Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon (Pilar Ramirez Duology #2)

Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon (Pilar Ramirez Duology #2)
Age Range
8+
Release Date
February 28, 2023
ISBN
978-1250774125
Buy This Book
      
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.

Editor review

1 review
Bruja magic in the Dominican Republic
Overall rating
 
4.0
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
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.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0

User reviews

1 review
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0(1)
Characters
 
5.0(1)
Writing Style
 
5.0(1)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0(1)
Already have an account? or Create an account
Outstanding
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
TPilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon (Pilar Ramirez Duology #2) is an exciting and action-packed adventure story that is sure to leave readers wanting more! The story follows Pilar Ramirez, a brave and courageous young girl who is determined to solve the centuries-old mystery of the Curse of San Zenon. Along the way, she faces dangerous foes and must rely on her wits, her friends, and a little bit of luck to survive.

The author, Impress, has done a fantastic job of creating a captivating world full of intrigue and suspense. The story is well-paced and keeps readers engaged from start to finish, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The characters are all likable and their interactions are believable and engaging. The setting is immersive and the details are vivid, giving readers a real sense of the world Pilar and her friends inhabit.

Overall, TPilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon (Pilar Ramirez Duology #2) is a great read that fans of action-adventure stories will love. The characters are memorable, the story keeps readers on their toes, and the world-building is excellent. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and thrilling adventure!
Good Points
9.4
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0