Rating 3.5 out of 5
I was looking for a new read that was a little different from my usual romance. The title, cover and premise of Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas drew me in immediately. I never considered a horror mixed with a western and wondered, what are vampires doing in El Norte? I was soon to find out!
What’s It About?
On a rancho in 1840s Mexico, Nena, the beloved daughter of a respected ranch owner, dreams of more than a demure domestic life. Through her friendship with Néstor she comes to hope for a better and freer life together. But in the face of encroaching Anglo settlers looking to take over her family’s land, an even greater threat looms in the dark. One that is hungry for blood.
When Nena is attacked, Néstor believes her dead and flees the ranch. In the nine years since that night, Néstor has resigned himself to a life of drowning his grief in drink while working as a vaquero moving from ranch to ranch.
Meanwhile, Nena has developed her skills as a curandera and hopes to prove herself to her father to avoid marriage to a stranger. With the United States invasion of Mexico, impending war drafts Néstor as a part of the auxiliary cavalry and brings him face to face with his assumed dead childhood sweetheart Nena.
Thinking herself abandoned, Nena wants nothing to do with Néstor until it becomes undeniable that unless they can come together they will not survive the return of the wicked creatures from their past.
My Thoughts
This novel began with a slow start for me but once things got going, I couldn’t put it down. Cañas creates a great atmosphere to immerse you in the world she has built for her characters. I felt as if I too was traversing the desert and western frontier. The story didn’t go exactly as expected which I definitely enjoyed. The added true historical references in the back to put the fiction in context was a true delight.
Overall Impression
A fantasized history interwoven with the supernatural, Vampires of El Norte is definitely unique. Anyone looking for a horror thrill with a romantic core, steeped in a western will love this tale!
Gave this a read? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Book Specs
I may receive a commission if you click on the link
- Publisher : Berkley
- Publication Date : August 15, 2023
- Page Length : 384
Fiction | Vampires | Western | Historical Fiction | Strong Female Lead | Romance | Horror
©JustTalkingShep 2024
Share Your Thoughts Below!