First off, I want to say that whoever did the Audiobook for this book did a wonderful job with the voices, sounds and music that plays bringing this story to life as you listen.

The story itself is a really great story about a couple girls who are Mexican American cousins, one who grew up in America while the other grew up in Mexico. It follows them as they struggle with their insecurities and jealousy of each other.

This is a great story for Teenagers who are trying to figure themselves out especially for thoughts who are mixed and struggle with the way society and they view themselves based on how others treat them. This had a great mix of Magic and teenage struggles. Would definitely suggest this for young and even older teenagers.

What I liked:
-The narration was well executed and the sound effects were cool.
-The lore

What didn’t work for me:
-The writing and plot felt pretty juvenile, but I couldn’t comfortably recommend it to a middle grade audience because there is a decent amount of cussing.
-The characters felt very immature and childish for 15
-The powers that the characters had were bizarre

Plot - 3
Writing and Editing - 3
Character Development - 3
Narration - 4
Personal Bias - 2
Final Score - 3

Thank you Andrea Septién, NetGalley, and Bandele Books for the Audio ARC. My opinions are my own.

The Sunlit Ruins focuses on two Mexican American teen cousins who don’t get along, but have to work together when they stumble upon magical creatures and deities, and get chased around Mexico City.

I really enjoyed Ada and Miry’s journey. They are trying to figure out who they are and how to fit in when they are both split between two cultures. The two girls are often at odds with each other as they try to identify with different sides of themselves. I loved that we got to see from the perspectives of both Ada and Miry because we as readers get to see them feeling like they are falling short while the other one is perfect.

I loved the character moments between the two cousins, especially as they started sharing more of themselves and their insecurities with each other. They start to realize that they are both struggling with similar things.

That said, they argue a lot about petty things. It did get a little tiring, especially after the midpoint of the story when I thought they had made up. I guess it is realistic that there would be some left over arguing while they try to rebuild their relationship.

I also loved the adventure the characters had to go on, and the ways they tried to solve the puzzles. I especially loved when they were trying to figure out what was happening to them and searching the internet only to turn up AO3 fanfic. It was a fun nod to the fact that they are experiencing things usually only found in stories.

The magic was very unique and had consequences for using it. Both girls had to figure out how to use their magic and how to replenish it while trying to track down clues and survive the many obstacles along the way. The girls are going on a quest of self discovery while they are learning about the past in this fast paced adventure.

I found the ending very satisfying. As a consequence of the magic, Ada and Miry are forced to make sacrifices that will continue to affect them after the pages of this book are closed.

I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced for a leaning-towards-middle-grade YA. It tackles issues of identity and trauma while also remaining fun and educational. This enemies to friends novel stands alone pretty well, but there's also a twist at the end that could easily lead to a sequel. Incredible story and one I'm genuinely grateful I got to experience.

This was an entertaining listen. I liked all of the extra background sounds used to enhance the listening experience, they were spot on. I listened to it with my niece and we had an interesting discussion. Noticing how both girls actually felt the same way about each other. They both felt inferior to the other, both had adverse feelings toward being Mexican-Americans just on different ends. An honest look at how we can be the same but different and how are differences, when combined, can allow us to win over any adversity. My niece REALLY enjoyed it!

Ada and Miry inadvertently trigger a city-wide catastrophe when a family trip takes an unexpected turn. As two Mexican-American cousins with newfound magical powers, they must unravel the mystery surrounding an ancient evil spirit tied to the pyramids of Teotihuacán. The only hope lies with the enigmatic group, the Archivists of Teotihuacán. Armed with limited clues, Ada and Miry embark on a journey across Mexico City, exploring their magical origins and attempting to reseal an awakened spirit. Amidst the fantastical world of magic inspired by the philosophy of Teotihuacán, the cousins also grapple with the challenge of maintaining family harmony. The story weaves together adventure, mythology, and family dynamics as Ada and Miry navigate their way through this enchanting and perilous quest.

The Sunlit Ruins is a heartwarming tale that follows the journey of two cousins, Ada and Miry, as they rediscover friendship and delve into their family's heritage and culture. Andrea Septién offers an enchanting and culturally rich adventure that combines family dynamics, magic, and self-discovery.

I loved it, it was very exciting and I can't wait for the second book, I hope they can get rid of their curse and nothing bad happens to them in the second book.

I loved this story, it was refreshing to read a fantasy book with a different perspective and magic system.

I did feel that some of the powers were a little odd, but the story and world building helped me look past this.

The dynamic between the three cousins, and particularly the two female cousins, was really well written and I look forward to seeing how this evolves over the next book.

Thanks for the arc!

“Sunlit Ruins" by Andrea Septièn is an outstanding YA book, drawing striking parallels to the beloved Percy Jackson series. The narrative's swift pace, fueled by intense action, at times posed a challenge to keep up with, but this very dynamism contributed to a quicker, exhilarating read.

