Lords of Night: A Shadow Bruja Novel Book 1
#1 of 2 in Shadow Bruja Series
on Goodreads (743)
What’s inside...
J. C. Cervantes's new spin-off from the STORM RUNNER trilogy.
Fourteen-year-old Renata Santiago is the most powerful godborn of them all, a bruja with a unique combination of DNA. The Mexica blood from her dad's side gives her the ability to manipulate shadows. Her mom Pacific, a Maya goddess, gifted her a magical rope that controls time, and Ren recently used it to save a few gods from getting stuck forever in 1987. She brought them back to the present, but her BFF Ah Puch, the once fearsome god of death, darkness, and destruction, is now a teenager with no divine powers.
Ren is also a girl with ordinary hopes and dreams. She wishes, for example, that her blog about alien sightings would garner more respect. She's always been absolutely convinced that there's a connection between aliens and the Maya civilization. Plenty of online haters feel differently, and they call her a fake, a liar, and a loser.
When Ren receives an email about an alien sighting in Kansas, she thinks it may support her theory. She also suspects that the cinco--five renegade godborns--are up to no good. Soon she finds herself embroiled in a quest to prevent the troublemakers from awakening the nine Aztec Lords of Night. Problem is, none of Ren's friends are available to help her hunt down the cinco and the dangerous gods they are resurrecting. Ren has no choice but to team up with two strangers recruited by Ah Puch: Edison, a teen hybrid demon, and Montero, an eleven-year-old Aztec hunter. Succeeding in this quest will prove that Ren is no fake, liar, or loser. But it isn't just another challenge. It could well be an impossible one that leaves Ren questioning her very existence.
Character compass
Renata Santiago
Ah-Puch
Discussion points
How do you think the characters' abilities to cast shadows reflect their personalities or emotions?
What do you believe is the significance of friendship and teamwork in overcoming challenges in the story?
If you could have any power from the book, which one would you choose and why?
What lessons did the main characters learn about themselves by the end of the book?
How might you handle a similar situation if you were in the shoes of the protagonist?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe a new scene or adventure for the characters, fostering creative thinking.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by characters, and relate them to everyday situations your child might encounter, enhancing ethical reasoning.
Use the power of 'pause and reflect' while reading together; stop at pivotal moments to predict outcomes or discuss characters' decisions, enhancing comprehension skills.
Post-reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then describe why they chose it, promoting connection with the text.
Incorporate real-life examples of teamwork and friendship to underline these themes present in the story, making connections to the child's world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Renata Santiago, confronts various supernatural challenges, showing bravery despite her fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing their fears and overcoming obstacles, equipping them with courage to tackle challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and heritage
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Renata delves into her family's past and embraces her heritage, gaining strength from her roots.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore and take pride in their own heritage, understanding how it shapes their identity.
Example Lesson: Resilience and persistence
Explanation: As Renata encounters setbacks in her quest, her determination to succeed exemplifies resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of perseverance when facing difficulties, helping them to not give up easily in their endeavors.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The bond between Renata and her friends provides support and strength, showing how friendships can overcome even supernatural troubles.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of building strong, supportive relationships, and relying on friends during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of oneself and others
Explanation: Renata's journey of self-discovery and acceptance of her dual heritage and powers teaches self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to embrace their unique qualities and differences, fostering a sense of self-worth and appreciation for diversity in others.