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Paola Santiago #2
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the sequel to Tehlor Kay Mejia's critically acclaimed ghost story about science-obsessed Paola Santiago.
"Paola is a brilliant, furious girl who often trusts her brain but trips over her heart."--Sarah Gailey, Hugo and Locus award-winning author of River of Teeth
Six months after Paola Santiago confronted the legendary La Llorona, life is nothing like she'd expected it to be. She is barely speaking to her best friends, Dante and Emma, and what's worse, her mom has a totally annoying boyfriend. Even with her chupacabra puppy, Bruto, around, Pao can't escape the feeling that she's all alone in the world.
Pao has no one to tell that she's having nightmares again, this time set in a terrifying forest. Even more troubling? At their center is her estranged father, an enigma of a man she barely remembers. And when Dante's abuela falls mysteriously ill, it seems that the dad Pao never knew just might be the key to healing the eccentric old woman.
Pao's search for her father will send her far from home, where she will encounter new monsters and ghosts, a devastating betrayal, and finally, the forest of her nightmares. Will the truths her father has been hiding save the people Pao loves, or destroy them?
Once again Tehlor Kay Mejia draws on her Mexican heritage to tell a wild and wondrous story that combines creatures from folklore with modern-day challenges.
Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.
Complete your middle grade collection with these best-selling fan favorites:
Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Rick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Rick Riordan Presents Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
"Paola is a brilliant, furious girl who often trusts her brain but trips over her heart."--Sarah Gailey, Hugo and Locus award-winning author of River of Teeth
Six months after Paola Santiago confronted the legendary La Llorona, life is nothing like she'd expected it to be. She is barely speaking to her best friends, Dante and Emma, and what's worse, her mom has a totally annoying boyfriend. Even with her chupacabra puppy, Bruto, around, Pao can't escape the feeling that she's all alone in the world.
Pao has no one to tell that she's having nightmares again, this time set in a terrifying forest. Even more troubling? At their center is her estranged father, an enigma of a man she barely remembers. And when Dante's abuela falls mysteriously ill, it seems that the dad Pao never knew just might be the key to healing the eccentric old woman.
Pao's search for her father will send her far from home, where she will encounter new monsters and ghosts, a devastating betrayal, and finally, the forest of her nightmares. Will the truths her father has been hiding save the people Pao loves, or destroy them?
Once again Tehlor Kay Mejia draws on her Mexican heritage to tell a wild and wondrous story that combines creatures from folklore with modern-day challenges.
Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.
Complete your middle grade collection with these best-selling fan favorites:
Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Rick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Rick Riordan Presents Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
62 people are currently reading
2327 people want to read
About the author
Tehlor Kay Mejia
21 books1,183 followersTEHLOR KAY MEJIA (he/him) is a bestselling and award winning author of books for all ages.
His debut young adult novel, WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE, received six starred reviews, as well as the Oregon Spirit Book Award for debut fiction, and the Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner up honor for debut speculative fiction. It has been featured on Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and O by Oprah Magazine’s best books lists, and was a 2019 book of the year selection by Kirkus and School Library Journal.
Tehlor’s debut middle grade novel, PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS, was published by the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney/Hyperion. It received four starred reviews, and was named Amazon’s best book of 2020 in the 9-12 age range.
Tehlor strives to create stories which showcase the importance of community, radical inclusion, and abolitionist values. He lives with his child, wife, and two dogs in his home state of Oregon, and is active on Instagram @tehlorkay.
His debut young adult novel, WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE, received six starred reviews, as well as the Oregon Spirit Book Award for debut fiction, and the Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner up honor for debut speculative fiction. It has been featured on Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and O by Oprah Magazine’s best books lists, and was a 2019 book of the year selection by Kirkus and School Library Journal.
Tehlor’s debut middle grade novel, PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS, was published by the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney/Hyperion. It received four starred reviews, and was named Amazon’s best book of 2020 in the 9-12 age range.
Tehlor strives to create stories which showcase the importance of community, radical inclusion, and abolitionist values. He lives with his child, wife, and two dogs in his home state of Oregon, and is active on Instagram @tehlorkay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
November 26, 2023
Six months have passed since Paola Santiago took on the legendary spirit, La Llorona. Since that time, a lot has changed in Pao's life and she wouldn't say for the better.
She has grown distant from her two best friends, Emma and Dante, barely speaking to them anymore. Add to this the fact that her Mom has an annoying new boyfriend practically living at their house.
Yeah, not great.
Additionally, Pao's still having nightmares. This time set in a dark, creepy forest where her Dad plays a recurring role. The Dad she really knows nothing about and barely remembers.
When Dante's abuela collapses right in front of Pao, some things she was saying just prior, prompts Pao to believe the two occurrences, her dreams and Dante's abuela's mysterious illness, are connected. Pao also believes that her father may be the key to saving Dante's abeula.
It's a race against time as Pao, begrudingly joined by Dante, hits the road to Oregon to try to track down her Dad. Luckily, the two are able to pair up with their old friend, Ninos leader, Naomi, who contributes quite a bit on their journey.
Again the kids must face down incredibly dangerous and frightening supernatural entities on more than one occasion. This book got scary, y'all. I mean it!
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is an incredible sequel. I felt like with this novel, even though it is packed full of action, I got to know the characters more.
Pao in particular. In the first installment, I felt a bit disconnected from her. There was so much action, it was chaotic and I never felt like I really understood her.
I was so focused on what was going on in the periphery. But with this novel, I feel like learning more about her family, her feelings of loneliness and self doubt, I truly came to care for her.
She is such a soft, sweet, yet strong character, who grew by leaps and bounds over the course of this story.
Mejia does a great job of tying creatures of folklore into a modern, compelling tale. It's evident from this book that there is a lot more of Pao's story to tell. I feel like we are just scratching the surface of complications for this spunky girl.
In short, this is a super fun Middle Grade adventure story, perfect for Readers who enjoy a bit of darker, don't turn out the lights, content in their stories!
I am greatly looking forward to meeting up with Pao again and going on another adventure.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney Books and Rick Riordan Presents, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
As always with books found within the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, this dazzled me with its high-stakes, page-turning content. Well done by Mejia!!
She has grown distant from her two best friends, Emma and Dante, barely speaking to them anymore. Add to this the fact that her Mom has an annoying new boyfriend practically living at their house.
Yeah, not great.
Additionally, Pao's still having nightmares. This time set in a dark, creepy forest where her Dad plays a recurring role. The Dad she really knows nothing about and barely remembers.
When Dante's abuela collapses right in front of Pao, some things she was saying just prior, prompts Pao to believe the two occurrences, her dreams and Dante's abuela's mysterious illness, are connected. Pao also believes that her father may be the key to saving Dante's abeula.
It's a race against time as Pao, begrudingly joined by Dante, hits the road to Oregon to try to track down her Dad. Luckily, the two are able to pair up with their old friend, Ninos leader, Naomi, who contributes quite a bit on their journey.
