient, nicht konstruiert. Dennoch hätte ich mir an manchen Stellen noch etwas mehr Zeit gewünscht – einige Entwicklungen passieren recht schnell, gerade zum Schluss hin. Auch blieb mir die innere Transformation Rens an manchen Stellen zu vage; ich hätte gern noch etwas mehr über ihr neues Selbstverständnis erfahren.
Fazit:
Der zweite Band der Shadow-Bruja-Dilogie ist ein würdiger Abschluss einer faszinierenden Geschichte, die sich durch kulturelle Tiefe, starke Charaktere und eine fein gesponnene magische Welt auszeichnet. Besonders Ren als Heldin wächst einem im Laufe der Geschichte ans Herz – gerade weil sie nicht perfekt ist, sondern mit echter Unsicherheit, Wut und Hoffnung kämpft. Die Autorin beweist einmal mehr, dass Fantasy mehr sein kann als Eskapismus – nämlich ein Ort für Identitätsfragen, kulturelle Auseinandersetzungen und persönliche Entwicklung.
4 von 5 Sternen!
Mit diesem zweiten Band findet die Shadow-Bruja-Dilogie ihren Abschluss – und zwar auf eine Art, die sowohl konsequent als auch emotional erfüllend ist. Obwohl die Geschichte rund um Ren in vielerlei Hinsicht zu einem Ende kommt, bleibt die Tür in diese faszinierende Welt weit genug offen, dass zukünftige Ableger oder Spin-offs möglich scheinen. Und ehrlich gesagt – ich hoffe sehr, dass die Autorin diesen Weg noch einmal beschreitet.
Ren steht am Anfang dieses Bandes mit leeren Händen da. Ihre Schatten-Bruja-Fähigkeiten – die auf aztekischer Mythologie beruhen – sind ihr ebenso abhandengekommen wie ihr Zeitseil, das auf die Maya-Kultur zurückgeht. Ohne Magie, ohne Hilfsmittel, und ohne klares Ziel muss sie sich zunächst orientieren. Die Entscheidung der Autorin, ihre Heldin erst einmal zu entmachten, ist mutig und klug: Sie zwingt Ren – und damit auch die Leser:innen – dazu, tiefer zu schauen. Wer ist Ren, wenn man ihr alles nimmt, was sie besonders macht? Die Antwort auf diese Frage entfaltet sich über den Verlauf des Romans hinweg und bildet den emotionalen Kern der Geschichte.
Dabei steht nicht nur das Wiederfinden alter Kräfte im Vordergrund, sondern vor allem das Erkennen und Annehmen der eigenen Identität. Ren muss sich mit ihrer Herkunft, ihrer inneren Zerrissenheit und ihrer Rolle in einer Welt voller Erwartungen auseinandersetzen. Der Weg dorthin ist keineswegs geradlinig, aber umso authentischer erzählt. Ihre Entwicklung fühlt sich nie erzwungen an, sondern erwächst aus konkreten Entscheidungen, Zweifeln und Momenten der Erkenntnis.
Einer der herausragendsten Aspekte der Reihe ist die Verbindung von Mythologie und Fantasy. Die Autorin schöpft nicht aus den gängigen europäischen Sagenwelten, sondern lässt sich von der reichen Symbolik und Spiritualität der aztekischen und der Maya-Kultur inspirieren. Diese kulturelle Verankerung verleiht der Geschichte nicht nur Frische, sondern auch Tiefe. Die mythologischen Elemente sind kein dekoratives Beiwerk, sondern eng mit Rens innerer und äußerer Reise verflochten. Man spürt den Respekt vor den ursprünglichen Quellen – und gleichzeitig die kreative Freiheit, die daraus entsteht.
Natürlich begegnen wir in diesem Band auch vielen bekannten Figuren wieder. Besonders Edison und Ah-Puch stechen erneut hervor – letzterer bleibt eine faszinierende Mischung aus Humor, Bedrohung und unerwarteter Weisheit. Die Dynamik zwischen den Figuren ist glaubhaft und lebendig, nie flach oder klischeehaft. Es gibt schöne, stille Momente der Verbundenheit, aber auch dramatische Spannungen und Wendungen, die das Tempo hochhalten.
