bookish_blanche's review
4.0
A surprising adventure in the heart of 19th century Mexico
-Big thanks to Hidden Gems Books and Books That Make You for this eARC-
Catalina knows what she wants for her future: roping cattle, marrying Angelo and having a family with him. All the while, invaders from the United States have declared war to her country. They have already imprisonned one of her loved ones and murdered others. How will she, a sixteen-year-old girl, be able to protect the ones she loves from those dangerous invaders?
I was really intrigued by the blurb, because I've never read a book taking place at this period and place before. And I was pleasantly surprised. If I found Catalina a bit childish at times, it didn't prevent me from enjoying the book. The story is quite surprising. I was a bit lost at the beginning, but then, it all unfolds logically. I loved following Catalina in her quest to discover herself and save the ones she loves. I also really liked the magical vibe of it all, with the mysterious Spirit Man. It was rather fast-paced and I liked the decisions Catalina took in the moment. The dual POV was also quite interesting, getting the side of a man we didn't really know who was then involved in Catalina's story was exciting. However, I was a bit confused at times. I don't know if it was the writing, or just the fact that I'm not familiar with the culture and time-period, but I found myself frowning in puzzlement rather frequently. In the end, I did understand what happened in the book so that's the main thing, but it was a bit disrupting. I, however, enjoyed the book and the atmosphere of it was quite original and pleasant.
I'd recommend it you want a surprising, though a bit confusing, YA novel!
"Lies are serpents that return to strike when least expected."
-Big thanks to Hidden Gems Books and Books That Make You for this eARC-
Catalina knows what she wants for her future: roping cattle, marrying Angelo and having a family with him. All the while, invaders from the United States have declared war to her country. They have already imprisonned one of her loved ones and murdered others. How will she, a sixteen-year-old girl, be able to protect the ones she loves from those dangerous invaders?
I was really intrigued by the blurb, because I've never read a book taking place at this period and place before. And I was pleasantly surprised. If I found Catalina a bit childish at times, it didn't prevent me from enjoying the book. The story is quite surprising. I was a bit lost at the beginning, but then, it all unfolds logically. I loved following Catalina in her quest to discover herself and save the ones she loves. I also really liked the magical vibe of it all, with the mysterious Spirit Man. It was rather fast-paced and I liked the decisions Catalina took in the moment. The dual POV was also quite interesting, getting the side of a man we didn't really know who was then involved in Catalina's story was exciting. However, I was a bit confused at times. I don't know if it was the writing, or just the fact that I'm not familiar with the culture and time-period, but I found myself frowning in puzzlement rather frequently. In the end, I did understand what happened in the book so that's the main thing, but it was a bit disrupting. I, however, enjoyed the book and the atmosphere of it was quite original and pleasant.
I'd recommend it you want a surprising, though a bit confusing, YA novel!
"Lies are serpents that return to strike when least expected."
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