United States
![Zoraida Córdova - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_zoraida_cordova.jpg)
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina: A Novel
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Isabel Allende, and Sarah Addison Allen, a family searches for the truth hidden in their past in this "expertly woven tale of family power, threaded with as much mystery as magic" (V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won't ever leave their home in Four Rivers-not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed into a ceiba tree, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings and powers. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea's line. Determined to save what's left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, her descendants travel to Ecuador-to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back.
Alternating between Orquídea's past and her descendants' present, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a "spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love" (Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author).
Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Isabel Allende, and Sarah Addison Allen, a family searches for the truth hidden in their past in this "expertly woven tale of family power, threaded with as much mystery as magic" (V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won't ever leave their home in Four Rivers-not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed into a ceiba tree, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings and powers. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea's line. Determined to save what's left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, her descendants travel to Ecuador-to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back.
Alternating between Orquídea's past and her descendants' present, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a "spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love" (Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author).
Editorial Reviews
"An expertly woven tale of family power, threaded with as much mystery as magic. This book is simply exquisite." -- V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
"I fell hard for this book. The dynamic, powerful mixture of secrets, stories, and longing that bind families together is Zoraida Córdova's narrative engine, but her ability to evoke landscape and the numinous make The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina feel like an invitation into an enchanted garden." -- Kelly Link, author of Pulitzer Prize–finalist Get in Trouble
"The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a stunning homage to the power of ancestors and the legacy they leave behind. A spellbinding tale of magic that is woven across generations, readers will be captivated by the charismatic and unforgettable Montoya family. An enchanting, transporting read!" -- Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
"Spellbinding! What a pleasure getting to know the Montoyas over generations and landscapes-from Ecuador to New York City to the mythical small town of Four Rivers. Zoraida Córdova's undeniable storytelling gift feels propelled by the power of ancestors. These larger-than-life characters embrace like family. An immersive and enchanting treat." -- Kali Fajardo-Anstine, author of National Book Award finalist Sabrina & Corina
"A bloody and beautiful inheritance, Córdova's adult debut delves into the dark legacies ancestors leave behind with the living. Intoxicating and unforgettable." -- Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series
"It is a remarkable gift to read the story an author was clearly born to write. Searing, lyrical, melancholy . . . beautiful. The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina captures the very essence of the immigrant story." -- Adriana Herrera, USA Today bestselling author
"Córdova weaves a spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love." -- Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author of The Grace Year
"A commandingly propulsive story with a complex writing style that is best enjoyed slowly makes The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina a challenge, but one well worth the time." ― Book Page (starred)
"[A] radiant adult debut . . . The magic is vivid and yet familiar, and adds to the urgency of the plot . . . [An] inspired and entertaining blend of magical realism and fantasy." ― Publish...
"I fell hard for this book. The dynamic, powerful mixture of secrets, stories, and longing that bind families together is Zoraida Córdova's narrative engine, but her ability to evoke landscape and the numinous make The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina feel like an invitation into an enchanted garden." -- Kelly Link, author of Pulitzer Prize–finalist Get in Trouble
"The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a stunning homage to the power of ancestors and the legacy they leave behind. A spellbinding tale of magic that is woven across generations, readers will be captivated by the charismatic and unforgettable Montoya family. An enchanting, transporting read!" -- Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
"Spellbinding! What a pleasure getting to know the Montoyas over generations and landscapes-from Ecuador to New York City to the mythical small town of Four Rivers. Zoraida Córdova's undeniable storytelling gift feels propelled by the power of ancestors. These larger-than-life characters embrace like family. An immersive and enchanting treat." -- Kali Fajardo-Anstine, author of National Book Award finalist Sabrina & Corina
"A bloody and beautiful inheritance, Córdova's adult debut delves into the dark legacies ancestors leave behind with the living. Intoxicating and unforgettable." -- Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series
"It is a remarkable gift to read the story an author was clearly born to write. Searing, lyrical, melancholy . . . beautiful. The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina captures the very essence of the immigrant story." -- Adriana Herrera, USA Today bestselling author
"Córdova weaves a spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love." -- Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author of The Grace Year
"A commandingly propulsive story with a complex writing style that is best enjoyed slowly makes The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina a challenge, but one well worth the time." ― Book Page (starred)
"[A] radiant adult debut . . . The magic is vivid and yet familiar, and adds to the urgency of the plot . . . [An] inspired and entertaining blend of magical realism and fantasy." ― Publish...
Readers Top Reviews
carmenCorinaTarin
I don’t have the energy to properly review what all is wrong with this book. Even as a mystical or metaphysical story, it falls way short. And I will not blame the translation… This is just a bunch of silliness and a waste of time. I can never forgive the latter.
This novel is brilliant, in the way the “Wizard of Oz” is brilliant. I’ve read this book twice: the first time, I had borrowed a copy from the library. I liked it so much, I wanted to read it again on Kindle because I wanted to highlight the beautiful prose passages. And, of course, the second reading cleared up many of the confusing -to me- parts from the first reading. This is a book of magical realism, of familial devotion, of the complexities of life on earth and in the heavens. And I’ll gladly read it again.
Suzy Q carmenCo
Echoes of my past favorites, "Like Water for Chocolate " and "Cantora", seep through the pages as we follow the unfolding of a family story and their secrets. Filled with fantastic imagery and larger than life characters. A wonderful world to escape into at the end of a long day.
mariluLoves2ReadS
The imagery was very good. The story lines lacked depth. It seemed the author created too many characters and was not able to manage them or bring a cohesive message between them. The last few chapters seemed displaced and vulgar. Possibly too many pens on the paper.
cricketmariluLove
I am always drawn to character driven stories. This has both an intriguing plot and deeply engaging characters. The magic and fantasy components wonderfully blend with the reality created by the author. I love the Hispanic cultural elements and Spanish words that so naturally pop up in the telling of this tale. Finally, the audio version is also excellent. I switched back and forth between text and audio as I read the book. Just love it all!
