July 2023 - AudioFile
Cyrina Fiallo brings every chirpy raccoon, fearsome Nightbeast, and determined witch to life in this fantastical, fun, and sometimes scary sequel to WITCHLINGS. Seven Salazar has weighty new responsibilities and a big secret--not only can she speak to animals, but to monstruos, too. Fiallo's lively voice captures each character as Seven, Valley, and Thorn face new dangers and fierce competition in the Twelve Towns' magical Golden Frog Games. But someone is cursing the costura and toad-racing competitors with a dangerous stone hex, and Seven and her friends are on the hunt for who could be wielding this archaic magic--friends, crushes, anyone could be the culprit! Listeners will be captivated by Fiallo's narration--and eager for the next chapter in this compelling and clever middle-grade series. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Praise for The Golden Frog Games:
“Sharply insightful about the epidemic of hate against minority groups, Ortega invites readers to ponder the true definition of monstrosity as she puts her beloved trio through more challenges in this fast-paced and emotionally charged adventure. Cheeky and moving by turns; an adventure for a new generation.” –Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Witchlings:
Instant New York Times Bestseller!
#1 Indie Bestseller
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
A Kids' Indie Next List Selection
A B&N Most Anticipated Book
“Enchanting. Ortega’s inventive story has a cozy, lived-in feel and a mystery that will keep kids guessing.” ―Entertainment Weekly
"Magic, friendship, and humor―an enchanting read." ―Kwame Mbalia, New York Times bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series
"Inventive. Magical. Enchanting. An absolutely charming tale with its heart rooted in the friendships we make and keep." ―J.C. Cervantes, bestselling author of The Storm Runner series
“A gorgeous tale of determination and magic.” ―Booklist
“Energetic and intelligent; invites readers to question their assumptions and the status quo.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Centering three resourceful, sympathetic protagonists and considering issues of exploitation and privilege, Witchlings interweaves Spanish phrases, contemporary elements, and well-grounded magical worldbuilding.”―Publishers Weekly
“An exciting story of friendship that touches on topics like self-worth and identity.” –Hip Latina
“Incredibly charming.” –Youth Services Book Reviews
AudioFile - JULY 2023
Cyrina Fiallo brings every chirpy raccoon, fearsome Nightbeast, and determined witch to life in this fantastical, fun, and sometimes scary sequel to WITCHLINGS. Seven Salazar has weighty new responsibilities and a big secret--not only can she speak to animals, but to monstruos, too. Fiallo's lively voice captures each character as Seven, Valley, and Thorn face new dangers and fierce competition in the Twelve Towns' magical Golden Frog Games. But someone is cursing the costura and toad-racing competitors with a dangerous stone hex, and Seven and her friends are on the hunt for who could be wielding this archaic magic--friends, crushes, anyone could be the culprit! Listeners will be captivated by Fiallo's narration--and eager for the next chapter in this compelling and clever middle-grade series. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-03-29
Seven Salazar, Valley Pepperhorn, and Thorn La Roux are back in this follow-up to Witchlings (2022).
The Golden Frog Games are the Twelve Towns’ most significant tournament, and the Witchlings are poised to once again make their mark. As Spares, without a traditional coven of their own, Seven, Valley, and Thorn don’t fit the usual definitions of champions and leaders. Further stacking the decks against them, Seven is struggling to come into her newly discovered Uncle powers: She’s hearing the voices of monstruos—including the dread Nightbeast—much more often than those of animals. Capping it all, there’s a hexer on the loose at the games, threatening the safety of all the witches in the Twelve Towns. Luckily, the Witchlings are on the case. Navigating changes in their friendships, new romances, old bigotries, and some shattering losses, the Spare witches have a lot of growing to do. The story is unequivocally queer, quietly mirroring our world’s rich landscape of genders and sexualities. Sharply insightful about the epidemic of hate against minority groups, Ortega invites readers to ponder the true definition of monstrosity as she puts her beloved trio through more challenges in this fast-paced and emotionally charged adventure with future nail-biting installments promised.
Cheeky and moving by turns; an adventure for a new generation. (Fantasy. 8-12)
