gentleladybug's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kayu99's review against another edition
5.0
This book is perfectly paced and plotted. The action immediately explodes from chapter one, and does not stop. The writing is so vivid and engaging that I feel like I experienced this entire story with Mateo and Chela. The worldbuilding is solid and intriguing. There are more mysteries and backstories to learn, and this book set an excellent foundation for the rest of the series.
fireproofbunny's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first black fantasy novel that I have read; tictoc make me do it. But it does not disappoint it has mystery, violence and love in all shapes and sizes. The cast of characters are all minorities. The main character is a Spanish male whom wears his heart on his sleeve, his fmc is a no nonsense bipoc girl who loves big knives. They set out to find the truth of their existence and the past of their people.
destdest's review against another edition
mysterious
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
3.0
One of the strongest and best parts of this story is the motif of music. It’s constant and immersive in the text even though we can’t physically hear it.
The other great part is Mateo’s narrative voice. It was excellent (with some corny dialogue here and there), and he has a clear character arc. He’s insecure and the equivalent of a nomad since he’s moved around his whole life. He knows of his culture but never had a chance to really experience the more tangible parts or set roots anywhere.
I liked the idea of Chela. She was ruthless but not heartless. More combative and confident than Mateo; his foil. But she felt a little flat. Definitely not a manic pixie girl but just shallow. Ending spoiler:
Tams was forgettable. Sorry not sorry.
The world-building is unique and plays off of Latino, Jewish, and pirate influences. But there’s a lot going on. Sometimes, it feels like too much. Too many characters. Too many alliances. Too much lore. Thankfully, it’s not a bunch of exposition dumps and is introduced gradually. But it’s noticeable if you take a break from reading because it takes time to get back up to speed.
This is both well-paced and terribly long-winded, but I think the ending wrapped up nicely. I also wish so much that books would advertise in the beginning pages that there's a glossary.
The other great part is Mateo’s narrative voice. It was excellent (with some corny dialogue here and there), and he has a clear character arc. He’s insecure and the equivalent of a nomad since he’s moved around his whole life. He knows of his culture but never had a chance to really experience the more tangible parts or set roots anywhere.
I liked the idea of Chela. She was ruthless but not heartless. More combative and confident than Mateo; his foil. But she felt a little flat. Definitely not a manic pixie girl but just shallow. Ending spoiler:
Spoiler
maybe it's the quick attraction they had to each other that felt instalovey. everyone just assumed mateo had a crush on her, and he eventually did. but i don't know why chela took a liking to him. but it makes sense in the grand scheme of it since they're reincarnated lovers.Tams was forgettable. Sorry not sorry.
The world-building is unique and plays off of Latino, Jewish, and pirate influences. But there’s a lot going on. Sometimes, it feels like too much. Too many characters. Too many alliances. Too much lore. Thankfully, it’s not a bunch of exposition dumps and is introduced gradually. But it’s noticeable if you take a break from reading because it takes time to get back up to speed.
This is both well-paced and terribly long-winded, but I think the ending wrapped up nicely. I also wish so much that books would advertise in the beginning pages that there's a glossary.
jdalton's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to Disney and Netgalley for a review copy of this book.
I’ve read some of Daniel José Older’s other works, in particular for Star Wars, so this was my first of his original works that he’s written. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but I was immediately immersed and enchanted by the world he built.
Not just the imagery but the inclusion of music and rhythm that is completely throughout the novel.
The mythology as well that is built around San Madrigal is believable and I felt myself wanting along with the characters to go there myself.
All in all, this is a strong start for a new series and I am excited to see where it goes from here.
I’ve read some of Daniel José Older’s other works, in particular for Star Wars, so this was my first of his original works that he’s written. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but I was immediately immersed and enchanted by the world he built.
Not just the imagery but the inclusion of music and rhythm that is completely throughout the novel.
The mythology as well that is built around San Madrigal is believable and I felt myself wanting along with the characters to go there myself.
All in all, this is a strong start for a new series and I am excited to see where it goes from here.
paigereitz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
Wow wow wow. I really loved this book. I loved the creation of a mythic island where colonialization did not touch, and the reckoning with realities in our society. I loved the electric mix of cultures. I loved the teenagers learning who they are and coming into themselves. I loved how love and loss and hope and betrayal are handled. Beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Colonisation, Death, Violence, and Blood
archane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
amandasnoseinabook's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25