Again the kids must face down incredibly dangerous and frightening supernatural entities on more than one occasion. This book got scary, y'all. I mean it!
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is an incredible sequel. I felt like with this novel, even though it is packed full of action, I got to know the characters more.
Pao in particular. In the first installment, I felt a bit disconnected from her. There was so much action, it was chaotic and I never felt like I really understood her.
I was so focused on what was going on in the periphery. But with this novel, I feel like learning more about her family, her feelings of loneliness and self doubt, I truly came to care for her.
She is such a soft, sweet, yet strong character, who grew by leaps and bounds over the course of this story.
Mejia does a great job of tying creatures of folklore into a modern, compelling tale. It's evident from this book that there is a lot more of Pao's story to tell. I feel like we are just scratching the surface of complications for this spunky girl.
In short, this is a super fun Middle Grade adventure story, perfect for Readers who enjoy a bit of darker, don't turn out the lights, content in their stories!
I am greatly looking forward to meeting up with Pao again and going on another adventure.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney Books and Rick Riordan Presents, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
As always with books found within the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, this dazzled me with its high-stakes, page-turning content. Well done by Mejia!!
August 30, 2021
Paola santiago and the forest of nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia is the second installment in this middle grade trilogy! I really enjoyed this one I think I loved the first book more than this one though. For me this book was a little slow in the beginning but it picked up halfway through I littearly read the last half in one sitting and that cliffhanger though! How am I supposed to wait until summer 2022 for the third book?! So overall I gave this sequel a 4 stars!(:
March 23, 2022
This book was a huge WOW!
First off, I know it's a middle grade book, but it is genuinely scary.
And full disclosure, I didn't read the first book. I need to, because this one was pretty amazing. But I also feel I didn't need to because I figured out what was happening pretty quickly.
Pao is a seventh grade scientist who was swept into a supernatural adventure last summer. But now she just feels lonely. Her two best friends have become strangers, and her mom has started dating. Pao doesn't feel like she belongs. Everything is completely normal, except for the strange dreams she has been having ...
Suddenly, she and her friends are thrust back into a supernatural world of monsters and ghosts, a journey that thrusts Pao into an unsettling past.
I can't really tell you more without spoilers, but let me just say it was a well-paced, heartbreaking, scary read. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
First off, I know it's a middle grade book, but it is genuinely scary.
And full disclosure, I didn't read the first book. I need to, because this one was pretty amazing. But I also feel I didn't need to because I figured out what was happening pretty quickly.
Pao is a seventh grade scientist who was swept into a supernatural adventure last summer. But now she just feels lonely. Her two best friends have become strangers, and her mom has started dating. Pao doesn't feel like she belongs. Everything is completely normal, except for the strange dreams she has been having ...
Suddenly, she and her friends are thrust back into a supernatural world of monsters and ghosts, a journey that thrusts Pao into an unsettling past.
I can't really tell you more without spoilers, but let me just say it was a well-paced, heartbreaking, scary read. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
June 27, 2025
4 stars ⭐️
This second book takes Paola into an even more dangerous and emotionally complex territory. Blends Mexican mythology with sci-fi fantasy. Fast paced middle grade.
PLOT:
The plot moves quickly and with tension and surprises. It follows Paola as she is drawn into a new mystery involving nightmares, visions and creatures. The story takes on darker tones than the first book and, while it remains suitable for middle grade, it leans more into horror elements (especially in the forest scenes so be aware).
The pacing is strong overall, though there are a few moments in the second part of the book where it slows down. Still, the story build toward a satisfying climax.
WORLD BUILDING:
The author continues to weave rich Mexican folklore into the narrative, but also blends it in surrealism. The forest setting is full of atmosphere: strange and creepy. The use of nightmares, memory and metaphor adds an extra layer of complexity to this one.
CHARACTERS:
Paola Santiago: Paola continues to be a wonderfully layered protagonist. Her love for science and logic remains central to her personality. However, in this book she is also grappling with emotional uncertainty, especially around her relationships and her fears. Her internal conflicts feel very age appropriate and genuine. Adds to the depth of the character.
Dante and Emma: Dante’s “absence” brings tension. Makes Paola reflect on their friendship. Emma however, takes on a bigger role and her dynamic with Paola adds new emotional layers to the story and to their relationship, particularly around trust and communication (such important topics!).
The rest all adds to the atmosphere of danger, mythology, magic, mystery and discovery.
WRITING:
Tehlor Kay Mejia’s narrative is engaging with humor, reflection and suspense. Paola’s voice remains clear and consistent, witty, smart. The dialogue feels natural and the descriptive language is vivid and cinematic.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is a strong and atmospheric sequel that deepens the emotional and also the mythological threads of this series. Unique and compelling heroine, Mexican folklore, dream logic, real world emotions and so on.
Good and solid middle grade fantasy: creepy, heartfelt and full of adventure.
This second book takes Paola into an even more dangerous and emotionally complex territory. Blends Mexican mythology with sci-fi fantasy. Fast paced middle grade.
PLOT:
The plot moves quickly and with tension and surprises. It follows Paola as she is drawn into a new mystery involving nightmares, visions and creatures. The story takes on darker tones than the first book and, while it remains suitable for middle grade, it leans more into horror elements (especially in the forest scenes so be aware).
The pacing is strong overall, though there are a few moments in the second part of the book where it slows down. Still, the story build toward a satisfying climax.
WORLD BUILDING:
The author continues to weave rich Mexican folklore into the narrative, but also blends it in surrealism. The forest setting is full of atmosphere: strange and creepy. The use of nightmares, memory and metaphor adds an extra layer of complexity to this one.
CHARACTERS:
Paola Santiago: Paola continues to be a wonderfully layered protagonist. Her love for science and logic remains central to her personality. However, in this book she is also grappling with emotional uncertainty, especially around her relationships and her fears. Her internal conflicts feel very age appropriate and genuine. Adds to the depth of the character.
Dante and Emma: Dante’s “absence” brings tension. Makes Paola reflect on their friendship. Emma however, takes on a bigger role and her dynamic with Paola adds new emotional layers to the story and to their relationship, particularly around trust and communication (such important topics!).
The rest all adds to the atmosphere of danger, mythology, magic, mystery and discovery.
WRITING:
Tehlor Kay Mejia’s narrative is engaging with humor, reflection and suspense. Paola’s voice remains clear and consistent, witty, smart. The dialogue feels natural and the descriptive language is vivid and cinematic.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is a strong and atmospheric sequel that deepens the emotional and also the mythological threads of this series. Unique and compelling heroine, Mexican folklore, dream logic, real world emotions and so on.
Good and solid middle grade fantasy: creepy, heartfelt and full of adventure.
June 9, 2021
The eponymous Paola and her besties Dante Mata and Emma Lockwood, now 13, still haven’t recovered from the supernatural terrors that nearly took them all. But Paola feels that the lesbian Emma seems more interested in her new political friends, and Dante gets ever-more distant.
