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Pilar Ramirez #2
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon
The Land of Stories meets Dominican culture and mythology come to life in Julian Randall's Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon, the action-packed fantasy duology finale—for fans of the Tristan Strong series and Amari and the Night Brothers.
After being magically transported to the mythical island of Zafa and rescuing her long captive cousin Natasha, Pilar is back in Chicago . . . and hiding the shocking truths about Zafa and Natasha being alive. So, when she and her family are invited on a trip to Santo Domingo, Pilar welcomes the distraction and the chance to see the Dominican Republic for the first time.
But when Ciguapa and close friend Carmen magically appears in the DR searching for help, Pilar is soon on the hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his mysterious new ally. Now, with a cursed storm gathering over the island to resurrect an ancient enemy, Pilar will have to harness her newfound bruja powers if she has any hope of saving her own world, Zafa, and most importantly her family before the clock runs out and ushers in a new era of evil.
After being magically transported to the mythical island of Zafa and rescuing her long captive cousin Natasha, Pilar is back in Chicago . . . and hiding the shocking truths about Zafa and Natasha being alive. So, when she and her family are invited on a trip to Santo Domingo, Pilar welcomes the distraction and the chance to see the Dominican Republic for the first time.
But when Ciguapa and close friend Carmen magically appears in the DR searching for help, Pilar is soon on the hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his mysterious new ally. Now, with a cursed storm gathering over the island to resurrect an ancient enemy, Pilar will have to harness her newfound bruja powers if she has any hope of saving her own world, Zafa, and most importantly her family before the clock runs out and ushers in a new era of evil.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2023
2 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Julian Randall
19 books55 followersJulian Randall is a Living Queer Black author from Chicago. He has received fellowships from Cave Canem, CantoMundo, Callaloo, and the Watering Hole. Julian is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and the winner of the 2019 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award from the Publishing Triangle.
His writing has been published in New York Times Magazine, Ploughshares, and POETRY, and anthologized in Black Boy Joy (which debuted at #1 on the NYT Best Seller list), Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, and Furious Flower. Julian has essays in The Atlantic, Vibe Magazine, Los Angeles Review of Books and other venues. They hold an MFA in poetry from University of Mississippi.
Julian is the author of five books across three genres. For adults Refuse (Pitt, 2018), winner of the 2017 Cave Canem Poetry Prize and a finalist for a 2019 NAACP Image Award and the forthcoming The Dead Don’t Need Reminding: In Search of Fugitives, Mississippi and Black TV Nerd Shit (Bold Type Books, May 2024). For younger readers: the Pilar Ramirez duology and the forthcoming middle grade novel The Chainbreakers (all from Holt Books for Young Readers).
His writing has been published in New York Times Magazine, Ploughshares, and POETRY, and anthologized in Black Boy Joy (which debuted at #1 on the NYT Best Seller list), Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, and Furious Flower. Julian has essays in The Atlantic, Vibe Magazine, Los Angeles Review of Books and other venues. They hold an MFA in poetry from University of Mississippi.
Julian is the author of five books across three genres. For adults Refuse (Pitt, 2018), winner of the 2017 Cave Canem Poetry Prize and a finalist for a 2019 NAACP Image Award and the forthcoming The Dead Don’t Need Reminding: In Search of Fugitives, Mississippi and Black TV Nerd Shit (Bold Type Books, May 2024). For younger readers: the Pilar Ramirez duology and the forthcoming middle grade novel The Chainbreakers (all from Holt Books for Young Readers).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 26, 2023
"I understood a little better why Mami's rhythm never seemed all the way right in America, why she could love this place I'd never seen as fiercely as I love Chicago. There are different magics to these lands, and maybe there's nothing worse than being separated from the magic you love best."
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon by Julian Randall was a magical tale filled with magic, monsters, family, and Dominican history. It was fast paced and jumped right into the action from the start. I loved how it tackled Dominican history, especially the era of Trujillo and it was full of Dominican folklore. I love a good ciguapa and cucitos story and this one did not disappoint.
