Reviews

Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares

traceymc's review against another edition

I really wanted to like this book. Mythology based, a different setting to the usual fantasy fare and a debut author. I REALLY wanted to at least be able to say it was a good book. And the start was very promising. But, as the story progressed it became increasingly disjointed; things were happening too fast and the connections between what was going on weren't being clearly portrayed. It's odd to say but while the incidents making up the story were occuring at break neck speed the actual plot was becoming very bogged down. The characterisation had stalled too and I couldn't force myself to continue reading. I wish I had more positive things to say, especially with this being a debut. Also, this is very much a ya book, not adult, despite it being sent as the Fairyloot adult book.

lau_lit_reads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring 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

3.5

meganlovesbooks's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

pikapikachu's review against another edition

1.25

While I'm a fan of mythology, Sun of Blood and Ruin left me disoriented with its blend of historical, mythological, and fantasy elements. Set in sixteenth-century New Spain, the fusion of these genres didn't quite capture the depth and engagement I usually find in mythological stories.

The story introduces a wealth of characters, and the sudden disappearance of a key figure made the plot feel fragmented. I was hoping for a clearer, more focused narrative, but the story became increasingly unfocused, leading to a loss of interest around the 65% mark. The disjointed world-building and character development contributed to this feeling.

On the plus side, the book's physical design is exceptionally beautiful, standing out as a visually appealing piece. However, the aesthetics couldn't quite make up for the story's lack of coherence, which didn't resonate with me as much as I had hoped.

chrliesangel28'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
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

amandabuckley's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

paulinaan's review against another edition

adventurous fast-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? Yes

3.0

The setting was really interesting, Mexican history mixed with a "El zorro" kind of vigilante, I loved that. 
It was quite promising at the beginning, but pacing and the characters were not for me. 

This was a very fast-paced book, but in a way that felt rushed and quite underdeveloped. It felt like the author was always jumping from point to point, without developing or explaining what was happening. 
The characters were a bit flat as well, and I never managed to get attached to any of them.

emilou1992's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring tense 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

4.0

eve_roberts's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious 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? No

3.5

2sweet2kahill's review against another edition

4.0

This book promised me a gender bent Zorro but make it indigenous representation and it gave me that.
Witty, uplifting and incredibly well written; Sun of Blood and Ruin takes the reader on a journey that while quick paced and generally light hearted remains largely powerful.
Historical Mexican back drop (think 1550's), tyranny and shape shifting surprisingly come together on page to form a lush poetic novel full to the absolute brim with gorgeous scenes, indigenous iconography, and feminist flare.