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3.9 AVERAGE


I'm going to preface this by saying I think I've read too many of her books recently.

One thing I couldn't ignore is how all her female protagonists are very similar. They are all naive people who want more out of life. Another staple of her work is lush language about fated but impossible love. I was very aware of the similarities between her works and this did temper my experience even though I did enjoy it.

I really enjoyed the journey aspect to the story - it reminded me of Percy Jackson, but focusing on Mexican mythology (something we all know far too little about).

The ending was great and such a lovely way to end the narrative.
adventurous challenging mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

After sitting with my thoughts for a day I've come to the conclusion that while I did enjoy this book it was similar to her other works. I love how she describes the world.
However, the protagonist swept up in helping a god was a bit passive when it came to her actions. I think that was due to the characters curiosity. Moreno-Garcia wants the readers to know is that you can find happiness other than a romantic relationship or people that widen your horizons.
adventurous dark funny hopeful informative mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous mysterious medium-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: N/A
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I hyped this one up too much for myself. A bit bland and predictable, but not badly written.
adventurous dark reflective medium-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: No
adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I enjoyed the inclusion of mythology I listened to the audio book version and wish there were more descriptors of the gods and their lore. I loved how Moreno-Garcia incorporated different beings into 1920s Mexico. Seeing how demons and such would adapt to different societies.  I saw in another review that the physical book has a glossary so I will try to find that. I felt the romance aspect was kind of weird but I did appreciate it was slower paced than other novels. I think I should have known I wouldn’t like it since it is between a young women (just barely) and an immortal god. 

This is a beautifully written book with a beautiful plot. The characters have strong dynamics between them. The magic and Mayan mythology is delicious to read! There is a very slow burn romance which doesn’t pick up until almost the very end of the book, but it’s there! So for romance readers, you might be a tiny bit frustrated if you’re looking for a romance plot.

The book does feel “told” by a fireplace more than written which is one of the most magical parts about it. If I had to give any critique is that it felt a tiny bit slow at points but it was nothing that I readily noticed.

I’ve read Mexican Gothic from her as well, and she always has a way of creating this enrapturing worlds that truly make you escape.
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes