The Diablo’s Curse

Taking place in the same world as The Wicked Bargain, this evocative tale by Novoa stars Mexico-born, gender-fluid Dami, formerly a demon, who is living their best life following El Diablo’s death. Walking among humankind, eating food, and being an active member of society has always been Dami’s dream. But that dream is snatched away when Dami’s demonic traits begin manifesting once again. To keep their new life, they must cancel all the deals they made as a demonio. That’s easier said than done, especially since cis white 16-year-old Silas refuses to renege on his bargain, which involves Dami keeping him alive as a countermeasure against a family curse that doomed Silas to die young. The duo instead team up with shipwrecked 16-year-old Mexican trans girl Marisol to journey across New England seeking Captain Kidd’s legendary lost treasure, which they believe can be used to break Silas’s curse. Some context and worldbuilding relies on having read The Wicked Bargain, which can be a deterrent to newcomers. Still, by utilizing Dami, Silas, and Marisol’s alternating POVs, Novoa explores themes of masculinity, gender, and colonization, and meditates on how the histories of queer and immigrant peoples intertwine. Ages 12–up. Agent: Louise Fury, Bent Agency. (Feb.)