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A review by tracyreads
Cricket Hunters by Jeremy Hepler
4.0
From my Scfi and Scary review:
“She’d been raised to believe that if spells and rituals were used in the right way, cast or performed by a dedicated, well-versed bruja with an enlightened spirit, they could influence anything from hair thickness to emotions” (Hepler, Cricket Hunters, 8-9)
Here we have one of the cores of Jeremy Hepler’s novel, The Cricket Hunters. Yesenia, the main character, Cel’s, grandma practices curanderismo. I was able to reach out to the author for the name; it is such a central part of the story and I needed to know. This belief system/religion/magic is what ultimately shapes and informs much of the action within. This is important to remember especially in some of the scenes later on in the novel. What informs YOUR choices when so much is on the line?
Next, this novel delves into the bonds of friendship. Genre-wise, it is a mash-up of thriller, horror, and coming of age. There are dual timelines: one, a look back at how a group of friends grew up together and the horrors they encountered, and two, these same friends all grown up and realizing that what happened in childhood lingered and must be dealt with. I think Hepler moves between the timelines seamlessly and I love that the focus remains mostly on Cel. This is HER story even though the group friends includes boys and girls. She isn’t a side character in any sense.
I really enjoyed my time with this book. Hepler’s scholarship of the world of brujeria, Hispanic traditions, and fastidious attention to detail, made this book shine. I know that the author has another book out, a Stoker nominated horror novel, and I plan to check it out soon. Pick this book up if you love a great thriller mixed with supernatural forces; it is an engaging read.
“She’d been raised to believe that if spells and rituals were used in the right way, cast or performed by a dedicated, well-versed bruja with an enlightened spirit, they could influence anything from hair thickness to emotions” (Hepler, Cricket Hunters, 8-9)
Here we have one of the cores of Jeremy Hepler’s novel, The Cricket Hunters. Yesenia, the main character, Cel’s, grandma practices curanderismo. I was able to reach out to the author for the name; it is such a central part of the story and I needed to know. This belief system/religion/magic is what ultimately shapes and informs much of the action within. This is important to remember especially in some of the scenes later on in the novel. What informs YOUR choices when so much is on the line?
Next, this novel delves into the bonds of friendship. Genre-wise, it is a mash-up of thriller, horror, and coming of age. There are dual timelines: one, a look back at how a group of friends grew up together and the horrors they encountered, and two, these same friends all grown up and realizing that what happened in childhood lingered and must be dealt with. I think Hepler moves between the timelines seamlessly and I love that the focus remains mostly on Cel. This is HER story even though the group friends includes boys and girls. She isn’t a side character in any sense.
I really enjoyed my time with this book. Hepler’s scholarship of the world of brujeria, Hispanic traditions, and fastidious attention to detail, made this book shine. I know that the author has another book out, a Stoker nominated horror novel, and I plan to check it out soon. Pick this book up if you love a great thriller mixed with supernatural forces; it is an engaging read.