This was also an ode to Dominican revolutionaries. I caught the subtle nod to the Mirabal sisters aka The Mariposas and the celebration of Dominican women as community leaders and keepers of the history. It was a reminder that love of family keeps the homeland alive in the heart. It also explains why immigrant communities will always be tethered to their native soils. It was also nice to see Pilar, a middle schooler recognize how tourism can mirror colonialism I. The ways that it erases people and their histories with oppression. I was extra happy to see the Afro-Latinx representation. The gorgeous cover made me smile.
Even though this was the second book in the series, it is easy to follow and never gets confusing. If you love Latinx stories that are full of fantasy, family and folklore, here are some recommendations to read after this series:
🧿 Sal & Gabby Break the Universe series- Carlos Hernandez
🧿 The Storm Runner series- J.C. Cervantes
🧿 Charlie Hernandez Mythic Collection series- Ryan Calejo
🧿 The Witchlings series- Claribel Ortega
Thanks to @henryholt and @hearourvoices for the gifted copy and opportunity to be on tour for this one. Julian Randall is an author I'm excited to read more from in the future. I hope to see this series in more classrooms and libraries soon.
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon by Julian Randall was a magical tale filled with magic, monsters, family, and Dominican history. It was fast paced and jumped right into the action from the start. I loved how it tackled Dominican history, especially the era of Trujillo and it was full of Dominican folklore. I love a good ciguapa and cucitos story and this one did not disappoint.
This was also an ode to Dominican revolutionaries. I caught the subtle nod to the Mirabal sisters aka The Mariposas and the celebration of Dominican women as community leaders and keepers of the history. It was a reminder that love of family keeps the homeland alive in the heart. It also explains why immigrant communities will always be tethered to their native soils. It was also nice to see Pilar, a middle schooler recognize how tourism can mirror colonialism I. The ways that it erases people and their histories with oppression. I was extra happy to see the Afro-Latinx representation. The gorgeous cover made me smile.
Even though this was the second book in the series, it is easy to follow and never gets confusing. If you love Latinx stories that are full of fantasy, family and folklore, here are some recommendations to read after this series:
🧿 Sal & Gabby Break the Universe series- Carlos Hernandez
🧿 The Storm Runner series- J.C. Cervantes
🧿 Charlie Hernandez Mythic Collection series- Ryan Calejo
🧿 The Witchlings series- Claribel Ortega
Thanks to @henryholt and @hearourvoices for the gifted copy and opportunity to be on tour for this one. Julian Randall is an author I'm excited to read more from in the future. I hope to see this series in more classrooms and libraries soon.
February 24, 2023
Thank you to Henry Holt & Co. and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It has been one year since the events of Pilar’s first visit to Zafa and her family and sister Lorena’s professor have won a trip to the Dominican Republic. Pilar hasn’t told her family about Zafa or that her cousin, Natasha, is still alive and still a tween because, of course, her family would never believe her! Upon arriving in the DR, Pilar has a disturbing vision of a rising storm so powerful she passes out. Her family thinks it’s just the Caribbean heat. But other things start happening, from the Uber driver giving off bad vibes to the return of Carmen, the ciguapa from Zafa. A very powerful former bruja is trying to bring back a demon from the first book and Pilar and Carmen must return to Zafa to help prevent this from happening.
This is a good sequel but did drag in some areas. I, unfortunately, found myself getting a little bored in the middle. The action does pick up and the ending is satisfying. Reading the first book is necessary to understand and appreciate the events in this sequel. My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
#PilarRamirezAndTheCurseOfSanZenon #NetGalley
It has been one year since the events of Pilar’s first visit to Zafa and her family and sister Lorena’s professor have won a trip to the Dominican Republic. Pilar hasn’t told her family about Zafa or that her cousin, Natasha, is still alive and still a tween because, of course, her family would never believe her! Upon arriving in the DR, Pilar has a disturbing vision of a rising storm so powerful she passes out. Her family thinks it’s just the Caribbean heat. But other things start happening, from the Uber driver giving off bad vibes to the return of Carmen, the ciguapa from Zafa. A very powerful former bruja is trying to bring back a demon from the first book and Pilar and Carmen must return to Zafa to help prevent this from happening.
This is a good sequel but did drag in some areas. I, unfortunately, found myself getting a little bored in the middle. The action does pick up and the ending is satisfying. Reading the first book is necessary to understand and appreciate the events in this sequel. My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
#PilarRamirezAndTheCurseOfSanZenon #NetGalley
August 6, 2022
What worked:
Pilar is of Dominican Republic heritage which is a culture not often featured in novels. The story includes language, food, and other cultural details as much of the plot takes place on the island. The antagonists are mythical creatures in the Dominican folklore and a couple of them are returning from imprisonments. Seems like they may want to find a more powerful, magical penal system. The giant evil being resurrected in the plot was considered gone forever until the reality of its return faces the main characters. The conflict finds Pilar and her allies struggling to discover an impossible way to stop the overwhelming power being wielded by a bruja traitor.
Pilar is a bruja, and the dictionary defines that term as a sorcerer. Pilar is able to wield magic but seems more like a warrior-in-training, as her friend Carmen has been teaching her fighting techniques. Pilar is the only person able to see the storm growing over the sea and the truth behind this vision is revealed later. She also has dreams of people she’s never seen in places she’s never been and the meaning of these images becomes clearer as the story moves on. Most of the brujas in the world have died so Pilar may be the most powerful one left. La Bruja seems to be the boss, but she defers to Pilar’s judgment at crucial points in the plot.
The adventure has a good deal of action-packed scenes that will satisfy young readers. Pilar and her friends use magic to conjure weapons against their foes. Machetes are wielded in hand-to-hand combat as some beasts can only be defeated by removing their heads. Powerful storms and devastating winds create a dark, malevolent atmosphere to accentuate the intensity of the characters’ clashes. Pilar uses her magic and special gloves to traverse the city spiderman-style and to maneuver around giant creatures. She later learns that teamwork is a highly effective strategy against their enemies.
What didn’t work as well:
Authors often use vocabulary from other languages to enhance the cultural influence. This book frequently uses insignificant Spanish conjunctions which may distract readers due to over usage. Other Spanish phrases are used more strategically, adding a cultural flair to the events. The vocabulary seems more appropriate and blends into the story better when it’s used in the characters’ dialogue.
The final verdict:
I recommend reading “Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa” before reading this one as many connections are made to past events and characters. The action, suspense, and Dominican folklore should entertain young readers and I recommend you give this book a shot.
Pilar is of Dominican Republic heritage which is a culture not often featured in novels. The story includes language, food, and other cultural details as much of the plot takes place on the island. The antagonists are mythical creatures in the Dominican folklore and a couple of them are returning from imprisonments. Seems like they may want to find a more powerful, magical penal system. The giant evil being resurrected in the plot was considered gone forever until the reality of its return faces the main characters. The conflict finds Pilar and her allies struggling to discover an impossible way to stop the overwhelming power being wielded by a bruja traitor.
Pilar is a bruja, and the dictionary defines that term as a sorcerer. Pilar is able to wield magic but seems more like a warrior-in-training, as her friend Carmen has been teaching her fighting techniques. Pilar is the only person able to see the storm growing over the sea and the truth behind this vision is revealed later. She also has dreams of people she’s never seen in places she’s never been and the meaning of these images becomes clearer as the story moves on. Most of the brujas in the world have died so Pilar may be the most powerful one left. La Bruja seems to be the boss, but she defers to Pilar’s judgment at crucial points in the plot.
The adventure has a good deal of action-packed scenes that will satisfy young readers. Pilar and her friends use magic to conjure weapons against their foes. Machetes are wielded in hand-to-hand combat as some beasts can only be defeated by removing their heads. Powerful storms and devastating winds create a dark, malevolent atmosphere to accentuate the intensity of the characters’ clashes. Pilar uses her magic and special gloves to traverse the city spiderman-style and to maneuver around giant creatures. She later learns that teamwork is a highly effective strategy against their enemies.
What didn’t work as well:
Authors often use vocabulary from other languages to enhance the cultural influence. This book frequently uses insignificant Spanish conjunctions which may distract readers due to over usage. Other Spanish phrases are used more strategically, adding a cultural flair to the events. The vocabulary seems more appropriate and blends into the story better when it’s used in the characters’ dialogue.
The final verdict:
I recommend reading “Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa” before reading this one as many connections are made to past events and characters. The action, suspense, and Dominican folklore should entertain young readers and I recommend you give this book a shot.
February 27, 2023
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon
Author: Julian Randall
Book Series: Pilar Ramirez Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Dominican American MC, Dominican characters
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy, mythology, Dominican Republic
Publication Date: February 28, 2023
Genre: MG Fantasy
Age Relevance: 10+ (parental death, violence, gore, war mentioned)
Explanation of Above: There is a parental death mentioned briefly. There is some violence and small blood gore. There are mentions of war.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 272
Synopsis: After being magically transported to the mythical island of Zafa and rescuing her long captive cousin Natasha, Pilar is back in Chicago . . . and hiding the shocking truths about Zafa and Natasha being alive. So, when she and her family are invited on a trip to Santo Domingo, Pilar welcomes the distraction and the chance to see the Dominican Republic for the first time.
But when Ciguapa and close friend Carmen magically appears in the DR searching for help, Pilar is soon on the hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his mysterious new ally. Now, with a cursed storm gathering over the island to resurrect an ancient enemy, Pilar will have to harness her newfound bruja powers if she has any hope of saving her own world, Zafa, and most importantly her family before the clock runs out and ushers in a new era of evil.
Review: This book revolves around our MC a year after the previous book’s events. Pilar is invited with her family to go back to the Dominican Republic and good times are had until Zafa residents reappear to PIlar looking for her help yet again. The book did better this time with the pacing and it felt like it was smoother and more even. The book had great historical references with the history of the DR and I loved learning about it. The book also had good world building and character development.
However, I did think that the book is still too fast paced and I think it would be better slowed down. But overall it was good!
Verdict: It was good! Highly recommend.
Book: Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon
Author: Julian Randall
Book Series: Pilar Ramirez Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Dominican American MC, Dominican characters
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy, mythology, Dominican Republic
Publication Date: February 28, 2023
Genre: MG Fantasy
Age Relevance: 10+ (parental death, violence, gore, war mentioned)
Explanation of Above: There is a parental death mentioned briefly. There is some violence and small blood gore. There are mentions of war.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 272
Synopsis: After being magically transported to the mythical island of Zafa and rescuing her long captive cousin Natasha, Pilar is back in Chicago . . . and hiding the shocking truths about Zafa and Natasha being alive. So, when she and her family are invited on a trip to Santo Domingo, Pilar welcomes the distraction and the chance to see the Dominican Republic for the first time.
But when Ciguapa and close friend Carmen magically appears in the DR searching for help, Pilar is soon on the hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his mysterious new ally. Now, with a cursed storm gathering over the island to resurrect an ancient enemy, Pilar will have to harness her newfound bruja powers if she has any hope of saving her own world, Zafa, and most importantly her family before the clock runs out and ushers in a new era of evil.
Review: This book revolves around our MC a year after the previous book’s events. Pilar is invited with her family to go back to the Dominican Republic and good times are had until Zafa residents reappear to PIlar looking for her help yet again. The book did better this time with the pacing and it felt like it was smoother and more even. The book had great historical references with the history of the DR and I loved learning about it. The book also had good world building and character development.
However, I did think that the book is still too fast paced and I think it would be better slowed down. But overall it was good!
Verdict: It was good! Highly recommend.
May 9, 2023
Thank you to netgalley and MacMillan for access to this E-ARC. I was printed access to provide you an honest review in advance of the publishing day.
Pilar is back in the second outing of pillar Ramirez we return to Zafa. It's been in years since people are got back from sofa after the last book. Her cousin Natasha has stayed in Zafa and has learned how to be a bruja. The magical world and the world that people are lives in collide yet again. A new big bad has risen and is attempting to bring Trujillo back from the dead.
As with the last book, this book is rooted in the author's Dominican culture. The plot is engaging in fast-paced. We get to see friends that we met in the first book. The climax feels real and incredibly terrifying given who this novels big bad is trying to bring back.
What I loved about the first book was pilar's voice. This does come through in the Curse of San Zenon. I also loved the history and the impact of that history on the characters. This also came through.
Randall does an amazing job weaving a story around the traumatic impact of History and rooting it in his culture. I found the first book to have a little bit more development of the characters' relationships particularly between Pilar and Carmen. Pilar and Natasha are cousins, and I think they just got less time to spend together talking as they were going on the quest.
***"*spoiler****"
This book is split between a couple different points of view at the very beginning of the novel. The readers kind of thrown into a dream without really knowing what was going on and who was talking.
It turns out that this is Pilar remembering the life of the person who turned into the demon she's facing in this book. How it was handled was a little too abrupt. I spent some time being fairly confused at the beginning of this book. Once I understood what was going on I really appreciated the perspective that those particular chapters gave to the entire book.
**Spoiler ends**
This is a good second outing. it has great heart. The story is exciting and interesting. I think I liked the first book a little bit more, but this was a great read.
Pilar is back in the second outing of pillar Ramirez we return to Zafa. It's been in years since people are got back from sofa after the last book. Her cousin Natasha has stayed in Zafa and has learned how to be a bruja. The magical world and the world that people are lives in collide yet again. A new big bad has risen and is attempting to bring Trujillo back from the dead.
As with the last book, this book is rooted in the author's Dominican culture. The plot is engaging in fast-paced. We get to see friends that we met in the first book. The climax feels real and incredibly terrifying given who this novels big bad is trying to bring back.
What I loved about the first book was pilar's voice. This does come through in the Curse of San Zenon. I also loved the history and the impact of that history on the characters. This also came through.
Randall does an amazing job weaving a story around the traumatic impact of History and rooting it in his culture. I found the first book to have a little bit more development of the characters' relationships particularly between Pilar and Carmen. Pilar and Natasha are cousins, and I think they just got less time to spend together talking as they were going on the quest.
***"*spoiler****"
This book is split between a couple different points of view at the very beginning of the novel. The readers kind of thrown into a dream without really knowing what was going on and who was talking.
It turns out that this is Pilar remembering the life of the person who turned into the demon she's facing in this book. How it was handled was a little too abrupt. I spent some time being fairly confused at the beginning of this book. Once I understood what was going on I really appreciated the perspective that those particular chapters gave to the entire book.
**Spoiler ends**
This is a good second outing. it has great heart. The story is exciting and interesting. I think I liked the first book a little bit more, but this was a great read.
February 23, 2023
Brujas, Ciguapas, and Hell Hounds, Oh My!!
Pilar Ramirez and The Curse of San Zenon is the second book in the fantasy series about a girl who has to “save the world before high school”! It’s an action packed, adventure story packed full of Dominican Republic culture, myths, and history.
Pilar is a relatable middle grader. I love the easy flow between her usage of the English and Spanish languages. She’s just like any typical middle grader with her sisterly drama, a strong feminist attitude, and being protective of her family. But there’s one important difference between Pilar and the typical middle grader next door: she’s a Bruja (witch) and a powerful one!
This story is filled with many Latinx legends and mythological creatures just like in the first story. We find Pilar and her friend Carmen back together fighting all these dark forces. But while the mythical creatures are scary, the most horrific enemy throughout the series is the threat of the return of real life dictator Trujillo, who we find the young heroines fighting to stop his return. Trujillo, or El Jefe, was responsible for the tearing apart and displacement of thousands of Dominican families, as well as horrific abuse, torture and murder of them. I appreciated how Randall used this real life threat as the most horrific enemy of all.
If you haven’t read this Latinx Middle Grade series yet, I highly recommend! It’s the perfect book to pick up for upcoming Middle Grade March!
Pilar Ramirez and The Curse of San Zenon is the second book in the fantasy series about a girl who has to “save the world before high school”! It’s an action packed, adventure story packed full of Dominican Republic culture, myths, and history.
Pilar is a relatable middle grader. I love the easy flow between her usage of the English and Spanish languages. She’s just like any typical middle grader with her sisterly drama, a strong feminist attitude, and being protective of her family. But there’s one important difference between Pilar and the typical middle grader next door: she’s a Bruja (witch) and a powerful one!
This story is filled with many Latinx legends and mythological creatures just like in the first story. We find Pilar and her friend Carmen back together fighting all these dark forces. But while the mythical creatures are scary, the most horrific enemy throughout the series is the threat of the return of real life dictator Trujillo, who we find the young heroines fighting to stop his return. Trujillo, or El Jefe, was responsible for the tearing apart and displacement of thousands of Dominican families, as well as horrific abuse, torture and murder of them. I appreciated how Randall used this real life threat as the most horrific enemy of all.
If you haven’t read this Latinx Middle Grade series yet, I highly recommend! It’s the perfect book to pick up for upcoming Middle Grade March!
March 16, 2023
This novel, like Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa, which preceded it, is set against the history and mythology of the Dominican Republic. Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon takes place a year after the first volume, during a trip to the Dominican Republic, which Pilar takes with her family - the first time her mother and grandmother have been there since they left. The time frame between our world and Zafa, which is a mystical, magical world inhabited by brujita (witches) is inconsistent, so for Zafa, Pilar has just left, and that part of the story picks up right where it stopped.
Pilar remains a fun and enthusiastic character, but there is less of the tween angst that characterized her in the first novel, and it makes her a little less unique than she was, although those who read the first book can still see some of it coming through. This second novel is a good sequel, but will be somewhat confusing for those who haven't read the first one, or who read the first one some time ago. As with the first volume, Pilar, like every character in the novel, speaks English with a mostly consistent admixture of the Spanish of the Dominican Republic, which can make reading the novel complicated for those who, like myself, don’t speak Spanish, and can sometimes make it difficult to differentiate between characters, especially with the occasional admixture of American slang. Still, it's a fun book to read, and those who read the first book will enjoy this one too.
Pilar remains a fun and enthusiastic character, but there is less of the tween angst that characterized her in the first novel, and it makes her a little less unique than she was, although those who read the first book can still see some of it coming through. This second novel is a good sequel, but will be somewhat confusing for those who haven't read the first one, or who read the first one some time ago. As with the first volume, Pilar, like every character in the novel, speaks English with a mostly consistent admixture of the Spanish of the Dominican Republic, which can make reading the novel complicated for those who, like myself, don’t speak Spanish, and can sometimes make it difficult to differentiate between characters, especially with the occasional admixture of American slang. Still, it's a fun book to read, and those who read the first book will enjoy this one too.
January 28, 2023
I haven’t read the first book in the series so I came in with a bit of a disadvantage. I loved the Dominican cultural influence and the sprinkling of Spanish lingo throughout the dialogue. I know there are many bilingual readers who will feel seen by Pilar’s and other characters’ mix of Spanish and English. The action was fast-paced and great for fans of Percy Jackson or other action-adventure series.
Since I didn’t read the first book I did find myself confused about references to characters, names and nicknames for villains, and the out of body experiences Pilar has. Even if a middle grade reader did have the frame of reference, I still think it can be difficult to follow when things are a vision or really happening.
I think this book would work best as an audiobook so listeners can truly appreciate the Dominican and English cultures and vocabulary without getting stuck on decoding unfamiliar words. I also think it would be a great read-aloud for middle schoolers with frequent reenactions of scenes to aid in comprehension.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc and the opportunity to read this fun and fast-paced book!
Since I didn’t read the first book I did find myself confused about references to characters, names and nicknames for villains, and the out of body experiences Pilar has. Even if a middle grade reader did have the frame of reference, I still think it can be difficult to follow when things are a vision or really happening.
I think this book would work best as an audiobook so listeners can truly appreciate the Dominican and English cultures and vocabulary without getting stuck on decoding unfamiliar words. I also think it would be a great read-aloud for middle schoolers with frequent reenactions of scenes to aid in comprehension.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc and the opportunity to read this fun and fast-paced book!
January 28, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
This sequel picks up about a year after the first book finished. Pilar and her family are given a trip to the Dominican Republic through a research grant. Once there, Pilar experiences a series of events that are obviously connected to the events of the past both in this world and in Zafa.
Randall brings readers back into this world and continues to reveal more about these characters. Pilar and Natasha have to figure out how to defeat a new character before she resurrects Trujillo and unleashes the full power of evil magic on all worlds. After a series of battles and confrontations, good defeats evil for what should be the final time. The book ends with Natasha reunited with the family. The final beach scene offers a conclusion that wraps up the whole story. Middle grade readers will appreciate the fantasy elements along with the action and energy.
This sequel picks up about a year after the first book finished. Pilar and her family are given a trip to the Dominican Republic through a research grant. Once there, Pilar experiences a series of events that are obviously connected to the events of the past both in this world and in Zafa.
Randall brings readers back into this world and continues to reveal more about these characters. Pilar and Natasha have to figure out how to defeat a new character before she resurrects Trujillo and unleashes the full power of evil magic on all worlds. After a series of battles and confrontations, good defeats evil for what should be the final time. The book ends with Natasha reunited with the family. The final beach scene offers a conclusion that wraps up the whole story. Middle grade readers will appreciate the fantasy elements along with the action and energy.
February 15, 2023
It’s been a while since Pilar saved the magical world of Zafa, and rescued her cousin, Natasha, who was revealed to have been alive all this time. Now, Pilar and her family have been invited to leave Chicago for a trip and travel back to the island where it all began. It’s the first time Pilar sees the Dominican Republic, and she’s determined to get so much material for her documentary. But her trip gets interrupted when Carmen, the Ciguapa and friend from Zafa, arrives and tells Pilar about the magical land being in danger. What’s worse, it seems like the danger is reaching out into Pilar’s world too. If Pilar doesn’t hurry and stop this new danger, both worlds will be doomed.
I received an advanced reading copy of Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon in exchange for an honest review. To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
I received an advanced reading copy of Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon in exchange for an honest review. To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
February 28, 2023
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon is a middle grade fantasy novel by @julianthepoet .
This book checks off all the main ingredients necessary to be an engaging family read in my home.
*Strong, Female characters (extremely important to my daughter)
*Fantasy Adventure
*Dominican Culture & Mythology
*Historical References
I mean, if generational trauma, ciguapas, Trujillo, brujas, evil omens, and the potential clashing of the mystical world with the human world is right up your alley, then this is the book for you.
This book checks off all the main ingredients necessary to be an engaging family read in my home.
*Strong, Female characters (extremely important to my daughter)
*Fantasy Adventure
*Dominican Culture & Mythology
*Historical References
I mean, if generational trauma, ciguapas, Trujillo, brujas, evil omens, and the potential clashing of the mystical world with the human world is right up your alley, then this is the book for you.
December 26, 2022
I tried and tried to read this book, but the constant throwing in Spanish words just because it could be done was more than I could take pero maybe that was the point, to prevent readers from becoming engrossed in the story. There may be a good story in this book, but if I as an adult with some knowledge of Spanish got frustrated with the constant language changes how could I expect a middle school student to enjoy the book. I most definitely will not be adding this to my school’s collection.
February 25, 2023
I loved the world building with Dominican folklore, myths, culture and most of all the history. I loved that on the second book Pilar got to go to the Dominican Republic and the theme of coming home to your roots was present. I connected with that sincerely even though I'm from Mexico, pero there's a shared experience of missing home for us immigrants. I liked that the villain was pulled right out of history and the magic of Zafa is so empowering!
March 6, 2023
Y’all! I’m so happy I was able to read this book!
I loved everything about this book and the representation shown! I was very lucky to visit the Dominican Republic years ago and fell in love and i remembered everything I loved while reading this book.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“Ay, not this tontería again”
“Desgraciada. I can’t wait until this moody teenager phase is a thing of the past!”
“And now you are my family too.”
I loved everything about this book and the representation shown! I was very lucky to visit the Dominican Republic years ago and fell in love and i remembered everything I loved while reading this book.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“Ay, not this tontería again”
“Desgraciada. I can’t wait until this moody teenager phase is a thing of the past!”
“And now you are my family too.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2023
Pilar and Carmen are back! One of my favorite aspects, as with the first book, was the seamless blend of English and Spanish languages. The other is the fierce loyalty between Pilar, her friends and family. I loved reading about the Dominican Republic and the culture. Pilar's adventure to save the world from Trujillo coming back to life is fast paced and full of action. Great wrap up for Pilar and her family. Thanks NetGalley!
