As a retelling, I was expecting more. The first third of the book was so good. I clung to every word, eager for the rest. Then the darkness overwhelmed the words. It got worse & worse for Malinalli and I just couldn't take it anymore. I know the original story is depressing, but I was expecting a fantastical twist considering this is a fantasy book. Poor girl couldn't catch a break. She maintained hope despite everything happening to her & all the men using her (there really should be a trigger warning for that). Somehow, she stayed proud in her name & of who she is. But there was nothing around her left to be proud of. Her world fell apart when the white men came & conquered, and the magic disappeared. What a disappointment.
Side note, Pakal Balam was a great character addition. I absolutely loved him. I wish he'd had a bigger role in the story.

This is an amazing book! The world and characters come to life - the reader can feel Malinalli's emotions. Her anger, her fear, and her rage become the readers as the story moves forward.

This is a book that will become a classic - it is one that would be amazing for high schoolers, as the writing is beautiful and full of deeper meanings. However, because it is such a beautiful read it is just as easy to recommend this book for adults as well. This is a novel that I will be thinking about for a long time to come.