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avniavnipatel's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- 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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Violence, Sexual assault, Gore, Blood, Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Cannibalism, Toxic relationship, and Fatphobia
Minor: Body shaming, Murder, and Rape
andremay's review
this was the disappointment of the year. i was really excited to read about the native culture, but the alpha(shit, abusive)-male was too much. this is unhealthy obsession, it can never be more than that after struggling through the 36% of the book i managed to read.
the final drop was this scene from the male's pov:
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
🫠no, no, absolutely, not, i'm out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Child abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
domnicmtz's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Rape, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
leonalikesliterature's review
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I feel very conflicted about this book because there was a lot I loved about it but there was a lot that I hated about it.
The first thing I loved was the world building and fantasy elements in this book. The fantasy is so beautiful and greatly represents Latine Indigenous mythology and culture. I loved the cadejos! Their powers and communities were so interesting and unlike anything I’ve read before, it was like a twist on werewolves but also so much better!
Next, the writing was beautiful. Although I started to get frustrated with the pacing as it was really, really slow, the descriptive imagery was very poetic.
Onto the things I hated.
The relationship between Xochi and Sal was painful to read. Although I liked Sal at the start of the book, the more I read, the more I disliked him. He was possessive, controlling, and sexually aggressive. Aside from the fact that he threw out her birth control and ADHD meds, treats her like a prisoner, and basically assaults her multiple times, Xochi was also genuinely terrified of him in multiple chapters. Her fear of him is never even addressed, it’s just forgotten about, and then they just reach a lovey dovey stage which solves all their problems. I feel like a big problem was that Xochi was described as a sassy, plus sized mc, but she really isn’t sassy until the end of the book. She is easily manipulated by both her mother and Sal and it’s kind of just sad. Only later does Xochi gain any independence. Although it’s framed that life in the compound is freeing for Xochi, in the beginning, her life in the compound really isn’t any different than her living with her abusive and controlling mother.
The sex stuff was getting WAY out of hand for me. Xochi and Sal were sooooo cringe sometimes. They would be arguing with some literal random person and share the most graphic, pornographic details about their sex life as a flex? and I was so confused why. 😭 It was so painful to read. Not even to mention that they literally fuck on a dead body as revenge. That was so weird and nasty. Hated it. I never thought I would read a book where I would think that there’s too much sex, but this book made me a prude lol.
There’s too much going on in this book that just gets dropped, which was disappointing and frustrating, especially for how damn long this book is. There are multiple subplots with Xochi’s family, this medical cadejo torture slave ring, and this broken goddess that literally just gets dropped and forgotten about and I’m not reading the next book to figure that shit out.
I was frustrated that this was called a Dark Fantasy Romance because I think that led to confusion for me. I would have preferred this to be a romance with dark fantasy elements, rather than a dark romance with fantasy elements. I think the dark romance was what I hated the most about this book. Anyways, I am just glad this book is over. I feel like 2.5 stars is generous. There was a lot I really liked, despite what I hated. I think I would’ve really loved this book if like 4-5 scenes were just taken out of it.
The first thing I loved was the world building and fantasy elements in this book. The fantasy is so beautiful and greatly represents Latine Indigenous mythology and culture. I loved the cadejos! Their powers and communities were so interesting and unlike anything I’ve read before, it was like a twist on werewolves but also so much better!
Next, the writing was beautiful. Although I started to get frustrated with the pacing as it was really, really slow, the descriptive imagery was very poetic.
Onto the things I hated.
The relationship between Xochi and Sal was painful to read. Although I liked Sal at the start of the book, the more I read, the more I disliked him.
The sex stuff was getting WAY out of hand for me. Xochi and Sal were sooooo cringe sometimes. They would be arguing with some literal random person and share the most graphic, pornographic details about their sex life as a flex? and I was so confused why. 😭 It was so painful to read. Not even to mention that they literally
There’s too much going on in this book that just gets dropped, which was disappointing and frustrating, especially for how damn long this book is. There are multiple subplots
I was frustrated that this was called a Dark Fantasy Romance because I think that led to confusion for me. I would have preferred this to be a romance with dark fantasy elements, rather than a dark romance with fantasy elements. I think the dark romance was what I hated the most about this book. Anyways, I am just glad this book is over. I feel like 2.5 stars is generous. There was a lot I really liked, despite what I hated. I think I would’ve really loved this book if like 4-5 scenes were just taken out of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Rape
Moderate: Sexual violence and Emotional abuse
ninabest's review
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Bullying, Cannibalism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Child death, Kidnapping, Violence, Body horror, Death of parent, Body shaming, Child abuse, Chronic illness, and Deportation
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings: Sexual content, sexual violence, racism, blood play, dubcon, blood, gore, body horror, murder, death, fatphobia, child abuse, forced isolation, loss of body autonomy, slavery, ableism, emotional abuse, physical abuse, cannibalism, gaslighting, kidnapping, child murder, rape, self harm, drugs, man taking contraceptive control over a woman [destroying her birth control...but don't worry he learns the error of his ways real quick lol] and PTSD.
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Racism, Gore, Body shaming, Body horror, Child death, Death, Sexual content, Fatphobia, Child abuse, Blood, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Colonisation, Genocide, and Deportation
bittersweetcritiques's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Thank you for the arc!
“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🖤
“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🖤
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cannibalism, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Body shaming, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Gore, Sexual violence, Death, Child abuse, Grief, and Emotional abuse
booksandcurlz's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
I think I am still processing Obsidian Feathers at the moment. That said, I still wanted to take some time to at least write some of my initial thoughts on this book. I loved it, it was dark, mystical, and mysterious. It touched on some heavy subjects that would be too much for some people. Please for the love of everything you find holy please read the TW/CW. This is a DARK FANTASY ROMANCE, and it is DARK This is not for everyone, be warned!
What I loved?
♥️ Xochitl (FMC) - Her journey as a character was so incredible, I was immediately heartbroken for her and as I saw the growth, and ultimately her flourishing into the goddess she was born to be I was just so happy for her, I cheered a little bit.
♥️ Itziquetzal (MMC) - I don’t know how to describe Sal without sounding obsessed. OK, he was swoony, but also feral, savage, and when his shadow swapped with him 😮💨 He was a total simp for Xochi. Fine, I’m obsessed.
♥️ The side characters - They were funny, full of wisdom, and kind of savage too. Julia was always throwing around threats of chopping appendages LOL was a huge favorite.
♥️ The pet names - I don’t care how many times Sal called Xochi nayeli or nonayeli (means princess and my princess in Nehualt) , I always swooned.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual violence
Moderate: Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, Body horror, and Violence
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Deportation
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