Book Review: The Encanto’s Curse by Melissa de la Cruz
When I first picked up The Encanto’s Curse, the sequel to The Encanto’s Daughter, I was eager to dive back into the vivid world Melissa de la Cruz has crafted. With its rich blend of Filipino folklore and tantalizing romance, this series had already captured my heart. As a fan of YA fantasy, the first-person POV drew me in, allowing me to feel every pulse of MJ’s emotions, especially her complicated feelings for Lucas and the formidable challenge of navigating love in a realm filled with magical danger.
In this installment, we rejoin MJ several months after the events of the first book. My heart ached with her as she grappled with unrequited love—Lucas, now engaged to his childhood friend Amador, loomed large in her thoughts. However, as the narrative unfolds, it’s clear MJ is more than just a girl pining for a boy; she’s thrust into a dire situation when a manananggal begins terrorizing her kingdom, leading to the loss of her magic. The stakes have never felt higher, transforming what could have been a typical love triangle into a gripping quest for self-discovery and empowerment.
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Encanto’s Curse is its nuanced character development, particularly with Amador, who evolves into a more complex figure. In the first book, she was depicted as a stereotypical mean girl. However, de la Cruz beautifully unpacks Amador’s struggles with her family, portraying her as a product of a difficult home life rather than a one-dimensional antagonist. This added depth resonated with me; it highlighted a crucial theme in young adult literature: the exploration of our fears and motivations often leads to understanding ourselves and others in ways we never expected.
The pacing is brisk, yet I felt guided through the whirlwind of events—de la Cruz knows exactly when to linger on a moment and when to accelerate the action. This skillful control of tempo kept me engaged, making it easy to follow MJ’s turbulent emotional landscape and the burgeoning tension among the love triangle. As MJ finds herself attracted to Qian, Nix’s older brother, I appreciated her attempts to seek something beyond her impossible love for Lucas. It felt authentic and relatable, especially in a genre that often constrains its characters to conventional romantic norms.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of this sequel is its integration of Filipino folklore. De la Cruz’s ability to weave cultural elements into her narrative adds an enriching layer, inviting readers to not only engage with a compelling love story but also explore beautiful traditions and myths unique to her heritage.
In conclusion, The Encanto’s Curse is a captivating read that expands on the foundations set by its predecessor. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans eager to follow MJ’s tumultuous journey through love and magic. Whether you’re a lover of YA fantasy who enjoys a thoughtful take on romance or someone intrigued by tales steeped in folklore, this book promises a flavorful blend of adventure and introspection. Personally, it left me reflecting on the complexities of love and the resilience of the human spirit, reminding me that every ending can be a new beginning in disguise.
Discover more about The Encanto’s Curse (The Encanto’s Daughter, #2) on GoodReads >>