I was definitely engaged when reading this book but it was often due to annoyance, confusion, and occasionally slight anger. The setting is magical and the imagery is beautiful, I loved the inclusion of Mexican mythology and the worlds Thomas builds. Unfortunately the plot is not great, it feels half thought out at times. This book changes from Teo and Xio’s POV to get both sides of the story which is fine and honestly could only work that way due to the first book’s cliffhanger of an ending. It might be on me but I cannot help but see Xio as a less interesting and more annoying version of Nico from PJO. I have a hard time believing that ALL the characters were able to forgive him so quickly and while he did end up helping the “good guys” it felt rushed and not as fulfilling because you get told he changed sides instead of having him earn it through constant efforts. All it took was 1 major action then it’s fine? The ending was rushed and the fact that the Gods decided to just leave the humans to their own devices felt like a cop out. They took little responsibility for the deaths they allowed to happen, only Suerte really showed remorse and he’s gone? Does that mean they are not truly immortal? Apparently Suerte is really gone so he willed his own death so is their existence only because they want to live? What is the point of even interacting with humans or their kids if they don’t really need their “worship” or “faith” to exist or have power in this universe? They could have easily protected humans without living with them since the beginning but they didn’t because what? It never occurred to them? It’s clear that some gods don’t care that much about the humans or even their kids so why would they live among them? If they won’t interfere with humans again what does that mean for the semidioses? Will they eventually stop existing due to the lack of interactions between mortals and gods? It’s not like it will actually matter though since it has been proven that humans can exist without the gods ruling over them and living with them. I find it so strange that there is a town that has existed and thrived for who knows how long before the story took place and no one really cares? You are telling me that the gods don’t know about it or even try to bring it up before they dismiss themselves? When the semidioses try to establish a new society without gods they don’t even mention the possibility of reaching out to Yucca or Paz for advice? They might have decided to leave them alone to respect their wishes to stay isolated but it’s not like it matters to the heroes before they entered the village the first or second time. I mean they told the trio to not fight the “monsters” many times and they never listened or really apologized for making matters worse by fighting. This town has a way to function and live peacefully among the “monsters” and no one asks how they can do the same? I feel like this is seriously overlooked and I would have personally wanted more exploration of those conversations in the end to explain how society is slowly adapting to a world without gods. Overall I have a lot of issues and am being very critical because I loved the premise of the story since I first read it years ago. I think it would have been better if it was written for an older audience or even added another book to further explain how this world began, it’s current issues, and how it can change for the better. If you are someone that does not really care about intricate details of mythology then this duology is great. Teo and Aurelio are cute, Niya is the best character out of everyone and the experience of reading it is entertaining at least.