Ein besonderer Lichtblick ist für mich die Beziehung zwischen Ren und ihrer Mutter. Sie ist von ambivalenter Wärme geprägt – einer Mischung aus Liebe, Frustration, Missverständnissen und tiefer Verbundenheit. Die Dialoge zwischen ihnen wirken ehrlich und lebensnah, oft humorvoll, manchmal schmerzhaft. Wenn Ren sich über die "Hilfsbereitschaft" ihrer Mutter aufregt, musste ich mehr als einmal schmunzeln – denn wer kennt solche Situationen nicht? Und doch schimmert unter all dem immer wieder ein echter Wille zur Verständigung durch. Das Ende lässt offen, wie sich diese Beziehung weiterentwickeln könnte – aber es gibt Grund zur Hoffnung.
Das Ende des Romans wartet mit einigen gelungenen Wendungen und Enthüllungen auf, die der Geschichte noch einmal eine neue Tiefe verleihen. Dabei bleibt der Ton stets stimmig, die emotionalen Momente wirken ehrlich verdient, nicht konstruiert. Dennoch hätte ich mir an manchen Stellen noch etwas mehr Zeit gewünscht – einige Entwicklungen passieren recht schnell, gerade zum Schluss hin. Auch blieb mir die innere Transformation Rens an manchen Stellen zu vage; ich hätte gern noch etwas mehr über ihr neues Selbstverständnis erfahren.
Fazit:
Der zweite Band der Shadow-Bruja-Dilogie ist ein würdiger Abschluss einer faszinierenden Geschichte, die sich durch kulturelle Tiefe, starke Charaktere und eine fein gesponnene magische Welt auszeichnet. Besonders Ren als Heldin wächst einem im Laufe der Geschichte ans Herz – gerade weil sie nicht perfekt ist, sondern mit echter Unsicherheit, Wut und Hoffnung kämpft. Die Autorin beweist einmal mehr, dass Fantasy mehr sein kann als Eskapismus – nämlich ein Ort für Identitätsfragen, kulturelle Auseinandersetzungen und persönliche Entwicklung.
4 von 5 Sternen!
August 14, 2024
Dawn of the Jaguar is a great book. It deserves a wholesome five out of five stars, with excellent character development, a plot that is practically impermeable, and extensive hints that acts as footholds for future stories. This isn’t what I usually start with, but since Goodreads show people the top part of the book review instead of the conclusion, some things are getting swapped without having anything that’s weird out of context.
Speaking of out of context, this is the second series that will be part of my upcoming marathon for Rick-Riordan-Presents-contiguous-books-set. That sounds strange, and this probably would’ve gone better in The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities, but that’s supposed to be the crowning achievement for this book set.
So basically, as a tiny spoiler for basically every major series in Rick Riordan Presents, The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities, which is basically a set of short stories contributed from earlier Rick Riordan Presents authors (I actually wrote major first, but thought that that sounded weird since that would imply that the other authors aren’t - don’t worry, I love all of them), which sounds innocent until you realize that the first short story, lovingly contributed from the Sal and Gabi universe by Carlos Hernandez, had the characters teleport into all the other short stories for seconds, and is also mentioned in the other short stories, so it is to be assumed that they all are now canon and part of the same multiverse system, which I’m guessing had a reason to be there, since that detail would have easily been not there whatsoever, which probably means that there’s something big coming up that involves them, and given that in Aru Shah, both Sal and Gabi and Storm Runner universes were mentioned, this probably is all tied together for something in the future. Then, in this book, [Redacted] mentions that the Unknowns are traveling to distant worlds - note the use of the word worlds, plural - and tired of this one, I’m taking it that this is a potential trigger point for conflict for the hypothesis-book(s) I believe may be happening.
Let’s just move away from that hefty paragraph (there’s a reason for that) and actually focus on the book.
Dawn of the Jaguar is a tremendously well-crafted book. It has a perfectly well-explained resurrection, lovingly made with the detail that time passes differently in different realms, where life is given while a counterweight is taken for equal measure (not exactly equal, since gods are capitalists and like profits more than charity,) which makes sense. Of course, there’s a time limit on it because time limits are the eternal trend for quests (quests that last forever don’t make sense - the heroes don’t have to do anything.)
Anyways, yeah! Super realistic, I mean, not at all actually, but given the context of the book, totally realistic. Moving on, it’s actually terrifying how overwhelmingly uniform the reviews for the book is. It clearly isn’t exactly five star material, hence the 4.12 stars review, but there literally isn’t a single one star review, which is actually so great for a community of nice, welcoming, excellent human beings online.
I mean, there are literally books out there with dozens of one star reviews and data skewed both ways and all the most liked reviews nearly all are one starred.
In conclusion, Dawn of the Jaguar is a great sequel to cap off the Shadow Bruja series. In reflection, all the bits in The Lords of Night that made me feel like that was a bit too much and Renata dying made it better, like it gave it an edge of reality over its sequel. I don’t really no how, but it just feels like this book is missing something, like it’s just a bit too mellow. I mean, that's obviously not it whatsoever, but it feels like it.
Speaking of out of context, this is the second series that will be part of my upcoming marathon for Rick-Riordan-Presents-contiguous-books-set. That sounds strange, and this probably would’ve gone better in The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities, but that’s supposed to be the crowning achievement for this book set.
So basically, as a tiny spoiler for basically every major series in Rick Riordan Presents, The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities, which is basically a set of short stories contributed from earlier Rick Riordan Presents authors (I actually wrote major first, but thought that that sounded weird since that would imply that the other authors aren’t - don’t worry, I love all of them), which sounds innocent until you realize that the first short story, lovingly contributed from the Sal and Gabi universe by Carlos Hernandez, had the characters teleport into all the other short stories for seconds, and is also mentioned in the other short stories, so it is to be assumed that they all are now canon and part of the same multiverse system, which I’m guessing had a reason to be there, since that detail would have easily been not there whatsoever, which probably means that there’s something big coming up that involves them, and given that in Aru Shah, both Sal and Gabi and Storm Runner universes were mentioned, this probably is all tied together for something in the future. Then, in this book, [Redacted] mentions that the Unknowns are traveling to distant worlds - note the use of the word worlds, plural - and tired of this one, I’m taking it that this is a potential trigger point for conflict for the hypothesis-book(s) I believe may be happening.
Let’s just move away from that hefty paragraph (there’s a reason for that) and actually focus on the book.
Dawn of the Jaguar is a tremendously well-crafted book. It has a perfectly well-explained resurrection, lovingly made with the detail that time passes differently in different realms, where life is given while a counterweight is taken for equal measure (not exactly equal, since gods are capitalists and like profits more than charity,) which makes sense. Of course, there’s a time limit on it because time limits are the eternal trend for quests (quests that last forever don’t make sense - the heroes don’t have to do anything.)
Anyways, yeah! Super realistic, I mean, not at all actually, but given the context of the book, totally realistic. Moving on, it’s actually terrifying how overwhelmingly uniform the reviews for the book is. It clearly isn’t exactly five star material, hence the 4.12 stars review, but there literally isn’t a single one star review, which is actually so great for a community of nice, welcoming, excellent human beings online.
I mean, there are literally books out there with dozens of one star reviews and data skewed both ways and all the most liked reviews nearly all are one starred.
In conclusion, Dawn of the Jaguar is a great sequel to cap off the Shadow Bruja series. In reflection, all the bits in The Lords of Night that made me feel like that was a bit too much and Renata dying made it better, like it gave it an edge of reality over its sequel. I don’t really no how, but it just feels like this book is missing something, like it’s just a bit too mellow. I mean, that's obviously not it whatsoever, but it feels like it.
February 4, 2024
After the crazy cliffhanger ending in the last book, I figured I would be in for a wild ride. Though not as exciting as the first, the second entry proves choosing Ren as the protagonist was a great choice.
With the Aztec Lords of Night closing in on her, Ren made sure that if they got her, she wouldn’t be able to carry out their plans. Unfortunately, that lead to her dying which only caused more trouble. The Lords of Night are still loose, Ren has lost her shadow magic as well as her time rope, and Marco is now in their clutches. When Ixtab, the queen of the underworld offers to return Ren to life in exchange for the crown of jade and shadow, Ren jumps on the chance to not only save her own life, but her friends as well.
Just like the first book, the author did a great job with Ren as the protagonist. Between Ren's funny lines and observations as well as showing how far she had come; I enjoyed every moment. The same goes for the other characters like Edison and Monty. While we don’t get as much development for them, the way the author tied in their involvement allowed the story continue to be exciting. Sadly, we don’t get a lot of new characters to flesh out the adventure.
The way the author incorporated more of the mythology into the story is why I love the Rick Presents series so much. Getting to learn new things about the culture as well as get a different perspective always makes these books a must read. This one, just like the first book is no different. Ren is exposed to new mystery’s as well as realms. Some this time involving the Aztec side of things. It’s here where the book really shines. Where the lack of new and interesting characters fell a bit short, the creatures and stories kept me intrigued from page to page.
Where the Storm Runner series had three books to cover the story (though I would have had it be five due to some rushing at the end), the Shadow Bruja story only had two. There are times where three or two books can work, but near the end it felt incredibly rushed. The places Ren and her friends saw felt like they were gone in a blink of an eye. In the case of the second book, while one area was a little more explored, it felt less of an adventure than the last book. Be that as it may, I still enjoyed the authors writing style, as each part was easy to follow and funny.
Just like some parts of the story, the ending was also rushed. We managed to get some closure on some parts that carried over from the last series, but not everything was wrapped up. I hope the author decides to have one more side story to explain how certain things got resolved. Over than that, it was a good story.
With the Aztec Lords of Night closing in on her, Ren made sure that if they got her, she wouldn’t be able to carry out their plans. Unfortunately, that lead to her dying which only caused more trouble. The Lords of Night are still loose, Ren has lost her shadow magic as well as her time rope, and Marco is now in their clutches. When Ixtab, the queen of the underworld offers to return Ren to life in exchange for the crown of jade and shadow, Ren jumps on the chance to not only save her own life, but her friends as well.
Just like the first book, the author did a great job with Ren as the protagonist. Between Ren's funny lines and observations as well as showing how far she had come; I enjoyed every moment. The same goes for the other characters like Edison and Monty. While we don’t get as much development for them, the way the author tied in their involvement allowed the story continue to be exciting. Sadly, we don’t get a lot of new characters to flesh out the adventure.
The way the author incorporated more of the mythology into the story is why I love the Rick Presents series so much. Getting to learn new things about the culture as well as get a different perspective always makes these books a must read. This one, just like the first book is no different. Ren is exposed to new mystery’s as well as realms. Some this time involving the Aztec side of things. It’s here where the book really shines. Where the lack of new and interesting characters fell a bit short, the creatures and stories kept me intrigued from page to page.
Where the Storm Runner series had three books to cover the story (though I would have had it be five due to some rushing at the end), the Shadow Bruja story only had two. There are times where three or two books can work, but near the end it felt incredibly rushed. The places Ren and her friends saw felt like they were gone in a blink of an eye. In the case of the second book, while one area was a little more explored, it felt less of an adventure than the last book. Be that as it may, I still enjoyed the authors writing style, as each part was easy to follow and funny.
Just like some parts of the story, the ending was also rushed. We managed to get some closure on some parts that carried over from the last series, but not everything was wrapped up. I hope the author decides to have one more side story to explain how certain things got resolved. Over than that, it was a good story.
October 16, 2023
Dawn of the Jaguar is book two in the Shadow Bruja set, following the first book, The Lords of Night, which is itself an offshoot of The Storm Runner series. Dawn of the Jaguar picks up where the first volume leaves off, with Renata (Ren) Santiago, a godborn, the child of the Mayan goddess Pacific, as well as a shadow bruja, a mage with power over shadows. Ren is trying to escape the land of the dead (not a spoiler; this is where the story starts) and save her friends, an endeavor which requires her to negotiate with a variety of deities from both pantheons - beginning with Ixtab, the Maya goddess of those who die a violent death, who offers to release Ren from the land of the dead if she retrieves the broken and lost crown of jade and shadow, and return it to the gods. Oh, and marry the Prince Lord (another god) as part of the bargain.
Reading The Storm Runner series is not necessary to enjoy this novel, but readers who haven't read The Lords of Night may be confused, as this sequel assumes familiarity with the characters and events of the first book. As in the first volume, Ren is fiercely loyal to her friends, and will do anything she can to save them - even risk being married forever to the Prince Lord, who would not mind at all if she died, before or after the ceremony, as gods are often not particular about such things. The many gods of both pantheons in this volume scheme with and against each other, and only Ren and her friends have a chance to weave through their plots, if only they can do so in time. Recommended for middle school to adult readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reading The Storm Runner series is not necessary to enjoy this novel, but readers who haven't read The Lords of Night may be confused, as this sequel assumes familiarity with the characters and events of the first book. As in the first volume, Ren is fiercely loyal to her friends, and will do anything she can to save them - even risk being married forever to the Prince Lord, who would not mind at all if she died, before or after the ceremony, as gods are often not particular about such things. The many gods of both pantheons in this volume scheme with and against each other, and only Ren and her friends have a chance to weave through their plots, if only they can do so in time. Recommended for middle school to adult readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 15, 2024
Ren isn't doing so hot after the events at the end of the last book. She's kinda...dead. But Ixtab is willing to make her a deal. She'll give her 7 days back alive for Ren to find the crown and bring it to Ixtab. Just a little catch, though. Ixtab is keeping the shadow magic. Ren isn't sure if she can complete a quest without magic, but it is nice to have the evil thoughts out of her mind. Now just to defeat all the dark lords and lady, find the crown, and get back to Ixtab in a week with no magic. Yeah, things don't look so good.
I'm glad that Ixtab quickly fixed Ren back to being nice Ren. Evil Ren was no fun. Part of Ren's journey is learning more about the magic she's inherited from her mom. She does get reunited with most of her questing companions. And I don't feel like I can talk too much about details without spoiling things. Suffice it to say, it was another fun fantasy/mythology quest with Cervantes' characters.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are several magical battles that sometime result in injuries and fatalities, but as Ren herself proves, the deaths aren't always final thanks to magic. There's nothing very gory but it does get disturbing at times.
Ethnic diversity: Mostly Latinx characters with Aztec and Maya mythical creatures/deities.
LGBTQ+ content: None really mentioned
I'm glad that Ixtab quickly fixed Ren back to being nice Ren. Evil Ren was no fun. Part of Ren's journey is learning more about the magic she's inherited from her mom. She does get reunited with most of her questing companions. And I don't feel like I can talk too much about details without spoiling things. Suffice it to say, it was another fun fantasy/mythology quest with Cervantes' characters.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are several magical battles that sometime result in injuries and fatalities, but as Ren herself proves, the deaths aren't always final thanks to magic. There's nothing very gory but it does get disturbing at times.
Ethnic diversity: Mostly Latinx characters with Aztec and Maya mythical creatures/deities.
LGBTQ+ content: None really mentioned
January 26, 2024
I am very sad that this was the last installment of the Storm Runner universe chronicles. I have much to say about the story and the characters but for the negative side: I thought the pacing was too fast, even for a middle grade book. For some reason, I don’t remember the other books being this fast and it just felt like the author rushed it.
That aside, my favorite character is Edison. I loved him when we first met him last book and it broke my heart when he turned into his demon form and didn’t want Ren to see him. I love this guy and he is such a gentleman and a sweetheart. I do wish we would have gotten a kiss, but I digress. I am happy with what we did get.
I was shocked at how little Ah-Puch we got in this book. As a main character and Ren’s best friend, I really felt like he should have been in it more. I love him so much and I was deeply upset when he hardly showed up.
