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Bruja Born

(Brooklyn Brujas #2)

Zoraida Córdova (Goodreads Author)

really liked it 4.00 · Rating details · 2,507 ratings · 566 reviews

Lula Mortiz may be a bruja with healing powers, but after her family's battle in Los Lagos, she feels broken in a way she can't seem to fix. Then tragedy strikes when a bus crash leaves her friends and her boyfriend, Maks, dead. Desperate to reclaim normalcy, Lula invokes a dark spell to bring Maks back. It isn't until she hears that all of the bodies from the crash have g ...more

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Hardcover, 336 pages

Published June 5th 2018 by Sourcebooks Fire

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Jan 20, 2018 Melanie rated it really liked it

Shelves: witches, own-voices, fantasy, read-in-2018, magic, buddy-reads, young-adult, arc

ARC provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

1.) Labyrinth Lost ★★★★

🔮 My favorite review for Bruja Born: Lilly's!

“This is a love story. At least, it was, before my sister sent me to hell.”

Friends, Bruja Born was such a treat. It’s the ownvoices, Latinx, magical story you’ve been looking for. And I liked it even more than Labyrinth Lost, which I loved! When I first requested an ARC of this, I was completely surprised when I found out it wouldn’t be following Alex, the ...more

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Jun 08, 2018 Acqua rated it it was amazing

Shelves: db, loved-it, necromancy, aoc, ya, best-mcs, love-cover, witches, urban-f

Bruja Born is the second book in the urban fantasy series Brooklyn Brujas, and one of the best YA fantasy novels I've read in 2018.
I almost didn't read this. The first book, Labyrinth Lost, followed middle sister Alex. I read it when I was Alex's age, and I still found both the narration and the writing to be very juvenile, the plot predictable.
I didn't have any of these problems with Bruja Born, and I think this book is worth reading even if you were disappointed by Labyrinth Lost. This novel ...more

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Dec 25, 2018 WhatIReallyRead rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, series, fiction, owned-ebook, read-in-english, e-book, fantasy

BRUJA BORN AS A PART OF A SERIES

This is the second book of the Brooklyn Brujas series, and as such it has two problems:

- it was completely unnecessary as a sequel. The events are in no way connected to what happened in book 1. Seriously, there is absolutely no reason this book exists, except that perhaps the author signed a 3-book contract.
- it's not a very good book.

BRUJA BORN AS A BOOK

What I liked:

“I have a plan.” She squints in my direction.
“I don’t like that face.”
“I don’t like your face e

...more

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May 27, 2018 Brooke — brooklynnnnereads rated it liked it

Shelves: arcs

First, I much mention right out the gate that I much preferred this novel in comparison to "Labyrinth Lost". One of my biggest issues with the original novel was that I became confused in how the different language was used with the assumption that the reader would simply understand. That issue was resolved in this sequel and it was done amazingly well, allowing a different language to be integrated in the story with small explanations subtly coinciding with their use.

As well, I really enjoyed ...more

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May 30, 2018 h o l l i s rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2018-reads, ebook, arc, urban-f, family-focused, meh, not-all-the-feels-but-some, contemporary, finished-in-may-2018, lgbtqia

I'm just a girl, forcing myself through a diverse fantasy series, wanting to love it.. and failing.

Despite a really strong start that had me super duper excited, BRUJA BORN, the second in the Brooklyn Brujas series, once again failed to win me over. Everything about this series, the diversity of the cast, the coolness factor of the bruja mythology (not to mention the expanded universe and paranormal types we got in this installment), all of it, should be a guaranteed win for me. But I'm just not ...more

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May 04, 2018 Lilly (Lair Of Books) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya-fantasy, 2018-favorites, 2018-reads, favorites, latinx, brujas

FIREreads Pre-Order Campaign Deets...

Submit Proof Of Purchase

Participants who enter between 12:00 a.m. ET April 12, 2018, and 11:59 p.m. ET June 4, 2018, will receive a signed bookplate and a bookmark. The first 200 participants who enter between 12:00 a.m. ET April 12, 2018 and 11:59 p.m. ET June 4, 2018, are eligible to receive a Magical Brooklyn Map, and if you are one of the first 100 participants who enter between 12:00 a.m. ET April 12, 2018, and 11:59 p.m. ET June 4, 2018, you are eligibl ...more

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May 25, 2018 Lauren Stoolfire rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, urban-fantasy

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lula feels like an outsider. After Alex gains newfound Encantrix powers have scarred her more than her healing abilities can fix, Lula just wants to be comforted by her family. Thank the Deos for Maks, her boyfriend who sees the best in her and brings a spark of light to her life. Then a bus crash changes everything. All of her classmates are dead, including Maks. With her powers Lula can resurrect Maks, even if she needs the help I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lula feels like an outsider. After Alex gains newfound Encantrix powers have scarred her more than her healing abilities can fix, Lula just wants to be comforted by her family. Thank the Deos for Maks, her boyfriend who sees the best in her and brings a spark of light to her life. Then a bus crash changes everything. All of her classmates are dead, including Maks. With her powers Lula can resurrect Maks, even if she needs the help of her sisters in order to defy Death. Magic that defies the laws of the deos is unpredictable and dangerous. When it's all said and done, though, Maks isn't the only one that's back.

Bruja Born (Brooklyn Brujas #2) by Zoraida Córdova is a fantastic sequel to Labyrinth Lost. In fact, I definitely preferred this sequel to book one. Labyrinth Lost was good and very promising, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. However, I needed to return to the world that Córdova created because her world-building is top notch. As much as I enjoyed exploring the world of Los Lagos the first time around, I loved exploring the sisters' expanding world at home seeing more of the magic they're capable of since they've really started to come into their own. Without the Alice in Wonderland major inspiration, this novel is able to stand more on its own two feet. Honestly, I think I prefer Lula more than Alex as the leading perspective character. I found myself much more invested in Lula and her story rather than Alex who sometimes fell a bit short for me. Lula goes through a lot here, and as far as I'm concerned she's more realistic and relatable overall despite her flaws. My one favorite "cameo" in this story is at the 26% - Adam Silvera get a shout out! Finally, I just want to mention that this novel is more a companion to book one rather than a direct sequel. You wouldn't necessarily need to be familiar with Labyrinth Lost to appreciate Bruja Born, but honestly it just makes the story more intriguing to know the characters, world, and everything the Moritz family has been through.

Overall, Bruja Born hooked me right from the get go. I'm can't wait to see book three - and, of course, I expect it's going to feature Rose, the third Moritz sister, who has psychic abilities. I'm also looking forward to seeing more of the Thorne Hill Alliance and the Knights of Lavant in the next book. In the meantime, though, I will need to pick up the Cordova's other fantasy series, The Vicious Deep to tide myself over. If you're a fan of dark YA urban fantasies, witches, magic, you'll need to try this companion novel. ...more

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Jun 12, 2018 Heather (The Sassy Book Geek) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy, 2018-releases, read-in-2018, arcs, young-adult, arcs-2018, favorites

Review Originally Posted On The Sassy Book Geek

**** Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review ****

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

****Trigger Warnings: Violence, Death, Gore, & Self Harm (for magical purposes)****

I enjoyed the first book “Labyrinth Lost” (review here) which was told from Alex Mortiz’s POV and full of Latinx magic and mythology, it’s a fantastic book overall. I was a bit skeptical when I found out the sequel would be told ...more

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Jun 10, 2018 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 1-book-riot-rec, arc-bk-netgalley, z-2018

I’ve never been a fan of zombies. But casimuertos, I like! This book was full of action, from the start. I loved it like the first one and probably like the third one that I can’t wait to read. 2019 is too far away!!! I also loved how the story is told from a different character: in the first book, you live through Alex, and now, through Lula. Can’t wait to see who it will be for book 3! Rose, Nova or Patricio?

I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange ...more

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Jun 05, 2018 The Captain rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult

Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here are me honest musings. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .

It was an absolute delight to be back in the world created by this author. If ye haven't read these novels, they mix Latin American religions and cultures, Mexican holidays, Afro-Caribbean religion, and other Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here are me honest musings. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .

It was an absolute delight to be back in the world created by this author. If ye haven't read these novels, they mix Latin American religions and cultures, Mexican holidays, Afro-Caribbean religion, and other things. It is beautifully done.

The first book dealt with Alex. This one focuses on her sister, Lula. Lula has been struggling since the events in the previous book. She seems to have lost sight of herself and is clinging hard to the pieces of identity that she no longer seems to inhabit. So when events threaten to take the one thing that seems to be holding her together, she aims to fight back no matter what the cost.

This book continues to highlight the importance of family and community. One of the more interesting aspects is that ye get to see the results from Alex's adventure and how it has impacted the entire family. The whole family is struggling with grief, guilt, and post-traumatic stress. There are scars from the past, some literal, and everyone is coming to terms with this new reality. I think that this is an extremely positive outlook despite the inherent pain involved. Magic didn't solve everything and there is a price to be paid for mistakes. And yet, this family sticks together and are determined to love and support one another as they heal.

I found Lula's story to be heart-wrenching. She really doesn't make the best choices and doesn't know what she wants out of life anyone. She is clinging to a version of the past and the idea of a future that has disintegrated. Lula uses the familial bonds of love and guilt to chose a selfish path of action that brings no relief and only more pain to all involved. It is a harrowing journey.

While this was an extremely quick and compelling read, I did have a quibble with the story. Alex's actions in the first book seemed to only impact her direct family and friends. Lula's actions have a much broader scale and effected people outside of the community. It seemed out of line with the rules set up in book one. I am not sure how ye hide magical trouble with those kinds of fatal results. I am hoping the next book will explain this in more detail.

It seems very likely that the next book will focus on the third sister, Rose. I sure hope so! I will definitely be reading it.

So lastly . . .
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire!

Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp... ...more

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Jun 26, 2020 Anna lost in stories *A* rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-audiobooks, paranormal

I liked this one a little bit less than the first book in the series… mostly, because I expected some smarter decision making from Lula… I mean, come on… especially since the whole Alex situation happened just a few months ago… BUT I do (sort of) understand why she wasn't exactly rational… she is still very young and went through some very traumatic stuff in a very short time… I absolutely loved the additional informations we learned about the world, including some very interesting new character ...more

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Jun 08, 2018 TheBookSmugglers rated it really liked it

very good, I liked it even more than the first one!

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Jul 01, 2018 Anthony ➳ KeepReadingForward ➳ rated it it was amazing

5/5
Date Reviewed: 21 July 2018
This Review was first posted on Keep Reading Forward. If you want to see more, check out our other locations as well as here.

“This is a love story. At least, it was, before my sister sent me to hell.”

Bruja Born has been one of my most anticipated books of 2018. I am a big fan of Zoraida Cordóva ever since I began my YA obsession with Cordóva’s The Vicious Deep series. When I first learned that a new series was on its way involving magic, I was excited. The first 5/5
Date Reviewed: 21 July 2018
This Review was first posted on Keep Reading Forward. If you want to see more, check out our other locations as well as here.

“This is a love story. At least, it was, before my sister sent me to hell.”

Bruja Born has been one of my most anticipated books of 2018. I am a big fan of Zoraida Cordóva ever since I began my YA obsession with Cordóva’s The Vicious Deep series. When I first learned that a new series was on its way involving magic, I was excited. The first book was amazing and I loved just about everything. Bruja Born is just the same way.

The first thing I noticed was the main difference between the two current books. In the first book, the setting was mostly in another land called Las Lagos instead of the real world. In Bruja Born , it is now set in the real world. There is a few mentions of Las Lagos throughout the book, but sometimes I wished for that vibe of a magical land throughout the story. However, with all the magic, spells, mythology, zombies, Gods & Goddesses, and old stories, it made up for that feeling. The magic was definitely still there.

Cordóva had an interesting take on zombies. The zombies featured in the book were called casimuertos and they are similar to zombies, but they are not actually zombies. They have the need of life, but are never satisfied, therefore they hunt for more “food.” As I said, the two are very similar, but to have a better understanding of casimuertos, the book offers a better explanation. I personally thought the details of these zombies were an excellent addition as they added so much to both characters and the overall story.

One of the things that I loved seeing in this book was the connection of The Vicious Deep . There is a character that was originally featured the series and is now featured in this book. I did not notice this at first, but once a few details were mentioned and the connections were made, I was happy to see the two series connected to the same world. As a fan of the The Vicious Deep, I should have made the instant connection right at the beginning, but it took me to at least the half way point to finally make the connection. I was still happy either way. There’s probably little chance of more characters making an appearance in the series, but I only hope for more connections in the next book. I loved seeing this connection and I want more of it.

Although this book is written in the perspective of Lula, I would have loved to see more of Rishi. I kept wondering why she was not in the book as much, but then I realized there was a specific reason as to why she was not there. All I can say is I am glad she didn’t make much of an appearance. Otherwise, it may have not gone exactly to well for her. Protect Rishi at all costs!

While on the topic of characters, I must say that I really loved the progress of Rose. I believed that Rose was one of my favorite characters in Labyrinth Lost, and she still is. Rose had such a big development and I was glad for it. There was even a moment where my heart couldn’t take it anymore because she was just being to sweet. I’m really excited to see where her development takes her in the next book, because it’s finally all about her (or at least her perspective).

I know this sounds like a lot of random talking, but this series gets me really excited. I can just go on and on about how amazing the series truly is. Please give the series a read. I know you’ll love it to. I still highly recommend the series to everyone, especially if they love magic and mythology as these are heavily featured. The ending once again got me excited and I cannot just wait for the next book. Although it is going to be the final book, I know its going to be another grand adventure and thrilling read. I can’t wait for more magic and the place it is going to be at. It sounds like it is going to be the best ending yet.

(P.S. The next book is based on the many trips the author has taken to Puerto Rico. I have been there only once and although it was just for a day, it was truly amazing. I can’t wait for it!) ...more

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Jan 19, 2019 laurel [the suspected bibliophile] rated it liked it

Shelves: ya-books, 2019-read, audiobooks, fantasy, zombies

I didn't like this nearly as much as I liked Labryinth Lost, and I think that 90% of the reason is because I really didn't like Lula.

Basically this book (no spoilers, I promise):

Maks: So uh, I'm breaking up with you.
Lula: OMG no! I'm hot. You love me.
*ten minutes later, Veronica Mars Season 2 happens*
Lula: Maks, I'm not going to let you die! We'll be together forever!
*literally hundreds more people die because of Lula's canto*
Lula: Oh Maks, my heart is breaking for you!

Lula: Um, yeah, so like, n ...more

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May 30, 2018 Alexa rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2018

I’m pretty happy to report that I enjoyed this one more than I expected to! I liked the way that this opened up the world and lore of the brujas and their magic, and I enjoyed the visuals and action of this story too. Looking forward to Rose’s story! And maybe Nova’s? I’m down for more brujas and brujos.

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Feb 01, 2019 Diana rated it really liked it

3'5-4★

Vid review available here: https://youtu.be/46tdSVfV6rQ on March, 20th, 2019 ...more

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Jun 02, 2018 Shelley rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018-releases, arc-netgalley, young-adult-fantasy

*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy\
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Bruja Born is the second installment in author Zoraida Córdova's Brooklyn Brujas series. Labyrinth Lost introduced readers to the Mortiz family, especially sisters Alejandra (Alex), Lula (oldest), and Rose (youngest), who are witches gifted by the Deos (Gods) with a variety of different magics. It has been 7 months since the events of Labyrinth Lost in which Alex tried to rid herself of magic, and learned that she's a powerf ...more

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Jun 06, 2018 The Library Ladies rated it really liked it

Shelves: horror, fantasy, young-adult

(originally reviewed at thelibraryladies.com )

I first want to say a special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to this book!

Awhile back I read the book “Labyrinth Lost” by Zoraida Córdova, a fantasy novel that took some influence from “Alice In Wonderland”. I remember liking the characters in it for the most part (well, mostly Alex, our teen witch protagonist), but having a harder time with the fantasy world setting that she found herself in. Look, I have lots of opinions about (originally reviewed at thelibraryladies.com )

I first want to say a special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to this book!

