Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls

When a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back, in this own voices middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of The Storm Runner and Aru Shah and the End of Time. 

Living in the remote town of Tierra del Sol is dangerous, especially in the criatura months, when powerful spirits roam the desert and threaten humankind. But Cecelia Rios has always believed there was more to the criaturas, much to her family’s disapproval. After all, only brujas—humans who capture and control criaturas—consort with the spirits, and brujeria is a terrible crime.

When her older sister, Juana, is kidnapped by El Sombrerón, a powerful dark criatura, Cece is determined to bring Juana back. To get into Devil’s Alley, though, she’ll have to become a bruja herself—while hiding her quest from her parents, her town, and the other brujas. Thankfully, the legendary criatura Coyote has a soft spot for humans and agrees to help her on her journey.

With him at her side, Cece sets out to reunite her family—and maybe even change what it means to be a bruja along the way.

What happens when the girl everyone calls weak is the only one brave enough to fight back?

A Heartfelt Sister Story: An unbreakable bond sends one sister into the treacherous spirit world to save the other from a terrifying fate. Rich Mexican Mythology: Explore a world inspired by Hispanic and Latino folklore, where criaturas like El Sombrerón and La Llorona roam the desert. A Reluctant Hero: Cece has always been told her gentle heart is a weakness, but she must embrace forbidden power to become the hero her sister needs. Found Family Bonds: An unlikely alliance with the legendary Coyote, a trickster spirit with a soft spot for humans, might be Cece’s only hope. A Perilous Quest: A thrilling journey into Devil’s Alley, a dangerous world of spirits, to confront a powerful dark criatura and reunite a family.