This book was beautifully written and very atmospheric. But the story lost it for me. It was a very slow start and I didn't feel invested until about 2/3rds of the way through. I found both the characters and their decisions annoying. I didn't enjoy that so much of their issues was lack of communication. Nina's lack of a back bone towards her family was annoying when she could be strong with everyone else. The vampires felt like unnecessary filler till the battle scenes started so about half way through the book. I really wanted to like this book but it was just alright to me. The beautiful descriptions, and the ability the author had to pull me into 1840s Mexico is what made me give this a higher star rating.