Awhile back I read the book “Labyrinth Lost” by Zoraida Córdova, a fantasy novel that took some influence from “Alice In Wonderland”. I remember liking the characters in it for the most part (well, mostly Alex, our teen witch protagonist), but having a harder time with the fantasy world setting that she found herself in. Look, I have lots of opinions about “Alice in Wonderland,” as you guys know, and that one didn’t really live up to my very high expectations. But I liked Alex and her family enough that I told myself I’d continue in the series, so when I saw that “Bruja Born” was on the way I requested a copy from NetGalley, thinking I had little to lose. But I have great news. If “Labyrinth Lost” has similarities to “Alice in Wonderland,” “Bruja Born” also has a book to which it has similar themes and concepts. And that book is “Pet Sematary”.

The whimsical and dreamy fantasy setting from the first book has gone out the window, and Córdova has taken us straight into dark fantasy/horror for the second book of her “Brooklyn Brujas” series. And this is where, for me, the series has spread it wings and flown high, because THIS is the kind of book I was waiting for. This time, our main character is Lula, Alex’s older sister who was one of those who was in need of rescue in book one. Her emotional and physical scars from her time in Los Lagos have really weighed her down, and she has changed from popular and bubbly extrovert to sullen and bitter killjoy. I was really happy to see that we got to focus on her this time, as while I liked Alex I liked having a new character to explore. And Lula was so flawed and complex, more so than Alex, and getting to know her (as well as Rose, their youngest sister) made this book all the more rich. In fact, this book gave us a better grasp on all of the family members, and world building exploded and really sucked me in. Lula’s relationships, be it with her sisters or her mother or Maks as he becomes the living dead due to a spell that was cast, felt deeper and more rewarding this time around. I also really have to give Córdova props because while I found Lula to be really hard to take at times, I TOTALLY understood the choices that she made and believed every single one of them. And her romance with Maks is so, so emotional and tragic, as you know that it is doomed once he becomes more and more in tune with the undead side of him. But his emotions and feelings and memories are still there, and we have to slowly watch him fall away, and watch Lula potentially lose him all over again. Man was it painful and an emotional rollercoaster, and I, of course, was living for all the agony it was causing me.

The stakes have grown exponentially in this one as well. While those in danger in “Labyrinth Lost” was limited to the Mortiz family alone (which are high stakes for them, of course), the threat of an undead horde threatens all of New York City after the Mortiz Sister’s healing/resurrection spell goes terribly wrong. We get to see how the magical systems within the book not only affect the characters, but how they could potentially affect the world that they live in. There was a lot of loss in this book, loss that actually caught me off guard. This book goes dark, far darker than “Labyrinth Lost”, but I think that it is richer for it. Córdova also brings in concepts from her other stories outside of the “Brooklyn Brujas”, and fits them into this world and the Bruja culture seamlessly. When we find out that this world is not limited to witches, Córdova opens up a world of possibilities that I cannot wait to see her explore as the series goes on. This series has officially gone from ‘yeah, I guess I will go on with it’ to ‘OKAY SERIOUSLY WHEN DOES THE NEXT ONE COME OUT?!’, and now looking at both “Labyrinth Lost” and “Bruja Born” as two parts to the same whole, I’ve gained more appreciation for the former. The stories are very complementary, and the next one, almost assuredly following the youngest sister Rose, can only strengthen it more.

If you like teen horror and an emotional chaser to your terror, “Bruja Born” is definitely a book that you need to pick up. You do need to read “Labyrinth Lost” before going into this story, but given that I have a feeling that the “Brooklyn Brujas” series is going to be VERY strong overall, you’ll be glad that you did. And now seriously, when does the next one come out? ...more

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Jun 03, 2018 Sara (A Gingerly Review) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2018, physical-2018

4.5 stars

I *love* the premise, world, characters, and just everything about this series. It is all deeply developed and masterfully executed.

AND THAT ENDING. I need the next book stat.

