I’m super excited to read my mystery book. It sounds like something I will really enjoy.

I’m currently reading the books from my first box but I cannot WAIT to read the book I just got. It’s been on my list to get! I’m so happy with these books choices and love reading books by BIPOC or LGBTQIA+

I was so excited to get my books yesterday. 100% worth the wait! They were well packaged and had a few unexpected goodies. I will definitely be ordering from here again. (I don't know why it won't let me give 10 stars but this was definitely a 10 star experience)

4.5 rounded up to 5: The look on my face as I finished this book was basically deer in the headlights. This is a very tragic and horrifically grotesque book. Cannibalism, animal cruelty, capitalism, and immorality fill the pages relentlessly. I don’t know that there is anything else to say except that it’s an incredibly well-written tale of horror.

Simple but very powerful writing where the atmospheric setting of the book really helped place the reader in the isolated, apocalyptic landscape of Northern Ontario as power and communication systems cease to work. I was really captivated by this book. It's thrilling, but in a low-key, unnerving way. The characters and life on the reservation really take center-stage in a story where not a lot happens. There is a villain in the story; he is quietly menacing and you just know things will come to a head by the end of the book. I will say that the end of the book felt slightly anticlimactic after the build, but at the same time, it was understated perfection. I haven't totally decided how I feel about it, which is why this is just 0.25 stars less than perfect. I was really glad to hear that Rice is working on a sequel to this book, because even though it wasn't a cliffhanger, the story did leave me wanting more!

I attended UNC-Chapel Hill for grad school so it was really cool to know the setting of the novel and be able to picture where they were at various parts of the book. It's clear that Ms. Deonn is a fellow Tar Heel because she absolutely nails the culture of the school, albeit from a different perspective of mine (I'm white). This 5-star read packs in grief, racism, classism, coming of age...oh yeah, and Arthurian Legend and magic. It's written incredibly well and the character development is thorough and organic; I didn't feel like the any of the characters changed too quickly or in a weird way so as to advance the plot. The plot is *pretty bonkers...and the ending...whoa! I am really looking forward to reading the next book, which luckily for me, comes out in a few weeks!

I discovered Natalia on TikTok/BookTok and holy smokes, am I glad I did. I will admit that I was worried that I wouldn't love the book after all of the hype and anticipation for it. There was no reason to worry. I absolutely loved this book and will now promptly expire from having to wait for the second book. Natalia's writing is vivid and lush, yet not bogged down by unnecessary prose or language. The Latin world in which the story takes place is beautiful; the blend of Latin cultures, food, tradition, colors just jumps off the page. I particularly loved how food was featured...it was very immersive and I still can't figure out how Natalia did it because I'm a white woman raised by a blue collar family with German and Polish roots who speaks zero Spanish! Anyways, the plot moves at a pretty quick clip; this is not a slow burn book but it's also not a slap you in the face before you've settled in either. I do wish we could have had more on The Name-Bearer's time with the Danrayans...that could be an entire book or a completely different, but related series! I really loved all of the characters...and it's clear that Natalia did as well. The queer representation in this story is perfection; it's not put on display, it's not a source of consternation, it doesn't have a big spotlight on it...it just is, allowing for the feelings between characters to organically and pleasantly grow. This is not a coming-of-age story that is forced or embellished for the audience and I think that brings a real authenticity it.

I think my only complaint, which is rooted in high praise, is that this book was a little short. A lot happened and while it doesn't feel like we rushed through anything, I always felt a little sad and wanting when we'd move to the next plot/location/cast of characters. I'm hoping the next book takes a deeper breath to allow for even more immersion in the world and story. I am grateful that the book is a pretty quick read, though, as that will be helpful when the sequel comes out.

Natalia is an indie/self-published author. She should IMMEDIATELY be picked up by a publishing house (if that's what she wants). She deserves all the accolades and success that better be coming her way!

I love supporting a small business and I'm so excited for this book!

Such a beautiful world and so happy feel my heritage and myself in this story

I am very grateful that this website exists! I LOVE every book I got and I am excited to keep getting more books :)

It has been a long time since I found myself unable to put a book down. This story is amazing, the characters are fantastic, and I can’t wait for the next book!

Beautiful!!

The Name Bearer by Natalia Hernandez | Queer Latin American Fantasy

I have ordered twice now and both times it has been a wonderful and fun experience. Dominique definitely delivers with these pick your magic boxes and her personalized little notes are so sweet.

I've ordered a mystery book box for my kids before and it was wonderful so I decided to treat myself to a book box as well and I love it! I'm not super picky on books so romance/fantasy/etc all fair game. The books that were chosen are beautiful and reading the synopses I don't think any will disappoint and the stickers included are adorable!! I'm so excited to start reading, now the only question is which book to read first.