Things come to a head when the supernatural that they thought had been defeated invades the hospital where Dante’s grandmother, Señora Mata, lies conscious. Paola realizes that it’s up to her to set things right and save the old lady and find out why the supernatural can’t leave her alone.
Again, author Tehlor Kay Mejia weaves Mexican-American folktales and legends (La Llorona, el Chupacabra, elves and visionary dreams) into a suspenseful tale of the importance of family and friends. While not quite as outstanding as the first book, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, readers will thoroughly enjoy the sequel, which ends with a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents in exchange for an honest review.
Things come to a head when the supernatural that they thought had been defeated invades the hospital where Dante’s grandmother, Señora Mata, lies conscious. Paola realizes that it’s up to her to set things right and save the old lady and find out why the supernatural can’t leave her alone.
Again, author Tehlor Kay Mejia weaves Mexican-American folktales and legends (La Llorona, el Chupacabra, elves and visionary dreams) into a suspenseful tale of the importance of family and friends. While not quite as outstanding as the first book, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, readers will thoroughly enjoy the sequel, which ends with a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2021
I'm a selftaught seventh-grade scientist, not a white lady with a podcast about true crime!
Rating: Really Enjoyed It
I really enjoyed this book! i loved the first installment telling the story of Paola's stand against La Llarona, and this one picks up not too long after the first book. However, things are different. Emma came out to her parents and joined the LGBTQIA+ group at their school, and Pao has drifted away from her, feeling that she doesn't fit in with her new, rich, white friends. Dante has been stand-offish for a while, and Pao doesn't really know why, attributing it to some boy-girl weirdness when they tried to maybe be more than friends. And to top everything off, her mother is dating a guy named Aaron and is not paying much attention to Pao other than to force her into bonding sessions over pizza with the new guy. When Dante's grandmother is in trouble, the three friends come together to once again set off on a quest to deal with the supernatural.
I thought that this was an excellent sequel - it tied up some of the loose ends that we had from the first book relating to Pao's questions about her dad. We get to see the Ninos again, and meet some new supernatural creatures along the way. I love the incorporation of the lore and the fact that Paola herself doesn't know it very well and is trying to put all the pieces together as she is going on.
This book deals with ideas of friendship, betrayal, and acceptance of who you are as a person. I loved seeing Pao make some new friends and come to the realization of exactly how she should be treated. There are also bigger themes relating to social inequality and racism, but they are just part of Pao's life and aren't super preachy.
I personally enjoyed the supernatural escapades perhaps a bit more in the first one, but this was definitely fun. There were some pieces at the end that I didn't quite understand, but that didn't really lessen my enjoyment. We have an opening that points to where the next book will likely go, and I look forward to that adventure as well!
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide/Rick Riordan presents for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an ARC and may be changed in the final version.
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares releases August 3, 2021!
Rating: Really Enjoyed It
I really enjoyed this book! i loved the first installment telling the story of Paola's stand against La Llarona, and this one picks up not too long after the first book. However, things are different. Emma came out to her parents and joined the LGBTQIA+ group at their school, and Pao has drifted away from her, feeling that she doesn't fit in with her new, rich, white friends. Dante has been stand-offish for a while, and Pao doesn't really know why, attributing it to some boy-girl weirdness when they tried to maybe be more than friends. And to top everything off, her mother is dating a guy named Aaron and is not paying much attention to Pao other than to force her into bonding sessions over pizza with the new guy. When Dante's grandmother is in trouble, the three friends come together to once again set off on a quest to deal with the supernatural.
I thought that this was an excellent sequel - it tied up some of the loose ends that we had from the first book relating to Pao's questions about her dad. We get to see the Ninos again, and meet some new supernatural creatures along the way. I love the incorporation of the lore and the fact that Paola herself doesn't know it very well and is trying to put all the pieces together as she is going on.
This book deals with ideas of friendship, betrayal, and acceptance of who you are as a person. I loved seeing Pao make some new friends and come to the realization of exactly how she should be treated. There are also bigger themes relating to social inequality and racism, but they are just part of Pao's life and aren't super preachy.
I personally enjoyed the supernatural escapades perhaps a bit more in the first one, but this was definitely fun. There were some pieces at the end that I didn't quite understand, but that didn't really lessen my enjoyment. We have an opening that points to where the next book will likely go, and I look forward to that adventure as well!
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide/Rick Riordan presents for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an ARC and may be changed in the final version.
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares releases August 3, 2021!
May 14, 2021
Another excellent book from the Rick Riordan Presents series! I was lucky enough to get an ARC from Netgalley.. The story line is exciting and it is a true page turner! There are a lot of references to the first book in the series, but it can be read alone. I do wish there was more explanation around the entities, like in Percy Jackson, so you could easily reference the foundation myths. Great book, can’t wait to see what Pao does next!!!
This book does an amazing job of introducing difficult topics including racism , prejudice, and topics surrounding the LGBTQ community in an organic way. Could easily lend itself to discussions with children or students!
This book does an amazing job of introducing difficult topics including racism , prejudice, and topics surrounding the LGBTQ community in an organic way. Could easily lend itself to discussions with children or students!
December 3, 2021
This has many of the issues a middle volume often has: it really can't be understood well without having read the first book, and it leaves the story definitely unfinished since her friend is still furious at her and apparently in danger from mythic beings for reasons Pao still doesn't understand. However, a lot of her personal history is cleared up in this book, in a slightly confusing way that I had to reread before it made some sense. Paola is a well meaning kid, who is genuinely hurt by accusations that she has manipulated everything in the first book to make herself the heroine. (her argument is that she WAS the heroine but didn't PLAN it that way!) I had trouble deciding between 3 and 4 stars but for right now, feel that the deficiencies of being a middle volume pull it down to a 3 star rating. I feel a bit bad since much of the story did deserve 4 stars. Hopefully the next (final?) volume will be good enough to rate higher.
September 17, 2024
This was a very good sequel and in some ways, better than the first!! I especially loved the depiction of how friendships change through middle school and how it can totally suck. The villains were also incredibly scary and the pacing was better than the first. Overall, I am excited to read the next one and to see the eventual screen adaptation!!!
July 25, 2022
As lovely as the first one with a very well-written villain
June 28, 2021
Whew! Paola went through a lot in book 2!! From barely talking to Dante and Emma, to her mom's new annoying boyfriend to her nightmares coming back worse and full of her estranged father. As weird as it is to say, I enjoyed watching Paola struggle with her friendships; it shows miscommunication happens at any age. My favorite folklore in this book is Estrella, a duendecillo, who helps Paola and her friends in the forest. This was a great story about learning to embrace all the parts that make you an individual, even if you are unsure about who you want to become. Just what middle school students need!
Thanks NetGalley!
Thanks NetGalley!
