A review by ddnreads
Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows by Tehlor Kay Mejia

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Good is what you do, not who you are.

Well, this third installment of Paola Santiago series makes me feel a lot of things.
Packed not only with thrilling actions but also roller coaster EMOTIONS.

It explored the nightmare itself. The pain and despair. Despite the name, El Cucuy, the monster under your bed wasn't a laughing tale at all. Pao need not only her wits to win, but also a strong heart in which she won't be succumbed to fight her worst nightmare. For a 13yo girl, she was brave beyond reasons.

What I like:
  • The feelings described and how Pao dealt with them. Her character development. She grows without really losing herself (if that make sense). Still quick witted and stubborn, Pao waved her way throughout this adventure with a bunch of more emotions and feelings.

  • The appearance of Emma and the open-minded gangs, The Rogue, was a nice additional touch.

  • Pao and Dante's dynamics. I love how it ended between them. The fraternity which was built since book 1 paid off. Their interaction was always intense, and that's what make it good.

  • The community value 💜 we call them 'gotong royong' here. Checkin on with your neighbour, friends, and move as a team.

Things I guess could be better:
  • I always love how Pao and Emma friendship works. However, the chemistry was lacking if you put them in a romantic feeling. It was just so sudden, and I saw that this book tried very hard to made it believable(?)

  • DANTE. I'd love to see his POV really. For someone with that complicated characteristic, for everything he had to endure, the traumas, and his past. Everything. Even after what happened in the book, I guess that could be more. 

  • The ending felt a bit rush and there are so much to take in. I dont understand how the magic worked for that particular occurance. 

All and all, I like it a lot. I love the series, and I dont think I'd be able to shut up about this book in the near future
💜💜💜