This reminded me a lot of Rivers Solomon's Sorrowland, though the protagonist in this one struggled much harder with agency. And that's okay! two similar tales but with different characterization and perspective. 

I also really enjoy the historical aspects I learn from Silvia's novels. It sparks a greater interest in Mexican history and I love that.

I think I struggled with Carlota because she's so naive, but also with the idea that it probably makes sense for her to be? She's been isolated and indoctrinated by her father her whole life. Hm, I need to think on this. 

Still beautifully written

Gods I love Silvia. It's like she wrote this book for me. Occult horror and magic set in 90s Mexico City? How dare she invade my brain and pull out all the threads I love in horror. The two protagonists are my favorite little bisexuals. Montserrat's horror movie special interest and blunt demeanor have captivated me. Oh I can't wait for when I'm ready to reread this.

I am at peace now with the truth that young adult is no longer for me and that is okay

What is there to say when someone bears their soul like this? I'm just grateful she's alive and well. And I'm grateful for people who share their stories

purposefully torpedoing my feeble body across the Atlantic Ocean to land in a crumpled form in Oxford, at the foot of Tamsyn Muir, and whimpering that she has so woefully rearranged the chemicals in my brain in ways I can never hope to recover, and then thank her for it

I really loved the concept for this book (toxic positivity), but I hated the entire execution. 

The writing is wildly amateur, to the extent that I am shocked this had an editor and beta readers. I would be angry with these people. The first person perspective is trying too hard to be quirky at its best and like a child writing adult conversations at its worst. 

The plot is standard horror tropes with nothing original added. Nothing surprised me. Nothing felt even remotely new. Paganism but vague Latin? Come on. I felt no tension and no connection to the characters to attempt to conjure any. 

I normally think the statement that 'men shouldn't be allowed to write women' is too much of a blanket statement, but Gods even as a trans masc I can tell you this is not how women are friends with each other. This is a caricature of how women are friends with each other. 

Damn. I really wanted to like this for the theme and the cover art coming from one of my favorite artists but all this did was reassure me that I am not as bad of a writer as I think I am. I suppose that helps.

ohhh Jeffrey....

I'm glad I read the whole series. I was hesitant because I was afraid more would ruin the mystique of the first one, but it didn't. He managed to avoid the age old horror mistake of explaining too much. And yet I feel I understand somehow.

I'm even glad I read the second even though I found it a bit boring, because it's info was crucial to understanding this one. 

I was really deeply attached to the lighthouse keeper, and I'll think of him a lot I think.

I truly understand why this series isn't for everyone, but I really loved it overall. It's focus on the human condition almost captivated me more than Area X itself. Especially the biologist/ghost bird and her relationship with the world.

Beautifully written. Perfectly captured the feeling of Faerie, both the dread and the wonder. I felt attached to the characters very quickly, which is a high compliment. This book is an overall lovely read.

I will say I'm not as into intense, declarative romance that is born from circumstance rather than time + circumstance, but that's my personal preference. When someone begs, I feel a bit of ick, but again, plenty people adore that so!

Did not dig its teeth into me the way Red X did but still an enjoyable read. Gave me a lot of folklore bits to toy around with in my head, which I needed. 

WOW, this book is a masterpiece.

Managed to get under my skin a little, which is a high compliment coming from me, the guy with the way too high tolerance for horror and the macabre lol.

This book is so grounded in the history it's based in that you start to worry that perhaps there is some truth to its supernatural aspects. Much of it is true to begin with. You can feel the author's heart, soul, and experiences in this book. My own heart continually tore with each disappearance, with each little thread in our queer tapestry lost. This is a book that will dig its teeth into you and refuse to let go. 

David Demchuk is added to list of authors that are in my WALLS!!!