My Goodreads review: Gods of Jade and Shadow

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A female-forward fantasy rooted in Mayan mythology? Set in Jazz Age Mexico? With a well-constructed glossary of even more fascinating information?

Yes, please!

I'm not sure whether to describe this as a beautifully told Mesoamerican fairy tale, or a Joseph Campbell-style Hero's Journey with a young woman as the hero. It works just as well either way. When "poor relation" Casiopea Tun accidentally frees an imprisoned Mayan death god from her tyrannical grandfather's keeping, she finds herself on a quest very little in her circumscribed life has prepared her for. (Not that there really is any way to prepare for a trip to Xibalba, come to think of it . . . )

How she and the death god Hun-Kamé cope with their increasingly complicated relationship is a story in itself, intensely romantic but never over the top. Casiopea is not a modern kick-A fantasy heroine, but a believable member of her society discovering that society's limits just won't work for her any longer.

Recommended for world mythology enthusiasts, fantasy readers looking to expand their horizons, or anyone in search of a late-summer read they'll still be thinking about come fall.

[Disclaimer: I was provided with a free NetGalley copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.]




View all my reviews