Picture an Ecuadorian storyteller who weaves magic into every page, bringing mermaids, witches, and star-crossed heroes to life—meet Zoraida Córdova! Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and raised in the vibrant streets of Queens, New York, Córdova has become a beloved voice in young adult fantasy. Her stories, rich with Latinx culture and themes of identity, resonate with readers who crave diverse, enchanting worlds.
With series like The Vicious Deep and Brooklyn Brujas, Córdova invites us into realms where magic is as real as family ties. Her belief in 'pure magic' shines through, making her a standout in fantasy literature. Let’s dive into her journey, works, and why she’s a must-read for any book lover.
The Making of Zoraida Córdova
Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and moved to the United States at age six, settling in Hollis, Queens. English, her second language, became a gateway to storytelling, sparked by watching Disney’s The Little Mermaid on repeat. At 13, she read Amelia Atwater-Rhodes’ In the Forests of the Night, amazed that a teen could publish a novel. This inspired Córdova to pursue writing, attending the National Book Foundation’s writing camps and later studying English Literature and Latino Studies at Hunter College and the University of Montana. Her debut novel, The Vicious Deep, was penned at 19 and published in 2012, launching her career.
Zoraida Córdova’s Unforgettable Stories
Córdova’s bibliography sparkles with diverse, magical tales. The Vicious Deep trilogy (2012–2014) follows Tristan Hart, a half-merman navigating love and destiny in a Brooklyn infused with sea magic. Inspired by her childhood fascination with mermaids, the series blends urban fantasy with Ecuadorian flair, featuring a biracial Ecuadorian-Greek side character, Layla Santos.
Her Brooklyn Brujas series, starting with Labyrinth Lost (2016), is a love letter to Latinx culture. It centers on Alex Mortiz, a powerful bruja who accidentally banishes her family to Los Lagos, a mystical underworld. Praised for its queer representation and vibrant mythology, the series won an International Latino Book Award. Other works, like The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina (2021), explore matriarchal legacies with magical realism, while Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: A Crash of Fate (2019) showcases her versatility. Córdova’s style—lush, inclusive, and rooted in family—creates worlds where readers see themselves.
Writing as Zoey Castile, she also pens steamy romances, like the Happy Endings series, proving her range. Her stories often challenge stereotypes, offering Latinx protagonists who grapple with adolescence, not just race, in fantastical settings.
Why Zoraida Córdova Matters
Zoraida Córdova’s impact lies in her commitment to diversity and authenticity. As an Ecuadorian-American, she crafts stories that celebrate Latinx heritage, countering the lack of representation she noticed in fantasy as a teen. Her work with We Need Diverse Books and anthologies like Vampires Never Get Old amplifies marginalized voices. By blending Ecuadorian mythology with universal themes of identity and belonging, she creates mirrors for Latinx readers and windows for others, fostering empathy and wonder.
Her influence extends beyond books. Córdova’s podcast, Deadline City, mentors aspiring writers, and her vivid worlds inspire readers to embrace their own magic. She’s a trailblazer who proves fantasy can be inclusive and enchanting.
- Born: Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Key Works: The Vicious Deep, Labyrinth Lost, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina
- Awards: International Latino Book Award for Labyrinth Lost
- Fun Fact: She writes romance as Zoey Castile!
Snag Labyrinth Lost and dive into Zoraida Córdova’s spellbinding fantasy! Her worlds of brujas, mermaids, and magic await—perfect for anyone who believes in the power of stories.