Last Sunrise in Eterna

Three human teens are whisked away to Eterna, an elven island off the coast of Puerto Rico, to participate in a magical event in this enticing fantasy by Ortiz (Dragonblood Ring). To make ends meet following her father’s murder by elves, 17-year-old Sevim Burgos begins scavenging and selling elf corpses to her father’s childhood friend, corrupt Doctor Ramírez. When elf prince Aro Herrera catches Sevim in the act, Doctor Ramírez denies any involvement with Sevim and coldly fires her. Sevim’s mother is then kidnapped by Aro, who promises to set her free if Sevim participates in the annual Exchange, a weeklong event that takes place on Eterna. During the occasion, three human teens give up their ability to dream in exchange for temporary use of magic to complete challenges. As the event unfolds, Sevim learns that Eterna is home to even more treacherous secrets than she realized, and saving her mother becomes the least of her worries. Ortiz imbues the narrative’s worldbuilding and magic system with abundant cultural details, entrenching the high-stakes competition with a deep appreciation for Puerto Rican lore. Through a large cast containing characters of varying abilities, sexualities, and skin tones, the author explores myriad themes of grief and identity. Ages 14–up. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Mar.)