The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina: A Novel

Written by Zoraida Córdova

Narrated by Frankie Corzo

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).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797131351

Zoraida Córdova

Zoraida Córdova is the acclaimed author of more than a dozen novels and short stories, including The Fall of Rebel Angels, the Brooklyn Brujas series, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: A Crash of Fate, and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. In addition to writing novels, she serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books, is the coeditor of the bestselling anthology Vampires Never Get Old, and is the cohost of the writing podcast Deadline City. She writes romance novels as Zoey Castile. Zoraida was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and calls New York City home. When she’s not working, she’s roaming the world in search of magical stories. For more information, visit her at ZoraidaCordova.com.

Reviews for The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

[Daytrel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful story and beautifully read by the narrator. The audiobook was a great choice given that I am non-Spanish speaking and having the story read just gave it life. The narrator brought the story alive for me and even when I didn't understand all the words or phrases, that didn't take me out of the book. There were definitely a few twists that caught me by surprise and I thought the ending was very well done as it wrapped up the story but still left you envisioning a future for the Montoya clan.

[Nineka Wright · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Amazing characters, fantastic plot, great pacing. Zoraida really did her thing here!

[Judy Spezzano Barnum · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was fanciful, magical, and a very good story. I enjoyed it.

[Peter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow ? this book was amazing. I am recommending it to everyone I know. It was a ride. I struggled remembering who was who in the beginning but pushed through and it was an amazing story.

[Ignore This · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is so good that it is just short of unbelievable. Holy COW! And the voice actress nails every single sylable she speaks. I am blown away. BLOWN AWAY.

[Emefa Anka · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was better than I had imagined. Also, the ending I felt was rushed.

[The Bookish Dad · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a non stop read as I couldn't put it down for more than 5 minutes. I can't seem to find the right words to praise this enough. What an inheritance to receive..even in death family never leaves you.

[Shalane Du Preez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a STUNNING story, to be honest it did not grab me right away.... I think I listened to the first 3 chapters and only DAYS thereafter started up again, and finished the next week only. But it was worth it, this story is unlike any other I have read in a while and it was refreshing. I loved the family aspect and theagic, the secrets, the bonds, the drama, and I LOVED Ray. Reminded me of a magical version of Jane the Virgin

[Shantal Marshall · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the intergenerational story told from two different timelines coming together. I especially appreciated the story of Orquídea as she made her way in an unknown world. For me though, the magic was sometimes a bit of a crutch to allow things to happen that didn’t make a lot of sense. I prefer when magic has clear rules but in this story it felt like almost anything goes. It took away from what was a really powerful story of trying to live a life outside of what is prescribed based on identities outside of your control.

[Laura Ferreira · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A lot of timeline jumps with many characters which made it a little difficult to follow. After a rough start the storyline gets better.

[Janet Douglas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Stunning imagery, her writing pulls you into a magical story, with relatable characters & family dynamics beautifully woven into
fairy tale. The telling of the story was also skillfully done, without the narrator’s voice being a distraction.

[Michele · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a beautiful story. I enjoyed this one thoroughly. Try it

[Tazz Favors · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I rarely give any book 5 stars but I had to for this one. I loved it from beginning to end. All I wanted to do was do nothing and listen to the story, but I also didn't want it end.

[Maria Paiva · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was Phenomenal. It keep me wanting to listen to more and more.

[RitaVicente · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was incredible! The writing was divine and the audiobook definitely did it justice!! I’d say that towards the end it lost the plot a little bit, maybe a bit too convoluted but i really enjoyed it nonetheless! Highly recommend this for people looking for an introduction into magical realism!

[Day Andnight · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The plot itself had a lot of potential. The magic was interesting and the main events were fun to read about. However, I feel like half of the book could have been edited out. There was just too much description and didn't really provide necessary information. In my opinion, the writer could've spent more time on building a better development of the story and a really good ending. The final part of the story felt rushed and poorly thought-out. It is a shame because this could've been a great book.

[Ellen Heron · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a magical and beautiful story of family, loss, love and mistakes.
I was completely swept away by the characters of this story. All I can say is this is a must read/ listen!

[Blessing John · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.25 ? A beautiful story. Well crafted and sumptuously narrated.

[Naiah Hilt Branwen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing book! The narrator did a amazing job as well.

[Morryah McCurdy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mystical and lovely! Fun, fast read! Practical Magic vibes. Recommend

[Jessica Moore · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pretty good! I liked the atmosphere and magical elements in this novel.

[Zahra Kadir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked a lot of this book, but the ending felt rushed and out of tune with the rest of the story. A story of grief and inter generational trauma that wrapped up too cleanly considering those themes, in my opinion. Still worth a listen, excellent visuals and vibes and sufficiently spooky for the season.

[Lucia Garcia · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story. I found it hard to connect with the characters, but they were still fun, specially Rey.

[steve tozzi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful fantasy book with a deep respect for Latin culture and lore. Strong female characters and loved the respect for ancestors and family roots it evoked.

[Lyndsey Ellis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredible. Imaginative, inventive, stunningly beautiful and insightful. A magical journey.

[Mich Durnez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved every second of this book! Very magical! Hopefully they make a movie out of it!

[Annesia Paraison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully descriptive and such captivating storytelling. I recommend to anyone

[MA BAn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such an interesting story and unlike any I’ve read before. Well written and the narration was amazing.

[Giada Vancini · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely enchanting.
Poetic, powerful and modern at the same time.
Feels like like Allende's" the house of Spirit" and Disney"Coco" had a novel child:)
Absolutely loved
Thanks

[Israel Bonet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved every second of it! A must read for disney's encanto ADULT fans!