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ecn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This book is SMG at her core and I really liked the concept of the book! The only drawbacks were that it REALLY seemed like the story dragged on for too long at different moments and (like classic SMG) sped up super quickly at the end. I also felt like I didn’t get enough out of the main characters other than sho they are at their surface level. I think this book would greatly benefit from a sequel and building out this world more.
The writing was spectacular and the fantasy elements kept me entertained. I just wish it was edited a bit better and a whole lot spookier (then maybe I could feel fine with not dive too deep into the characters?).
However I will say the biggest win is having two messy/annoying bisexuals obsessed with horror (kinda) as the MCs. Huge representation win lol
The writing was spectacular and the fantasy elements kept me entertained. I just wish it was edited a bit better and a whole lot spookier (then maybe I could feel fine with not dive too deep into the characters?).
However I will say the biggest win is having two messy/annoying bisexuals obsessed with horror (kinda) as the MCs. Huge representation win lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Animal death, Body horror, Cancer, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Antisemitism, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, and Colonisation
slimeslop's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Bullying, Death, Gore, Racism, Suicide, Violence, and Antisemitism
sol_journal's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
*Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!*
Posted to: NetGalley, Goodreads, and The StoryGraph
Posted on: 28 July 2023
4.4 (rounded down to 4) out of 5 stars.
‘Silver Nitrate’ was a book that when I first saw the summary, I was a little iffy on if it was one I’d like. Now, I *loved* a few of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s previous books- ‘Gods of Jade and Shadow’, ‘The Beautiful Ones’, and ‘Velvet Was The Night’. I knew her writing style well to know that I’d most likely *enjoy* her books regardless. I just figured that this new read would be a mood-read kind of book where I’d pick it up when I found myself *craving* a cursed movie title centering Nazi occultism, rough main characters, and stuff of fiction bleeding into two normal people’s reality. When I got approved for this eARC after all, I decided to just jump right in and, man, was it a *phenomenal* read at the end.
‘Silver Nitrate’ shows the ugly of characters as well as it shows their ability to work together in the face of other’s ugly. Monserrat and Tristán were a duo that I found myself in love with from the start. They had a dynamic that grew and burned into what was the ending scene and I *loved* it SO much. There was just something about their flaws- one’s cowardice and the other’s unhealthy dive into what she finds interesting- being highlighted and then *actually* working through them at some point that grabbed me.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the magic system. I know the premise was in-story built by not so good people, but Silvia Moreno-Garcia creates this interesting system that almost had me like Monserrat in that I wanted to know more! I don’t know how much of real world occultism was used to help base the magic in ‘Silver Nitrate’ though, but the entwining of it *and* the idea of movies being more magic than what meets the eye was enthralling.
I think I’ve got a major book hangover with ‘Silver Nitrate’ though because I want more reads *just* like it. I want to know what happens after the ending and I honestly just need more Monserrat and Tristán! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy so I can read it all over again (and annotate it this time!)
Posted to: NetGalley, Goodreads, and The StoryGraph
Posted on: 28 July 2023
4.4 (rounded down to 4) out of 5 stars.
‘Silver Nitrate’ was a book that when I first saw the summary, I was a little iffy on if it was one I’d like. Now, I *loved* a few of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s previous books- ‘Gods of Jade and Shadow’, ‘The Beautiful Ones’, and ‘Velvet Was The Night’. I knew her writing style well to know that I’d most likely *enjoy* her books regardless. I just figured that this new read would be a mood-read kind of book where I’d pick it up when I found myself *craving* a cursed movie title centering Nazi occultism, rough main characters, and stuff of fiction bleeding into two normal people’s reality. When I got approved for this eARC after all, I decided to just jump right in and, man, was it a *phenomenal* read at the end.
‘Silver Nitrate’ shows the ugly of characters as well as it shows their ability to work together in the face of other’s ugly. Monserrat and Tristán were a duo that I found myself in love with from the start. They had a dynamic that grew and burned into what was the ending scene and I *loved* it SO much. There was just something about their flaws- one’s cowardice and the other’s unhealthy dive into what she finds interesting- being highlighted and then *actually* working through them at some point that grabbed me.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the magic system. I know the premise was in-story built by not so good people, but Silvia Moreno-Garcia creates this interesting system that almost had me like Monserrat in that I wanted to know more! I don’t know how much of real world occultism was used to help base the magic in ‘Silver Nitrate’ though, but the entwining of it *and* the idea of movies being more magic than what meets the eye was enthralling.
