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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Magic related fiction of this type is not my usual choice of book but the references to Nazi history and it's entanglement with escoteric mysticism gave me a much needed chance to geek out about two topics I have knowledge in. Very captivating read and highly appreciated the bi4bi relationship between the main characters.
I really loved the second half of this- the spookiness was excellent and I really loved the feel and atmosphere of the magic! Makes me think I should really read some more books with a sort of 'occult' style magic system.
The two main characters were also excellent. I loved how flawed they were yet, ultimately, trying to do good. Their relationship, dynamic and personalities felt so human. They were really the 'heart' of the whole story.
However, the first half was about 90% exposition and that did take a bit of effort to get through. I'm glad I carried on though because the climax was fantastic. I was also a bit miffed by some choices at the end but the choice did make sense in-universe.
The two main characters were also excellent. I loved how flawed they were yet, ultimately, trying to do good. Their relationship, dynamic and personalities felt so human. They were really the 'heart' of the whole story.
However, the first half was about 90% exposition and that did take a bit of effort to get through. I'm glad I carried on though because the climax was fantastic. I was also a bit miffed by some choices at the end
Spoiler
(Monteserrat losing her powers)
This was sitting on my TBR list eagerly awaiting release day, but alas, fell slightly flat for me. The characters were promising, the setting well developed, but the pace was slooooow. The last couple of chapters get pretty action-filled but I was already tuned out by this stage. I'm also not sure I buy the romantic conclusion at the end. Some decent horror scenes were sprinkled throughout and I definitely liked the 90s Mexico vibes, but that's about all. An intriguing premise for sure, and perhaps (ironically?) this would work better as a film.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love now imperfect and maladjusted our heroes are in this: Montserrat is prickly and determined, Tristan is a selfish coward who coasts on charm. And yet, compared to a Nazi sorcerer and the occultists who do his bidding, they are exactly what the situation calls for in this blend of magic, movies, and a horror that leaps off the screen.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5
Will post a longer review later. Have to process this one.
*kind of edit as I don't have much more to add* I think it may be a "me" thing, but it dragged at times-- the pacing just seemed a bit off. Also, another "me" thing, but I may not be the audience for books dealing with the occult, no matter how much I try to like them. So take anything I say with a grain of salt... just because it wasn't totally for me, doesn't mean other people won't dig it! I loved both Montserrat and Tristan's characters, especially Montserrat; she's sassy, witty, and independent. I appreciated many elements that Silvia Moreno-Garcia incorporated into this novel: vintage films, the 90's Mexico City, weaving creepy happenings, occultism, and Nazis in one punch. But man, that pacing really just hurt the story for me.. I had the urge to rush through certain dialogue and scenes.
Will post a longer review later. Have to process this one.
*kind of edit as I don't have much more to add* I think it may be a "me" thing, but it dragged at times-- the pacing just seemed a bit off. Also, another "me" thing, but I may not be the audience for books dealing with the occult, no matter how much I try to like them. So take anything I say with a grain of salt... just because it wasn't totally for me, doesn't mean other people won't dig it! I loved both Montserrat and Tristan's characters, especially Montserrat; she's sassy, witty, and independent. I appreciated many elements that Silvia Moreno-Garcia incorporated into this novel: vintage films, the 90's Mexico City, weaving creepy happenings, occultism, and Nazis in one punch. But man, that pacing really just hurt the story for me.. I had the urge to rush through certain dialogue and scenes.