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laurenzokro's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.25
Definitely got me out of my reading slump and one of my quickest reads lately so that has to count for something! Very intriguing read - it was clear that a lot of thought, research, and intention went into writing it, and I feel like i still have a lot to learn about Mexican history (which I’m excited to delve into.)
I do feel that the arc of the story (and to some extent the world building) was a bit disorganized / underdeveloped at times - it felt like a lot of new characters and plot lines came into play very unexpectedly without the chance to fully explore them(i.e Tezca being the son of the Black God, Zyanya and her being a chaneque…) . I do hope that there is a sequel though because I would be very interested in seeing what comes next!
I do feel that the arc of the story (and to some extent the world building) was a bit disorganized / underdeveloped at times - it felt like a lot of new characters and plot lines came into play very unexpectedly without the chance to fully explore them
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Gore
bookish_hollyx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Colonisation, and War
stevienotnicks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
Do you ever find a book that gives you exactly what you had no idea what you were looking for?
Everything in Sun of Blood and Ruin happens along the backdrop of the Spanish colonization of Mexico. I loved how the author weaved in true history with her beautifully created interpretation of Mesoamerican mythology. She gave life to the deities we read about during the type of the Aztec and Mayan empires & showed the devastating effect of colonization on indigenous traditions & way of life.
The world building was near perfectly done. Instead of info dumping for pages like many fantasy authors are wont to do, Lares instead presents knowledge as dialogue or inner monologues. In this way, it doesn’t feel removed from the main storyline or slow down the pacing.
My only critique is with the ebb & flow of the overall story. Many interesting subplots were introduced only to never be mentioned again. Just as the story would seemingly be reaching its crescendo, the tension and excitement would plummet, staying unresolved while another plot line is explored. I felt a jolt of disconnection each time, but in truth, all of these subplots were so gripping that I was quickly appeased.
If you’re looking for a captivating, unique fantasy with lovable characters, political intrigue, and the always loved “chosen one” trope, this one will not let you down!
Everything in Sun of Blood and Ruin happens along the backdrop of the Spanish colonization of Mexico. I loved how the author weaved in true history with her beautifully created interpretation of Mesoamerican mythology. She gave life to the deities we read about during the type of the Aztec and Mayan empires & showed the devastating effect of colonization on indigenous traditions & way of life.
The world building was near perfectly done. Instead of info dumping for pages like many fantasy authors are wont to do, Lares instead presents knowledge as dialogue or inner monologues. In this way, it doesn’t feel removed from the main storyline or slow down the pacing.
My only critique is with the ebb & flow of the overall story. Many interesting subplots were introduced only to never be mentioned again. Just as the story would seemingly be reaching its crescendo, the tension and excitement would plummet, staying unresolved while another plot line is explored. I felt a jolt of disconnection each time, but in truth, all of these subplots were so gripping that I was quickly appeased.
If you’re looking for a captivating, unique fantasy with lovable characters, political intrigue, and the always loved “chosen one” trope, this one will not let you down!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Gore