To save their father’s life, a brother and
sister must journey across a land full of mythical creatures and find
the most powerful and dangerous of them all: the madremonte.(goodreads summary)
Along with their father, Valentia and her brother Julian search the Andes Mountains for one of Columbia's legendary creatures, the Patasola. Their father has spent his entire life studying and writing about mythical creatures and Colombian legends. When an unexpected earthquake hits, Valentina and Julian fall down through the earth into an alternate world, where they find many of the magical beings they hear about actually do exist. In order to return back to their world, they must find a portal guarded by the Madremonte. She is the mother and protector of the earth but she despises all humans. Finding their way to her through the perilous jungle is the only way Valentina and Julian will be able to return back home to their father.
From the first page to the last, this fast-paced middle grade fantasy will have readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows twelve-year old Valentina and young Julian through the jungles of an alternate Columbia, where legendary creatures have been closed off from the human world by the Queen Madremonte. Her son was taken from her by humans and she despises them, seeking revenge on any who tries to enter their realm. But as the kids are stranded there, they must find their way to the Queen's castle to ask for help getting back to their home. But in order to get there, they face many mythical beings and obstacles in the jungle along the way. Some that help, which is forbidden by the Queen and others that stand in their way. The wonderful writing of the Colombian landscape and folklore will keep kids engaged. I found myself wanting to keep reading through the many heart pounding chapters to the next. There was an unexpected twist that turns up at the end of the book that changes everything for Valentina and Julian. For kids who enjoy Narnia, they will find this one likeable. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9-11.~
Title: The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejia
Author: Alexandra Alessandri
Pub. date: February 2023, Antheneum Books for Young Readers
Genre: fantasy
Hardcover, 213 pgs.
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