Scan barcode
A review by displacedcactus
Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I'm generally not a fan of vampires, but I am a fan of this author, so I enjoyed this book. As usual, Moreno-Garcia excels at creating a real sense of place. This time, we're given a "neon noir" version of modern-day Mexico City, in a world where humanity discovered vampires exist in the 1960s. Now vampire narcos have cornered the drug trade in Mexico, and there's a lot of conflict between different clans.
In this world there are about 10 distinct and diverse species of vampires -- and they are all living species, not undead who can pass on their "curse" with a bit. I felt like this was a pretty unique interpretation. I enjoyed how a lot of the old myths about vampirism still persisted, however.
The characters are all complex, as is befitting a noir story. I wouldn't necessarily call any of them "likeable", but they are all believable and enjoyable to read, even if I wouldn't want to have a beer with any of them (well, Cualli is likeable. He's a good boy. 14/10).
In this world there are about 10 distinct and diverse species of vampires -- and they are all living species, not undead who can pass on their "curse" with a bit. I felt like this was a pretty unique interpretation. I enjoyed how a lot of the old myths about vampirism still persisted, however.
The characters are all complex, as is befitting a noir story. I wouldn't necessarily call any of them "likeable", but they are all believable and enjoyable to read, even if I wouldn't want to have a beer with any of them (well, Cualli is likeable. He's a good boy. 14/10).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Blood, and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty