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divine529's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I had a hard time with this book. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. The best word I can use to describe my feelings for this book is apathy.
I read another Garcia book awhile ago and I loved that one a lot, but this one gave me a hard time, which surprised me.
This is a dual perspective book and follows our protagonists Casiopea (our main protagonist) and her cousin Martin. Casiopea accidentally awakes the Mayan god of death, Hun-Kame and gets a bone shard embedded in her hand, and if she wants to live, they have to embark on a quest to get him back on his throne and defeat his brother who did this to him. Along the way they encounter many different demons and ghosts and gods and things go from there.
Generally, I wasn't connected to any part of this book. The writing was good, the plot was ok and the characters were just not relatable to me and I didn't emotionally connect to them. I liked the historical and mythological aspects of the book the most I think.
The last 5-6 chapters were absolutely fantastic and I was fully engaged and invested in them, I just wish more of the book was that way for me.
All in all, a bit disappointing, but would recommend people try it anyway.
I read another Garcia book awhile ago and I loved that one a lot, but this one gave me a hard time, which surprised me.
This is a dual perspective book and follows our protagonists Casiopea (our main protagonist) and her cousin Martin. Casiopea accidentally awakes the Mayan god of death, Hun-Kame and gets a bone shard embedded in her hand, and if she wants to live, they have to embark on a quest to get him back on his throne and defeat his brother who did this to him. Along the way they encounter many different demons and ghosts and gods and things go from there.
Generally, I wasn't connected to any part of this book. The writing was good, the plot was ok and the characters were just not relatable to me and I didn't emotionally connect to them. I liked the historical and mythological aspects of the book the most I think.
The last 5-6 chapters were absolutely fantastic and I was fully engaged and invested in them, I just wish more of the book was that way for me.
All in all, a bit disappointing, but would recommend people try it anyway.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Murder
wordwilderness's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
3.5
Gods of Jade and Shadow was such a beautifully written story. I loved how it blended 1920s Mexico with mythology both in the worldbuilding and the love story.
I also love how the author chose to show the complexity of kindness in the main character. I couldn't help relating to Casiopea and her dreams. I feel like a gained a friend while reading this book.
While I loved most of the story, there were many instances when I thought certain plot points were overexplained. I think a lot of YA books break the "show don't tell" rule, but there's a certain point when the author has to trust that even young readers can read between the lines.
I also love how the author chose to show the complexity of kindness in the main character. I couldn't help relating to Casiopea and her dreams. I feel like a gained a friend while reading this book.
While I loved most of the story, there were many instances when I thought certain plot points were overexplained. I think a lot of YA books break the "show don't tell" rule, but there's a certain point when the author has to trust that even young readers can read between the lines.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual assault