Sinner's Isle

August 15, 2023
A beautiful witch tricks a handsome pirate into helping her escape from exile. Majestics are powerful women blessed with magical gifts by the goddess Xiomara. After a former monarch of the Kingdom of Coronado learned how to weaken their powers, and the church deemed them wicked, Majestics were banished to Sinner's Isle. Once a Majestic comes of age, she's eligible to participate in the Offering, an annual event during which the king and noblemen visit the island to ritually bind with a Majestic of their choosing. Everyone knows that Rosalinda, who can control terrifying phantoms, is the most likely prospect for King Sebasti�n. When she and Juana, her seer best friend, are caught by their controlling mistress, Do�a Luc�a, as they attempt to run away, Rosa submits to her fate. But then she meets Mariano, the Prince of Pirates, whose ship was overtaken by the king's men. Initially, Mariano, whose mother was killed by a Majestic, would do anything to get off the island, but after meeting Rosa, whom he finds both conniving and enchanting, he's determined to escape with her at his side. Montoya's debut is a stunning addition to its genre, offering a world infused with Mexican folklore, a charming cast, a bewitching romance, and a fast, yet evenly paced, adventure. Spanish is seamlessly woven throughout the text. Readers will fall for Rosa and Mariano, who are unapologetically irresistible and strong-willed. Characters are various shades of brown; some are queer. A swashbuckling, swoonworthy standout. (map, author's note) (Fantasy. 13-18)

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Starred review from August 28, 2023
For the past 11 years, 18-year-old Rosalinda—one of the Majestics, witches who are both revered and feared by citizens of the Kingdom of Coronado—has been confined on Sinner’s Isle with other Majestics. She is dreading the upcoming Offering, an auction in which witches are sold to men in power who aim to use the girls’ gifts for their own gain. Unwilling to use her magic for evil and refusing to be bound to a man she hasn’t chosen, Rosa plots to escape the island. When her plans take a disheartening turn, she enlists the help of Mariano, the brooding “Prince of Pirates” who recently washed ashore and is fleeing his own demons. With only seven days before Rosa is sold to the highest bidder, the two—accompanied by Mariano’s mischievous best friend Santiago—tenaciously fight to free her from the isle and the kingdom’s sinister clutches. Debut author Montoya skillfully steeps this meticulously built mythical world in Latin American folklore and amorous atmosphere, making for a hopeful and deeply romantic adventure following one courageous girl’s fight to choose her own path. Characters read as Latinx. Ages 12–up. Agent: Larissa Melo Pienkow, Jill Grinberg Literary.

Starred review from September 15, 2023
Grades 8-11 In a debut sprinkled with magic, readers are transported to Sinner's Isle, where the Kingdom of Coronado deposits Majestics (witches granted power by the goddess Xiomara), out of fear of their abilities. The only way off the island is to be chosen as a partner by visiting royalty and noblemen. Rosalinda, however, has no desire to be picked by King Sebasti�n, and she decides to find a way to escape. Her attempt is quickly thwarted, leaving her feeling hopeless that she'll never be free of the controlling environment--that is until she meets the alluring and brave Mariano, "Prince of Pirates," who is stranded on the island after his ship is captured. The characters of Rosalinda and Mariano represent how sometimes instant connections are not what they seem, as they also demonstrate how a person can feel trapped when making decisions. Montoya weaves elements of Mexican Folklore and magic into an intriguing tale that will make willing captives of its audience.

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December 1, 2023

Gr 7 Up-Rosalinda has been exiled to Sinner's Isle because she is a woman who has a magical ability. She is to be one of the most coveted Majestics at this year's Offering, where a wealthy man can choose to bind to her for life. Knowing this is her fate, Rosa and her friend Juana attempt to flee the island. Mariano, also known as the Prince of Pirates, finds himself marooned on Sinner's Isle. When he crosses paths with Rosa, his life is forever changed. Together they work to escape the horrors of the island. Debut author Montoya shares a story of witches and pirates that is not a common combination. She brings readers into a world where women with magical abilities are made to feel less than and controlled by the men around them. This concept has potential, and this book builds an intriguing world, but it ultimately falls short in its delivery. Chapters are divided between the two main characters, but readers never really get to see the depth of them due to limited character development; the main characters don't really connect until almost halfway through the plot. The insta-love romance between Rosa and Mariano is suited for younger YA fantasy readers. Most characters are described as having brown skin and Spanish words are used throughout. VERDICT Share with readers who have exhausted all other fantasy-romance options. A secondary purchase for where this genre circulates well.-Aliza Mangefrida

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