Tailored for young adults aged 15-20, the audiobook version enhances the experience. The narrator skillfully conveys emotions, immersing listeners in the excitement, worry, and more. The audio quality is exceptional, with clear narration and delightful sound effects that vividly illustrate the unfolding events.

While the rapid world-building at the story's onset may momentarily confuse readers about characters and details, the character development shines, particularly between the two main protagonists—15-year-old Mexican/American girls navigating their newfound powers.

I highly recommend "Sunlit Ruins" to those seeking a fast-paced, accessible read, especially newcomers to YA fantasy. The use of short chapters adds to the book's pace, offering a refreshing brevity for those averse to lengthy chapters. The narrative unfolds with captivating twists and turns, providing an enjoyable exploration of the girls' powers and their origin. This book is a delightful journey for readers of all levels, promising excitement and discovery from start to finish.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this fun and magical story about deities, archivists, and Teotihuacán. The narration was very good. I don’t typically listen to audiobooks but this one with its music and effects made it so much more immersive.

I comprehend Ada and Miry’s feelings of straddling the line between two identities. I am also Mexican-American and struggled with fitting in anywhere growing up. I felt “not American enough” but also had cousins that made me feel like I wasn’t Mexican enough.

Overall I’m giving this book three stars mainly because it reads very young, like middle grade. I’m sure I would have loved this so much more if I read it when I was younger. I also was not able to finish the book because the audiobook didn't work past a certain chapter which was really unfortunate.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bandele Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What an amazing adventure. Perfect for any fans of Percy Jackson, this story, part of, based on the foreword, a larger universe, features characters receiving powers from deities of Central America, specifically, Teotihuacán, and have to save the world.

Ada and Miry are both fantastic characters. I loved watching them grow, both as themselves and grow together, dealing with issues of identity, trauma, and social issues like bullying. Through the story, the girls have to sort out how they feel about the identities, with both dealing with not feelings being Mexican enough for Mexico or American enough for America. They face these issues, and their issues with how they view each other, as the story progresses, allowing them to grow and change, become happier with each other and themselves.

While all this is happening, the world is ending. A seal has been broken, and they have to figure out how to fix it, while navigating these new powers and abilities from gods that, depending on which girl you're reading from, they aren't even aware existed, must less that they were real, could talk to them, and of course, give them magical abilities. Featuring epic magical fights and a great final showdown, the girls face the world, together with other family members, and an ancient organization designed to protect the world.

My sole grievance was not with the writing, but with the audiobook- it features random sound effects at the start of each chapter, which I found very distracting and detrimental to my reading experience. Additionally, at one point, the narrator completely changes while they read a letter, which was jarring and took me out of the story.

3.5/5 Book; 1/5 Audio
YA Contemporary fantasy about two Mexican-American cousins on each side of the border who unleash evil spirits. Rich in culture and references. Adventure story about respecting and embracing your heritage. Personally was quite annoyed that the bulk of the novel involved these kids bickering constantly about EVERYTHING - both vocally and in their thoughts. Disliked the narration style - felt very contrived as if I was toddler at a library being read aloud a picture book. Actual coughing, screaming, grunting added as sound effects by the narrator in addition to the music, phone ringing, thunder, and so on and so forth heavily detracted from the reading experience. This had potential but unfortunately I really didn’t enjoy the experience.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to the cover and spotted the name Antoine Bandele who I knew from The TJ young books. Was this a collaboration? The idea of that was amazing. I couldn't wait.

Then I found myself with Miry and Ada one very mexican and one Mexican American and both feeling out of place . Both feeling that they aren't enough for their families or places of birth. But when a vist to Mexicos pyramids they find themselves chosen of the gods and on a quest to learn about the gods their powers and the fact that only they can save the Mexico.

This is a fantastically engaging read and I love learning the history of Mexico and it's god's. The girls are brilliantly written and fantastic characters who the readers can identify with . I love that they are flawed and get jealous but also that they can talk things out and reach resolution.

I can't wait for the next book!

This book was an exciting and action packed ride. I loved the themes of family and finding onesself both as a person and also as part of a family. I also like that this book was able to surprise me several times with character/ plot reveals that I didn't even see coming.

This was my first ever audiobook and I had a lot of fun! To be honest, in the beggining I had a bit of trouble following the line of the story, but as it went along it became progressively easier to follow, so I do believe I just wasn’t used to this book style. Overall, I liked the story and the world building. The characters had such a strong dynamic and it was really interesting to follow them on their journey to discover their powers and their deities.

I’m curious as to how their journey will end!

