Gr 8 Up–Besties Mayté Robles and Lorena (Lo) de León have made a pact to escape their fathers’ unsavory legacies. Formerly a member of the mighty Las Cinco Familias of Ciudad Milagro, Mayté’s father has disgraced their family with his drinking, gambling, and unpaid debts. Meanwhile, Lo’s mother has disappeared, and her abusive father wants to pawn her off to a suitor who benefits his agenda. When the renowned Fortune’s Kiss comes to town, the girls take a chance on this elusive magical gambling haunt that offers winners their heart’s desire. However, the glamorously dark atmosphere is not all fun and games, as the twisted Lotería is ghastlier than either of them envisioned. The real life Lotería game is a unique framing for this sinister fantasy. The aptly named gamemaker, Misterioso, seems to viciously enjoy when participants are precipitously defeated and their dreams are sacrificed. Friendships, families, and love interests take abrupt, fast-paced turns as reality is distorted during gameplay. The ominous tone includes startlingly gruesome components that will thrill body horror aficionados. It’s enigmatic and sadistic, and readers will find themselves shocked and elated as secrets are revealed. Some Hispanic/Latinx culture is intriguingly infused, and readers may be compelled to play the much less disturbing board game version of Lotería.
VERDICT An ardently macabre and unique horror-fantasy mashup with strong appeal for the rabid and eager fans of V.E. Schwab and Stephanie Garber who are ready to go darker.
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