We Unleash the Merciless Storm

January 1, 2020
Tragedy and heroism interweave in a story about revolution, resistance, and beautiful queer love. After the devastating ending to We Set the Dark on Fire (2019), Carmen Santos, no longer the Segunda to Mateo Garcia, Medio's most powerful heir, is on the run toward the La Voz headquarters. Carmen used to be one of the resistance's most well-respected members, but after years away on undercover assignment, she finds the fabled El Buitre's wavering leadership has taken a new, hazardous direction. Proving that her allegiance to the cause remains as strong as ever is more difficult than expected, her heart torn between her beliefs and Dani, the girl she has fallen in love with but doesn't know yet if she can fully trust. Shifting perspective and setting to Carmen and the La Voz camp (after the first novel centered Dani and the capital) is a bold choice that ultimately pans out as readers are rewarded with Carmen's strong, determined voice and Mejia's lush writing depicting the complexities of the ongoing fight against oppression in a divided, Latinx-inspired world. Carmen's divided heart rings true, her daring actions meeting deadly consequences that realistically intensify the narrative without losing track of what the fight is all about: equality for all. A second--and final--volume that not only surpasses the accomplishments of its celebrated predecessor, but takes it to a higher, brighter level. Thrilling, timely, and terrific. (Fantasy. 14-18)

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Starred review from February 1, 2020
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* In the closing moments of We Set the Dark on Fire (2019), Carmen Santos revealed her secret: she is not merely a Segunda, the second wife to oppressive Mateo, a man rising through the ranks of Medio's political system, but a lifelong agent for the resistance group La Voz, embedded in this role for years. While the first book in this duology was about Daniela Vargas, Mateo's first wife, a girl with forged papers newly contacted by La Voz, this second volume belongs to Carmen, a seasoned warrior and spy. As she returns to La Voz, Carmen struggles with how the group has changed in the years since she's been away. Harder still, she struggles not to show emotion over Dani, the girl she left behind?the girl she might have loved?lest the resistance leaders think her feelings have compromised her judgment. But with every day that Dani remains in danger, the conflict in Carmen's heart grows. Mejia clearly distinguishes Carmen's voice from Dani's in this conclusion, offering up a companion novel that works in partnership with her debut. Modern political issues are woven into the story, never didactically but with an urgency that lends substantial weight. Where the first volume was subtlety and shadows, this is emotion and adrenaline, and it will carry readers through to an ending that feels entirely earned.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2020
This return to the dystopian world of We Set the Dark on Fire (rev. 7/19)--whose protagonist was Dani, one of two wives to rising politico Mateo--focuses on �Carmen. Dani's co-wife and secret romantic partner, Carmen was revealed in the first installment to be a member of the resistance group La Voz. Now she has left Mateo's home for the group's compound. La Voz demands absolute �devotion and any sacrifice necessary for its fight against an unjust government (as in the first installment, this society includes references to our own, particularly a walled border). Carmen is torn between the group and her desire to protect Dani, who's still at Mateo's side and whose complete loyalty to La Voz hasn't yet been proven. Her resulting decisions set off a fast-paced journey, complete with daring escapes, assassinations, and a few steamy (though not graphic) encounters, allowing its heroines to display impressive survival and fighting skills as well as deep emotions. Fans who've grown attached to Carmen and Dani will appreciate this duology-concluder's more extensive look into their lives and the inventive world in which they live.

(Copyright 2020 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

March 1, 2020
This return to the dystopian world of We Set the Dark on Fire (rev. 7/19)�? whose protagonist was Dani, one of two wives to rising politico Mateo�? focuses on Carmen. Dani's co-wife and secret romantic partner, Carmen was revealed in the first installment to be a member of the resistance group La Voz. Now she has left Mateo's home for the group's compound. La Voz demands absolute devotion and any sacrifice necessary for its fight against an unjust government (as in the first installment, this society includes references to our own, particularly a walled border). Carmen is torn between the group and her desire to protect Dani, who's still at Mateo's side and whose complete loyalty to La Voz hasn't yet been proven. Her resulting decisions set off a fast-paced journey, complete with daring escapes, assassinations, and a few steamy (though not graphic) encounters, allowing its heroines to display impressive survival and fighting skills as well as deep emotions. Fans who've grown attached to Carmen and Dani will appreciate this duology-concluder's more extensive look into their lives and the inventive world in which they live. Shoshana Flax

(Copyright 2020 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)