A review by clairebartholomew549
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas

adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book has been on my list for a while, and it did not disappoint. Cañas creates a lush, fully realized world - her descriptions are truly so dreamy and visceral. 1860s Mexico comes absolutely alive, and I felt fully immersed in the ranchos and the life of the vaqueros. The conflict between the United States and Mexico is not well-taught in most American schools, and Cañas spells it out deftly and with attention to the human emotions involved. Néstor and Nena are fierce and proud protagonists, and their love story is at turns tender and devastating at angry, in a way that feels earned and special. The inclusion of the vampires is so cleverly done, and I found I couldn't put this book down. What a lovely journey.