August 10, 2023
4.5 stars
I've been really enjoying this series and unusually, I ended up liking this second book even more than the first one, perhaps because I was already familiar with some of the mythology, so there wasn't as much of a learning curve. This book takes place about 6 months after the first book and it starts out very differently from the first one. In the beginning, Paola is barely speaking to her two best friends, her mom has a new boyfriend so she's barely speaking to her, and with the increasing frequency of frightening dreams, she feels more alone than ever. When Dante's Abuela suddenly falls into a coma of a mysterious illness, Dante blames her and she vows to do what she needs to do to find out the answer. She ends up teamed up with a reluctant Dante and a snarky Naomi (from the first book) to not only save Dante's Abuela but also find her father, who she thinks may hold the answers to everything. I found this to be a very engaging adventure and I was kept guessing for much of the story and definitely freaked out by some of the monsters/phantasms. I love Paola and look forward to the next book!
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've been really enjoying this series and unusually, I ended up liking this second book even more than the first one, perhaps because I was already familiar with some of the mythology, so there wasn't as much of a learning curve. This book takes place about 6 months after the first book and it starts out very differently from the first one. In the beginning, Paola is barely speaking to her two best friends, her mom has a new boyfriend so she's barely speaking to her, and with the increasing frequency of frightening dreams, she feels more alone than ever. When Dante's Abuela suddenly falls into a coma of a mysterious illness, Dante blames her and she vows to do what she needs to do to find out the answer. She ends up teamed up with a reluctant Dante and a snarky Naomi (from the first book) to not only save Dante's Abuela but also find her father, who she thinks may hold the answers to everything. I found this to be a very engaging adventure and I was kept guessing for much of the story and definitely freaked out by some of the monsters/phantasms. I love Paola and look forward to the next book!
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2022
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to Rick Riordan Presents and Rockstar Book Tours for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I knew the moment I finished Paola Santiago and the River of Dreams that I was going to read this book. I was nowhere near done with Paola’s story and this world Mejia has created. I’ve waited foreverrrr to see Mexican folklore used in an adventure like this, and I haven’t been disappointed yet. I confess, I was a little concerned with where this series was going after that first book, but I shouldn’t have been. This was a fantastic sequel that not only brought back old, beloved characters but introduced some thrilling (and chilling) new folklore!
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares ups the stakes from the first book on both the mythological and emotional level. The threats are bigger, badder, and harder on the feels, with some new thrilling supernatural creatures and some unexpected help along the way.
Not gonna lie, did not like Dante in this one, from the very beginning, and that’s really my only complaint. Of course, this is book two, and it’s obviously going to come up again in book three. Still, all I can say is if Dante was one of your favorite characters, you will be crushed without knowing why until the next book (I hope) because nothing is explained here.
My Thoughts
- Just when you finish Paola Santiago and the River of Dreams and think there’s no way Mejia will be able to top herself in terms of adventure, character building, and folklore . . . she does. I absolutely loved seeing the folklore Mejia brought to life in the first book, and I was a little unsure what would pop up in this book, but I wasn’t disappointed! Between cadejo and duendecillos and other folklore that shall not be named, there are plenty of fun new entities for readers to discover! I’m actually even more excited about what the third book will bring now, because this one raises the stakes so much on the lore and the creatures Paola finds herself faced with.
- Paola did a lot of growing up in the last book, especially around understanding what it means to be a good friend, but she’s not quite done yet. I don’t remember Paola being this funny in the first book, okay? I mean, it’s been a while since I read it, so she probably was, but I legit snort-laughed at several moments. Mejia really captures the twelve-year-old attitude here. I see a lot of my ten-year-old in Paola, and it made me laugh. Because who doesn’t love a protagonist with a bit of an attitude? Middle grade readers will especially find this relatable, I’m sure!
You’d think that with everything she had been through in the first book, Paola was super confident in herself. That isn’t the case at all, though. And thank goodness, because that’d be kind of weird. There’s still a lot of soul-searching and personal growth that happens throughout this book, and I look forward to seeing how Paola grows even more in the next book, too.
- Paola finds herself faced with some new (likely relatable) threats, like her old friends finding new friends and her mother getting a boyfriend. At the end of the day, Paola is just trying to find where she fits in. And if that’s not an entirely relatable struggle, I don’t know what is. Paola struggling with her mother’s new boyfriend is especially relatable, because been there, done that. Had many of the same thoughts as Paola. It’s even funnier to know everything that Paola went through already and the fact that she’s waylaid by something like mother troubles is especially reassuring and really helps ground her character, in my opinion. I appreciated the balance between the mythical/fantastical challenges along with the mundane.
- Something’s up with Dante . . . and it’s not just maybe-girlfriend/boyfriend awkwardness. His grandmother’s acting weird, too. What’s up with that? I mean . . . I’ve read it, so I know. But you don’t. On the one hand, I appreciated the tension of this situation, especially considering how close they grew in the first book. Friendship is hard, and sometimes things go awry in weird ways. On the other hand, I’m a little annoyed that there wasn’t more explanation or build up or grounding to this? *shrug* In any case, Paola finds herself struggling yet again to decide how to be a good friend, but in an entirely different way from the first book. It’s easy to see how she’s grown, even while she’s still trying to decide who she wants to be.
- There’s a really solid mystery and adventure element to this story, alongside all the folklore and personal growth, which hooked me right from the start. Mejia knows how to grab a reader’s attention! I didn’t want to put this book down until I’d solved the mystery with Paola, and there were plenty of surprises along the way to keep me guessing. There was action in the first book, but I feel like this one ups the stakes. You know, as sequels will do. There were plenty of times I was very concerned for Paola and her friends, and the creatures she faces feel much scarier. This book just flew by it, and before I knew it, I was sitting there sad that I didn’t have book three in my hands already (which, if I’m honestly, is almost a regular state of being for me at this point!).
Many thanks to Rick Riordan Presents and Rockstar Book Tours for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I knew the moment I finished Paola Santiago and the River of Dreams that I was going to read this book. I was nowhere near done with Paola’s story and this world Mejia has created. I’ve waited foreverrrr to see Mexican folklore used in an adventure like this, and I haven’t been disappointed yet. I confess, I was a little concerned with where this series was going after that first book, but I shouldn’t have been. This was a fantastic sequel that not only brought back old, beloved characters but introduced some thrilling (and chilling) new folklore!
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares ups the stakes from the first book on both the mythological and emotional level. The threats are bigger, badder, and harder on the feels, with some new thrilling supernatural creatures and some unexpected help along the way.
Not gonna lie, did not like Dante in this one, from the very beginning, and that’s really my only complaint. Of course, this is book two, and it’s obviously going to come up again in book three. Still, all I can say is if Dante was one of your favorite characters, you will be crushed without knowing why until the next book (I hope) because nothing is explained here.
My Thoughts
- Just when you finish Paola Santiago and the River of Dreams and think there’s no way Mejia will be able to top herself in terms of adventure, character building, and folklore . . . she does. I absolutely loved seeing the folklore Mejia brought to life in the first book, and I was a little unsure what would pop up in this book, but I wasn’t disappointed! Between cadejo and duendecillos and other folklore that shall not be named, there are plenty of fun new entities for readers to discover! I’m actually even more excited about what the third book will bring now, because this one raises the stakes so much on the lore and the creatures Paola finds herself faced with.
