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A review by dellydoos
Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Ladies and gentlemen, this is how you do vampires.
Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a thrilling and unique take on the genre. A rich and gritty story set in an alternate version of Mexico City where vampires and humans exist side by side. The world-building and vampire lore were particularly impressive, and I found myself fully immersed in this neon and noire coloured world. The setting of Mexico City was a refreshing change of pace from the usual vampire stories set in European cities, and Moreno-Garcia's vibrant and bold descriptions truly brought the city to life. From gang crime, detectives, and over-policed streets, I was absorbed.
What I loved most about this book was the way the author explored the different vampire species and their complex relationships with one another. The Aztec and European vampires were fascinating to read about, from the carnivorous Necros, to the life sucking Revenants. And then the Aztec lore of the bird-like Tlāhuihpochtli was especially intriguing, providing a unique twist to the usual vampire myths. The political tensions and power struggles between the different vampire groups were also well-developed, adding a layer of depth to the story.
I also adored both main characters of Atl and Domingo, whom provided what I thought was a perfect allegory on predictable romance seen in the genre. Domingo was the perfect lover boy, equipped with puppy dog eyes and a sweet personality. I loved him. I loved how smitten he was with Atl straight from the beginning, and I loved how naïve he was without appearing stupid. He was seventeen and acted like it. And then Atl, our twenty-three-year-old vampire, was fierce and reserved. Initially disturbed by how dependant Domingo becomes on her, and in turn she on him, she understands fully that she’s the power holder in this dynamic. Moreno-Garcia expertly makes her readers question their romance through foreshadowing, forcing us to comprehend that this relationship, as sweet as it is, is toxic and unsustainable. Their unlikely friendship and eventual alliance was one of the highlights of the book for me, even if it was highly unconventional and wrong.
However, while I thoroughly enjoyed Certain Dark Things, I did find the pacing to be a bit uneven at times. Particularly at the start and ending, which I found to be quite abrupt. As mentioned, I loved the characters, but because of the fast pacing of this book, I felt like I was missing out on further characterisation and depth from both of them. It was more of a longing for more information than an annoyance, which goes to show how well a writer this author is! I’m so keen to read more of her books. 4/5 stars.
Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a thrilling and unique take on the genre. A rich and gritty story set in an alternate version of Mexico City where vampires and humans exist side by side. The world-building and vampire lore were particularly impressive, and I found myself fully immersed in this neon and noire coloured world. The setting of Mexico City was a refreshing change of pace from the usual vampire stories set in European cities, and Moreno-Garcia's vibrant and bold descriptions truly brought the city to life. From gang crime, detectives, and over-policed streets, I was absorbed.
What I loved most about this book was the way the author explored the different vampire species and their complex relationships with one another. The Aztec and European vampires were fascinating to read about, from the carnivorous Necros, to the life sucking Revenants. And then the Aztec lore of the bird-like Tlāhuihpochtli was especially intriguing, providing a unique twist to the usual vampire myths. The political tensions and power struggles between the different vampire groups were also well-developed, adding a layer of depth to the story.
I also adored both main characters of Atl and Domingo, whom provided what I thought was a perfect allegory on predictable romance seen in the genre. Domingo was the perfect lover boy, equipped with puppy dog eyes and a sweet personality. I loved him. I loved how smitten he was with Atl straight from the beginning, and I loved how naïve he was without appearing stupid. He was seventeen and acted like it. And then Atl, our twenty-three-year-old vampire, was fierce and reserved. Initially disturbed by how dependant Domingo becomes on her, and in turn she on him, she understands fully that she’s the power holder in this dynamic. Moreno-Garcia expertly makes her readers question their romance through foreshadowing, forcing us to comprehend that this relationship, as sweet as it is, is toxic and unsustainable. Their unlikely friendship and eventual alliance was one of the highlights of the book for me, even if it was highly unconventional and wrong.
However, while I thoroughly enjoyed Certain Dark Things, I did find the pacing to be a bit uneven at times. Particularly at the start and ending, which I found to be quite abrupt. As mentioned, I loved the characters, but because of the fast pacing of this book, I felt like I was missing out on further characterisation and depth from both of them. It was more of a longing for more information than an annoyance, which goes to show how well a writer this author is! I’m so keen to read more of her books. 4/5 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty