Tollan's Ballad (The Brum Hesles Series)

In Tollan’s Ballad, the thrilling sequel to Quetzalli’s Last Song, Brum Hesles faces her most perilous challenge yet. Stranded in the treacherous Realms with her siblings, she is unprepared for the brewing war against the Flow – an unstoppable force threatening to unravel the very fabric of existence. Her aunt has vanished without a trace, the mysterious Frequency that keeps the worlds in harmony is failing, and her father is missing in action across the human domain.

Desperate for allies, Brum must navigate a dangerous landscape where loyalty is a rare commodity and deception lurks behind every smiling face. Can she trust Camazotz, the extravagant and cunning Lord of the Underside? Or Ollin the Incinerator, the fiery Tollani king whose unpredictable temper could ignite a war on its own? Every step forward pulls Brum deeper into a game of power, survival, and ancient rivalries. Blending the mythological richness of ancient Mexico with fast-paced adventure and heart-pounding suspense, Tollan’s Ballad continues the saga of a courageous young heroine grappling with impossible odds, family bonds, and her own fears. Readers who love epic quests, richly imagined worlds, and fierce female protagonists – fans of Percy Jackson, The Storm Runner, or Shadow and Bone – will be swept away by Brum’s journey. This is more than a fight to save the Realmic System; it’s a test of resilience, trust, and the enduring strength of family. Whether you are returning from Quetzalli’s Last Song or diving in for the first time, Tollan’s Ballad invites you into a vividly woven universe of magic, danger, and destiny – where every choice could mean salvation or ruin.

Author Biography

Desirée Calderón de Fawaz is the winner of the 2018 Middle East Book Award for her children’s book Tata’s Earrings (Los Aretes de Tata). In Tollan’s Ballad-the sequel to Quetzalli’s Last Song-Desirée brings the adventures of the witty Brum Hesles to epic proportions, setting the stage for future explorations into her world. Desirée now lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and three children. When not negotiating peace amongst quarreling chaneques, she practices yoga, creates art, and enjoys challenging what you think you know about the world. To learn more about the Brum Hesles Series and her latest projects, visit www.desireecalderondefawaz.com.