- Paola did a lot of growing up in the last book, especially around understanding what it means to be a good friend, but she’s not quite done yet. I don’t remember Paola being this funny in the first book, okay? I mean, it’s been a while since I read it, so she probably was, but I legit snort-laughed at several moments. Mejia really captures the twelve-year-old attitude here. I see a lot of my ten-year-old in Paola, and it made me laugh. Because who doesn’t love a protagonist with a bit of an attitude? Middle grade readers will especially find this relatable, I’m sure!
You’d think that with everything she had been through in the first book, Paola was super confident in herself. That isn’t the case at all, though. And thank goodness, because that’d be kind of weird. There’s still a lot of soul-searching and personal growth that happens throughout this book, and I look forward to seeing how Paola grows even more in the next book, too.
- Paola finds herself faced with some new (likely relatable) threats, like her old friends finding new friends and her mother getting a boyfriend. At the end of the day, Paola is just trying to find where she fits in. And if that’s not an entirely relatable struggle, I don’t know what is. Paola struggling with her mother’s new boyfriend is especially relatable, because been there, done that. Had many of the same thoughts as Paola. It’s even funnier to know everything that Paola went through already and the fact that she’s waylaid by something like mother troubles is especially reassuring and really helps ground her character, in my opinion. I appreciated the balance between the mythical/fantastical challenges along with the mundane.
- Something’s up with Dante . . . and it’s not just maybe-girlfriend/boyfriend awkwardness. His grandmother’s acting weird, too. What’s up with that? I mean . . . I’ve read it, so I know. But you don’t. On the one hand, I appreciated the tension of this situation, especially considering how close they grew in the first book. Friendship is hard, and sometimes things go awry in weird ways. On the other hand, I’m a little annoyed that there wasn’t more explanation or build up or grounding to this? *shrug* In any case, Paola finds herself struggling yet again to decide how to be a good friend, but in an entirely different way from the first book. It’s easy to see how she’s grown, even while she’s still trying to decide who she wants to be.
- There’s a really solid mystery and adventure element to this story, alongside all the folklore and personal growth, which hooked me right from the start. Mejia knows how to grab a reader’s attention! I didn’t want to put this book down until I’d solved the mystery with Paola, and there were plenty of surprises along the way to keep me guessing. There was action in the first book, but I feel like this one ups the stakes. You know, as sequels will do. There were plenty of times I was very concerned for Paola and her friends, and the creatures she faces feel much scarier. This book just flew by it, and before I knew it, I was sitting there sad that I didn’t have book three in my hands already (which, if I’m honestly, is almost a regular state of being for me at this point!).
September 18, 2023
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: July, 2023
Theme: Read a Middle Grade Book
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.
WARNING: it contains spoilers from the first book, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears
In the first book, Paola pissed me off. In the second book, Dante pissed me off. Emma, are you applying for the third?
Synopsis:
The story begins six months (I think) after Paola and Dante rescued Emma from La LLorona and life could not be more difficult for Paola. Her friendships are falling apart and, on top of that, her mother is trying to impose her new boyfriend into her life.
Then, it all changes when Dante’s grandmother falls mysteriously ill and at the center of it is her father, an enigma she has been dying to solve.
Her new quest leads her to a treacherous path of monster, ghosts, betrayals, new found friendship and her nightmares.
Review:
In the first book, Paola was extremely obnoxious but, this time, losing the connection she had with her best friends really tamed her. Sure, she still continues to claim to be scientists whilst ignoring the most obvious, basic facts presented to her face. But, in her defense, she is 13/14, so can we really blame her for thinking she knows everything?
The pace was slightly better than the first until 80% into it, which really slowed things down but then it picked up again.
Dante really pissed me off. Not only was he completely unfair to Paola, he accused her of being what he never could – a hero. I understand boys have a complex with being bestened by girls and how they already want to believe they’re the heroes but chill. Dante reminded me so much of my guy friends at 14 and it triggered unpleasant memories and feelings.
I know some people were happy Paola gets confronted by Dante regarding being self-centered, but the problem is: she is accused of wanting to be the hero and forcing them into situations so she can act as such. She is self-centered, yes, so much, it
I find the relationship between Paola and her mother so weird. First, Paola – who claims to be a scientist – prefers to snoop around and go behind her mother’s back than outright ask her and her mother, who knows Paola can suffer from abandonment issues from her father doesn’t even consider having a serious, honest conversation with her only child.
I really liked the implementation of the Mexican folklore with modern times.
Reviews for other Paola Santiago's books:
✨ Paola Santiago and the River of Tears
Month: July, 2023
Theme: Read a Middle Grade Book
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.
WARNING: it contains spoilers from the first book, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears
In the first book, Paola pissed me off. In the second book, Dante pissed me off. Emma, are you applying for the third?
Synopsis:
The story begins six months (I think) after Paola and Dante rescued Emma from La LLorona and life could not be more difficult for Paola. Her friendships are falling apart and, on top of that, her mother is trying to impose her new boyfriend into her life.
Then, it all changes when Dante’s grandmother falls mysteriously ill and at the center of it is her father, an enigma she has been dying to solve.
Her new quest leads her to a treacherous path of monster, ghosts, betrayals, new found friendship and her nightmares.
Review:
In the first book, Paola was extremely obnoxious but, this time, losing the connection she had with her best friends really tamed her. Sure, she still continues to claim to be scientists whilst ignoring the most obvious, basic facts presented to her face. But, in her defense, she is 13/14, so can we really blame her for thinking she knows everything?
The pace was slightly better than the first until 80% into it, which really slowed things down but then it picked up again.
Dante really pissed me off. Not only was he completely unfair to Paola, he accused her of being what he never could – a hero. I understand boys have a complex with being bestened by girls and how they already want to believe they’re the heroes but chill. Dante reminded me so much of my guy friends at 14 and it triggered unpleasant memories and feelings.
I know some people were happy Paola gets confronted by Dante regarding being self-centered, but the problem is: she is accused of wanting to be the hero and forcing them into situations so she can act as such. She is self-centered, yes, so much, it
I find the relationship between Paola and her mother so weird. First, Paola – who claims to be a scientist – prefers to snoop around and go behind her mother’s back than outright ask her and her mother, who knows Paola can suffer from abandonment issues from her father doesn’t even consider having a serious, honest conversation with her only child.
I really liked the implementation of the Mexican folklore with modern times.
Reviews for other Paola Santiago's books:
✨ Paola Santiago and the River of Tears
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July 29, 2021“Everything had changed. And Pao didn’t know how to change it back.”
