A review by rage_among_the_page
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Silver Nitrate would be perfect for those wanting to dip their toes in horror. I’m often asked by friends (that aren’t as heavy into horror) to suggest something for book club reads. Something not extreme, has a creepy vibe and a developed story (not to mention, discussion worthy). This would fit perfectly.
In all honesty, I did not read Silver Nitrate straight through in one go. I did put it down and come back to it, which I’m very glad I did. I enjoy a slow burn, but sometimes life is too involved/chaotic to fully submerge yourself and the pacing was too slow for me to be able to read in brief “free moments” and come back to without needing to recap.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a fantastic writer and I enjoy her ability to weave varying genres and aspects into a story. Silver Nitrate is no exception. I love the film aspects and nod to the connection of film enthusiasts. Then comes the plot…there are likely other examples that fit this criteria, but for me personally, this is my first time experiencing a story that references Nazis and/or Nazi occultism, without going completely off the rails in a satirical direction. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those too. This however was so refreshing for letting evils be evils without needing to add 8 legs and goo dripping fangs to get the point across.
As mentioned, it was rather slow, especially to start and I wish that some of creepy aspects were implemented earlier on to give more of “burn” to the slow burn aspect. That being said, there are some eccentricities and humor to characters and their actions that keep it moving. I almost would have preferred to not have read a synopsis before diving in as I was waiting for it to get to those parts.
Overall, I overcame the pace and definitely intend to reread on a relaxing day and try to catch a better flow.
I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley to read Silver Nitrate prior to publishing.
In all honesty, I did not read Silver Nitrate straight through in one go. I did put it down and come back to it, which I’m very glad I did. I enjoy a slow burn, but sometimes life is too involved/chaotic to fully submerge yourself and the pacing was too slow for me to be able to read in brief “free moments” and come back to without needing to recap.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a fantastic writer and I enjoy her ability to weave varying genres and aspects into a story. Silver Nitrate is no exception. I love the film aspects and nod to the connection of film enthusiasts. Then comes the plot…there are likely other examples that fit this criteria, but for me personally, this is my first time experiencing a story that references Nazis and/or Nazi occultism, without going completely off the rails in a satirical direction. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those too. This however was so refreshing for letting evils be evils without needing to add 8 legs and goo dripping fangs to get the point across.
As mentioned, it was rather slow, especially to start and I wish that some of creepy aspects were implemented earlier on to give more of “burn” to the slow burn aspect. That being said, there are some eccentricities and humor to characters and their actions that keep it moving. I almost would have preferred to not have read a synopsis before diving in as I was waiting for it to get to those parts.
Overall, I overcame the pace and definitely intend to reread on a relaxing day and try to catch a better flow.
I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley to read Silver Nitrate prior to publishing.