Omega Morales and the Curse of El Cucuy

Omega Morales #2

by Laekan Zea Kemp

Fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Paola Santiago and the River of Tears will root for Omega Morales, in this second book of the series, as she learns to trust her newfound powers when she comes face-to-face with the Mexican legend El Cucuy.

After discovering that she has the unique ability to affect the emotions of supernatural creatures, Omega is certain she’s strong enough to handle the feelings of others on Día de Muertos. But when darkness overwhelms her, it’s a sign that not only is she still vulnerable but that there may be a new malicious presence in Noche Buena. 
  
When a child goes missing at the cemetery, panic ensues, prompting the new sheriff to open an investigation. But then another child is taken, and another. Soon, with the help of Carlitos, Omega discovers that El Cucuy—the boogeyman—is responsible for the disappearances. And it doesn’t take long for Omega to realize that, just like with La Lechuza, she might be the only one who can stop him—but at what cost? 

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Action, Mythology

336 pages, Hardcover

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

Laekan Zea Kemp is a writer living in Austin, Texas. Her debut novel, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet was a 2022 Pura Belpré Honor Recipient. She has three objectives when it comes to storytelling: to make people laugh, cry, and crave Mexican food. Her work celebrates Chicane grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health.

Find her on social media @LaekanZeaKemp
http://www.laekanzeakemp.com/

Reviews

[Ddnreads]

The marketing said if you love Paola Santiago series you'll love this. I love Paola Santiago and I picked this book up, and It didn't disappoint me.

It's my bad but I didn't realise it was a second installment of a series. It was quite confusing at first but as I went through the pages I can imagine what the first book was about.

It's been a while since I read a middle grade book and I enjoyed it. I love the culture exploration, the family dynamic, the mystery and siblings/ best friends frenemies.

I love how it explored the sentiment and judgement of superstition and culture around Mexican families.

I didn't prepare that it's going to be so angst at the end of the book :(((

I definitely would pick up the book once it's released.

If you love middle grade fantasy rich with cultures and coming of age, give it a go.

[Kristy]

El Cucuy comes to town to kidnap children and t's up to Omega and her friends to save them.

I enjoyed this one a bit better than the first. I definitely liked that there was less bullying and nobody told a child they should be grateful for getting bullied.

Since this takes place directly after the end of the first book, Carlitos is unsurprisingly still incredibly immature and self-centered. I hope there will be a bit of a gap between this book and the next one to give his character time to grow.

I'm excited for the third book next year.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

[Lucia]

It was a great follow up to the first book. It ends on a few cliff hangers so I figured there had to be a third book but based on what I read on this website (https://www.writersdigest.com/write-b...) there is not going to be a Omega Morales 3.

[Bridgette]

*thriller and intrigue all throughout the book
*easy to read with short chapters
*very well-written
*great character development
*storyline is very exciting and kept my interested from cover to cover
*highly recommend

[Beth]

Fun and I enjoyed the main character as she worked on her powers and worried about her differences (which really exploded at the end). But it was a hard place to start; most of the relationships leaned on the first book. Go start with that one!

[Rosandra]

I need the third book like yesterday. We end on a cliffhanger. I need answers. What’s next for Omega? What will become of Aiden? Clau and Candela?