If you want to get swept up in a story, pick this one.” - New York Times bestselling author Margaret Rogerson “Nocturna is an exhilarating adventure, bursting with lively, inventive magic and characters who charmed me the instant they appeared on the page. Dao, author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns Nocturna is a magnificent debut, powerful and true.” - Julie C. I loved adventuring with brave Alfie and brash Finn, and I held my breath until the end. “This searing, magical Latinx-inspired fantasy pulled me in from the first page and did not let me go. “A promising debut with unique magic and two strong protagonists among a varied ensemble cast.” - School Library Journal the stakes are high, Finn and Alfie’s reluctant attraction rings true, and a gratifying conclusion paves the way for book two.” - Publishers Weekly “This fantasy set in a Latinx kingdom explores the lasting effects of childhood trauma, the destructive potential of grief, and the redemptive power of love…. Cinematic, plentiful action as well as intriguing protagonists will pull many a fantasy reader, and the richly detailed world will keep them reading.” - ALA Booklist

“What makes Motayne’s debut title singular and special is that her kingdom is Latinx, with brown-skinned, curly-haired people and Spanish sprinkled throughout…. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.īut when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power-which, if not contained, will devour the world. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy.

But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.Īfter the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks.Īs a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. Perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir. The first in a sweeping and epic debut fantasy trilogy-set in a stunning Latinx-inspired world-about a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince who must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed.

Nocturna by Maya Motayne