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A review by breadsalot
Piñata by Leopoldo Gout
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
*Advanced Read Copy*
I’m a sucker for a good demonic possession story, but this book takes the trope to a whole new level. What stands out the most to me as a first-time reader of Gout’s (@leopoldoleopoldo) work is how much I appreciated the time and research that went into incorporating all of the historic elements that made this story unique. Having Mexican history, culture, and heritage at the forefront of this horror novel just made the experience even spookier - because most of it is truly based on reality.
With most possession stories, we tend to run with whatever spirit/demon is the villain of the story and assume their motives make sense. And a lot of the time, the crux of that motive is pure evil. But in this story, you do end up understanding the spirits’ motives. Given the reality of what happened to these ancient cultures and peoples, you can’t help but understand their desire for vengeance and their wrath.
I absolutely loved the characters. The Sanchez family felt genuine and it was easy to feel invested in Luna’s fate. I also loved that the story took place both in Mexico and in the US. Though the climax of the book is truly where most of the heart-pounding frights play out, the time the author gives us to get to know the characters towards the first half of the book really adds to the dread and suspense that builds and builds.
If you love creepy possession stories, this is a book for you. You’ll get that and so much more.
Thank you, @netgalley for the ARC!
I’m a sucker for a good demonic possession story, but this book takes the trope to a whole new level. What stands out the most to me as a first-time reader of Gout’s (@leopoldoleopoldo) work is how much I appreciated the time and research that went into incorporating all of the historic elements that made this story unique. Having Mexican history, culture, and heritage at the forefront of this horror novel just made the experience even spookier - because most of it is truly based on reality.
With most possession stories, we tend to run with whatever spirit/demon is the villain of the story and assume their motives make sense. And a lot of the time, the crux of that motive is pure evil. But in this story, you do end up understanding the spirits’ motives. Given the reality of what happened to these ancient cultures and peoples, you can’t help but understand their desire for vengeance and their wrath.
I absolutely loved the characters. The Sanchez family felt genuine and it was easy to feel invested in Luna’s fate. I also loved that the story took place both in Mexico and in the US. Though the climax of the book is truly where most of the heart-pounding frights play out, the time the author gives us to get to know the characters towards the first half of the book really adds to the dread and suspense that builds and builds.
If you love creepy possession stories, this is a book for you. You’ll get that and so much more.
Thank you, @netgalley for the ARC!