A review by crookedly
The Secret of the Serpent by Mikayla D. Hornedo
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
4.0
To start, I will say that Mikayla LOVES to (lovingly) torture her readers with a cliffhanger! The second novel in the Hearts of Maya series is no exception. This one had me saying THAT ENDING! just like the first book.
The novel delivers a fantastic sequel that picks up tight where the first left off and builds upon the world and characters. Maya is explored more, and we get to see more of its lands and people. The four MCs develop and grow both their powers and their relationships - not only between each other, but with a host of newly-introduced characters. Cree and Camila find kinship and family among Kan and his people (although one grumpy shadow daddy takes a little longer to come around), and Xio and Holt deepen their bond while adventuring on a quest that sees Xio gain mastery over her powers.
The events in this novel are laid out in a way that serves to further the main plot well, and it is all leading up to what's eventually going to be an epic conclusion. There's action, a unique Mayan-inspired system of fae magic, amazing magical beasts, and plenty of spice - a little something to keep everyone enthralled!
There are, at times, moments where issues feel like they get resolved just a little too quickly (within a few lines), but it isn't jarring enough to throw off the pacing. I would've also liked an insight into Holt's grieving process during his POV chapters, as grief and loss is such a prominent theme for the sisters and Cree to some extent.
Overall, this was SUCH a joy to read, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
(Huge thank you to Mikayla D. Hornedo
for choosing me to be a lucky recipient of an ARC of her novel! 🙏🏽💚)
The novel delivers a fantastic sequel that picks up tight where the first left off and builds upon the world and characters. Maya is explored more, and we get to see more of its lands and people. The four MCs develop and grow both their powers and their relationships - not only between each other, but with a host of newly-introduced characters. Cree and Camila find kinship and family among Kan and his people (although one grumpy shadow daddy takes a little longer to come around), and Xio and Holt deepen their bond while adventuring on a quest that sees Xio gain mastery over her powers.
The events in this novel are laid out in a way that serves to further the main plot well, and it is all leading up to what's eventually going to be an epic conclusion. There's action, a unique Mayan-inspired system of fae magic, amazing magical beasts, and plenty of spice - a little something to keep everyone enthralled!
There are, at times, moments where issues feel like they get resolved just a little too quickly (within a few lines), but it isn't jarring enough to throw off the pacing. I would've also liked an insight into Holt's grieving process during his POV chapters, as grief and loss is such a prominent theme for the sisters and Cree to some extent.
Overall, this was SUCH a joy to read, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
(Huge thank you to Mikayla D. Hornedo
for choosing me to be a lucky recipient of an ARC of her novel! 🙏🏽💚)