Wow! Daughter of Fire, by Sofia Robleda, will pull you in from the very first page. It's a wonderful tale of history and how important family traditions and those values are to our very being. It's also about how those who've come before us are always there to guide us towards wisdom.

Didn't really capture my attention, but well-written nonetheless.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I was so excited to read this book! I love that it was set in Guatemala in the 1500s and centered around Mayan myth. However, I just couldn't gel with the writing, characters, or plot. I ended up DNFing at 20% after hoping that it would get better.

This was a fantastic historical romance/fantasy! Catalina, is the daughter of the local governor, Don Alonso Cerrato and his K'iche wife. The conquistadores were like a plague, deposing local monarchs, murdering or enslaving the locals, and forcing Christianity on any survivors. Catalina loves her father, but after her mother was brutally murdered in front of her she is determined to keep the promise she made to preserve the sacred text passed down by her family, even though it could mean her ruin. There was a beautiful romantic subplot that didn't overwhelm the plot but very much added a depth I really enjoyed! This book did not shy away from the horrific cruelty of the Spanish conquistadores, it was also not overtly graphic and let the horror speak for itself!

It was evident from the first page that the author bled passion for this book. Her research and consistency into 16th century Guatemala was commendable and educational. I really enjoyed our main three characters, and there were many scenes that had me gasping and cheering with our protagonist. My only complaint was the last 75% of the book because it felt disjointed and rushed in comparison to the rest of the book. I still really enjoyed this book, but I wish it had a smoother finish.

Despite reading the description I came into this expecting a more fantasy bend to the story. Instead, this historical fiction takes the reader back to the conquest of Latin America and the ruling of that area by the Spaniards.

The trauma of the main character that came from her mother's brutal death and the understanding of how much heritage matters leaves the reader sucked into a story that is important. There are fantastical elements related to mythology and old beliefs but overall this felt very historical.

Thank you to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for the eARC!

Sofia Robleda’s "Daughter of Fire" is such a a captivating novel. The historical setting of Daughter of Fire is vividly portrayed. Robleda transports readers to a time when Spanish colonial power was at its peak, yet still vulnerable to the resistance of the Indigenous communities it sought to dominate. The author’s attention to detail brings to life the harsh realities of the era, from the rigid social hierarchies to the consequences of defiance. The spiritual and mystical elements of Daughter of Fire are woven seamlessly into the narrative, something that I appreciate. Robleda does a great job at incorporating indigenous beliefs and culture in a way that's both intriguing and easy to understand. Robleda’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty and brutality of a world in flux. The novel’s exploration of heritage and identity is both timely and timeless, resonating with readers who are themselves grappling with questions of cultural preservation and belonging. In conclusion, Robleda has crafted a story that is both a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a testament to the importance of remembering our past. For those who enjoy historical fiction with strong, complex characters and rich cultural detail, "Daughter of Fire" is a must-read.

I first want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was so excited when this book was announced and I got the book because I wanted to learn more about Guatemala and how colonization and genocide affected the people. I found that this book promised too much but didn’t deliver. I didn’t think Catalina really grows as a character and this book has time jumps so, you would expect that made her become a bad bitch but no; she still didn’t peak her mind and got caught EVERYTIME she decided to do anything at all. The whole book thing should have been the focus of this story, not other things like the romance that came out of NOWHERE! ANYWAY, I really did enjoy some aspects of this book. The way they spoke about the influence of cristianity and the Spaniards coming to a community of indigenous beliefs and people, because that’s the experience we share as Latinx people with colonization. I really enjoyed the fact that we explored the inner workings of how the Spaniards worked; their inner turmoils and how politics plays a big part in how history and how people’s lives get changed in the process. Anyway, I really am looking forward to more from this author; hopefully more stories about Guatemala and their history.

This book follows Catalina, a 16 year old girl libing in 1550s Guatemala, on a quest urged on by her late Mother's spirit. It has strong anti colonialism themes, and incorporates history and culture.

This was a beautiful book and very emotional. Thank you to Sofia Robleda for the physical ARC and NetGalley for the eARC I recieved of this book!

A refreshing, surprisingly fast-paced read. I don't read much historical fiction, but I'm so glad I picked up this one. Loved getting an insight into the history of Guatemala and made me curious to learn more. What a stellar debut!

It was enlightening to read such daunting history of the k’iche people before it was destroyed by the Spaniards.
I did some research throughout the course of this book and it made me realise how much the author muddled for our sakes.
This was a story about Catalina a girl born to an indigenous mother and a Spanish coloniser. Hence she has always been pulled by the two worlds. Catalina’s has been always controlled by her father and was forbidden to never learn about the other half of her heritage but when the book, popol vuh also known as the book of council sacred to her culture her mother leaves her with the task of protecting was destroyed she set to the task of restoring the sacred book with the help of her cousin and an ally who would have been king of the Spanish had not waged war on their lands.
I thought I was going to get an adventure from the way it was described in the blurb was I was a bit disappointed on that part but I loved this story nonetheless. The romance wasn’t as much focus of the book which I didn’t mind and there wasn’t an extremely detailed graphic or vivid of the Spanish cruelty which the author made note hammer on.

Thank you Net galley for a copy of this ARC.

The Popul Vuh is the Mayan sacred text, their origin story and their book of the dead. All copies are believed to have been destroyed by the Spaniards but one copy exists, and it is in the hands of Catalina Cerrato, the daughter of a Spanish grandee and a Mayan noblewoman. In 1550's Guatemala, Catalina occupies an awkward place in society where her father supports her in Spanish society, the spirit of her deceased mother pulls her in another direction. Not to give anything away, but Sofia Robleda explains how the existing versions of the Popul Vuh are written in Spanish, not Mayan.

There's a YA vibe to much of this book, with romance, complicated clothes, handsome Mayans and Spaniards and ghostly voices. Robleda creates a heroine who is more 21st century than 16th, but the history is compelling and the Mayan and Spanish worlds are wonderfully realized. Definitely worth a read.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Daughter of fire by Sofia Robleda is a first person-POV magical realism historical. Catalina is the daughter of a Spanish man and a Mayan noblewoman of the K’iche’ people of Guatemala. As a child, Catalina’s mother teaches her the language and ways of their people but commands for Catalina to keep it hidden from her father and half-sister. When Catalina’s mother disappears, Catalina is left to take over preserving the Popul Vuh, a sacred text that documents the history of the K’iche’ people.

A major theme is how the people of Guatemala are forced to hide their language and culture in order to keep it alive, teaching it to their children in the dark. Publicly, Catalina doesn’t share just how much she knows about the K’iche’ people or language, even pretending that she has a much lower understanding of the language than she really does when she meets Juan, one of her love interests, or when her father confronts her. There’s very few options for her to explore her identity as a biracial Indigenous woman which leads to Catalina having a complicated relationship with her heritage, but she will always choose to continue her mother’s work on the Popol Vuh.

I cannot claim to know a lot about Guatemalan history or the Popol Vuh, but Sofia Robleda describes the scenery beautifully and obviously has a deep love for the cultural elements that are on the page. We get small sections from different POVs in the history of the K’iche’ people and each one adds another layer of richness to the text as a story and as a work of historical fiction. It definitely made me more curious about Guatemala’s history.

Catalina and Juan’s relationship faces quite a few obstacles, including Catalina’s father and another suitor, Nico. Juan should have been a Mayan king, ruling side-by-side with a man who was like a second father to him, but the Spanish took his throne and land from him but still parade him around as a king. Juan is fairly confident and cares greatly for his people, butting heads with Catalina when he thinks she betrayed him and even hanging on to the Popol Vuh to keep it safe despite her demands to get it back. Catalina loves him, but has to pick Nico at one point when she has run out of options to stop her father from sending her to Spain, further straining their relationship.

I would recommend this to fans of magical realism, readers of historical fiction set in Latin America, and those looking for a book exploring the complicated feelings of a biracial Indigenous woman in the sixteenth century.

*Daughter of Fire* is a mesmerizing historical novel that transports readers to sixteenth-century Guatemala, weaving a tale of love, legacy, and the struggle for cultural preservation against a backdrop of colonial oppression. This richly imagined story is both a vivid historical account and a deeply personal journey, capturing the essence of a young woman's fight to honor her heritage and safeguard her people's sacred history.

At the heart of the novel is Catalina de Cerrato, a fiercely independent young woman raised by her father, Don Alonso, a prominent figure in the oppressive Spanish regime. Catalina’s life is a complex dance of loyalty and rebellion. Her father, a powerful Spanish official, represents the very force that has subjugated the Indigenous peoples, including Catalina’s own late mother, a Maya noblewoman. Catalina is torn between her respect for her father and her vow to her mother to protect the sacred Popol Vuh—the revered and now forbidden chronicle of the K’iche’ people.

