Quetzal's Labyrinth

De: Karla Arenas Valenti

Narrado por: Oscar Emmanuel Fabela

Twelve-year old Diego discovers the Aztec gods are real, and he must journey into a deadly labyrinth to stop a vengeful power from destroying the world in this twisty, action-packed fantasy from the Pura Belpré Award–winning author of Lola.

"This book has it all—humor, mythological intrigue, suspenseful adventure. I adored it."—Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor author of Other Words for Home and A Rover’s Story

Diego never believed his abuelo's stories of gods and monsters and the ancient magic woven through Mexican history. Not until he finds himself sprinting down a dark hallway, chased by a beast straight out of lore—its fur as coarse as iron and five human hands clawing furiously at his throat.

Turns out, the myths are real, and their magic is erupting into Diego's world. As shadowy creatures besiege his apartment, abuelo's dog Cholo fixes Diego with a human gaze and speaks. Cholo reveals they've been unwittingly ensnared in a centuries-old rivalry between the great God Quetzal and his ruthless brother Tezca. Tezca is rising, summoning an army of minions, while Quetzal, the only one strong enough to stop him, has vanished.

Humanity hangs by a thread, and Diego has no choice but to enter Quetzal’s labyrinth—accompanied by his friends Violeta and Cholo, a sassy rubber chicken, and a bloodthirsty kitten—to face a power older than civilization itself.

The stakes are legendary, but maybe, deep down, Diego is too.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"This book has it all—humor, mythological intrigue, suspenseful adventure. I adored it." —Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor author of Other Words for Home and A Rover's Story

"I fell headfirst into this book and never wanted to climb back out! Full of humor, mythology, and rip-roaring adventure, Quetzal’s Labyrinth takes readers to a world so alive with magic and wonder it sparkles off the page." —Kate O'Shaughnessy, author of the Newbery Honor winner The Wrong Way Home

★ "Intricate worldbuilding and a cast of complex, memorable characters secure this novel’s place among the best of middle-grade mythological fantasy....Epic, imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining, this standout fantasy will leave readers eager for more. An irresistible adventure that tackles fresh lore." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Arenas Valenti crafts an enthralling fantasy adventure steeped in Aztec lore....captivating." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A heroic journey through the Aztec world that would work particularly well for fans of mythological beings and quests." —School Library Journal