A review by rotfaced
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I agree with several other reviews here, which stated it more succinctly than I would:  This book had a lot of potential, and is even enjoyable, but moves too quickly and with too little care and detail to really slip into.  There were parts of the book that were very fun and even surprising, but the story is hindered by the very thing it seeks to emulate, which is fairy-tale formula. Many of the major events end up being:

  • Main Characters have to confront a challenge. 
  • They are imperiled, briefly, by the challenge, but the peril does not feel overmuch. 
  • MC triumphs without any significant struggle. 
  • Later, the main characters talk.
  • We check in on the villains.
  • Rinse and repeat.

Just because this is an intentional and meaningful structure does not mean it is a good one. 

The ending was stronger than the journey. It felt like we were rushing to get there. The writing can also be a bit too brief, and I feel we lose a lot of the momentum in this way. It is both a fast read and painfully slow at times. I was excited to read a story about Mexico in the 1920s, but the time period is merely a set dressing with very little actual impact on the characters. MC does become more compelling the further you get into the story. 

The actual lore and magic is very cool, though.  Also, some of the characters are QUITE good, but I think it says a lot that one character who shows up for all of two scenes was more exciting and lively than several characters who persist throughout the entire book. 

Overall, I sit on the fence of giving it a 4* rating. With some reflection, I feel it falls a bit short for me, but it is worth the read and enjoyable nonetheless. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings