Dawn of the Jaguar (Shadow Bruja Series #2)

by J. C. Cervantes Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez

Overview

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the breathtaking finale to J. C. Cervantes's Maya-inspired Shadow Bruja duology, in which Ren makes a bargain for her life. Shadow bruja Ren Santiago was relentlessly pursued by the evil Aztec Lords of Night, who claimed that she was destined to be their queen, a destiny she wasn't willing to accept. So she chose death instead. Too bad death wasn't the answer to her problems. Ren soon realizes she must return to the land of the living to make things right. Unfortunately, that means negotiating with Ixtab, queen of the underworld. Ixtab offers her ten days aboveground in exchange for the discarded crown of jade and shadow. If Ren fails, she will return to the darkness for eternity. Ren agrees, knowing full well that she also has to save her friends Marco, Monty, and Edison and, while she's at it, put those pesky Lords of Night back to sleep forever. The only problem is, Ren lost her shadow magic and time rope when she lost her life. How will Ren manage to accomplish what feels impossible? The answer lies not in manipulating shadows or time, but in recognizing the awesome power that has always been inside her. J. C. Cervantes's trademark humor, incredibly high stakes, fascinating characters, and shocking plot twists are on full display in this epic conclusion of an unputdownable duology.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

PRAISE FOR THE STORM RUNNER

NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING SERIES!

"A perfect storm of inspiring heroes, surprising twists, and some seriously scary monsters. This hilarious, expertly-plotted adventure keeps you racing through the pages and leaves you desperate for the next book (and craving a steaming mug of hot chocolate)!"
—Shannon Messenger, New York Times best-selling author of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series and the Sky Fall series

"J. C. Cervantes is about to take you on a trip you will never forget, through the darkest, strangest, and funniest twists and turns of Maya myth. You will meet the scariest gods you can imagine, the creepiest denizens of the Underworld, and the most amazing and unlikely heroes who have to save our world from being ripped apart."
—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1 best-selling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

"The Storm Runner takes us on a wild thrill ride through the Southwest, Los Angeles, and the spirit realm amidst all-night diners, delicious cups of hot chocolate, and Maya deities. A terrific read leading to an explosive page-turner of a finale!"
—Daniel Jose Older, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowshaper

"The Storm Runner is brilliant, exhilarating, and funny. Its pages will burn in your hands, and Zane Obispo and the Maya gods will keep you up at night terrified and delighted! But beware, this book might reveal your own hidden magic."
—Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World

★ "Fantastic and villainous creatures from [Maya] folklore combine with clever, realistic, and heartwarming characters. A page-turning and well-written trip into the world of [Maya] mythology, perfect for fans of David Bowles’s Garza “Twins” and Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” series."
—School Library Journal (starred review)

★ "Zane is an instantly relatable character: he's frustrated by his circumstances and wants to do the right thing, though he often gets into trouble for fighting bullies or wandering off alone. Cervantes wastes no time getting right into the action, and her conversational tone and suspenseful pacing will keep the pages turning as the tension escalates and the characters face deepening stakes. Plentiful references to Mayan mythology and culture are bound to send readers searching for more background info, even with the glossary in the back matter. Don't miss this rip-roaring adventure."
—Booklist (starred review)

". . .the high stakes will grab kids who just want to turn the pages as quickly as possible. . . .Zane's incredibly appealing kid voice and wry internal interjections make him easy to root for."
—Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE FIRE KEEPER (Storm Runner, 2)

“A fast-paced addition to a solid middle grade series whose mythological roots are sure to satisfy fans of the first book.”
—School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR THE LORDS OF NIGHT (Spin-off from the best-selling Storm Runner trilogy)

"This volume sizzles with madcap fun, interweaving icons and figures from Mayan and Aztec mythology with dizzying results. The author excels at making these gods and goddesses cool and familiar. In the second half, many truths kept from Ren fall into fabulous place, spiraling into an exciting cliffhanger. This duology opener is accessible to readers who are new to this world. An engrossing, god-filled delight."
―Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

2023-07-26
Young shadow bruja Renata Santiago scrambles to thwart the resurgent Lords of Night.

Following her preplanned death—intended to halt her forced coronation as queen of the nine formidable Aztec gods known as the Lords of Night—Ren wakes up in the Mayan underworld. There she makes a deal with the Mayan goddess Ixtab. In exchange for a return to the land of the living, Ren must retrieve Ixtab’s lost crown of jade and shadow and return it to her within seven days. Without her shadow magic and reliable time rope, during her brief detour through the underworld, Ren uncovers a surprising new set of powers, one stemming from her godborn might. To save the rogue godborns who have fallen under the Lords’ wrath and finally defeat the malevolent Aztec gods, Ren seeks to expose the truth behind the crown that threatens to upset her world forever. She’s assisted by friends Edison and Monty, as well as Ah-Puch, her best bud and newly restored Mayan god of death and destruction. Equal in thrills and twists to its predecessor, this duology closer crackles with a brisk pace that is maintained to the last page. Here the inspired blend of Mayan and Aztec lore takes a slight back seat to Ren’s journey of self-discovery, which proves to be captivating overall. Cervantes keeps the action humming along, and readers will appreciate reuniting with the enjoyable characters.

A satisfying wrap-up of a gripping duology. (glossary) (Fantasy. 8-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159612458
Publisher:	Disney Press
Publication date:	10/10/2023
Series:	Shadow Bruja Series , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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