Also, a big praise to the narrator, I loved their job!
(Gave it 3.5/5)

3.5 stars ⭐️

Read The Sunlit Ruins if you find the following intriguing:
- Hispanic Mythology
- Multi-generational family saga
- Unique magic system
- Set in the modern world

I really enjoyed this book! Ada and Miry are a dynamic duo, and I enjoyed following their story through ancient ruins and learning about their magical powers. I listened to the audiobook, and while sometimes I felt that the sound effects were overkill, it did make the experience better in general. But was it mind-blowingly amazing? No. I liked it but didn't love it.

YA Fantasy is not necessarily my favorite genre, but I'm deliberately trying to read more of it. So picking this up, I tried to have an open mind, and altogether it was a fun read. I'm pretty sure I'll be following the girls on their next adventure, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely loved this new (hopefully) series by Andrea Septien! Full of magic and the mythology of ancient Mexico surrounding Teotihuacan. A set of cousins linked together by the fates have to work together to battle ancient evils.

Both ada and miry are Mexican-American but each one of the cousins is different than the other . We follow their adventure trough a magical world with a lot of secrets and manipulation . The events of this journey are going to be in Mexico City when ada who lives in America came to visit her family .

Please before you pick this book put in mind that this is a middle grade novel . I enjoy it tough but I hate when people are rating books based on their category , not all of us will love a middle grade novel but obviously there are a lot of people who will love it because it’s really enjoyable .

I listen to this book as an audiobook and just wow I loved it , and the sound effects were great it bring you into the world as fast as you start listening . And the narrators Luzma Ortiz and Martin Martinez were so good . Especially Luzma Ortiz she as wonderful, the way she delivers changes from one character to another, which makes you understand the depth of the characters and get attached to them more . I actually don’t know if I would’ve loved this book the same way if I just read it without listening to the audiobook .

We follow this story with a lovely double POV ( Ada’s POV and miry’s POV ) . I loved that Andrea septièn gave us just enough from both girls . I love Ada’s POV more btw but there’s moments when I felt that I want to know what’s happening with miry and BOOM Andrea gives it to me .

And I loved the writing style like a lot . It was so good and so easy to read , the novel in general is an easy read . So I want to say that this novel will be a good beginning to a middle grade kid who wants to get into reading the sunlight ruins will be just the perfect start to reading.

The only thing that I hated about this novel is some gaps in the characters . Like ada and miry are 15 years old but sometimes you feel like they’re older a lot older and that made me not enjoying the characters development . But otherwise by the end of the book we see how that journey reflected on the girls personality.

This novel discusses many important topics for the target age group such as friendships , bullying , self love and self acceptance , communication , Jealousy and envy , abuse (light) .. And This added a lesson to the fun adventures we had with the girls .

I rated it 4 ⭐️ . The only thing that prevented me from giving it 5 stars is the contradiction in the characters, meaning that sometimes i felt that they are young girls but other time from their dialects i felt as if they are adults.
I’ll absolutely recommend it to middle grade readers .
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity 🏹

To say I'm a sucker for mythology fantasy books is, putting it mildly, I devoured Rick Riordan's universe. When I saw that this was a Mexican mythology fantasy, I knew I had to listen to it, and I am so glad I did; I loved this book. I've found my next universe to get lost in, and I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bandele Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members' Audiobooks for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The sound effects were literally amazing! I also loved the narrators! I’ve never listened to any audiobook with sound effects like this and I loved it

This is a fast paced book about a girl and her cousin who accidentally cause a disaster. They were constantly arguing but it was seriously so funny. I love how they randomly gain powers and have no idea how or why they have them.

I literally found this book so entertaining. I was genuinely so shocked when I realized that 20 minutes had gone by because it felt like only 10 minutes had passed. This book had me so focused on it that I couldn't focus on anything else.

I loved how some of the chapters were from Ada's point of view and the other chapters were from Miry's point of view. They had such different yet similar personalities and I loved every second of it.

Despite being 15 years old, Miry and Ada don’t often act their age, and that was frustrating. Although sometimes amusing, their bickering became annoying. When they were jealous of the other one, it was a bit frustrating. Whenever they were jealous, they reminded me of 10 year olds. I feel like I wrote a lot in this review about ages but it bothered me a bit how they don’t really act their age, making us think that they were a lot younger than they actually were.

I felt like I barely knew anything about Fernando. I loved his personality and he seemed really nice, but I can say very few things about him besides that. I think he’s in college but I might be wrong. I don’t really remember how old he is because I think that it was mentioned once in the first quarter of the book.

Quetzalcóatl is seriously my favorite character. He is literally my new obsession. Quetz (this is an audiobook so I might be spelling it wrong) is a mood. I mean…HIS FAVORITE MOVIE! Help, I died. You need to read this book if not for anything else then read it for Quetz. I think I laughed at EVERYTHING he said. I seriously need more of him, preferably a lot more.

It took me a bit to get into this book, but when I did, I really liked it.

Overall, despite its faults, I definitely enjoyed this book and it is a good first book in a series. I definitely want to read the sequel!