Catalina’s internal and external conflicts drive the narrative. Her quest to preserve the Popol Vuh becomes a deeply personal and dangerous mission, guided by the spirit of her mother and her own remarkable gift for memory. The novel beautifully captures Catalina's determination and bravery as she embarks on a clandestine journey through ancient pyramids, Spanish villas, and shadowy caves. The vivid descriptions of these settings enhance the novel's immersive quality, making the historical and mystical elements come alive.

The romantic subplot between Catalina and Juan de Rojas adds another layer of depth to the story. Juan, a lord whose life has been upended by the Spanish invasion, becomes an unexpected ally and confidant for Catalina. Their relationship is delicately and realistically developed, offering a poignant contrast to the harsh realities of their world. Juan's support and their evolving love provide both emotional resonance and a sense of hope amidst the tumultuous struggle for cultural preservation.

The novel’s exploration of Catalina’s conflicted heritage is particularly compelling. She is caught between her Spanish upbringing and her Maya roots, a duality that enriches the narrative and adds complexity to her character. Her journey is not only a physical quest but also an internal battle to reconcile these conflicting aspects of her identity. As she delves deeper into her mission, Catalina must confront the painful truths of her lineage and the broader implications of her actions.

*Daughter of Fire* stands out for its historical authenticity, vivid world-building, and powerful themes. It combines elements of magical realism with historical fiction to create a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. The novel’s portrayal of Catalina’s courageous fight to preserve her culture and identity resonates deeply, making it a significant and impactful read.

Overall, *Daughter of Fire* is a spellbinding historical novel that offers readers a captivating glimpse into a crucial period of Guatemala’s history through the eyes of a remarkable young woman. It is a story of love, legacy, and the enduring power of cultural heritage, beautifully rendered with emotional depth and historical richness.

Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda was a wonderful historical fiction.
Great prose and remarkable storyline. The writing is wonderfully done, complete with immersive imagery.

//English Review//

First of all I must say, I may not be totally objective with this story. That aside.

A HISTORICAL FICTION INSPIRED BY GUATEMALA????!!!!
MY BEAUTIFUL GUATEMALA???????!!!!!

Obviously I fell prey to my fanaticism and I still reproach myself for not having noticed before that I had such jewels among my pending ARCs, this is what happens to me for getting carried away by the covers and going blindly with the stories.

You friends can't imagine the happiness that this lover of romantic historical fiction has had with seeing her beloved country being the scene of a story that was not the typical school history or the Patria del Criollo (not that they are bad, but here my brain prefers documentaries). Hence I warned you at the beginning that this quasi-review could be very subjective.

I can't claim that the historical data contained in the story is accurate, that so much of it is accurate research and so much is fiction from the free pen of the author. But I have been spellbound under my blue and white wing.

Here we meet Catalina Cerrato, a mestizo of Spanish father and K'iche mother, who was born 30 years after the Spanish invasion of Guatemala. She has had to hide her other ancestry since she was a child to please her father, but her mother has told her about her rich history and in doing so has made her promise to protect a priceless treasure, the book of the Council, the Popol Vuh. Now years after her mother's death, she is still hiding the last pieces of her Mayan side.

I am very happy to read this book, and more because today I celebrate it with the first Olympic gold medal of Guatemala in the hands of a Chapina, A GUATEMALTECA.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
SO DON'T DOUBT THAT I WILL BE SENDING IT AS MANDATORY READING FOR EVERYONE.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with this amazing and beautiful ARC in exchange for my honest opinions, so here is my opinion.

//Español Reseña//
Antes que nada debo decir, que pueda que no sea totalmente objetiva con esta historia. Dejando eso de lado.

UNA FICCION HISTORICA INSPIRADA EN GUATEMALA????!!!!
MI BELLA GUATEMALA???????!!!!!

Obviamente caí presa de mi fanatismo y aun me reprocho el no haberme fijado antes que tenia semejante joyas entre mis ARC pendientes, esto es lo que me pasa por dejarme llevar por las portadas y irme a ciegas con las historias.

Es que ustedes amigos no imaginan la felicidad que esta amante de la ficcion historica romantica ha tenido con ver a su querido pais siendo el escenario de una historia que no fuera los tipicos tochos de historia del colegio o la Patria del Criollo (no es que esten mal, pero aca mi cerebro prefiere los documentales). De aqui que les advertiera en el inicio que esta cuasi reseña podria ser muy subjetiva.

No puedo aseverar que los datos historicos contenidos en la historia sean exactos, que tanto porcentaje sea investigacion fiel y que tanto ficcion del libre pluma de la autora. Pero yo he sido hechizada bajo mi ala blanco y azul.

Aqui nos encontramos con Catalina Cerrato una mestiza de padre español y madre K’iche, que nacio 30 años despues de la invasion española a Guatemala. Ella desde pequeña ha tenido que esconder su otra ascendencia por complacer a su padre, pero su madre le ha contado sobre su riqueza historica y con ello le hace prometer que protegera un tesoro invaluable, el libro del Concilio, el Popol Vuh. Ahora años despues de la muerte de su madre, ella sigue escondiendo los ultimos trozos de su parte maya.

Estoy muy feliz por leer este libro, y mas porque hoy lo celebro con la primera medalla de oro olimpico de Guatemala en manos de una chapina, UNA GUATEMALTECA.

LO RECOMIENDO MUCHO!!
ASI QUE NO DUDEN QUE LO ANDO MANDANDO COMO OBLIGATORIO PARA LEER POR TODOS.

Gracias a Netgalley y la Editorial por proporcionarme este increible y bello ARC a cambio de mis opiniones honestas, asi que aqui esta mi opinion.

♨️ Book Review ♨️

Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda is a powerful narrative of preserving one's identity, culture, traditions, and rituals. It is a story that will stay with me for a long time.

Set in the 16th century, Catalina is the daughter of Guatemala's president, Don Alonso. The Spanish have oppressed the Indigenous Mayan and are forcing them to embrace Christianity. Catalina is both Spanish as well as K'iche because her mother was Mayan. She has grown up with stories that her mother has old her, and though her father strictly makes her follow Christianity, she is called to her mother's roots. Then, there's a scripture that she keeps hidden that plays an important role in changing her life.

This story tugged at my heart. No matter how much the oppressors try, there's still hope, and the author has shown that through this story. Though nothing in this novel is graphic, the plight of the Indigenous under the Spanish rule is very clear. The most important thing to think is how much of the scriptures, books, knowledge, traditions, and customs got lost because of colonization.

This gorgeous book is historical fiction mixed with magical realism and mythology and is one awesome read! There is a passionate enemy to lovers romance storyline and this novel is full of history and mystery.

Main character Catalina's struggle to find meaning and a place within both of her identities and cultures really identified with me. The novel takes place after the colonization of the Mayan people by the Spanish. It was fascinating to read more about K'iche' language and the Popol Vuh, an ancient Mayan sacred text. I appreciated the author's strong connection and desire to write this novel.

Fans of history, culture, enemies to lovers, strong female MCs and fantasy should pick this one up when it publishes next week!

Absorbing, insightful, and fascinating!

Daughter of Fire is a compelling, adventurous tale that takes you into the life of Catalina de Cerrato, the young biracial daughter of Spanish colonizer Don Alonzo, who is determined at all costs to honour her late mother’s wishes to protect the sacred Popol Vuh text detailing the history of the K’iche’ people even if it means secretly working with her cousin Cristóbel and the alluring, forbidden Juan de Rojas.

The prose is rich and vivid. The characters are torn, passionate, and determined. And the plot, set in Guatemala in the early 1550s, is a captivating tale about life, love, bravery, strength, loss, loyalty, honour, danger, duty, emotion, rebellion, heartbreak, introspection, autonomy, and the ancient traditions and texts of the Mayan people.

Overall, Daughter of Fire is ultimately an enlightening, intriguing, evocative tale by Robleda that highlights the importance and empowerment of self-identity and is a sobering reminder of the cultural destruction and tremendous loss of lives incurred when invasion and tyranny are allowed to freely run amok.

Daughter of Fire is a beautiful novel from Sofía Rovleda. Swipe for synopsis. Definitely check trigger earnings on this one. Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for the chance to read and review this via gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own and honest.

This might be one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. I’ve always loved reading about the rich history of the Indigenous cultures of the Americas, and the Maya stories told here are some of the most memorable for me. Catalina, Juan, and Cristóbal’s mission to preserve their K’iche’ history and culture is a central part of the story. I felt both the historical and the romance elements were well-balanced, and y’all know I love a forbidden romance.

This is definitely a book that will generate a lot of discussion, so I think it would be a great choice for a book club. Daughter of Fire releases August 1.