If it weren't for the reluctance of the MC to take on the burden of their powers because of reasons, this would have been a short story. A 16 year old trans Latinx magic wielding pirate whose father made a deal with a devil is rescued by another Latinx pirate ship and haunted by a demon who wants to make a deal with them. Lots of whingy waffling until all the sparks fly and poof! I'm ambiguous about the hatred the MC displays toward their developing chest. Understandable but negativity about female characteristics is well, negative. ( )

I really liked this story! Mar is a compelling protagonist, and the supporting characters are all really great too. The historical setting is richly painted, and the way Mar's magia works -- or how they think it works -- is interesting. Also, queer and trans pirates! ( )

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 (bonus)
0🌶 (YA)

Book 3 for the #TransRightsReadathon 2023

If you love pirates & high-seas adventures, but want to see more latinx representation in your pirates (especially in the Caribbean come on!), this book is for you. Need more? We have an incredible transmasculine non-binary MC, a gay fashionista pirate, deals with el Diablo, some very cool magical powers, and a sassy, snarky, witty demonio (demon / junior diablo?). Buckle up, this is quite the adventure!

This tale weaves together Caribbean, Latin, and Mayan lore, adds in a dash of magic, all while including real life places like Puerto Rico and other islands. This mixture of reality and fantasy gives us a beautiful backdrop for an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mar León de la Rosa is our magical pirate protagonist who loses their family because of a deal with a devil who finally comes to collect. They are rescued by another pirate crew and they meet the new captain's son Bas. Bas is infuriating... and cute.... and slowly becomes Mar's closest friend (and more?). Then we meet Dami, a gender-fluid demonio who wants something from Mar that could mean risking everything, but for the highest possible reward.

Throughout the story we get a parallel journey of growth with Mar as we see them navigate the sometimes tricky aspects of being trans and non-binary around a crew of pirates, along with coming to terms with their magic. It is only when they fully embrace the many different aspects of themselves that they come into their full power, and in doing so finally feel at home in their own skin.

I won't lie, both Mar & Bas are wonderful, but I was LIVING for the sassy banter of Dami. I listened to this on audio and the narrator had an incredible voice just for them and it was amazing. I highly recommend listening to this if you can, the narrator does an incredible job with the voices & including some proper Spanish accents to the various words and phrases used throughout the book. ( )