All of Us with Wings

Seventeen-year-old Xochi serves as a live-in governess for precocious twelve-year-old Pallas in a Victorian mansion in San Francisco. After fleeing a troubled past in the Southwest, Xochi finds herself immersed in the world of Pallas's rock musician family and their artistic community. During a Vernal Equinox celebration, Xochi and Pallas perform an impulsive ritual that accidentally summons two ancient creatures into the modern world. These beings emerge with a mission connected to Xochi's past, setting off a chain of events that affects everyone in the household. The story moves between perspectives as Xochi navigates her new relationships, her responsibilities to Pallas, and the supernatural forces she has unleashed. Past and present collide as she confronts her history while building a possible future in San Francisco. This contemporary fantasy explores themes of family bonds, healing from trauma, and the intersection of magic with reality. The novel challenges conventional ideas about love, responsibility, and redemption while drawing on elements of punk rock culture and pre-Columbian mythology.

Readers note the rich magical realism elements and diverse representation of LGBTQ+ and Latinx characters. The atmospheric San Francisco setting and lyrical writing style resonated with many reviewers. Readers appreciated: - Complex family dynamics and trauma recovery themes - The punk rock/music scene backdrop - Authentic portrayal of teenage experiences - Integration of Mexican folklore Common criticisms: - Confusion about age-appropriate content/marketing - Plot pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Some underdeveloped character relationships - Dark themes that some found unsettling Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (50+ ratings) Multiple reviewers mentioned discomfort with the age gap between characters and mature content, feeling the book was mis-marketed as YA. One reader noted: "Beautiful writing but should be marketed as adult fiction due to content." Several praised the representation, with one stating: "Finally a fantasy book that reflects my culture and queer identity authentically."

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova A Latinx teen discovers her magical heritage while navigating family bonds, identity, and romance in Brooklyn.

Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall Five sisters encounter Mexican folklore and magical realism during a quest through Mexico to return a dead man to his family.

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore Two teens face their hidden truths and cultural expectations through a blend of magical realism and Mexican-Italian folklore.

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz A teen explores his place in his Mexican American family while confronting changes, loss, and questions of identity.

Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry Three sisters deal with grief, guilt, and the supernatural presence of their deceased sibling in their San Antonio home.

🌟 The book weaves together elements of magical realism with the 1970s punk rock scene in San Francisco, creating a unique blend of contemporary and historical atmosphere. ✨ Michelle Ruiz Keil drew from her own experiences in the punk rock and art scenes to create authentic details and atmosphere in the novel. 🎸 The story incorporates aspects of Pre-Columbian mythology and Mexican folk magic, reflecting the author's cultural heritage and adding depth to the supernatural elements. 📚 The novel tackles complex themes including intergenerational trauma, consent, and the challenges of found families while maintaining a lyrical, dream-like quality. 🌙 The book's protagonist, Xochi, is named after Xochiquetzal, an Aztec goddess associated with beauty, the arts, and young love—themes that echo throughout the narrative.