sofiacis_7's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Drug use, Gun violence, Murder, Addiction, Blood, Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Child death, Racial slurs, and Racism
kmaron's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Gore, Murder, Body horror, Addiction, Death, and Drug use
natyosch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
harrisoncrerar's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
victoriarose12's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gun violence
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
offtheshelfreads_sam's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
My introduction to barrio noir! I liked the premise and how Mario remained sympathetic despite his questionable actions. The writing felt a bit heavy-handed though and the repetitive scenes of Mario checking his ex's Facebook and dwelling on the same disturbing memories, without anything new coming of it, seemed excessive. The supernatural elements and the idea of hijacking a cartel felt more plausible to me than Mario thinking $200k could cover his daughter's medical debt, outstanding bills, and a house in the Northeast US, but desperation does cloud judgment so I may have missed the point at the time. Despite these issues, there were standout moments in the writing, like the line encapsulating the book's title: "Sometimes God is your copilot, but it’s the Devil who takes you home."
Before reading: A good chunk of the book is in Spanish. Mine was from BOTM, which came with a translation guide, but the constant stopping to translate took me out of the story so at some point I just started skimming those parts. I'm sure I missed a lot because of that. That's a me problem though since I only speak English, but just a heads up for other English only readers! Also, check the content warnings. This is a relentlessly grim book.
amandahaydock's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
carlysgrowingtbr's review against another edition
5.0
The Devil Takes You Home is a medium paced suspense thriller with horror elements that challenges your senses and your sanity.
Martin is dealing with a lot of grief. The death of his daughter and the loss of his marriage. To try and reclaim his marriage and finance a new start, he decides to take a dangerous job stealing from a cartel. It's supposed to be easy money, but is there really such a thing? Steeped with mythology and religious symbolism, this thrill ride takes you on a trek through the dark underbelly of Mexico, challenges the racism felt by many around the world and ends with a punch you never saw coming.
The mixture of Spanish and English really adds to the realism and the vibe of the story. For this Spanish speaker it was no problem, non speakers might want a translator app handy. But really, the vibes make it easy to guess at if your reality resistant to translation. Highly recommend to check your triggers. Some of the content might be hard to read for some readers.
Martin is dealing with a lot of grief. The death of his daughter and the loss of his marriage. To try and reclaim his marriage and finance a new start, he decides to take a dangerous job stealing from a cartel. It's supposed to be easy money, but is there really such a thing? Steeped with mythology and religious symbolism, this thrill ride takes you on a trek through the dark underbelly of Mexico, challenges the racism felt by many around the world and ends with a punch you never saw coming.
The mixture of Spanish and English really adds to the realism and the vibe of the story. For this Spanish speaker it was no problem, non speakers might want a translator app handy. But really, the vibes make it easy to guess at if your reality resistant to translation. Highly recommend to check your triggers. Some of the content might be hard to read for some readers.
jordanzinda's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dr_dr_olshakes's review against another edition
The author just didn't sell me on this guy becoming a cold killer.
I may go back, given my interest in Latinx horror, and representations of cartels. But also, I'm don't with the dissertation and degree so there's not really a need to slog my way through mediocre horror 🤷🏽♀️
I may go back, given my interest in Latinx horror, and representations of cartels. But also, I'm don't with the dissertation and degree so there's not really a need to slog my way through mediocre horror 🤷🏽♀️