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citrus_seasalt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
From the first chapter of this story, I was hooked. Lucha herself is a compelling character, as painfully believable as she can be as an unbelievably magically strong girl in a fantasy setting. The bond between her and her sister was strong, although I wished in the beginning I could see more of the two interacting outside of Lucha needing to tend to her needs or keep her barely out of harms way. At times, I was physically sick from the subject matter on-page, but the concepts of the setting and the deliciously evil character of El Sediento made this difficult to put down. Seriously, he stayed consistently scary until the last quarter, and I liked how his manipulation of the main character tied into the book’s themes about human nature, desperation, and forgiveness. The first third of the novel is easily it’s strongest, establishing the harshness of Lucha’s world while providing a kind of resilience that wasn’t entirely hopeful but had some very interesting religious-adjacent undertones about bravery. (Particularly in a few lines, it seemed to establish Lucha as a kind of legend within her own world. Very interesting writing choice.)
The pacing was a little messy after that first escape: There was too much time spent in the forest for my liking, and the romance with Paz didn’t have enough chemistry for it to really stick. There was a sweet moment with them that I liked, but I think that was it? Paz was also a strange choice of a love interest, she’s unmistakably sketchy for most of the plot. Does that make her kindness to Lucha and her sister more multi-faceted..? Don’t know. (There were a couple times where, more than anything, she seemed like a liability to keep around.)
Anyhow. And thenthe gods were introduced as characters and not just a way of worldbuilding, and the story got lost on me. Sure, it added to Lucha being this religious character/legend within her world, which didn’t come out of nowhere and I already predicted would be the case based on the first third’s writing, but it took away from the bite of there being a slightly more realistic fantasy setting to discuss the tough subject matter. Perhaps that’s just a personal preference of mine, though, I’m not one for stories involving gods when it’s a plot twist. “House Of Salt And Sorrows” was an example of the same trope but instead of it taking away from slight commentary it was the horror. Also, Lucha had a sudden power upgrade that really bugged me. But I liked the ending, it was appropriately bittersweet.
Regardless of me giving this book a rating below 4 stars, that’s due to my gripes with it and not my personal enjoyment. I still think of it from time to time, and I still loved some parts of it. I generally liked the tension and the atmosphere, and honestly, Latine fantasy is one of my favorite genres so I was guaranteed to like this anyhow. I can see someone picking up this book and totally loving it, I’m just not one of those people.
The pacing was a little messy after that first escape: There was too much time spent in the forest for my liking, and the romance with Paz didn’t have enough chemistry for it to really stick. There was a sweet moment with them that I liked, but I think that was it? Paz was also a strange choice of a love interest, she’s unmistakably sketchy for most of the plot. Does that make her kindness to Lucha and her sister more multi-faceted..? Don’t know. (There were a couple times where, more than anything, she seemed like a liability to keep around.)
Anyhow. And then
Regardless of me giving this book a rating below 4 stars, that’s due to my gripes with it and not my personal enjoyment. I still think of it from time to time, and I still loved some parts of it. I generally liked the tension and the atmosphere, and honestly, Latine fantasy is one of my favorite genres so I was guaranteed to like this anyhow. I can see someone picking up this book and totally loving it, I’m just not one of those people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, and Confinement
Moderate: Trafficking and Sexual harassment
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A dark and often tense fantasy about a young girl willing to bargain anything to save her sister, but the cost is far higher than she ever could have imagined.
Lucha just wants to protect her sister and survive, and she has been forced into a role where she has to kill awful monsters just to put food on the table. Her choices and desperation felt so real and raw. As much as she feels bitterness to what she has had to become, she would never truly leave. The way girls are treated in the town was very hard to swallow. Constant name calling and the threat of violence hangs over all of them, and I almost wished she had burned it all to the ground.
I really liked this book. I think the second half of it really had me drawn into the story, once they reach the forest I feel like it really picks up and you know where it's going. The writing style and prose along with the beautiful imagery had to be some of my favorite parts of the book. I almost felt like I was going to look around and see thick forestry, or mushrooms everywhere.
