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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
I like everything I've read by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and this one is no exception. It felt meaty in a wonderful way - characters that felt real and complicated and deep, and a world that felt grounded. Creepy nazi occultists and a love letter to old cinema, plus complicated human emotions. Mexican Gothic is still my number one but I think this might be in my top 3 of her books?
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia and the versatility of their work. This was my most anticipated read of the year, I was so happy to snatch a signed copy, and yet... sadly this was too dull for me! Took me over a month to power through this, although I did love the premise and setting. The "romance" was unnecessary, the characters un-engaging, I finished this with relief, relief it was finally over! Maybe it's a me problem.
twisty, turny, I was surprised with each curveball! the way Silvia Moreno-Garcia builds such immersive worlds is astonishing
I thought this book was just okay? I liked the premise, but it did seem to lag for most of the book before speeding to the end. I also didn’t love where the two main characters relationship ended in the last chapter (unnecessary in my opinion). I would try more from this author though because her ideas are very intriguing.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
As an archivist that is experienced handling nitrate, I appreciated the research and facts that Silvia Moreno-Garcia interjects into her narrative. The history around the film industry and occult societies is also well researched and inserted. The concept and the work the author clearly put in is great, but the character dynamics and a dramatic encounter before the intended finale undermine what makes the novel good. Like Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic, I love the concept, but the execution ultimately disappoints.
This felt really slow paced, despite being a thriller. I love that Moreno-Garcia writes historical fiction thriller/horror set in Mexico. I feel like that’s a very specific genre. I don’t think the disability representation was awful, but I think it could’ve been a little bit more fleshed out. I also felt that the ending was a little rushed. However, I did love the relationship between Montserrat and Tristán.
One thing that I felt was unresolved by the end was the state of both of their jobs. Both of them had been struggling with work, and that wasn’t resolved at the end at all. As far as I gleaned Montserrat was completely out of work and Tristán was still trying to figure out that one photo shoot.
dark
emotional
funny
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
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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:
No
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
I really wish I liked this more than I did! The summary seemed right up my alley, but sadly I don't think Moreno-Garcia's writing style is for me. I really struggled to get through this, and often times it felt far too wordy for me. Which again, is too bad, since the premise is so so good.
2.5
I really wish I liked this more than I did! The summary seemed right up my alley, but sadly I don't think Moreno-Garcia's writing style is for me. I really struggled to get through this, and often times it felt far too wordy for me. Which again, is too bad, since the premise is so so good.
2.5