Overall, it was great and it did fill my little Mayan heart right up. 4 stars only because it felt too rushed for my liking.
Goodbye, Ren, Ah-Puch, Edison, Monty, and Marco. Everyone else I don’t care too much about but bye too. It was lovely reading about you.
That aside, my favorite character is Edison. I loved him when we first met him last book and it broke my heart when he turned into his demon form and didn’t want Ren to see him. I love this guy and he is such a gentleman and a sweetheart. I do wish we would have gotten a kiss, but I digress. I am happy with what we did get.
I was shocked at how little Ah-Puch we got in this book. As a main character and Ren’s best friend, I really felt like he should have been in it more. I love him so much and I was deeply upset when he hardly showed up.
Overall, it was great and it did fill my little Mayan heart right up. 4 stars only because it felt too rushed for my liking.
Goodbye, Ren, Ah-Puch, Edison, Monty, and Marco. Everyone else I don’t care too much about but bye too. It was lovely reading about you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2024
I LITERALLY LOVE AH-PUCH SO MUCH. I didn't even know it was possible to make SUCH a good father figure/secondary character/Maya god, but I just live him so much.
Anyway.
The plot of this book was really well-crafted (just like JC Cervantes's other books) and has really great, deep characters that all contribute to each other and the plot, so even though there's lots of characters they don't get boring.
I wish Zane, Brooks, and Hondo (from the storm runner trilogy) were in it, because they're awesome, but I get why they weren't.
Ren is a good character. I mean, she's not exactly what I consider awesome, except for the cowboy boots, BUT she still is a super well developed person in terms of her emotions, thoughts, and actions. Marco is awesome.
For the first book in the duology, The Lords of Night, I was worried that there would be a love triangle between Ren, Edison, and Marco, and I was really glad when that wasn't mentioned or alluded to at all.
...
So, there's my review, which probably isn't helpful or very good (at all) but I just felt like writing it.
-shiloh
Anyway.
The plot of this book was really well-crafted (just like JC Cervantes's other books) and has really great, deep characters that all contribute to each other and the plot, so even though there's lots of characters they don't get boring.
I wish Zane, Brooks, and Hondo (from the storm runner trilogy) were in it, because they're awesome, but I get why they weren't.
Ren is a good character. I mean, she's not exactly what I consider awesome, except for the cowboy boots, BUT she still is a super well developed person in terms of her emotions, thoughts, and actions. Marco is awesome.
For the first book in the duology, The Lords of Night, I was worried that there would be a love triangle between Ren, Edison, and Marco, and I was really glad when that wasn't mentioned or alluded to at all.
...
So, there's my review, which probably isn't helpful or very good (at all) but I just felt like writing it.
-shiloh
September 16, 2023
Ren is chased after by the Aztec Lords of Night who want her to become their queen, but Ren is so determined not to become their queen she actually chooses death instead. But death is not what she thought is was either and in order to come back for good she must return the crown of Jade and Shadow to the queen of the Underworld and she has days. During these ten days she must also save her friends and she must do all of this with no magic or abilities.
I love these books from Rick Riordan presents as they swirl different heritages and lore together to teach us about other cultures in a fun and exciting way. The authors that write these wonderful books are really good and that is certainly true for J.C. Cervantes is really good I have enjoyed all of her books so far and look forward to more. The voice actor that narrated this book, Stacy Gonzales, is wonderful as well and played this part very well.
I love these books from Rick Riordan presents as they swirl different heritages and lore together to teach us about other cultures in a fun and exciting way. The authors that write these wonderful books are really good and that is certainly true for J.C. Cervantes is really good I have enjoyed all of her books so far and look forward to more. The voice actor that narrated this book, Stacy Gonzales, is wonderful as well and played this part very well.
November 22, 2023
"Dawn of the Jaguar" by JC Cervantes is a captivating and action-packed adventure that will surely engage young readers. As a teacher, I appreciate the author's ability to seamlessly weave elements of Mayan mythology into a modern-day setting, making it both entertaining and informative.
