The Red Casket (Del Toro Tales #2)Format: paperback
Publisher: Owl Hollow Press
Number of Pages: 260
Published: January 14th, 2020
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review
Opening lines: "Pest control. That's what our father, Javier Del Toro jokingly called our hunting sprees."
From Goodreads: "Never trust a witch.
For four hundred years, generations of the Family Del Toro and their battle-savvy warhorses have secretly guarded their corner of Colorado from all things creepy. But when a menacing woman with some wicked witch powers shows up at the Del Toro ranch and demands the return of the Red Casket, twelve-year-old Matt Del Toro must team up with his best friend Perry—along with the warhorses Rigo and Isabel—to out-wit, out-ride, and out-fight one Viking-size sorceress."
In the previous book in the series, the reader was introduced to "skinners," or these creepy creatures that are all bloody and kinda resemble a "fresh-skinned animal carcass." The reader also learned that Matt and his family are a part of this ancient order of Knights sworn to protect the world against these creatures. With their talking Andalusian warhorses, they've been able to keep the skinners at bay. Much of the first book centered on Matt's training with some awesome fights against these creatures.
Matt is the kind of character that I so adore. He's not overly confident, hesitant at times, even introspective. He's always looked up to his dad and respects him as not only his father but also for his skills in hunting. In the first book, Matt was concerned about whether he was up to the challenge, he had a lot that he wanted to prove to his family. Not to mention wanting to prove to his older brother that he could be a strong fighter. That he could wield a mace, stay on his horse and most importantly not get himself killed. But now that they lost one of their most knowledgeable horses and a dear friend in the previous book, Matt is not only feeling his loss but he's also concerned with whether or not their newest member, Rigo is happy being paired up with him.
In this book, Matt learns that he's being groomed to take over the family business. It's a choice that Matt isn't sure that he would make. Is he ready for the responsibility? Does he have what it takes? One of the themes I felt the story was trying to convey was the idea that there isn't "a right or wrong decision, only the best decision that you can make at the time." Which plays in nicely as Matt begins questioning his leadership skills. Matt's father gives him the room to make his own decisions while at the same time supporting him. Even when Matt makes a huge mistake, he doesn't chastise him for it. He instead encourages him to take it as a learning experience. I so enjoy these interactions between Matt and his dad. Matt has shown such growth from the first book, he's making some of his own choices and even taking on more of a leadership role, especially when his dad is called away to Denver. He's incorporated some of his previous conversations with El Cid about the importance of staying together and is learning to become a leader. I'm really curious to see how this evolves further in the next book in the series.
Family dynamics are a huge part of the story, but so is the action. When this white-haired woman shows up asking for the red casket, Matt knows that she means trouble. She tries to negotiate for the casket at first, but after being told flatly "no", she's not willing to back down either. She means business. It definitely builds toward a high stake ending. Overall I love the feeling of family, connection, loyalty, sacrifice and the special bond that exists between horse and rider. The story has a lovely southwestern flair and the positive message that family will always be there to support and love you.
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