Mythology comes to life

 

The Island of Forgotten Gods
By Victor Piniero
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Young Readers
Publication date:  August 5, 2025
Print length:  304 pages
ISBN-13:  978-1464237980
Reading age:  8 - 12 years
Grade level:  3 - 8

Publisher’s Blurb:

Nico wants to be a famous film director. He's pretty sure if he can make the right movie, and soon, his life will completely change. The catch? His parents are sending him to Puerto Rico for the summer to stay with his iconic, but old-school, Abuela Luciana, and his awesome, but unpredictable cousins. Still, the show must go on.

Until Nico and his cousins awaken a monster. A monster that looks an awful lot like the infamous Chupacabra. And it turns out this isn't a chance encounter. The creature begins stalking them all over Puerto Rico, turning up on every dark corner, sandy beach, and moonlit night. To make matters worse, a shadowy cult enters the chase, intent on capturing them before the Chupacabra can.

 Soon they are thrown into an adventure that brings them face-to-face with the ancient Taino people, even more ancient Taino gods, and the mysterious Chupacabra, who is somehow linked to everything. Nico keeps his camera rolling, hoping the epic documentary will catapult him to stardom. But in the end, it's the island's fate that hangs in the balance, as they face down the very gods that created Puerto Rico.

 My Thoughts:

This is another book that teaches some of the culture and history of a country that is often overlooked: Puerto Rico. It’s a United States territory with a rich history. It has also dealt with a lot of tragedy, most recently a horrific earthquake and Hurricane Maria, as well as the influx of wealthy Americans buying up property and forcing locals out of their own towns. This all plays into the story.

 Nico’s parents need time to work on their marriage, so he’s sent to stay with his grandmother in PR for the whole summer, not just a visit. His cousins are also there—and their parents are also in the midst of a breakup. The three (ages range from about 9-14) are allowed to roam on their own much of the time as Nico attempts to make a film about the island that will get him into a prestigious arts high school.

 One on of their first outings, they come across a supernatural creature. This continues to haunt them—literally and figuratively. This is the mystery they end up trying to solve, and there are people actively working against them. There is danger along the way, as wells as some amazing revelations about their grandmother.

 I learned a lot about Puerto Rican history and culture, and particularly about the native people who lived there before colonization.

 For me, the two cousins came off as a little older than their actual age, especially the youngest, Nessi. The older sister, Kira, is manically energetic, and I found her a difficult to tolerate at times.

 Overall, though, it was a strong story that kept my attention throughout, with a satisfying ending.

 Possible objectionable material:

Parental marriage problems, including possible infidelity. Smoking and drinking are mentioned. One character lived through a hurricane, and his descriptions are a bit terrifying. Kids run around unsupervised a lot. Supernatural elements, including gods from old native lore. Some people are virtually naked—wearing only loincloths.

 Who might like this book:

Those who like learning about other cultures, histories, and mythologies.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #MiddleGrades #PuertoRico