STONE FEATHER FANG

Borrowing from Latin America’s Indigenous history, this fantasy series opener reimagines a culture that was violently disrupted by colonialism.

When the high priestess of her religious order instructs Hildy, 15, to deliver the Telling (her people’s origin story) over three nights at the Areíto Festival, Hildy resists—she’s shy, stutters, and fears angering Luisa, her intimidating youngest sibling. But, supported by her faithful best friend, Izzy, Hildy summons the courage. Hildy’s Telling takes up most of the novel, describing how their ancestor, Jenaro Albizu del Rios, confronted Maboya, the god of death. Jenaro’s reluctance to abandon his faithful companion, Agostin, caused Yaya, the creator, to return Jenaro to life. When Jenaro angered his father by backing out of an arranged marriage, he was reminded that Yaya’s blessing isn’t necessarily benign. On the second night, while Hildy continues their ancestor’s story, Luisa abruptly disbands the Temple, interrupting the festival and forcing Hildy and Izzy to flee the chaos. Hildy’s role mostly consists of channeling Jenaro’s picaresque adventures, but the cliffhanger ending points to her potential as a protagonist in future installments. Referencing his Puerto Rican heritage, the author weaves what’s known of Taíno culture, language, and history into a coherent fantasy. After a bit of awkward scene-setting at the outset, the narrative finds its footing and gathers momentum and power, leaving readers to guess how Jenaro’s and Hildy’s stories might merge.

An inventive, organically grown hero’s journey.