Six months ago, Paola Santiago went on a death-defying adventure full of ghosts and creatures from the void. After returning to her normal (read: boring) life, Pao hoped things with her friends and family would change for the better. Except now her best friends, Emma and Dante, are barely talking to her and her mom has a new, irritating boyfriend. Pao feels like she has no one to turn to, especially when her nightmares begin again, this time taking place in a mysterious forest and centering around the father she hasn’t seen since was three. Everything in Pao’s life seems like it’s falling apart, and when Dante’s abuela falls into a weird—probably magical—coma, Pao knows it’s up to her to fix it. She embarks on a quest to get some answers, but with nothing as it seems, Pao must dig deep within herself if she wants to save everyone she loves in time.
If you thought you knew everything about Paola Santiago and her world, think again. With this sequel, Tehlor Kay Mejia has proven that there is so much more to discover about Pao, her family and friends, and the void than we readers had ever thought possible. Pao is an exciting and complex character, and I loved following her journey to discover who she truly is. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters, both those we’d met before and those new to this story. It was especially fun to truly get to know Emma, since she was absent for most of the first book. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Rick Riordan Presents novel without something magical, and I absolutely loved learning more about the magical elements and creatures of Mexican-American mythology. With chill-inducing thrills and all the heart and hope we’ve come to expect from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, this book is the perfect continuation of Paola’s story.
Content Warnings: Violence, racism, some graphic descriptions, fire, absent parent, hospitalization of a loved one, murder, death of a parent
(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing us with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @pinereadsreview and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Six months ago, Paola Santiago went on a death-defying adventure full of ghosts and creatures from the void. After returning to her normal (read: boring) life, Pao hoped things with her friends and family would change for the better. Except now her best friends, Emma and Dante, are barely talking to her and her mom has a new, irritating boyfriend. Pao feels like she has no one to turn to, especially when her nightmares begin again, this time taking place in a mysterious forest and centering around the father she hasn’t seen since was three. Everything in Pao’s life seems like it’s falling apart, and when Dante’s abuela falls into a weird—probably magical—coma, Pao knows it’s up to her to fix it. She embarks on a quest to get some answers, but with nothing as it seems, Pao must dig deep within herself if she wants to save everyone she loves in time.
If you thought you knew everything about Paola Santiago and her world, think again. With this sequel, Tehlor Kay Mejia has proven that there is so much more to discover about Pao, her family and friends, and the void than we readers had ever thought possible. Pao is an exciting and complex character, and I loved following her journey to discover who she truly is. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters, both those we’d met before and those new to this story. It was especially fun to truly get to know Emma, since she was absent for most of the first book. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Rick Riordan Presents novel without something magical, and I absolutely loved learning more about the magical elements and creatures of Mexican-American mythology. With chill-inducing thrills and all the heart and hope we’ve come to expect from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, this book is the perfect continuation of Paola’s story.
Content Warnings: Violence, racism, some graphic descriptions, fire, absent parent, hospitalization of a loved one, murder, death of a parent
(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing us with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @pinereadsreview and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
August 11, 2021
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is the second and penultimate book in Paola Santiago series written by Tehlor Kay Mejia. It follows a 13-year-old girl, who once again has to rise up to face more magical challenges.
Six months after defeating La Llorona, Paola Santiago is pulled back into the magical world when her vivid dreams return, this time featuring her absent father. Distanced from her best friends, Dante and Emma, Pao feels increasingly isolated and out of place, especially since her mother's new boyfriend came into the picture and apparently will be moving into their apartment.
Alone in her struggles and feeling frustrated, Pao finally jumps into action when Señora Mata, Dante's grandmother, falls into a magically induced coma after appearing in her dreams and confusing her with Pao's mother, Maria. Pao and Dante's enmity continues as they set out, traveling from Arizona up the West Coast, reuniting with an old ally and battling fantasmas, in order to reach Pao's dad and bring Señora Mata out of her coma.
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is written rather well. The journey is peppered with conversations about and instances demonstrating the vulnerability of minority populations around police and in health care. Queer Emma is active in their school's Rainbow Rogues group and feels distant from Pao as her new social circle consists mostly of well-off kids, in contrast to Latinx Pao's financial struggles. Additionally, her zealous sharing of her newfound social justice awareness and efforts to be an ally sometimes push Pao further away.
All in all, Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Six months after defeating La Llorona, Paola Santiago is pulled back into the magical world when her vivid dreams return, this time featuring her absent father. Distanced from her best friends, Dante and Emma, Pao feels increasingly isolated and out of place, especially since her mother's new boyfriend came into the picture and apparently will be moving into their apartment.
Alone in her struggles and feeling frustrated, Pao finally jumps into action when Señora Mata, Dante's grandmother, falls into a magically induced coma after appearing in her dreams and confusing her with Pao's mother, Maria. Pao and Dante's enmity continues as they set out, traveling from Arizona up the West Coast, reuniting with an old ally and battling fantasmas, in order to reach Pao's dad and bring Señora Mata out of her coma.
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is written rather well. The journey is peppered with conversations about and instances demonstrating the vulnerability of minority populations around police and in health care. Queer Emma is active in their school's Rainbow Rogues group and feels distant from Pao as her new social circle consists mostly of well-off kids, in contrast to Latinx Pao's financial struggles. Additionally, her zealous sharing of her newfound social justice awareness and efforts to be an ally sometimes push Pao further away.
All in all, Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
June 14, 2021
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fantastic continuation in the series about Paola. Mejia has done a great job of continuing the growth of our hero while weaving in the lore and myths. We get answers to some of the questions that we were left with in the first book, while still hinting at more to come.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, and our character's growth felt realistic to their age group. While not as good as the first book, I wouldn’t say this book suffered from sequel syndrome. Paola was just as loveable as always. The lore in the book was well told, and I can walk away feeling like I learned something from this book.
Full review September 24th, 2021.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fantastic continuation in the series about Paola. Mejia has done a great job of continuing the growth of our hero while weaving in the lore and myths. We get answers to some of the questions that we were left with in the first book, while still hinting at more to come.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, and our character's growth felt realistic to their age group. While not as good as the first book, I wouldn’t say this book suffered from sequel syndrome. Paola was just as loveable as always. The lore in the book was well told, and I can walk away feeling like I learned something from this book.
Full review September 24th, 2021.
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October 13, 2021The worst nightmare here is Dante's gaslighting toxicity, which the author portrayed so skillfully. I like how this book touches on such themes because it elevates this book beyond being a fun paranormal adventure, into a book that addresses complex relationship problems and abusive treatment that children may be experiencing, and how they're not ok
November 10, 2021
You can read this without reading the first in the series, but why would you want to .
May 31, 2023
Another really good Paola Santiago book! I can't wait to read the next one! <3
July 10, 2023
Great sequel to the first book! Really good character progression, and I love the way the overall story is developing! It’s a little slow in the introspective sections. Lots of fun! 4 stars
July 28, 2021
Really genuinely spooky. Paola's life becomes more complicated as her nightmares escalate. I didn't know what duendecillos were before listening to this book and would love for them to reappear in book 3. Emma and Dante (Paola's best friends) remain one of the strongest elements in this series; both grounding and uprooting Pao simultaneously. Overall I highly recommend this series and even would say that I enjoy it more than City of Ghosts. Frankie Corzo's narration was fantastic like it was in book 1.