I think I’ve got a major book hangover with ‘Silver Nitrate’ though because I want more reads *just* like it. I want to know what happens after the ending and I honestly just need more Monserrat and Tristán! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy so I can read it all over again (and annotate it this time!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racism, Blood, Antisemitism, and Murder
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Terminal illness, and Suicide attempt
Most of the minor content warnings are brief mentions that are a bit pertinent to the story, but aren’t too in depth. The antisemitism is in the form of nazi talk/mentions of nazi occultism and racism in that aspect- eugenics included.cadence99's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Overall I really liked this book- I
felt like the character development was much improved from the books that I’ve read of hers in the past. I’d highly recommended it to anyone who can handle supernatural horror. A lot of if also felt very historical fiction heavy, with all the elements of old Mexican horror movies inserted throughout, and I really enjoyed that about it.
felt like the character development was much improved from the books that I’ve read of hers in the past. I’d highly recommended it to anyone who can handle supernatural horror. A lot of if also felt very historical fiction heavy, with all the elements of old Mexican horror movies inserted throughout, and I really enjoyed that about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Antisemitism, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Biphobia, and Cancer
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Drug abuse, Genocide, Homophobia, Suicide, Vomit, Stalking, Abandonment, and War
devynreadsnovels's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
Minor: Cursing, Misogyny, Self harm, Blood, Vomit, and Alcohol
val_so_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Antisemitism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Xenophobia, Blood, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Biphobia, and Medical content
taratearex's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.25
I really had to sit with this book for a while before I could review it, it really has so much packed into it and really made me sit and think!
As usual Silvia Moreno Garcia is a master at creating an atmospheric setting and incredible characters. I think this is billed as a horror and to me it feel more like a noir with horror elements, the creepy and the horror are both there, but it's within the long and winding mystery as it unfolds. (It had Velvet was the Night vibes which I loved). As with most of her novels, the slow burn is there which is honestly something I love about her style, but if you have a hard time with slow burn the beginning is very much taking it's time to set the scene and get to know the characters- again, I personally love this about her style because I just love entering the worlds that she creates and spending time with her characters.
I love how Silvia Moreno Garcia layers in history and education around topics. In this one we have a love and fascination for film that comes through Montserrat's character. And some history of Nazi occultism, racism, and cultural appropriation told through the mystery of the cursed film and filmmakers. My only real qualm was getting a bit lost in the information and mystery, I think if I'd had a physical copy I would have tabbed to keep track of some things because I had a number of moments where I just thought "this book is much smarter than me".
I know that right after I finish a new book of hers I feel like it's my new favorite, but I really loved these two characters so much. I love that they are both around my age and both bisexual. I love how Silvia Moreno Garcia creates complicated multi-dimensional characters that you root for and also make you a little mad, they always feel so real. Montserrat being drawn to power that she knows is wrong, but can't help but fall deep into was so well done. Tristan trying to grow and let go, but being afraid to. I love their complicated friendship/relationship, how much they need and lean on each other. I really never knew where this was going and the ending was a surprise that I loved.
I truly look forward to a reread, there was just so much in this book!
Thank you to the publisher, Del Rey, and Net Galley for the arc!
As usual Silvia Moreno Garcia is a master at creating an atmospheric setting and incredible characters. I think this is billed as a horror and to me it feel more like a noir with horror elements, the creepy and the horror are both there, but it's within the long and winding mystery as it unfolds. (It had Velvet was the Night vibes which I loved). As with most of her novels, the slow burn is there which is honestly something I love about her style, but if you have a hard time with slow burn the beginning is very much taking it's time to set the scene and get to know the characters- again, I personally love this about her style because I just love entering the worlds that she creates and spending time with her characters.
I love how Silvia Moreno Garcia layers in history and education around topics. In this one we have a love and fascination for film that comes through Montserrat's character. And some history of Nazi occultism, racism, and cultural appropriation told through the mystery of the cursed film and filmmakers. My only real qualm was getting a bit lost in the information and mystery, I think if I'd had a physical copy I would have tabbed to keep track of some things because I had a number of moments where I just thought "this book is much smarter than me".
I know that right after I finish a new book of hers I feel like it's my new favorite, but I really loved these two characters so much. I love that they are both around my age and both bisexual. I love how Silvia Moreno Garcia creates complicated multi-dimensional characters that you root for and also make you a little mad, they always feel so real. Montserrat being drawn to power that she knows is wrong, but can't help but fall deep into was so well done. Tristan trying to grow and let go, but being afraid to. I love their complicated friendship/relationship, how much they need and lean on each other. I really never knew where this was going and the ending was a surprise that I loved.
I truly look forward to a reread, there was just so much in this book!
Thank you to the publisher, Del Rey, and Net Galley for the arc!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Gore, Racism, Xenophobia, Blood, Antisemitism, Grief, Car accident, Murder, and Alcohol
katie_luder's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
I received an ARC from netgalley.
This book was amazing. I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s flawed characters. Monserrat is stubborn, Tristán is self centered, and I love them anyways. We get to see the good and the bad of their lives, together and separate before we are thrown into the supernatural conflict of the novel.
Then we do get the supernatural plot, with cursed films, a Nazi occultist, and some history of Mexican cinema thrown in.
This book was amazing. I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s flawed characters. Monserrat is stubborn, Tristán is self centered, and I love them anyways. We get to see the good and the bad of their lives, together and separate before we are thrown into the supernatural conflict of the novel.
Then we do get the supernatural plot, with cursed films, a Nazi occultist, and some history of Mexican cinema thrown in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Car accident, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Racism, and Antisemitism