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angel_kiiss's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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? No
2.75
It's a great concept but executed rather poorly. This American Gods but make it Mexican and Indigenous sounds like an interesting concept and it's enough to get you to pick up the book, but personally, I wasn't drawn in by the Cinderella lifestyle the main character was living and couldn't get behind the way the plot influenced her and not how she influenced the plot. Our protagonist, Casiopea, is pushed around by the plot and is only there as a prop to help in the god's adventure until the very end when she finally gets some agency of her own and makes a decision that actually affects the story. Up until that point, which is about 85% into the book, none of her actions actually have an effect on what is happening. In the end, her stubbornness and courage allow her to overcome, but up until then, this could literally have been any other girl with enough luck to get out of her oppression. Casiopeadoesn't run away and then find a god, she goes about daily life and is suddenly thrust into a god's path. "You have to come with me," he says. She has to bend so the plot can continue. Not the other way around.
I also was not a fan of the romance aspect. I think some authors forget that not all stories need romance, and this one definitely didn't. The romance between Casiopea and Hun'Kaman felt forced and as if the only reason they fell for each other was that their lives were now connected. Not once did I feel like there was anything actually there for her to fall in love with. We get told she's falling in love. In fact, we almost get told everything. This book is mostly telling not showing and the historical aspects felt shoved in rather than intertwined with the historical setting. We just happened to be in 1920s Mexico, but really it could have been any decade in some part of Southern Mexico. The time period only added to act as some filler in between plot events.
I also was not a fan of the romance aspect. I think some authors forget that not all stories need romance, and this one definitely didn't. The romance between Casiopea and Hun'Kaman felt forced and as if the only reason they fell for each other was that their lives were now connected. Not once did I feel like there was anything actually there for her to fall in love with. We get told she's falling in love. In fact, we almost get told everything. This book is mostly telling not showing and the historical aspects felt shoved in rather than intertwined with the historical setting. We just happened to be in 1920s Mexico, but really it could have been any decade in some part of Southern Mexico. The time period only added to act as some filler in between plot events.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Racism
Minor: Blood, Drug use, Grief, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
n_asyikin_'s review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
TW: graphic violence & gore; mysogyny; racism; colourism; animal deaths/sacrifices
A book that spoke like a fairy-tale, utterly captivating in its magic. I read this as if this was a timeless story; the writing-style (i.e., narration) set you right into wonderment.
The romance caught me by surprise, but in such a pleasant manner. It was the sort of romance that quietly simmer; less about fireworks, more about temperate warmth, yet one you'd root for.
I love the significance (i.e., symbolism) of the star; its symbolism, beautifully poetic. Some aspects of the narratives are stunning in that way.
Casiopea's musings & the way she bonded with Hun-Kamè through intimating her dreams & wishes, built this solid form of intimacy between the two that reflected their general dynamic. Their chemistry tend to be subtle, but one that I cannot resist.
There were times I thought the scenes transitioned rather too abruptly. For example,Hun-Kamè's forgiveness & acceptance of Vucub-Kamè at the end. Fortunately, such scenes did not significantly altered the story progression - just left it out of pace a bit, for me.
The narration was melodic & magical. Some of the conversations served to muse us, evoking a romantic (a comfortable) need for contemplation. I truly enjoyed the sense of wonder the book brought out in me. Oh, and how can I not fall in love withhow an almighty god gained aplenty from the love he shared with a mere mortal (enticing stuff!!). Somehow, like Casiopea, it left me feeling hopeful with possibilities at the end.
(P.S.: Shout out to Loray; my favourite side character with his devilish charm & mischiefs!)
A book that spoke like a fairy-tale, utterly captivating in its magic. I read this as if this was a timeless story; the writing-style (i.e., narration) set you right into wonderment.
I love the significance (i.e., symbolism) of the star; its symbolism, beautifully poetic. Some aspects of the narratives are stunning in that way.
Casiopea's musings & the way she bonded with Hun-Kamè through intimating her dreams & wishes, built this solid form of intimacy between the two that reflected their general dynamic. Their chemistry tend to be subtle, but one that I cannot resist.
There were times I thought the scenes transitioned rather too abruptly. For example,
The narration was melodic & magical. Some of the conversations served to muse us, evoking a romantic (a comfortable) need for contemplation. I truly enjoyed the sense of wonder the book brought out in me. Oh, and how can I not fall in love with
(P.S.: Shout out to Loray; my favourite side character with his devilish charm & mischiefs!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
readerette's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed this much more than Mexican Gothic, which is the other book of the author's I've read. Where that book was laconic and lacked soul (for me), this one is a sweet and deep adventure story that draws on Mayan mythology and the strength of character possible in a mere mortal. I wished for a different ending, but only because I'm a softie.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Gore, Grief, Racism, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Sexual content, and Suicide
zombiezami's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It took me a long time to get through this. I tried with an ebook several times, and even though I purchased the audiobook, I still had a hard time. It's not so much that I disliked; I didn't I think this book would have done better for me in a visual medium, maybe as a graphic novel or even a tv show or movie. There was so much imagery that I wish I could just see instead of hearing it described. I was very interested in the mythology presented, and I liked Cassiopeia as a character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexism, Misogyny, Body horror, Death, Animal death, Gore, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Physical abuse
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