Historical fantasy novel set in MEXICO

19th March 2022

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, historical fantasy novel set in Mexico.

Casiopea Tun is skivvying for her grandfather when the novel opens. She is a cinderella figure in his house, tormented by her cousin Martín, finding little support from her mother. For her “..the world was all grey, not a hint of colour in it…”

One day her grandfather sets off on a journey, leaving behind the key to a chest and she opens it. Out dance jangling bones and there, a figure snakes into being in front of her very eyes. The being has been resting, incarcerated for a good many years because Casiopea’s grandfather let himself be seduced into imprisoning him. This is an ancient Mayan god, Hun-Kamé, Lord of Shadows who appears to her in a human guise, ready to tempt her into the unknown and taking her into a new world.

They set off together, a picaresque journey of adventure, full of magical colour and vibrancy as they traverse the continent of Mexico, setting off from her fictional home town, to Mérida, Mexico City and down into the underworld. There is a whole world waiting for Casiopea and this story is as much about opening your heart, despite dangers, to the wonders and challenges of the world. This is a life long pursuit and Casiopea is only just learning the ropes.

The backdrop of the Jazz Age seems a little superfluous as it didn’t much influence the storyline, as the protagonists move around the country, facing one adversity after another. Perhaps a little romance on the way? Certainly she gets to see a great deal of life in full colour!

An intriguing and poetic story that captures the imagination. And what a gorgeous book cover!!

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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