September 4, 2023
It's not a heavy novel per se but it revolves around a war and has elements like killing your friend out of kindness so they won't become a prisoner of war...which is a lot for a middle grade novel.
I had trouble keeping characters straight. The book jumps back and forth in time and some characters were known by a different name each time period. On the plus side it had a lot of action and most of the characters had redeeming qualities.
I had trouble keeping characters straight. The book jumps back and forth in time and some characters were known by a different name each time period. On the plus side it had a lot of action and most of the characters had redeeming qualities.
September 24, 2022
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I’m enjoying reading about all the various myths, gods and monsters of various cultures from around the world. I think kids will enjoy the action and adventure of this book along with getting to learn more about the Dominican Republic myths and culture.
February 28, 2023
(3.5 rounded up). This book is a fun sequel that is much more action packed than the first book, but feels like it’s more focused on the fighting than the relationships that were so vital to the first book. Definitely worth reading to finish the duology.
February 28, 2023
I enjoyed this duology very much. I enjoyed learning about new cultures and the plotline. It was fast-paced, and I was excited about every chapter. If you don’t read the first book, you’re going to be a little confused. However, it’s so good, why wouldn’t you read it?!
March 6, 2023
This was everything!!!
When I read the first book, I couldn't get enough but Pilar is back and it just gets better!
It was the magical adventure that I needed and a huge page turner! This is a must read!
Thank you hearourvoicestours for this gifted copy.
When I read the first book, I couldn't get enough but Pilar is back and it just gets better!
It was the magical adventure that I needed and a huge page turner! This is a must read!
Thank you hearourvoicestours for this gifted copy.
June 10, 2023
I liked the first one better. The ending was a bit wonky but mostly satisfying. I had to keep looking up the Spanish words but know pero, pues, y tambien well. lol. It’s a good adventure especially for bilingual people.
January 6, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
April 1, 2023
La bruja is an amazing mentor
April 19, 2023
I absolutely love the narrator for this series.
Read
June 14, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Death of a parent mentioned
War themes
Death of a parent mentioned
War themes
October 22, 2023
Pero like, it was okay, entiendes?
Read
November 9, 2023Author and poet Julian Randall brought readers delight and magic last year with his debut middle grade novel, Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa. The book follows Pilar Violeta “Purp” Ramirez, a 12-year-old quick-witted dominicana from Chicago who sets out to learn more about her cousin Natasha, who vanished decades ago in the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo dictatorship. In doing so, Pilar finds herself on the magical island of Zafa where she is confronted by creatures like Cucitos (coconut-shaped demons) and embarks on a quest (with the help of a ciguapa) to free her cousin and get back home.
Around the same time that readers were introduced to Pilar’s journey in the spring of 2022, Randall was quietly completing the sequel. Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon, out today from Henry & Holt Company, follows Pilar nearly a year since her cousin’s rescue and the escape from Zafa. Randall dips his readers into the Dominican Republic for the finale of his fantasy duology, where Pilar is traveling with her family for the first time. While there, the unforgettable and hilarious hero ends up with a new quest before her: to hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his new ally in order to save both the island of Zafa and her family.
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon is perfect for young readers (and adults) who want a story filled with adventure, Dominican culture, humor and entertaining doses of attitude. I spoke with Randall for the Dominican Writers Association. Read on for the full Q&A interview: https://www.dominicanwriters.com/post...
Around the same time that readers were introduced to Pilar’s journey in the spring of 2022, Randall was quietly completing the sequel. Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon, out today from Henry & Holt Company, follows Pilar nearly a year since her cousin’s rescue and the escape from Zafa. Randall dips his readers into the Dominican Republic for the finale of his fantasy duology, where Pilar is traveling with her family for the first time. While there, the unforgettable and hilarious hero ends up with a new quest before her: to hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his new ally in order to save both the island of Zafa and her family.
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon is perfect for young readers (and adults) who want a story filled with adventure, Dominican culture, humor and entertaining doses of attitude. I spoke with Randall for the Dominican Writers Association. Read on for the full Q&A interview: https://www.dominicanwriters.com/post...
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