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A review by dreareads_
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It’s 2.5 but Goodreads won’t let me give half stars.
HOLY MISCOMMUNICATION BATMAN!
From the title not properly representing what the story is about to a romance story predicated on the dumbest miscommunication trope ever created this book simply was not enjoyable to me.
*slight spoiler* the use of vampires as tools for colonizers is a very interesting premise, and when it was explored the horror of it all really came through the page. I wanted more of the body horror, of the tension rising as colonizers presented a higher threat than any supernatural creature could. The potential of the story was RIGHT THERE
Unfortunately, this was all background to one of the most lackluster romances I have ever read. The set up for their conflict was so stupid I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. Even when the miscommunication was solved, the “she’s rich he’s poor their love isn’t possible” set up felt so inconsequential that I was annoyed we spent any time on it.
On top of all of this, the character of Nena was one of the most annoying female characters I have ever read. She’s a professional victim that is written like a girlboss reminiscent of the 2000s YA craze. There was one particular chapter where I simply wanted to throw my book into the ocean out of frustration with Nena.
Also, I usually love the use of Spanish in books but here it was nonsensical and felt like it was being sprinkled in without much reason (not even in a manner that reflected bilingual speech)
I gave it 2.5 because when the horror comes in it really works, especially when showing the pains of colonialism. Unfortunately the rest was just.. not it.
HOLY MISCOMMUNICATION BATMAN!
From the title not properly representing what the story is about to a romance story predicated on the dumbest miscommunication trope ever created this book simply was not enjoyable to me.
*slight spoiler* the use of vampires as tools for colonizers is a very interesting premise, and when it was explored the horror of it all really came through the page. I wanted more of the body horror, of the tension rising as colonizers presented a higher threat than any supernatural creature could. The potential of the story was RIGHT THERE
Unfortunately, this was all background to one of the most lackluster romances I have ever read. The set up for their conflict was so stupid I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. Even when the miscommunication was solved, the “she’s rich he’s poor their love isn’t possible” set up felt so inconsequential that I was annoyed we spent any time on it.
On top of all of this, the character of Nena was one of the most annoying female characters I have ever read. She’s a professional victim that is written like a girlboss reminiscent of the 2000s YA craze. There was one particular chapter where I simply wanted to throw my book into the ocean out of frustration with Nena.
Also, I usually love the use of Spanish in books but here it was nonsensical and felt like it was being sprinkled in without much reason (not even in a manner that reflected bilingual speech)
I gave it 2.5 because when the horror comes in it really works, especially when showing the pains of colonialism. Unfortunately the rest was just.. not it.