Carnival Fantastico

Gr 9 Up–The magical, devious Carnival Fantástico lures those wanting to lose themselves in whimsy for a night. For Esmeralda, who is running from the law, working in the carnival offers a year of immunity. As her reprieve creeps to an end, Esmeralda is determined to prove herself as the next big act—granting her fame and more time in the security of the carnival. But when her first love (and son of the military leader out to get her) Ignacio shows up looking for proof of his father’s corruption, the strange magic of the carnival grows dangerous, and they’ll have to team up to survive. Love and magic mesh for Montoya (A Cruel Thirst), as there is plenty of swoonworthy pining, aided by some charming childhood love letters and further combined with a thrilling mission to break through the carnival’s magical veneer. Readers will be inspired by the journeys to self-acceptance for the two heroes, each convinced of their own unworthiness. While there is some clunky character development, the book will enchant readers and delight them with the supernatural mystery. Esmeralda and Ignacio are Spanish-speaking characters of color; there are Spanish names and phrases used throughout, and all of the main and secondary characters have brown skin.