~~FRTC~~

**Huge thanks to the publisher for sending me an arc to review. All thoughts and comments are my own**

---------

Full review can be found here: https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com...

I absolute loved Labyrinth Lost and was impatiently waiting for the second book in the Brooklyn Brujas series. I’m thrilled to tel ...more

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Jun 04, 2018 Carrie (brightbeautifulthings) rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya-fantasy, giveaways, underrated, best-read-in-2018

I received a free ARC from Sourcebooks FIREreads. I enjoyed Labyrinth Lost a lot, and I wish this series was getting more attention from the YA crowd. It’s ownvoices with Latinx characters and a f/f relationship in the first book, plus a beautifully drawn magical world. I can’t really oversell it. There may be mild spoilers ahead for Labyrinth Lost. Trigger warnings: death, gore.

Months after Alex’s spell banished her family to Los Lagos, the Mortiz sisters haven’t quite recovered. Lula hides her I received a free ARC from Sourcebooks FIREreads. I enjoyed Labyrinth Lost a lot, and I wish this series was getting more attention from the YA crowd. It’s ownvoices with Latinx characters and a f/f relationship in the first book, plus a beautifully drawn magical world. I can’t really oversell it. There may be mild spoilers ahead for Labyrinth Lost. Trigger warnings: death, gore.

Months after Alex’s spell banished her family to Los Lagos, the Mortiz sisters haven’t quite recovered. Lula hides her scars behind magic, but she can’t hide the damage that her time in the spirit realm did to her. When a horrific bus accident leaves countless dead, Lula will break all the rules of magic in a desperate attempt to save her boyfriend, Maks. But if Alex’s mistakes taught the Mortiz sisters anything, it’s that magic has consequences, and the dead never come back quite the same.

Overall, this is a satisfying addition to the Brooklyn Brujas series. Bruja Born builds on the ideas in Labyrinth Lost while still managing to be entirely its own thing. It continues the themes of family and self-acceptance, but the major problem Lula faces is accepting that death is part of the natural balance of the world. Faced with the deaths of dozens of her classmates and her boyfriend, I think she reacts pretty rationally in trying to save them at any cost. Given the option, I think most people would make the same choice and damn the consequences. I found her a more relateable main character than Alex since I could understand her decisions, and she’s also slower to jump into a conflict.

I also like that Bruja Born is set in Brooklyn, which moves it more into the realm of urban fantasy than high fantasy. It’s a fascinating look at what life is like for the Mortiz family, having to balance magic with their everyday lives (at least until everything goes to hell and the dead start walking). There are a lot of dead things in this book, and that’s also something I appreciate. The casimuertos aren’t quite zombies, but the distinction is negligible, and Córdova paints a gruesome picture with them. The novel also expands on the world by including other supernatural groups in Brooklyn, and I’m hoping that aspect returns in future novels. I hadn’t realized Brooklyn Brujas takes place in the same universe as her other series, The Vicious Deep, which sounds like #murder mermaids. I’m so on board for that.

The plotting isn’t quite as tight as it could be. There’s a lot of running around and not knowing what to do and multiple encounters with the casimuertos where Lula is inevitably defeated and then saved at the last minute. She tends to run toward danger without a plan. Nova returns for the possibility of redemption, and I found him more tolerable this time since he doesn’t clash with Lula as often as he does with Alex. (I did miss Alex/Rishi, but I get that this is Lula’s story.) I love the way the book hones in on the relationships among the Mortiz sisters. Lula, Alex, and Rose are great characters with distinct personalities, but despite their differences, they always come through for each other. Fingers crossed that the third book features Rose as the main character!

