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womanwill's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Gun violence, and Colonisation
Moderate: Vomit, Police brutality, Medical trauma, Kidnapping, Drug use, Death, Confinement, and Animal cruelty
thereadingskeleton'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? Yes
This is the second book I’ve read by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and what I’m learning is that she always creates complex, layered, and compelling characters. I loved many of the characters in Certain Dark Things—Atl, Domingo, Ana, Bernardino—and I loved to hate the main villain, Nick. There are so many different personalities on display—a tough-as-nails vampire with a lot more issues than she lets on, a sweet and kind-of-goofy cinnamon roll garbage collector, a jaded detective just trying to do right by her kid, and more—and I was interested in all of them!
If there is a real shining star of this book, though, it’s the vampire lore. Oh my GOD, the amazing vampire lore! In the world of Certain Dark Things, there’s not just one type of vampire; there are ten, and they all have different characteristics and abilities. It’s a fresh, unique, and brilliant take on vampire lore, and I would read more books set in this world in a heartbeat. I wish we’d gotten to meet more types of vampires and further explore the vampire world.
For me, the plot was secondary to learning about the characters and world. I will say that if you go into this book expecting a fast-paced, action-packed plot, you’ll be disappointed. There is action, but there’s a lot of build-up, and I’d describe the pace as a slow burn. If you as a reader love the tension more than the climactic moment and prioritize character over plot, I think you’ll enjoy Certain Dark Things.
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Violence, Gun violence, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Body horror
hanz'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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Medical content, Murder, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Drug use and Kidnapping
sofipitch'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? Yes
5.0
I recommend this book HIGHLY
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Colonisation
jmross10's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
caidyn'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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Murder, Vomit, and War