“Words are seeds, Casiopea. With words you can embroider narratives, the narratives breed myths, and there’s power in myth. Yes, the things you name have power.”
———————————–
Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic was one of my favorite reads of last year so I had high hopes going into Gods of Jade and Shadow and I was not disappointed. As I expected, the writing was beautiful; her descriptions of the world and the emotions building within the characters were evocative. The myth and magic of ancient Mexico and the Mayans was like stumbling upon a beautiful treasure chest where each gem was more beautiful than the last. I loved the balance of light and dark and a heroine who was strong and good with villains who were powerful and yet fair.
Casiopea was a Cinderella-like character; unloved and under appreciated by her family with no hope of escape until she stumbles upon the bones of a long banished god. Bound together, they must complete a quest to try to restore him to the throne and free her from impending death. When she learns who he truly is, she is not fearful but determined. I was impressed with the mutability of the characters throughout the story.
I wanted a little bit more in the end… actually, to be honest, I want a second book. And probably a third while I’m asking for things. But to quote the book:
“There is no ‘after,'” she whispered.
It wasn’t fair. But there wasn’t an “after” in stories, was there? The curtain simply fell. She was not in a fairy tale, in any case. What “after” could there be?” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What’s the last book you read that took place in a country other than your own?
openmypages 