I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com. ...more

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May 14, 2018 Alicia (A Kernel of Nonsense) rated it really liked it

Shelves: beloved-books, books-i-own, by-latinx-authors

**I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, which does not influence my review.**

In Bruja Born, Zoraida Córdova reintroduces readers to the Mortiz sisters and her world of witches. When Alex Mortiz cast a spell to take away her power, she inadvertently sent her entire family to Los Lagos, a dangerous in-between realm. While Alex was able to save her family, she could never foresee just how much her world would change. In Bruja Born, Alex’s older sister Lula takes center stage. While Alex ...more

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May 30, 2018 Tara (Spinatale Reviews) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs-and-review-copies

Bruja Born was a deeply insightful and touching exploration of grief, guilt, and the lengths people go to for love. I loved that this book was focused on Lula instead of Alex. While I liked Alex as a main character, I thought that Lula had so much more depth. She faced so many difficult challenges and her character growth was just amazing. Plus I was able to connect with her more, which made this story even more engrossing. I also like how focused on family this series is, it’s a nice change of ...more

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Feb 12, 2018 Rea added it

Shelves: diverse-2018

OH MY GODS
REVIEW TO COME

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Jun 26, 2018 Mila rated it liked it

2,75 stars

I wish I liked this book better but it was mostly a disappointment. I liked the beginning and I enjoyed the originality of the novel. But Lula as a protagonist annoyed me to no end. She was in no way an older sister to her siblings and was continuously selfish, rash and ungrateful. She also made Alex feel so much guilt while Lula herself messed up much harder and refused to actually resolve the problem and ask for help which obviously made the situation so much worse. I think the endin ...more

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Feb 10, 2018 Taylor Ramirez marked it as maybe

So I wasn’t crazy about the first book but I wanted to give this book a chance…but oooo that premise sounds kind of shit. I dunno….

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Nov 20, 2018 Samantha (WLABB) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs, diverse, ya, paranormal

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I became a fan of these brujas via Labyrinth Lost. The story was so rich and captivating, and I couldn't wait to get to know the other Mortiz sisters better. I must admit, I was even more impressed by Lula's story.

Lula was struggling with the new family dynamic following their return from Los Lagos. She had to adjust to her sister, Alex, being this powerful witch, her own disfigurement, and the return of her father. Let's just say, that Lula was NOT embracing all the changes in ...more

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Aug 09, 2018 Leah rated it it was amazing

Before I give my thoughts, let's talk diversity. Most of the people in this story are POCs with Latin American descent, and you see a lot of latin american culture weaved with some fantastical elements and excellent storytelling.

This is the second book in the Brooklyn Brujas series, but instead of following Alex from the first book, we are in the head of her older sister Lula. Lula's also a bruja with healing abilities who went through something very traumatic in the first book and isn't handlin ...more

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Oct 15, 2019 Jessica {Litnoob} rated it really liked it

If book one was good, this was great!

I really appreciate Lula as a main character. I don’t know if it’s because she’s an eldest child, or because she is incapable of listening to anyone (hello me SS a human being lol) but she resonated with me.

She made horrible decisions for all the right reasons and the sheer volume of what happens to her and her family and her city as a result was mind boggling.

Also can we hear it for close families and parents that give a damn?! Because I am here for it y’al ...more

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Jun 04, 2018 Michelle Lecumberry rated it really liked it

Bruja Born picks up right after the events of the first book. The book focuses of the other Mortiz sister. Lula.

This book is the perfect sequel to Labyrinth Lost. One of my favorite things about this book as the Lula's mental health was portrait. Because after the Los Lagos incident it is clear it took emotional and physical strength from Lula.

I have to stay I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, full of action and I absolutely love the family aspect. As a Latina, its so important to se ...more

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Aug 17, 2018 Kay added it

#RWLChallenge: A book with persons of colour who are siblings.

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About Zoraida Córdova

Zoraida Córdova

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Zoraida Córdova is the author of many fantasy novels for kids and teens, including the award-winning Brooklyn Brujas series, Incendiary, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: A Crash of Fate. Her short fiction has appeared in the New York Times bestselling anthology Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, Star Wars The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark, Come on In: 15 Stories About Immigration and Fi ...more

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“It’s a dull metal but makes me feel like the Evil Queen from Snow White. When I was little, I used to root for Snow, but lately, I feel the queen was way misunderstood. Women with power always get a bad rep.” — 1 likes

“Pero he descubierto que el veneno más puro es la amargura en los corazones humanos.” — 1 likes

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Bruja Born

(Brooklyn Brujas #2)

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