Published by Sourcebooks Fire, Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova is the sequel to Labyrinth Lost, a YA fantasy that continues the theme of finding peace and light within the darkness.

Following Labyrinth Lost, Bruja Born follows Lula as she deals with the PTSD of being trapped in Los Lagos. What was interesting in this novel is the fact that the previous novel hinted at this novel’s premise. The fact that Córdova took a small detail and ran with it magically is impressive and showcases her talent and her imagination.

Another exciting aspect of this novel is the departure it takes from the previous novel. This novel remains in the real world, but when Lula casts a canto that brings back the dead and makes them zombies, it makes for a refreshing read.

What is also different is the fact that the story follows Lula now, not Alex. Readers only got to know Lula through Alex and their dynamics as sisters, now readers get to know the read, Lula. She is very different from Labyrinth Lost, but that is good. Lula is more complex, a little petty, and frail; she has PTSD, and what hurts her, even more, is the fact that she can only talk to her family; she cannot talk to her boyfriend who knows something is wrong, but cannot seem to help her. This highlights just how much damage bottling up feelings is, keeping it locked up, not just to one’s self but also relationships.

Final Thoughts

Lula’s life is all about secrets, being a Bruja is dangerous, but keeping secrets always does more harm than good, and Lula discovers that throughout the novel. It is as much an eye-opening journey for her as the previous adventure was for Alex.

Moving at a smooth pace, the tension in the story rises as Lula discovers how to move past her pain and grief. Furthermore, the fact that this is a horror, as well as a fantasy, makes for such a great read. 

Bruja Born is a cool and action-packed novel that gives readers an exciting and Latin imbued fantasy. (✮✮✮✮✰)

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