Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Release: August 4 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Space-obsessed 12-year-old Paola Santiago and her two best friends, Emma and Dante, know the rule: Stay away from the river. It’s all they’ve heard since a schoolmate of theirs drowned a year ago. Pao is embarrassed to admit that she has been told to stay away for even longer than that, because her mother is constantly warning her about La Llorona, the wailing ghost woman who wanders the banks of the Gila at night, looking for young people to drag into its murky depths.

Hating her mother’s humiliating superstitions and knowing that she and her friends would never venture into the water, Pao organizes a meet-up to test out her new telescope near the Gila, since it’s the best stargazing spot. But when Emma never arrives and Pao sees a shadowy figure in the reeds, it seems like maybe her mom was right. . . .

Pao has always relied on hard science to make sense of the world, but to find her friend she will have to enter the world of her nightmares, which includes unnatural mist, mind-bending monsters, and relentless spirits controlled by a terrifying force that defies both logic and legend.

About the Author:

Tehlor Kay Mejia is an Oregon native in love with the alpine meadows and evergreen forests of her home state, where she lives with her daughter. When she’s not writing, you can find her plucking at her guitar, stealing rosemary sprigs from overgrown gardens, or trying to make the perfect vegan tamale. She is the author of Paola Santiago and the River of Tears and the YA fantasy novels We Set the Dark on Fire and We Unleash the Merciless Storm. Follow her on Twitter @tehlorkay.

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Paola Santiago and the River of Tears Review:

This book did not disappoint, and I thought it was an excellent addition to my RRP collection. Moreover, this book is different from the other Rick Riordan Presents books because it focuses more on the paranormal than mythology. I loved how the author incorporated the tale of La Llorona into the story, as it is not something that is the prime focus. Also, just like most Rick Riordan Presents novels, there are so many exciting adventure moments that kept me at the edge of my seat. The author does not shy away from twists and turns as Pao finds herself in a haunted cactus field full of ghosts or gets stabbed suddenly or fights Mano Pachona, to name a few.

Paola is fantastic in the role, and she made the book shine. Seeing how she sees everything scientifically, it was interesting to see her reactions when she embarks on her journey. Moreover, I loved Pao’s friendship with Dante and how they went about their journey to rescue Emma. It was interesting to see how their friendship was put to the test as the story progresses. Moreover, I liked the other characters like Marisa and Naomi as well.

The author also adds a level of mystery behind the glow of the green water and River Gila. I liked how she made the story atmospheric. The story leads to a gripping climax, where you see the bigger picture. I was at the edge of my seat towards the end and could not put the book down. The author even makes the negative characters complex, which makes you feel emotional towards them.

Overall, “Paola Santiago and the River of Tears” is an excellent start to the “Paola Santiago” series, and I cant wait to see how it continues.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE FOREST OF NIGHTMARES, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay MejiaBlog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!