Readers encounter Ren, the story's primary protagonist, shortly after her death at the end of "The Lords of Night." This sequel takes readers on a fast-paced journey where Ren tries not only to win back her life, but save the lives of her friends (and the world as we know it).
Cervantes skillfully incorporates themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, providing valuable life lessons for young readers. Overall, "Dawn of the Jaguar" is a fantastic addition to any classroom library, offering an exciting and culturally rich reading experience.
Readers encounter Ren, the story's primary protagonist, shortly after her death at the end of "The Lords of Night." This sequel takes readers on a fast-paced journey where Ren tries not only to win back her life, but save the lives of her friends (and the world as we know it).
Cervantes skillfully incorporates themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, providing valuable life lessons for young readers. Overall, "Dawn of the Jaguar" is a fantastic addition to any classroom library, offering an exciting and culturally rich reading experience.
January 4, 2024
After that crazy cliffhanger from the previous book, we are finally back! Ren is given a second chance at life after she dies. But it comes with some strings. To stay alive, she must find the crown and bring it back to Ixtab. But that is only one of the many things she has to do. Like stopping the Lords of Night. And save her friends. But how can she do all of that without her shadows and the time rope? Well, she’ll discover there is still some parts of herself yet to be revealed. And in doing so, she may discover her greatest power. So much going on in this story! The action is nonstop as Ren races to save everyone and everything she loves before it is too late. With some great twists and turns, you never know what is going to happen next. A really nice conclusion to this story and it was fun being back in this world.
January 7, 2024
Last year, The Lords of Night, which was the 1st book in the Shadow Bruja series, was the 1st book I read in 2023. This year, its' sequel, Dawn of the Jaguar, is the 1st book I've rated 5 stars in 2024 so far. (Actually, though, it's the 2nd the books I got this past Christmas that I've given a 5-star rating to. The 1st was Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye of Darkness, by George Mann. But of course, I had finished that book on December 30th, 2023.)
The Shadow Bruja series was sequel/spin-off series to the Storm Runner series. But whereas the former series was a trilogy, the latter series was duology, much like Daniel Jose Older's Outlaw Saints series. Dawn of the Jaguar was a fantastic way to not only continue on from where The Lords of Night ended, but tie up the whole series. I loved it!
The Shadow Bruja series was sequel/spin-off series to the Storm Runner series. But whereas the former series was a trilogy, the latter series was duology, much like Daniel Jose Older's Outlaw Saints series. Dawn of the Jaguar was a fantastic way to not only continue on from where The Lords of Night ended, but tie up the whole series. I loved it!
October 6, 2023
Dawn of the Jaguar (Shadow Bruja, #2)
by J.C. Cervantes
I wish this was published four years ago. I needed to inspire my sixth grade social study class to understand Mayan and Aztec cultures. I believe this book would help get the kids interested in the story of the different gods. The young half gods were allow the children to connect to the pantheon of the Aztec gods. The descriptions of the characters even the gods was very concise that can show children a dynamic relationship with story would make history come alive. I could see using a chapter or a few minutes at the beginning of class to help with guiding the kids into the historical research they would have to do in the projects required by the curriculum at the time.
by J.C. Cervantes
I wish this was published four years ago. I needed to inspire my sixth grade social study class to understand Mayan and Aztec cultures. I believe this book would help get the kids interested in the story of the different gods. The young half gods were allow the children to connect to the pantheon of the Aztec gods. The descriptions of the characters even the gods was very concise that can show children a dynamic relationship with story would make history come alive. I could see using a chapter or a few minutes at the beginning of class to help with guiding the kids into the historical research they would have to do in the projects required by the curriculum at the time.
November 11, 2023
This book was the one I was waiting for; the one where the Maya, Aztec, and Aliens were all in play. In my review of "The Lords of Night", I praised Cervantes for playing it straight, and not trying to go in her own direction and prove how clever she was. In this book... she went in her own direction and tried to prove how clever she was. Rather than letting the competing wishes of 3 pantheons be the focus, this book instead focuses on Ren's new powers, which are not as interesting as Cervantes thinks they are. In all, this book was enjoyable--everything about the Storm Runner universe is enjoyable--but it felt like a hollow version of what it could have been.