The message about power corrupting, such as in the organized religion and even with the Kings was very well done. It showed that no matter who you are, once you start choosing who to save and protect you're no better then the bad guys.
A lot of messages about mothers and children, as well as choosing your fate and not having a destiny. (I do wonder if I would have picked this book up if I had known how much the mother/child theme was in this)
There was a lot to this story, there probably wasn't ever more then a few pages before a conflict would occur, I would have liked to see more relationship progression between Paz and Lucha. I also wish we had seen more of Alán, or at least his history with Lucha. I feel like there would have been more of an emotional payoff that way. I also felt like there were almost some story threads that got dropped? I almost thought the story was going to lead into protecting the environment and saving the town, but it went in a different direction. I also really thought there was going to be more about getting rid of the drug and corruption, but that didn't happen either. It almost felt like a lot happened but not a lot got resolved.
These are all minor complaints because I loved the story, so I can't really be too bad about the direction it took.
My biggest issue with the story is there are NO TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNINGS. This was incredibly frustrating to me, as this is a new release and I truly don't see any reason for there not be any in this day and age. And y'all this book goes to some dark places, so please be kind to yourself. (There are topics alluding to sexual assault, drug use, trafficking, misogyny and worse)
I will definitely read more by the author. If you are a fan of dark fantasy books this is perfect for you!
Lucha just wants to protect her sister and survive, and she has been forced into a role where she has to kill awful monsters just to put food on the table. Her choices and desperation felt so real and raw. As much as she feels bitterness to what she has had to become, she would never truly leave. The way girls are treated in the town was very hard to swallow. Constant name calling and the threat of violence hangs over all of them, and I almost wished
I really liked this book. I think the second half of it really had me drawn into the story, once they reach the forest I feel like it really picks up and you know where it's going. The writing style and prose along with the beautiful imagery had to be some of my favorite parts of the book. I almost felt like I was going to look around and see thick forestry, or mushrooms everywhere.
The message about power corrupting, such as in the organized religion and even with the Kings was very well done. It showed that no matter who you are, once you start choosing who to save and protect you're no better then the bad guys.
A lot of messages about mothers and children, as well as choosing your fate and not having a destiny. (I do wonder if I would have picked this book up if I had known how much the mother/child theme was in this)
There was a lot to this story, there probably wasn't ever more then a few pages before a conflict would occur, I would have liked to see more relationship progression between Paz and Lucha. I also wish we had seen more of Alán, or at least his history with Lucha. I feel like there would have been more of an emotional payoff that way. I also felt like there were almost some story threads that got dropped? I almost thought the story was going to lead into protecting the environment and saving the town, but it went in a different direction. I also really thought there was going to be more about
These are all minor complaints because I loved the story, so I can't really be too bad about the direction it took.
My biggest issue with the story is there are NO TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNINGS. This was incredibly frustrating to me, as this is a new release and I truly don't see any reason for there not be any in this day and age. And y'all this book goes to some dark places, so please be kind to yourself. (There are topics alluding to sexual assault, drug use, trafficking, misogyny and worse)
I will definitely read more by the author. If you are a fan of dark fantasy books this is perfect for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Trafficking, and Sexual harassment
rebyreadsandwrites's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Drug abuse, Drug use, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Sexual violence and Sexual harassment
tak_everlasting's review
too much time spent setting up for future books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Slavery, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Vomit and Sexual harassment
cboddie's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
8th & up
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Sexual assault
ezwolf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Lucha of the Night Forest caught my attention as a "fantasy about a girl who will do anything to protect her sister". I love stories about siblings going to great lengths to protect each other and the book does deliver on that.
I've spent a few days trying to find the right word to describe how this book felt to me and I have settled on that it's just kind of surface level in terms of world building and character development. At the start of the book I was very invested, but as I kept reading my interest lessened.
But this book is fast paced and a bit dark with a sapphic romance and I think a lot of other people will like this book more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!
I've spent a few days trying to find the right word to describe how this book felt to me and I have settled on that it's just kind of surface level in terms of world building and character development. At the start of the book I was very invested, but as I kept reading my interest lessened.
But this book is fast paced and a bit dark with a sapphic romance and I think a lot of other people will like this book more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Minor: Sexual violence, Trafficking, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism
lisashelves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
bkwrm1317's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First and foremost, big ups to Random House Children's team for granting me access to an eARC of Lucha of the Night Forest. I have enjoyed other YA novels by Tehlor Kay Mejia, and Lucha was no different.
Originally drawn to the novel due to my familiarity with the author, when I read the description, I got even more intrigued.
Lucha is well-paced, fantasy novel featuring an LGBTQNIA2S+ representative young femme protagonist. A number of themes within the novel struck me, including: enemies to lovers; the power of sibling love (sister love specifically); tropes of redemption, revenge, and justice; the evils of addiction and how it steals loved ones from us (either literally or figuratively); the power of life, nature, and hope; a coming into self/coming of age narrative that's centered most on a young femme coming into her own personal power and knowing herself/believing in herself.
A hunter of the evil things that lurk in the dark of the forest, our protagonist, named Lucha (literally "fight" or "struggle" in Spanish), is trying to keep her family together at all costs in a working poor community where the evils of capital keep people indebted, addicted, and treat human beings as disposable along with the earth. When their mother disappears on a bender (again), Lucha is determined to take care of her younger sister Lis, who she sees as naive and unfamiliar with what is required in order to survive the hand they've been dealt. Lucha meets another young woman, Paz, and her adventure unfolds from there.
Well-written prose combined with a storyline that compels the reader to turn the page makes for a great new YA fantasy novel from Mejia. I also love the ways in which Latinidad bleeds onto the pages, as well as larger reflections around societal issues that are relatable to all readers, regardless of their identities or where they come from geographically. I love the world that Mejia has created for us with Lucha and will continue to be on the lookout for new works in the future.
Originally drawn to the novel due to my familiarity with the author, when I read the description, I got even more intrigued.
Lucha is well-paced, fantasy novel featuring an LGBTQNIA2S+ representative young femme protagonist. A number of themes within the novel struck me, including: enemies to lovers; the power of sibling love (sister love specifically); tropes of redemption, revenge, and justice; the evils of addiction and how it steals loved ones from us (either literally or figuratively); the power of life, nature, and hope; a coming into self/coming of age narrative that's centered most on a young femme coming into her own personal power and knowing herself/believing in herself.
A hunter of the evil things that lurk in the dark of the forest, our protagonist, named Lucha (literally "fight" or "struggle" in Spanish), is trying to keep her family together at all costs in a working poor community where the evils of capital keep people indebted, addicted, and treat human beings as disposable along with the earth. When their mother disappears on a bender (again), Lucha is determined to take care of her younger sister Lis, who she sees as naive and unfamiliar with what is required in order to survive the hand they've been dealt. Lucha meets another young woman, Paz, and her adventure unfolds from there.
Well-written prose combined with a storyline that compels the reader to turn the page makes for a great new YA fantasy novel from Mejia. I also love the ways in which Latinidad bleeds onto the pages, as well as larger reflections around societal issues that are relatable to all readers, regardless of their identities or where they come from geographically. I love the world that Mejia has created for us with Lucha and will continue to be on the lookout for new works in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Sexual violence and Violence
Sexual violence is implied/threatened, but I did not read it as having actually occurred. It's threatened with a young woman being forced under the influence of drugs though, hence my inclusion of this as a CW.caseythereader's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thanks to Random House for the free advance copy of this book.
- LUCHA OF THE NIGHT FOREST is a dark YA fantasy that I couldn't put down. I read the whole thing in one day because I had to know what was going to happen to Lucha.
- The world invented in this book isn't super detailed, but enough to get you invested and rooting for everyone. Even when characters' motives are at odds, you still want all of them to succeed.
- I loved that there was sapphic attraction between Lucha and Luz, but that it wasn't the driving force of the story, simply one element of it.
