Reviews

Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares

storyseeker5000's review against another edition

There are so many unfamiliar terms with no explanations and difficult to pronounce names in just the first few pages. Unfortunately I cannot enjoy that type of book.

maecave15's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

drkmagician's review against another edition

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

3.5

I picked this booked up because the idea of mesoamerican mythology and Mexican culture in a fantasy setting really intrigued me.

But while the character and topics were diverse, the story pacing along with the diversity of characters were too slow in development , or bounced  around too often too really allow me to be sucked into the world.  It never allows you to explore any one-topic in-depth. 

mayrasbookverse's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.5

Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares has a promising premise—set in 16th-century New Spain with a strong foundation in Mesoamerican mythology and a Zorro-inspired vigilante heroine. The story introduces Pantera, a warrior sorceress secretly leading a double life as noblewoman Leonora, fighting against the Spanish rule with a mix of magic and swordplay.

While the setting and mythological references are intriguing, the storytelling felt a bit clunky. There were sudden shifts in the plot that lacked clear explanation, and Leonora’s priorities seemed to change frequently, making it tough to stay fully engaged. The first half of the book felt much slower than the second, and although it’s marketed as a Zorro retelling, there’s less focus on her vigilante role than expected.

Overall, Sun of Blood and Ruin has some intriguing elements but left me wanting more consistency and depth in its delivery. Rating it 2.5 out of 5.

happy_meeal's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

miranda_lynn1234's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

beesbookhollow's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mrs_s_reads's review against another edition

3.5

Tears: 0/5
Chillis: 0/5

b_meow's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious 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

sat6ru's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

3.0

I don't know if it was just me, but the pacing kinda felt odd? Maybe it was because I listened to the audiobook, but I really feel like there was so much that wasn't fully developed. The idea of book is very, very cool and I feel like with a little more world building and a little more development, this book would have easily been a 5 star.