November 9, 2023
I liked very little about this and would've DNFed it if I weren't so close to finishing the series.
There was still absolutely no evidence that Ren is the most powerful godborn in existence and the abilities she gains in this are not as good as the abilities she already had.
I quite possibly have a least-favorite audiobook narrator after listening to this and the previous book. She makes Ren sound a lot more bitchy than she's probably supposed to be and Edison sounds like an idiot who doesn't know anything that's going on.
There was still absolutely no evidence that Ren is the most powerful godborn in existence and the abilities she gains in this are not as good as the abilities she already had.
I quite possibly have a least-favorite audiobook narrator after listening to this and the previous book. She makes Ren sound a lot more bitchy than she's probably supposed to be and Edison sounds like an idiot who doesn't know anything that's going on.
September 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for this DRC.
Ren Santiago must make he way back from the dead, complete a quest involving several promises to gods and magical entities and find a way to understand and use all the different magical forces held within herself. With the help of friends and enemies, Ren will do her best to succeed!
With great pacing, humor and so many different gods to learn about, this is an enthralling book.
#RickRiordanPresentsDawnoftheJaguar #NetGalley
Ren Santiago must make he way back from the dead, complete a quest involving several promises to gods and magical entities and find a way to understand and use all the different magical forces held within herself. With the help of friends and enemies, Ren will do her best to succeed!
With great pacing, humor and so many different gods to learn about, this is an enthralling book.
#RickRiordanPresentsDawnoftheJaguar #NetGalley
October 3, 2023
Ren is killed by Monty's magical arrow and ends up in the Mayan underworld where she makes a deal with Ixtab so she can have a chance at gaining her life back. Along the way, she discovers the true source of her powers, betrays a friend, and tries to avoid marrying the Prince Lord. Can Ren and her godborn friends prevent the Lords from taking over the world? #RickRiordanPresentsDawnoftheJaguar #NetGalley
October 13, 2023
J.C. Cervantes took Ren to new heights in Dawn of the Jaguar. Her writing has blossomed; the pacing was excellent and the supporting characters much more compelling. Getting lost in new to me myths and folklore is great, but it's even better knowing a fantastic book can get into the hands of children and see themselves represented is priceless. Thanks to NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents for an early read in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2024
I should have refreshed my memory on the first book because it took longer than I expected to get back into the plot. That aside, I really appreciated how Cervantes explored how the two sides of Ren's heritage, Mayan and Aztec. This shows how Mesoamerica had a long and varied history long before Europeans came and mucked everything up. The plot felt a bit formulaic but that's pretty much par for the course with these books, especially when one has read so many of them.
May 23, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I’ve enjoyed the previous books by the author and this one didn’t disappoint! This was an action packed read! Even though Ren knows she may lose,she still goes and tries to rescue her friends. I like that she still believes in the other godborns,even the ones that betrayed her.
September 24, 2023
Thank you Disney Audiobooks, Rick Riordan Presents Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this fabulous book. This is the second book in the Shadow Bruja series and it’s an amazing read full of action ad great characters that is just as good as the first book was. Can’t wait to share it with my students and am looking forward to the next installment!
April 17, 2024
It's been so long that I couldn't quite remember what had happened in the previous book, but this one starts out with shadow bruja, alien conspiracy tracker, and daughter of the goddess of time Renata Santiago having died, and making a deal with the goddess Ixtab. She has to find a crown in order to thwart the Aztec Lords of Night, who want her to be their queen. She's also lost her usual powers, but instead is given jaguar-related abilities. It seemed a little rushed, but I enjoyed it.
November 28, 2024
I didn't realize this was book 2 until I had started. I did not go back and read book 1 before, but I felt like I could follow the story well enough. It started out super intense, but did catch me up quickly. It is part of the Rick Riorden presents focusing on the Maya. I enjoyed it and think my kids will enjoy it also.
4 stars
4 stars
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