Although the whole may not be better than the individual components, the components themselves are of high quality.
By Isabel Cañas ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 29, 2023
Néstor and Nena were childhood sweethearts on the Rancho Los Ojuelos, though their relationship was not accepted by everyone. When they were 13, a treasure hunt went wrong and Néstor thought Nena was dead, so he left the rancho. Nine years later, the threat of the Yanquís moving south brought him back to help with the fight, only to find out that Nena had survived. As they prepared to face the Yanquís, Rinches, and creatures reminiscent of the one that attacked Nena, they had to find a way to work together.
Author Cañas drew upon a wealth of research to recreate the Rio Grande Valley in the 1840s, weaving in the Mexican War and introducing a new type of folklore. The story is told through the perspectives of Nena and Néstor, and is a combination of a love story, a war story, and a horror story. While the side characters are not very well developed, they still add to the atmosphere. The climax of the story is when all three narratives come together, and it is a powerful moment. Nena and Néstor are both likable and frustrating in their choices. Despite the book’s weaknesses, it is an enjoyable read.
Pub Date: Aug. 29, 2023
ISBN: 9780593436721
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Berkley
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2023