They were warned to leave the ancient gods undisturbed, but now a forgotten evil has been awakened.
Let Sleeping Gods Lie is the second adventure in the Trixie dos Santos series by the award-winning author-illustrator Thiago de Moraes. This middle-grade fantasy novel sees the hero plunge into a whirlwind quest across the globe. After her beloved grandmother passes away, young Trixie discovers that a magical copper cauldron from her family’s archives has been stolen. This is no ordinary pot; it has the power to bring back the dead. With the help of her trickster god friends—including Loki, the Monkey King, and Exú—Trixie must journey through the underworlds of various mythologies, from the Chinese realm of Diyu to the Greek Hades. She faces terrifying monsters and guardians, all while fighting the powerful temptation to use the cauldron to bring back her grandmother.
This book is an excellent choice for developing readers because it cleverly balances complex content with accessible storytelling. While the plot introduces sophisticated ideas and vocabulary from diverse mythologies, it never becomes too daunting to carry on reading. The author’s own illustrations are scattered throughout the pages, giving students crucial visual context for the strange new gods and spooky underworlds described. The language itself is challenging but well-supported; new mythological terms are introduced naturally through Trixie, who is a mythology expert and acts as a guide for the reader. With its fast-paced plot, humorous dialogue, and a brave, relatable hero, Let Sleeping Gods Lie serves as a perfect bridge for students ready for mature themes but who still benefit from a supportive reading experience.