- This book doesn't shy away from the idea that systems are built to keep whole classes of people down, and also that even if you think you're doing good, you can still be doing harm in ways you haven't considered.
- LUCHA OF THE NIGHT FOREST is a dark YA fantasy that I couldn't put down. I read the whole thing in one day because I had to know what was going to happen to Lucha.
- The world invented in this book isn't super detailed, but enough to get you invested and rooting for everyone. Even when characters' motives are at odds, you still want all of them to succeed.
- I loved that there was sapphic attraction between Lucha and Luz, but that it wasn't the driving force of the story, simply one element of it.
- This book doesn't shy away from the idea that systems are built to keep whole classes of people down, and also that even if you think you're doing good, you can still be doing harm in ways you haven't considered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Violence, Blood, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny
betweentheshelves's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lucha does what she can trying to keep her and her sister together after their mother disappears. Most likely thanks to the drug that’s making the rounds in their hometown. When Lucha gets an offer to help eradicate the drug for good, she takes it. No matter the cost. She doesn’t want to see anyone else suffer like her mom has.
What she doesn’t factor in is a strange new girl who’s arrived in town and tags along with Lucha. Lucha also doesn’t realize she’s stumbled into a fight that’s been years in the making, between a scorned god and higher powers that be. Will Lucha be able to fully step into her new powers? Or will she end up being consumed by the Night Forest?
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an advanced copy of Luch of the Night Forest by Tehlor Kay Mejia to review! After reading We Set the Dark on Fire, Mejia became a favorite. Also, how does she score such beautiful covers? Honestly, this one is absolutely stunning.
First of all, Mejia’s writing drew me in right at the beginning. I always appreciate the way that she builds worlds in her books. She drops small details here and there and isn’t afraid to just drop you in the middle of the action. At the core of this story is Lucha’s relationship with her sister. She will do anything to ensure that her sister is safe. That her sister doesn’t have to deal with the hardships of their mom.
Additionnally, there’s a sweet romance that builds between Lucha and Paz. The whole central cast of characters is well developed, overall. Coupled with the unique nature of the magic system, and this felt like a breath of fresh air in the YA fantasy genre. Fans of her previous YA works will definitely enjoy this one. She’s also sure to gain some new readers as well!
My only complaint about this book has to do with the pacing. The beginning does start off a little slow, meaning it takes a bit to actually get to what the central plot is in the book. However, once you do get to main conflict, hold on to the edge of your seat
All in all, this is a new YA fantasy filled with a lot of promise. Definitely check it out when it comse out in March!
What she doesn’t factor in is a strange new girl who’s arrived in town and tags along with Lucha. Lucha also doesn’t realize she’s stumbled into a fight that’s been years in the making, between a scorned god and higher powers that be. Will Lucha be able to fully step into her new powers? Or will she end up being consumed by the Night Forest?
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an advanced copy of Luch of the Night Forest by Tehlor Kay Mejia to review! After reading We Set the Dark on Fire, Mejia became a favorite. Also, how does she score such beautiful covers? Honestly, this one is absolutely stunning.
First of all, Mejia’s writing drew me in right at the beginning. I always appreciate the way that she builds worlds in her books. She drops small details here and there and isn’t afraid to just drop you in the middle of the action. At the core of this story is Lucha’s relationship with her sister. She will do anything to ensure that her sister is safe. That her sister doesn’t have to deal with the hardships of their mom.
Additionnally, there’s a sweet romance that builds between Lucha and Paz. The whole central cast of characters is well developed, overall. Coupled with the unique nature of the magic system, and this felt like a breath of fresh air in the YA fantasy genre. Fans of her previous YA works will definitely enjoy this one. She’s also sure to gain some new readers as well!
My only complaint about this book has to do with the pacing. The beginning does start off a little slow, meaning it takes a bit to actually get to what the central plot is in the book. However, once you do get to main conflict, hold on to the edge of your seat
All in all, this is a new YA fantasy filled with a lot of promise. Definitely check it out when it comse out in March!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use