Digital audiobook preview copy graciously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Digital audiobook preview copy graciously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
4.5 tbh why did Dante go to the void????? That's just sad... Otherwise amazing book like all Rick Riordan presented books. Can't wait for #3!!!!
May 31, 2021
3.7/5 stars
While I enjoyed this installment, it wasn't as good as the first. I feel like there was a good moral in the first about discrimination and minorities, while this one lost that and just focused on the mission and drama between main characters. I also feel like the first was a great standalone, but making a series doesn't quite connect. It felt like someone else was writing it, because the first one had good conflict, but the resolution was well planned, and the friendships were the strength that made the book so good. The second book had Paola literally not talking to either of her best friends for different reasons, and it just felt awkward.
While I enjoyed this installment, it wasn't as good as the first. I feel like there was a good moral in the first about discrimination and minorities, while this one lost that and just focused on the mission and drama between main characters. I also feel like the first was a great standalone, but making a series doesn't quite connect. It felt like someone else was writing it, because the first one had good conflict, but the resolution was well planned, and the friendships were the strength that made the book so good. The second book had Paola literally not talking to either of her best friends for different reasons, and it just felt awkward.
January 6, 2022
This book is the second book in a series, so be sure to read Paola Santiago and the River of Tears before this one.
This book takes place all around the western United States. Paola is trying to find the cure to an unknown disease that Dante’s Abuela has, find her dad, and figure out why magic is crowding in one place.
I would rate this story 10/10. It has a lot of emotion and suspense in it.
I read this book because I like mythology and because I read the first one in the series.
There is a third Paola Santiago book to be released this summer.
This book takes place all around the western United States. Paola is trying to find the cure to an unknown disease that Dante’s Abuela has, find her dad, and figure out why magic is crowding in one place.
I would rate this story 10/10. It has a lot of emotion and suspense in it.
I read this book because I like mythology and because I read the first one in the series.
There is a third Paola Santiago book to be released this summer.
February 21, 2024
This second book in the series explores the fallout from the gang’s misadventures in River of Tears. Things have been weird between Paola and her two best friends since they saved the world together. Paola supported Emma when she came out, but then she felt like they grew apart when Emma started hanging out with a new group of people. And Dante has been avoiding her completely, assumedly because of the moments when they were on their adventure and things started to veer into “not just friends” territory between them. But when Dante’s grandma falls into an unexplainable coma, Paola’s sure it has supernatural origins and that the dreams she’s been having can lead her to the answers. Dante comes with her (begrudgingly) to Oregon, where the dreams seem to be sending Paola, and a new adventure begins, but this time Paola feels like she might as well be all alone.
The book explores themes of changing friendships, budding romance, betrayals, and family mysteries. It also features quite a bit of diversity since there are multiple LGBT characters and most of the main characters are Latinx (the fact that brown kids are looked at with suspicion is brought up in multiple scenes in the book). There’s plenty of action since Paola once again finds herself fighting creatures from the void as she makes her way to her missing father. What she finds is a bit of a surprise, though, and the mystery of Paolo’s dreams and her estranged dad will keep kids turning the pages. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book in the series, especially since one major element of the book ends with a definite cliffhanger!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
The book explores themes of changing friendships, budding romance, betrayals, and family mysteries. It also features quite a bit of diversity since there are multiple LGBT characters and most of the main characters are Latinx (the fact that brown kids are looked at with suspicion is brought up in multiple scenes in the book). There’s plenty of action since Paola once again finds herself fighting creatures from the void as she makes her way to her missing father. What she finds is a bit of a surprise, though, and the mystery of Paolo’s dreams and her estranged dad will keep kids turning the pages. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book in the series, especially since one major element of the book ends with a definite cliffhanger!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
February 23, 2021
**I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What an action-packed adventure for middle grade readers! Tehlor Kay Mejia's work, Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares really shines in this Rick Riordian Presents book that follows Paola, Emma and Dante through another adventure.
In her previous book, River of Tears, we met Paola and Dante that fought off arguably one of the scariest ghost legends of all time, La Llorona, who wanders the banks of the Gila at night, looking for unsuspecting young people to drag into a watery grave. Again in Forest of Nightmares, we have a strange entity calling out to Paola. Could it be her long lost dad that mom never discusses? Is it just Pao being upset at her mother's new boyfriend? The book pulls some old friends together and the author fantastically weaves a plot line weaves a plot line that reveals a change in Dante. I also love that the author shows kids to be themselves through the character of Emma.
Mejia creates fantastical events in a way that also lets the reader in on what happened in River of Tears, so the title could stand alone, and she even manages to skillfully build in important and timely themes like systematic racism and themes that kids in middle school can relate to like evolving friendships.
Middle grade readers will find many reasons to love this book and series. Teachers can easily use chapter excerpts to teach about fantasy fiction and theme. I highly recommend to anyone looking for great books for the classroom that kids will pass around until they fall apart.
What an action-packed adventure for middle grade readers! Tehlor Kay Mejia's work, Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares really shines in this Rick Riordian Presents book that follows Paola, Emma and Dante through another adventure.
In her previous book, River of Tears, we met Paola and Dante that fought off arguably one of the scariest ghost legends of all time, La Llorona, who wanders the banks of the Gila at night, looking for unsuspecting young people to drag into a watery grave. Again in Forest of Nightmares, we have a strange entity calling out to Paola. Could it be her long lost dad that mom never discusses? Is it just Pao being upset at her mother's new boyfriend? The book pulls some old friends together and the author fantastically weaves a plot line weaves a plot line that reveals a change in Dante. I also love that the author shows kids to be themselves through the character of Emma.
Mejia creates fantastical events in a way that also lets the reader in on what happened in River of Tears, so the title could stand alone, and she even manages to skillfully build in important and timely themes like systematic racism and themes that kids in middle school can relate to like evolving friendships.
Middle grade readers will find many reasons to love this book and series. Teachers can easily use chapter excerpts to teach about fantasy fiction and theme. I highly recommend to anyone looking for great books for the classroom that kids will pass around until they fall apart.
January 5, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide - Rick Riordan Presents in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Having first heard of the series and finding the first installment on our JFiction shelf I was debating whether to start with this book rather than putting it aside until I have finished with Paola Santiago and the River of Tears. I ended up taking a chance and reading The Forest of Nightmares anyway and I must say I was blown away. I loved the family sentiment and determination Paola had in not only finding her father but finding the truth of why her father left all because she did not approve of her mother's boyfriend. Now, her friend Dante's grandmother is very ill and destined to find her father Paola has more to gain if she finds her father. I appreciated the hoops Paola had to jump in order to find her father and the power of love and forgiveness is always triumphant. Paola Santiago series was very enjoyable that it might be a potential candidate for Battle of the Books 2022.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Having first heard of the series and finding the first installment on our JFiction shelf I was debating whether to start with this book rather than putting it aside until I have finished with Paola Santiago and the River of Tears. I ended up taking a chance and reading The Forest of Nightmares anyway and I must say I was blown away. I loved the family sentiment and determination Paola had in not only finding her father but finding the truth of why her father left all because she did not approve of her mother's boyfriend. Now, her friend Dante's grandmother is very ill and destined to find her father Paola has more to gain if she finds her father. I appreciated the hoops Paola had to jump in order to find her father and the power of love and forgiveness is always triumphant. Paola Santiago series was very enjoyable that it might be a potential candidate for Battle of the Books 2022.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
October 4, 2022
I want to read this because I liked the first one. It being kinda based off La Llorona is very interesting. But this one idk in the first three pages its "white people suck". Write a separate book about white people. Leave it out of your middle grade book.
