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bookiecharm's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Body horror, Medical content, and Violence
phantasmaboo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I thought this book was another solid novel from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The characters were diverse and represented and fit in well with the time period of the book. I thought both main characters were developed well, although Carlota seemed to receive more care and attention than Montgomery did. I also thought that Moreno-Garcia did a good job setting up the time period of the book and basing it in actual conflict in Mexico. Obviously, not all aspects are true, but there was just enough to make the story believable.
The Lovecraftian elements were similarly easy to follow and understand, even if you’re not a fan of the genre. I had very little experience with Lovecraftian plot lines, but I followed along easily enough.
Overall, I thought the book was good and if you’re a fan of Moreno-Garcia’s other works, you’ll probably like this one too.
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Classism, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Colonisation, Violence, Slavery, Sexual content, and Death
hanz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Minor: Colonisation
cedardleland's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, and Gun violence
katiefronk's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Death, Animal death, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Carlota did get on my nerves here and there throughout the book, she's young and isolated with her dad controlling her so she did some stupid stuff, but once she came into her own, I liked her a lot
I didn't like Montgomery thirsting over her considering he met her when she was a child and he is approx. 15 years older than her. Like a line I really didn't like was him saying she would make the best/most perfect/most beautiful prostitute. But otherwise, I found his character interesting in some aspects and liked the perspective his character brought on various social issues.
The hybrids were great! I wish we could've had more from them since what we did get was kind of wonderful.
I did guess the "twist" of this story correctly and was unsurprised when it was revealed, but it didn't take away my enjoyment of the book.
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Alcoholism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Murder, Animal death, Classism, Colonisation, and Misogyny
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Confinement
sparklefarm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Colonisation, Sexual content, Body horror, Addiction, and Classism
somebooksomewhere's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, Gun violence, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Murder, Medical content, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Colonisation, Classism, and Cursing
Minor: Animal cruelty, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Body horror, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Infertility
thebookcoyote's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, Murder, and Body horror
the_wistful_word_witch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Unfortunately, for me, it didn't live up to the hype. It's not a bad book by any means, but it didn't really stand out either. The writing is good, and the world-building is exceptional. But I was a bit let down, character-wise. I felt that the titular character of Carlota was a bit of a milquetoast, although it was kind of to be expected, given her history. It's not until the very end that you really see her develop. Montgomery feels out of place, and I never really could figure out why he was there. I would have preferred reading more about the hybrids though, as the small glimpses into their characters were fascinating.
The ending left me a bit 'meh' and I had a harder time finding inspiration for my review. A solid book, ultimately, but just not for me.
Moderate: Death and Violence