Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Gods of Jade and Shadow

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 with

how 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!)

Content Warnings

goblingirlreads's review

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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 don't know if I'm an easy 5 or if I have gotten really good at finding and picking up books that I know I'll enjoy immensely. After Mexican Gothic was one of my favorite reads of last year I decided to pick up this one and Moreno-Garcia did not let me down. This was an action-fantasy-adventure book of the same caliber of American Gods except the gods in this book are based in Mayan mythology and the characters journey through Mexico during the Jazz Age with a brief trip into America at one point. I will say there's a lot of advertising surrounding this book that are like JAZZ AGE and I found that to be more set dressing and not hugely important to the story at large. HOWEVER, the writing was excellent, the plot was quick and fun and I found myself moved at the end of the book. There's some controversy about the ending - I loved it! I loved the overarching themes about being the hero in your own story, speaking your intentions into being, and all the symbolism that goes into myth-making. It was an incredibly smart book while not being too heady and feeling like a fun romp through the world of gods and mortals. In the end I can't say I liked it more than Mexican Gothic, which had so many things I specifically crave in a book, but I can't find faults in it either. A blast of a read. I'm ready for anything by this author!

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