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cass_cgallegos's review
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Blood, Trafficking, Cannibalism, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, and Sexual harassment
meat_muffin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
Not to mention that both main characters were absolutely infuriating. You’re 60% of the way into the book before they have AN ACTUAL CONVERSATION - this isn’t even a miscommunication trope, this is body-betrayal-means-we-only-hate-fuck-and-never-say-anything-meaningful. Pissed me the hell off.
Super interesting plot, I liked learning about magic systems from another culture (El Salvador!), but the lack of an editor shone through so obviously it was tough to enjoy 😬
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Rape, Torture, Trafficking, Stalking, Gaslighting, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Deportation
subzera's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book explored topics abs exposed me to things I have never even heard of surrounding Latinx lore. These two come to together in a jungle of tears, blood, and endless conflict that evolves into something so heartfelt and raw. The gore in this book was a little unexpected to me and felt natural considering the world that was built in this book.
I really enjoyed Xochitl’s character development in this book and well as Sal’s. I would’ve liked if he had groveled a little more in this novel but it was nonetheless.
The smut is this book is unheard of to me. And I have read some filthy shit. I loved it. It was delicious. Nothing more needs to be said.
I would definitely reread this.
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Cannibalism
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Racism
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE LIST OF POSSIBLY TRIGGERING CONTENT IN THE BOOK BEFORE YOU READ IT!andremay's review
the final drop was this scene from the male's pov:
You do not need them anymore.” I flicked the container open and reared back at the stench.
They smelled like death. I dumped the first compartment out into the pool of water.
“Sal. I need those! I need them for my ADHD!”
Turning to her, I glared up and down. “You will get over it.”
“That’s not how that works!” She clawed at my wrists as I flicked the last of the compartments into the toilet and barked a snarl back at her.
“You don’t need them.”
“Yes, I do! I can’t focus without them!”
“Try harder,” I snarled, pushing past her and out of the bedroom.
“You’re such a dick! I hate you!” Tears swam in her chestnut gaze as I turned to her.
“You’ll get over it.” I slammed the door behind me and headed out into the courtyard.
I needed space
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Sexual violence
ninabest's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, and Deportation
ireadinbed's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I think the prose is lovely. This reads so naturally and sucks you right in, just like you want from a dark romantasy!
The characters are really well done. Its super easy to fall in love with this cast (and easy to hate the villains which is a nice change of pace for me! Lol). The main characters are flawed people but no less lovable for it and i adored the large supporting cast.
The setting really transported me and i love the authors descriptions. It definitely inspired me to look up the myths that inspired the unique worldbuilding!
The spicy scenes are intense and compliment the dark elements of the book perfectly.
Tread carefully! There are TWs on the authors site :)
Honestly it would be a 5 for me except there were a few sections that i think could have used a bit of trimming (or it could have been two books and been expanded!) Because i found myself getting lost or skipping ahead. Also some of the ADHD related talk was a bit too close to indigo children type theory for me. But not so upsetting i couldnt move past it to keep loving the book!
I definitely want to continue the series and I am excited for the next one coming out soon.
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Cannibalism, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Body horror, Body shaming, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Stalking
Minor: Fatphobia
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Mention of: deportation, genocide, and colonialism.
"...be a good girl, be a bad girl. I'll enjoy it either way. Though good girls get treats, and bad girls give me treats. You pick, beloved."
~Sal
Gah damn. This book...is just incredible. The amazing history and lore along with the passion of the two MCs...and the way our leading lady learns to love herself and finds her strength *chefs kiss*
This book does cover really heavy and dark subjects along with a lot of blood and violence so don't go into this without checking content warnings.
Don't read this if you "can't relate" to brown women🙄 ...this book is filled with beautiful and rich history, lore, and tradition...the story of a woman finding her strength, her truth, and love she didn't know she could have for herself, her culture, and for others. A woman who's always felt out of place...finally finds the place she truly belongs.
A freaking incredible book and I cannot wait to read the books that continue this series!
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Genocide, Colonisation, and Deportation
akafrecks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"To call it the best kiss of my life would diminish it. It was the only kiss that ever counted."
“You smell like a promise I’ve been waiting my whole life to fulfill.”
This was the right kind of dark romantacy for me! The writing is beautiful and the story is full of cultural nuances that make it unique. Cadejos are not werewolves but if werewolves are not your jam, this may or may not be the book for you. The spice is **chef's kiss** I can't wait to read the next book!
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Drug abuse, Genocide, and Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Gun violence, Rape, Self harm, and Deportation
kbairbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
WOW. This is what I call an explosive debut!! This was incredible! The descriptions were rich and decadent like chocolate cake, the enemies to lovers genuinely made me dislike Sal before loving him, I LOVED the side characters and how they added such fullness to the story instead of merely existing, and I couldn’t go to sleep last night without devouring the rest of this story. It was one of those stories that I HAD to know what happened and couldn’t sleep until I did! What a lovely feeling this has given me and a joyful reminder of why I read. I loved all the culture, I loved Xochi, I loved the magic, and the found family, and just everything about this book. Also can we talk about the cover?!?! Hello?!? It is stunning!! Brava! I loved this read and can’t wait for more from the author.
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
bittersweetcritiques's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“The moon is jealous of your beauty, Xochitl.”
First of all, it's a 5🌟 read for me. But it is DARK. Please check CWs.
Xochi is one of the most lovely characters. She's fat, beautiful, glorious, kind, thoughtful, and as we see her begin to heal from her trauma, she is fiery and badass. I cannot wait to watch her bloom in the next book.
Sal is harder for me to love. He's hot, absolutely, but he is such an alphahole. Regardless if you love a "I'll burn it all down for her" attitude and were disappointed when the Beast transformed into the Prince at the end of Beauty & the Beast... this is the leading man for you.😏
Beyond the characters themselves, the plot is what really had my attention. The Cadejos were fascinating. I had never read about their lore before and if you're thinking European werewolves...it's definitely not that. Trading shadows and being two in one body (one spirit, one human) + how they feed -- W O W
Much of the novel surrounds Xochi & Sal as they try to define their relationship, but there is always an undercurrent of mystery. What is the deal with Xochi's mother? What happened to her sister? What are those pills she takes that smell like rot & death? We are gifted quite a few answers by the end, but it definitely leads into even more questions and a perfect set-up for book two.
Yes, it is SPICY. CW kind of spicy. Spicy that made me feel like vanilla ice cream🍦
Finally, N. Cáceres is an incredible writer. Her use of language and the feelings she conveys with the words she chooses....Let's just say, I've rarely read her equal.
As one of my most challenging & enticing reads this year, I highly recommend Obsidian Feathers🖤
Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, and Injury/Injury detail