Guest post written by Carnival Fantástico author Angela Montoya
Angela Montoya has been obsessed with the magic of storytelling since she was a little girl. She hasn’t seen a day without a book in her hand, a show tune in her mind, or a movie quote on her lips. She is the author of Sinner’s Isle and A Cruel Thirst. When she isn’t lost in the world of words, Angela can be found hiding away on her small farm in Northern California, where she’s busy bossing around her partner and their two children, as well as a host of animals.
About Carnival Fantástico: An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that the carnival is more sinister than it appears. Out February 3rd 2026.
The three full-length YA novels I have written might seem vastly different at first glance. In Sinner’s Isle, a witch held captive on a remote island finds a way to escape by blackmailing a handsome, recently marooned pirate. In A Cruel Thirst, a freshly turned vampire longs to reclaim his humanity, but instead collides with a determined, wannabe vampire huntress. In Carnival Fantástico, an ex-thief and spy hides within a magical traveling carnival and is willing to do whatever it takes to become the lead act, including teaming up with the boy who once broke her heart.
On the surface, these three tales may seem unrelated, but a single thread weaves through them all: trickster deities and mythological creatures who shape the fates of the characters. To take it further, all of these supernatural beings are inspired by Mexica (Me-shee-ka) mythology––often referred to as Aztec mythology––which holds a special place in my heart.
We so often see fantasy novels set in Eurocentric worlds, which I love, but I also love exploring the dynamic, complex deities that can only be found in Mesoamerican legends. Below, you will find five other novels that celebrate these beautiful, terrible, awe-inspiring deities and mythological beings, and the Mesoamerican cultures from which they emerged.
Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Gritty, dark, and thrilling, this fresh take on vampire lore is an electrifying neo-noir set in a reimagined Mexico City. The protagonist, descended from Aztec blood drinkers, is on the run from a rival narco-vampire clan determined to hunt her down. This story sank its fangs into me and never let go––but all of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing has a way of doing that. If you’d like to explore more of Moreno-Garcia’s works steeped in Mesoamerican traditions, I highly recommend Gods of Jade and Shadow.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
I will read anything Aiden Thomas writes, but The Sunbearer Trials is one of my absolute favorites. The story introduces us to Teo, the trans son of Quetzal, the goddess of birds. When Teo is chosen against all odds to compete in the Sun Bearer Trials, he must face opponents who are far more powerful and far better equipped to survive. During our hero’s journey, we meet a rich cast of deities that have been reimagined from Mesoamerican legend, making this story feel epic, daring, and truly unique. Celestial Monsters, the second book in this duology, is equally remarkable.
Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall
Intricate, clever, and set in parallel timelines that are masterfully woven together, this novel was one of my favorite reads of 2025. We meet Sitlali, a young Mexican woman in the modern day searching for her family and a safe place to rest her head, and Calizto, a young Aztec warrior in 1521 Tenochtitlan fighting to save his city from Spanish imperialists. Connected by an enchanted conch, the two find each other across time and help each other face the biggest trials of their lives––while also falling deeply in love. What more can you ask for?
Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda
With magnificent prose and captivating storytelling, Robleda is an author whose books will always have a special place on my shelves. Set during 16th-century Guatemala, this historical fantasy draws heavily from Mesoamerican lore and history–– specifically K’iche’ Maya traditions. Catalina, our biracial protagonist, works in secret to preserve the sacred texts in the face of Spanish colonization. She is the kind of main character you root for the second you meet her on the page. Robleda weaves a tale that is heartbreaking, beautiful, and profoundly inspiring, rooted in the real-life suppression of the Mayan culture during this period. This is a novel that must not be missed. I’m also extremely excited for her upcoming book, The Other Moctezuma Girls.
The Actual Star by Monica Byrne
This novel came highly recommended by a friend, and I am so very glad I listened to her. What a powerful showcase of intricate worldbuilding and storytelling. This ambitious and immersive novel unfolds across three interconnected timelines (1012 CE, 2012, and 3012) which are all tied to an ancient Maya city. My brain was on fire while listening to the audiobook, and I absolutely loved every second of it.
I’d also like to highlight Their Will Undone by R.J. Valldeperas. Though this novel isn’t Mesoamerican-inspired, it draws from Inca culture and the author’s own heritage, making it well worth celebrating. A fierce debut steeped in ancestral magic, betrayal, and defiance, Their Will Undone is a powerful exploration of what happens when we reclaim our fate and fight back against those who seek to control us. Valldeperas spoke truly when she described this book as not just a coming-of-age story, but a coming-of-rage.
There are so many more books I couldn’t fit into this list, but I hope I inspired you to explore other works rooted in Mesoamerican mythologies. Each is unique, rich in culture, steeped in fascinating mythos, and exceptionally creative, and all of them deserve a place in libraries, bookstores, and on your shelves.
