★★★★

Alex Espinoza’s The Sons of El Rey is a knockout celebration of queer identity, Lucha Libre style!

This is a campeón of a novel–a tornillo of identity, belonging, and love set in the electrifying world of Lucha Libre that pinned me to the mat with its powerful portrayal of characters grappling with their queerness while staying true to their Mexican roots.

The story follows a tag-team match of characters from multiple POVs, including Ernesto, a masked luchador hiding his true self both in and out of the ring, his fierce wife Elena, and his grandson Julian, a young gay man on his own journey of self-discovery. Espinoza deftly works their perspective together, highlighting how queerness and Mexican culture aren’t opponents, but partners in the ring. Lucha Libre, with its flamboyant exóticos and high-flying gender fluidity, becomes a metaphor for the characters’ own battles for acceptance and living authentically.

This novel doesn’t tap out from exploring the challenges faced by queer folks in traditional Mexican culture. Ernesto’s internal conflict between his love for his wife and his attraction to men hits hard, reminding us when society body slams anyone who steps outside the norm. But the story delivers a finishing move of hope and resilience, celebrating the strength and courage it takes to live your truth, even when the odds are stacked against you. The characters’ journeys of self-discovery showcase the human spirit’s power for love, acceptance, and the unwavering pursuit of belonging.

For queer readers, especially those with a Mexican heritage, this book is a championship belt we can proudly wear. It reminds us that our queerness isn’t a costume, but a vital part of our identity. By body-slamming traditional gender roles and expectations, The Sons of El Rey clears the ring for a more inclusive and accepting future.

Espinoza’s writing is a suplex of poetry and emotion, exploring the complexities of identity, the power of love, and the beauty of Mexican culture leaving you breathless long after the final bell. The Sons of El Rey was a máscara v. cabellera match for my soul, a powerful reminder that we’re not alone in our fight for acceptance and belonging.