Scan barcode
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
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
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