Where Magic and Culture Collide: The Spellbinding Mortiz Sisters of ‘Brooklyn Brujas’
Zoraida Córdova’s “Brooklyn Brujas” series is a vibrant and culturally rich journey into the lives of three sisters navigating the challenges of growing up with magical powers in a world that intertwines their Latina heritage with contemporary American paranormal fantasy. This captivating young adult fantasy series explores themes of identity, family, and the power of embracing one’s roots.
Series Overview:
Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn, New York, the series follows the Mortiz sisters—Alex, Lula, and Rose—who are each coming to terms with their own unique magical abilities. They belong to a family of brujas and brujos, where their Latina heritage plays a significant role in shaping their magical practices and beliefs. The world Córdova creates is one where ancient traditions meet modern-day challenges, and the spiritual realm is as real and tangible as the streets of Brooklyn.
Labyrinth Lost (Book 1) — The first book introduces us to Alex, the middle sister, who is reluctant to embrace her powers. On her Deathday celebration, a spell meant to rid her of her abilities backfires, plunging her into the dark and dangerous underworld of Los Lagos. Alex must navigate this new world, confront its creatures, and save her family who she accidentally banished.
Bruja Born (Book 2) — Lula, the eldest sister, takes center stage in this sequel. After a tragic bus accident leaves her boyfriend Maks in limbo between life and death, Lula’s attempt to heal him with her powers unleashes a series of supernatural events that put the entire magical community at risk from heart-hungry zombies. This installment deepens the exploration of magical ethics and the bonds of love and family.
Wayward Witch (Book 3) — The youngest sister, Rose, finds herself and her father thrust into the realm of Adas, a fairy-like world facing its own calamities. Rose’s story is about mastering her abilities and facing the responsibilities that come with them. As she fights to save Adas, she also learns more about her own strength, the importance of her family’s legacy, and the power of forgiveness.
What I liked about the series
Zoraida Córdova masterfully weaves her Latina heritage into the fabric of the “Brooklyn Brujas” narrative, enriching the magical lore with elements from Latin American culture. You can feel her love for her culture in the way the characters talk to each other, in the food they eat, and in their reverence for their ancestors’s sacrifices.
The inclusion of gods like La Mama and El Papa, along with practices such as setting up shrines and using magic crystals, adds authenticity and depth to the story. I appreciated how the Mortiz sisters, while deeply connected to their roots, navigate the complexities of being part of a broader magical community within a predominantly non-Latino culture. Their experiences spoke to me on a personal level, echoing the challenges of maintaining one’s cultural identity amidst the pressures of assimilation.
I also loved how inclusive Zoraida Córdova was in this series. We see blended families, lost fathers who leave and come back, queer characters, and many characters dealing with generational trauma. Throughout this series, though, is a strong sense of community and family love. The characters in these books make mistakes, but their families are unwavering in their love and loyalty, and I though that was beautiful.
If you’re captivated by tales of magic, cultural heritage, and the unbreakable bonds of family, the “Brooklyn Brujas” series is a must-read.
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