September 12, 2021
"I'm a self-taught, seventh-grade scientist, not a white lady with a podcast about true crimes!"
TL;DR: A perfectly fine sequel, with better pacing than the first book but some clunky, almost forced attempts at *more* diversity (particularly with Emma's emerging queerness).
Paola is up to her hijinks again -- this time, her mom has a new boyfriend who may or may not be moving in them, so she overthinks it and, instead of talking with her mother, sets off a chain reaction that leads to her looking for her long absent father and losing her best friend Dante to the void.
Vibes: Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson + Mexican/Latin American mythology.
Genre: Middle-Grade. Second in a series.
Character MVP: Eh. Maybe Paola's friends, Emma & Naomi. It's hard to be in the head of a middle-grade character all the time, so perhaps her friends are more engaging because we don't get their every thought.
Verdict: 3.5 stars -- currently rounding down. This book was *fine.*
And I get it -- it's a middle-grade book.
But the thing is, adults can -- and should! -- read middle-grade books too; some of my absolute favorites are considered "middle-grade" but they have a broad audience. (I'm thinking of A Wrinkle In Time and Percy Jackson mainly, but also Scott Reingten's Talespinners series, or any of Roald Dahl's books, TBH.)
But this book is definitely a middle-grade book geared primarily towards middle-grade readers.
The biggest strength of this series, this book included, has been its representation: Paola is a Latina heroine, interested in science and STEM. She's spunky and brave and active. And her culture -- the stories her mother told her growing up -- are woven into the fabric and heart of the story, and that's absolutely wonderful. The different mythologies are (as I'm pretty sure Rick Riordan intended with this series) the best part of the story, because the reader, myself included, gets to learn about different cultures and experiences than the ones they grew up with.
But Paola is a middle-grade girl and there are some parts that make an older reader cringe and eyeroll so hard.
And I get it. I'm not a middle-school girl anymore. (Thank goodness.) But I don't think you're doing your readers or your protagonist any favors when your character jumps to the first conclusion that crosses her mind.
Like the boyfriend moving in: Paola is supposed to be smart, and I get that she's had a rough few months, but it seems like the mom's boyfriend was introduced to (1) draw attention to the fact that Paola's dad isn't there and (2) give Paola a reason to lash out. Which...felt unnecessary to me. Shouldn't a girl who was so interested in science think to *ask* her mom first? Why does the middle-grade-hormonal reaction have to trump the scientific one?
That's a pet peeve of mine, in general, though: when authors create conflict that seems unnecessary because a simple conversation would have cleared it up.
At the end of my review of the first book, I indicated that I thought Paola and her mom would have had a big heart-to-heart about everything, but, NOPE. That didn't happen, and it didn't happen here.
Same goes for Paola and Dante -- and that just read as inconsistent to me. I *get* that they're middle-schoolers, and having hard conversations isn't exactly in their age-appropriate skill set. The conflict there also felt a little forced; she was *so* ready to believe him when he turned on her. And, really? After everything they've been through her first thought was somehow NOT "Hmm, that's weird, maybe something supernatural is happening"?!?
Again, this book was fine. I'd probably recommend it to my kids but it would be a library book, rather than a "have-on-the-shelf-at-home" purchase.
TL;DR: A perfectly fine sequel, with better pacing than the first book but some clunky, almost forced attempts at *more* diversity (particularly with Emma's emerging queerness).
Paola is up to her hijinks again -- this time, her mom has a new boyfriend who may or may not be moving in them, so she overthinks it and, instead of talking with her mother, sets off a chain reaction that leads to her looking for her long absent father and losing her best friend Dante to the void.
Vibes: Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson + Mexican/Latin American mythology.
Genre: Middle-Grade. Second in a series.
Character MVP: Eh. Maybe Paola's friends, Emma & Naomi. It's hard to be in the head of a middle-grade character all the time, so perhaps her friends are more engaging because we don't get their every thought.
Verdict: 3.5 stars -- currently rounding down. This book was *fine.*
And I get it -- it's a middle-grade book.
But the thing is, adults can -- and should! -- read middle-grade books too; some of my absolute favorites are considered "middle-grade" but they have a broad audience. (I'm thinking of A Wrinkle In Time and Percy Jackson mainly, but also Scott Reingten's Talespinners series, or any of Roald Dahl's books, TBH.)
But this book is definitely a middle-grade book geared primarily towards middle-grade readers.
The biggest strength of this series, this book included, has been its representation: Paola is a Latina heroine, interested in science and STEM. She's spunky and brave and active. And her culture -- the stories her mother told her growing up -- are woven into the fabric and heart of the story, and that's absolutely wonderful. The different mythologies are (as I'm pretty sure Rick Riordan intended with this series) the best part of the story, because the reader, myself included, gets to learn about different cultures and experiences than the ones they grew up with.
But Paola is a middle-grade girl and there are some parts that make an older reader cringe and eyeroll so hard.
And I get it. I'm not a middle-school girl anymore. (Thank goodness.) But I don't think you're doing your readers or your protagonist any favors when your character jumps to the first conclusion that crosses her mind.
Like the boyfriend moving in: Paola is supposed to be smart, and I get that she's had a rough few months, but it seems like the mom's boyfriend was introduced to (1) draw attention to the fact that Paola's dad isn't there and (2) give Paola a reason to lash out. Which...felt unnecessary to me. Shouldn't a girl who was so interested in science think to *ask* her mom first? Why does the middle-grade-hormonal reaction have to trump the scientific one?
That's a pet peeve of mine, in general, though: when authors create conflict that seems unnecessary because a simple conversation would have cleared it up.
At the end of my review of the first book, I indicated that I thought Paola and her mom would have had a big heart-to-heart about everything, but, NOPE. That didn't happen, and it didn't happen here.
Same goes for Paola and Dante -- and that just read as inconsistent to me. I *get* that they're middle-schoolers, and having hard conversations isn't exactly in their age-appropriate skill set. The conflict there also felt a little forced; she was *so* ready to believe him when he turned on her. And, really? After everything they've been through her first thought was somehow NOT "Hmm, that's weird, maybe something supernatural is happening"?!?
Again, this book was fine. I'd probably recommend it to my kids but it would be a library book, rather than a "have-on-the-shelf-at-home" purchase.
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