This was a fast-paced mystery with adventure, humor and plenty of twists and turns! This is the third book in the Charlie Hernández series and we have new characters, some changes in the relationships and some great mythical creatures. The world building is complex but fun to learn about. I loved the other books in this series but this one here is my absolute favorite! It's like everything from the other books were added and kicked into high gear! Fantastic series! Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and Ryan Calejo for sharing this book with me!

If you enjoy any of Rick Riordan's books, you'll love this. Based on Latinx folklore, Ryan does a great job of incorporating the tales to help Charlie conquer his enemies. The writing is impeccable, and this was such a fun read. A great way to learn about other cultures. I'm so glad I was able to read this.

¡Dios mío!
This was quite the adventure! You've got everything from your average Middle School drama to the added worries of mythical creatures popping up when you least expect them, skeletons on a mission to sprouting rather interesting fur, feathers, and other enhanced body parts at unusual moments, and of course life and death, DANGER, and the potential for THE END OF THE WORLD! You know, nothing your average kid can't handle...or not! Good thing Charlie is anything other than average, and yet doesn't have a big head about him. He and his bestie Violet have each others backs...even when the going gets tough and the tough are required to go to parts unknown across the world via magical gateways hiding in plain site...and, you know, uncover the conspiracy brewing with some of the undead, and handle being kidnapped by another mythical being from his heritage. Just your average walk in the park...or stroll through the graveyard!

I loved the way actual folklore was built into the story because it gave readers an opportunity to not only have a great reading escape, but learn more about a culture they may not have previously known. The relationship between Charlie and Violet was adorable...well, from my standpoint anyway. You could see the possibility of something there, but weren't certain if it would ever materialize; no, I won't be spoiling the surprise. The way the story twisted and turned in on itself kept you guessing...one moment we know clear as day who the "bad guy" is...and the next, maybe it's as clear as mud...but it also reminded us that people, or creatures that aren't exactly people, are not always black and white. There are many shades of gray in-between, and while we may not always do the right thing, it's the actions we take after those mistakes that can truly show the world who we are.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc and finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Charlie Hernandez and The Golden Dooms

Author: Ryan Calejo

Book Series: Charlie Hernandez Book 3

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: Mexican American MC, Mexican American characters, Mexican characters, and Hispanic characters

Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy, mythology, Mexican folklore and mythology, Percy Jackson vibes

Publication Date: September 13, 2022

Genre: MG Fantasy

Age Relevance: 10+ (violence, peeping tom references, pet kidnapping)

Explanation of Above: There is some slight violence in the book. There is a reference to a peeping tom that some younger kids might not understand. There are scenes where pets are said to be kidnapped.

Publisher: Aladdin

Pages: 384

Synopsis: After hitchhiking across Central and South America to rescue the Witch Queen and face off against La Mano Peluda, Charlie Hernández is pretty much grounded for life. But after all he’s been through, some quiet time at home with his parents might be nice. Though it would be better if he didn’t have to share his room with his obnoxiously perfect cousin Raúl, who’s staying with them.

But quiet is hard to come by when you’re the fifth and final morphling, and it’s not long before death walks back into Charlie’s life. Or at least, the dead do, starting with a mysterious young calaca who corners him at school, dropping cryptic hints about trouble brewing in the 305. With the League of Shadows focused on repairing fractured alliances and tracking gathering armies, this one’s up to Charlie to solve.

Following the clues only leads to more questions, and not even teenage investigative journalist extraordinaire Violet Rey can figure out how a sudden rooster infestation, earthquakes, missing persons, and a pet-napping gang of lizard-men—whom Charlie doesn’t recognize from any legend—are all connected. Most concerning of all is when they learn a map has been stolen that reveals the locations of the Golden Dooms, the twelve ancient calaca watchmen who form the magical barrier between the realms.

To stop the impending invasion, Charlie and Violet must outwit an ancient evil and unravel the most sinister of schemes. That is, unless they’d rather watch the Land of the Living get overrun by the dead.

Review: This was such a sweet book and a good addition to the Charlie Hernandez line up! I loved the continued story and how the characters continued to develop. The book did well to have a lot of light hearted moments in what is probably a bit of darkness in the book. The author also crafted a well done mystery in this book. The book had well developed characters and world building.

The only thing I can really critique about the book is how it was a bit wonky in pacing, but otherwise it was a well done book!

Verdict: It was great! I recommend this series!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

The most fascinating part of the book is the mythical creatures! The world building is complex and well-written and it's just so much fun. I'm not that familiar with Hispanic folklore. There's a lot of details to grasp and I'm all in. Charlie and Violet more than often remind me of Percy and Annabeth. The good old days! I love their friendship and hope to read more of it. Violet is literally 'Miss Smarty Pants' who always comes up with some sort of solution. The twists and turns were enjoyable and kept me hooked. If you are a fan of Rick Riordan, I highly suggest you check out this series. You may find a new favourite, who knows!