Doña Quixote: Flight of the Witch by Rey Terciero

Doña Quixote: Flight of the Witch Reviews

• 
  Michelle Kenneth - PerfectionistWannabe.com

  I'm a fan.
  
  While this book is my first in this series, I am going back to order the first one, and to put all future graphic novels in this series on auto-buy.
  
  This middle grade graphic novel hit all the right notes for me. It touched on Central American mythology, while also sharing a bit of Lucia Castillo's culture. It teaches the importance of friendships and keeping your head in check, not letting your ego ruin everything that is good.
  
  I also appreciated the lesson of how we are not alone. It takes a village. We should never be afraid to ask for help when we really need help.
  
  That's just the underlying lessons. Throw in a coven of Lechuza (witches that can shape-shift into owls), as well as a parliament of owls, and we have a very sinister adventure that Lucia, and her friends, must face.
  
  Truth be told, I was a fan by page 2. It won me over that quickly and I was a fan 1/4 of the way in. It was really that good. I enjoyed this adventure. Can't wait to read more.
• 
  RainyDayReader

  This is the second book in the middle-grade reimagining of the classic story of Don Quixote. The main character, Lucia, is a descendant of the classic character. Don Quioxte's helmet has been passed down through generations and she inherited it in the first book. This story follows Lucia and her best friend (and Pancho equivalent) Sandro as they try to juggle being heroes of the town with typical kid stuff. Lucia in particular is struggling with balancing her school work and questing for townspeople. She believes it is her job and that should be a priority, especially since her grandfather handed down the responsibility to her. Things escalate when mysterious owls begin taking items from people around town. While her family and Sandro encourage her to prioritize being a kid, Lucia continues pushing to her breaking point.
  
  I loved the theme of this iteration which seemed to be asking for help and taking breaks. Lucia is so focused on giving 100% to everything that it causes her to burn out and damage her relationships. She felt like she was the only one who could save and help people. I think that is something that many readers will relate too. Another relatable theme was juggling school and extracurriculars, which is especially relevant for preteens and teens. It felt a bit Spiderman-esque in that way.
  
  The only thing that threw me off a bit was the weird ending “punishment” for the witches. Without giving spoilers, it was just an odd choice to read as an adult reader. However, kids will probably find it funny and follow the reasoning a bit better than an adult reader. I also would have liked to see some more time for Lucia to succeed in being a hero and a student. It was hard sometimes because you feel so overwhelmed and defeated like Lucia. Comments from her teacher, the late nights of studying, and the number of people asking her to help them were challenging to experience because I really felt for her. I know that is probably the point. But I would have liked a bit more at the start or the end of positive interactions with Lucia to help balance it.
  
  I would recommend this book to middle-grade adventure and fantasy readers. Adults may enjoy it too if they appreciate the classic story or enjoy coming-of-age middle-grade books.
  
  (Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
• 
  TheNextGenLibrarian

  Book 2 in the Dona Quixote MG duology by @thirdrex @monicam_art
  🦉
  Lucia is having a string of good luck protecting her town from the supernatural, so much so that it’s going to her head. She starts thinking she doesn’t need to work hard in school or ask her best friend, Sandro, for help anymore. Unfortunately this is around the same time that she’ll need more help than ever because a parliament of owls invade their Texas town, stealing people’s personal effects. Lucia has a bad feeling about these owls and when she finds out witches are also involved she’ll need more assistance than ever to keep them from taking over Laredo.
  🦉
  I am just as obsessed with book 2 as I was with book 1! This graphic novel is everything I want in a middlegrade book It has life lessons, deals with big emotions that our kids are going through, had fantastic artwork and coloring, includes culture and history, plus: Sandro is one of my favorite characters ever. He’s a tween boy who takes ballet and is so sure of himself and who he is. These 2 Don Quixote retellings will forever be ones kids will flock to (get it? Because of the 🦉?!) Thanks @macmillanusa for the ARC. This title releases September 3!
  
  CW: child death (recounted), car accident, theft, violence (all age appropriate)
• 
  Ryn (Crafty_Bookworm)

  In this volume Lucia must learn what it actually is like to live the life of a knight who is still in Middle School. While trying to balance knight duties, schoolwork, friends, and family Lucia is struggling to do it all alone. Help is going to be needed in her newest battle against a coven of witches bent on revenge, but will she ask for it?
  I truly enjoyed this graphic novel twist on a classic for kids. While for me it wasn’t quite as strong as the first story in this duology it was still a fantastic and fun read. Lucia’s stubbonness felt a bit to pushed and stereotype of the lone hero which pulled me out as it went on but I understand why it was important to the story. Once Lucia realizes she can ask for help the story took off and I just wanted more once I got the end. Overall, a delightful graphic novel perfect for introducing kids to a well loved classic.
  Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Bruce

  It’s really exhausting to be the town hero and keep up with your homework. Having demonstrated her bona fedes as someone who can not only see, but also defeat occult demons, monsters and mischief makers in front of everyone. The services of Lucia Castillo are now in great demand, and she’s starting to feel some burnout. Owls have been stealing prize possessions from her classmates and more and more adults. Lucia’s own grandmother has her wedding ring snatched off her finger by these feathered fiends! Meanwhile her grades are slipping, and she has a falling out with her best friend and ally. What can be done to set things right? Find out in Flight of the Witch.
• 
  Ron

  Lucia is acknowledged as the town hero. But in her excitement over that status, she looses track of friends and schoolwork. So when a rash of thefts by owls occur, she tries to do everything herself. Lack of knowledge and planning kept stymieing her efforts. But after a forced stand-down forces her to learn to accept help and plan ahead, Lucia and Sandro manage to organize a last ditch effort to save the town! A nicely done storyline accompanied by colorful artwork that helps set the mood!
  
  Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the chance to read this title!
• 
  Alicia

  Shapeshifting witches, oh my! I loved the action sequences and the bit of mystery/thrill that Lucia has to go on as part of her adventures as Dona Quixote when she wears the helmet/armor of her grandfather's. The helmet gives her access to a mythological world that pulls is Mexican lore to fight against with her friend.
  
  The art is just as vivid in the second as the first, and who doesn't love her sidekick donkey! A visual feast with a mix of humor in accessing the classic tale of Don Quixote.
• 
  Raven Black

  As I didn't care for book two as much as book one, this rating of 2 is actually 2.75 The story arc (learning you need friends/help) is not new, but overall the story didn't feel as strong as it could be. Though the ending was interesting, there were a few questions left unanswered. The art is, as before, fun, bright, colorful and clever. For the aged strong 8 and up, this is a good series and great on representation.
• 
  Lisa Davidson

  Cute story with a fun take on the name. Like the original Don Quixote, Lucia thinks she's the one who needs to save everyone, now that her abuelo is gone. Her grades are suffering but she feels alone in her quest and ends up alienating her best friend.
  The family and friends were wonderful, the story was fast-paced, and the ending was heartwarming. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
• 
  Andrea

  The family, the legends, the friendship and the artwork that I loved from the first one are back! And you add in the lessons that Lucia learns, it really makes this book amazing. This is the right book for so many people, but especially for kids learning to navigate friendship and other responsibilities. This duology is a favorite graphic novel series. Amazing!
• 
  Taryn Allan

  I really enjoyed this sequel. I think it builds on the themes from the last book and talks about how hard it is to do everything on your own. Sometimes asking for help may be hard, but it doesn't make you any less of a hero. I also really liked that Dona had to learn how to apologize for her behavior.
• 
  Theresa

  Flight of the Witch (Doña Quixote #2)
  by Rey Terciero
  A cross cultural story, showing historic Spanish and Mexican traditions. The young heroine is the granddaughter of a heraldic knight modeled after the Spanish knight errant Don Quixote. The story focuses on the ideal that heroes need friends and a community of support. Their villains are based on Mexican gods, and Mythology.
• 
  Sophy

  A story about a girl with a magical helmet that can allow her to see mythical beings that others can't see. She tries to do everything on her own and thinks it's a weakness until she finds out it's ok to ask for help when you really need it.
  
• 
  Melanie Gaum

  Not quite as good as the first one, but a fun follow-up and conclusion.
  
  ARC from Netgalley.