Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Release: February 15, 2022
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Middle grade fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising, will find a new Mexican heroine to love in Solimar and a fresh, magical story!

On the brink of her 15th Birthday, and her official coronation, Solimar visits the oyamel forest to sit among the monarch butterflies. There, the sun pierces through a sword shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her.

After the magical frenzy, she realizes she’s been given a gift and a burden. She can predict the near future. She has also become a protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility, but tragedy strikes when a neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. The remaining villagers are taken hostage all except Solimar.

Can this princess to be save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the monarch butterflies from a greedy and dangerous king?

Written for ages 8 to 12 by the Newbery Honor Medal winner of the highly acclaimed novel Echo.

About the Author:

Pam Muñoz Ryan is a New York Times best selling author and U.S. nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. She has written over forty books, including Riding Freedom, Paint the Wind, The Dreamer, and Echo, a Newbery Honor book and the recipient of the Kirkus Prize.

Other honors include the PEN USA Award, the América’s Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, but now lives near San Diego with her family. Many of her stories reflect her half-Mexican heritage.

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs Review:

“Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs” is a delightful middle-grade fantasy with a strong protagonist and magical storyline, and I could not put it down.

Firstly, let me commend how the author wrote the main character. I loved Solimar in the lead and thought she was a strong protagonist. Solimar goes through a lot in the story, from finding out her new powers of the rebozo to her adventures to save her family and friends. She tackles her experiences positively, and I enjoyed how the author depicted her. Moreover, I loved her interactions with the other characters, whether her darling Abuela, her friendship with María, her bond with Campeon, or her adventure with Bento. The author makes each side character stand out because of how well they bond with Solimar. Similarly, the author also adds interesting fantasy characters like Lázaro and Zarita, who are adorable.

Secondly, I loved the world-building of the story. I am not sure the author based the story on Mexican folklore, but the concept of magical monarchs, enchanted butterflies, and talking dolls blended beautifully. Many moments stood out for me, like when Solimar first meets Doña Flor, or the exciting moments when she goes with Bento through the caves and labyrinth of caverns. The author adds humor, mystery, charm, excitement, and good values to the tale that makes you feel like reading a classic middle-grade fantasy novel that would never get outdated.

On a side note, I hope the author writes a sequel relating to Campeón’s story, as he was a complex character with his dreams and aspirations. Also, I thought the cover of this book was gorgeous!

Overall, I loved everything about “Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs.” It is one of my favorite middle-grade reads from this year.

Giveaway details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SOLIMAR: THE SWORD OF THE MONARCHS, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
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Week Two:
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For the Love of KidLit-Excerpt-2-8-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-9-2022
@emmreadsbooks-Review/IG Post-2-10-2022
The Reading Wordsmith-Review/IG Post-2-11-2022
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Week Three:
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Week Four:
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The Momma Spot-Review-2-22-2022
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Week Five:
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@fictionologyst-Review/IG Post-2-28-2022