Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Poetry
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to NetGalley, West 44 Books, Rosen Publishing Group, and Gume Laurel III for the opportunity to read The Brujos of Borderland High in exchange for an honest review.
After being absolutely blown away by Samson & Domingo, I knew Gume Laurel III’s next novel would be an absolute gem. As you read the novel, be sure to take an extra moment to think about the cover and what it signifies to the narrator, Alejandro, as well as the overall thematic elements. An ouroboros with a clock pictured. And on a tarot card too! One of the cool aspects of the novel is that every page is laid out like the tarot card on the cover, giving the novel an interesting feel of fate as you are learning about Ale’s own fate.
Ale is a brujo, among other magical creatures that attend Borderland High, such as Lechuzas, Sirenas, and Chupacabras, to name a few. The Spanish glossary at the beginning of the novel is a nice touch, if one needs to reference any of the Spanish words. Using Spanish in the writing really adds a culturally authentic feel to the novel as well. After a rough breakup with Gustavo, Ale has a hard time moving on. He constantly thinks about Gustavo and wants to get back with him, but he already has a new boyfriend. In the meantime, Ale finds friendship in Zander, who tries to help prevent Ale from the toxicity that is his ex.
While Ale’s brujero magic involves seeing the past, it is the future that seems problematic, and there’s not much he can do about something he doesn’t know. It’s always the same cards giving his hand of fate. When a time-traveling demon comes to wreak havoc on the school, eyes turn to Ale because of their similarities. Determined to fight the demon and clear his name, Ale takes on his greatest challenge yet. But is there truly anything more challenging than a breakup?
The Brujeros of Borderland High is a hi-lo novel written in a poetic verse style. Gume Laurel III has a brilliant craft with creating such dynamic characters that the reader truly cares about in such a short amount of time and with so few words. The LGBTQ representation feels like a truly natural aspect on the novel, as opposed to some where it feels forced. The cultural aspects of this novel really make it stand out among the masses, adding that paranormal aspect with Hispanic folklore and mysticism. The diversity of this novel really makes it a true gem. This is a novel readers of all ages can pick up and enjoy.
Teresa Crider, Review Writer 