I didn't realize this was book 2 until I had started. I did not go back and read book 1 before, but I felt like I could follow the story well enough. It started out super intense, but did catch me up quickly. It is part of the Rick Riorden presents focusing on the Maya. I enjoyed it and think my kids will enjoy it also.

4 stars

Dawn of the Jaguar (Shadow Bruja, #2)
by J.C. Cervantes
I wish this was published four years ago. I needed to inspire my sixth grade social study class to understand Mayan and Aztec cultures. I believe this book would help get the kids interested in the story of the different gods. The young half gods were allow the children to connect to the pantheon of the Aztec gods. The descriptions of the characters even the gods was very concise that can show children a dynamic relationship with story would make history come alive. I could see using a chapter or a few minutes at the beginning of class to help with guiding the kids into the historical research they would have to do in the projects required by the curriculum at the time.

Thank you Disney Audiobooks, Rick Riordan Presents Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this fabulous book. This is the second book in the Shadow Bruja series and it’s an amazing read full of action ad great characters that is just as good as the first book was. Can’t wait to share it with my students and am looking forward to the next installment!

Ren is chased after by the Aztec Lords of Night who want her to become their queen, but Ren is so determined not to become their queen she actually chooses death instead. But death is not what she thought is was either and in order to come back for good she must return the crown of Jade and Shadow to the queen of the Underworld and she has days. During these ten days she must also save her friends and she must do all of this with no magic or abilities.
I love these books from Rick Riordan presents as they swirl different heritages and lore together to teach us about other cultures in a fun and exciting way. The authors that write these wonderful books are really good and that is certainly true for J.C. Cervantes is really good I have enjoyed all of her books so far and look forward to more. The voice actor that narrated this book, Stacy Gonzales, is wonderful as well and played this part very well.