Vampires of El Norte

Such a fascinating blend of horror and romance that I'm in awe of Isabel Cañas's writing!

I usually don't love the childhood friends/sweethearts to lovers trope because it's just what was stopping you from getting together before now. With Nena and Nestor, they come from different classes, and after the attack, Nestor believed Nena to be dead. It actually makes sense for them to have this separation between them. I did appreciate that Nena didn't immediately forgive Nestor and let him back in. We realize early on that Nestor would do anything for Nena, but she needs to still grow and let go of her parents and society's expectations for what she would do.

The vampires themselves were amazing! One of the aspects I absolutely loved was show more how subtle Cañas was in writing horror. Imagination can go much farther than what's written. The vampire mythology in this novel was so interesting. This idea that vampires are colonizers, always taking/drinking, was a fascinating exploration of what vampires are. I also love how when Nena starts realizing that this is just their nature, like lions or other prey. But so many questions are raised by who or what are the vampires, about exploitation and colonization, and if monsters cannot protect themselves, how can us mere mortals? show less

Star-crossed lovers—daughter of a wealthy ranchero and a peón of the ranchero—grew up together. But when she’s attacked by a monster, he has to carry her home, where everyone will assume he was the cause. The two become estranged. When the Texianse appear, ready to fight to take Mexico’s land, the resulting war forces them back together. This is their story, with a side story about gory monsters that drink blood. I would have preferred the vampires be the main story because that’s what I assumed from the title. And I wasn’t especially fond of the resolution—it didn’t seem irrational, and didn’t have almost any of the vampirism tropes. Those tropes: that’s why I read vampire stories. Despite my wishes not being show more fulfilled here, it’s still an excellent story. I especially liked to read the Mexican perspective about the War. show less

I have not read a monster-horror novel in quite a while, and it was so fun to be back! “Vampire of El Norte” had it all: great setting, interesting main characters, romance, and, of course, monsters. These vampires are less Edward Cullen and more huge bat-like creatures with no eyes that suck blood. In addition to these monsters, the Mexican-American war is raging and there are plenty of casualties from that as well.

Néstor went to live at Nena’s family’s ranchero after his family was attacked by U.S. soldiers when he was a child, and the two became close friends. But when they are attacked by a vampire, Néstor believes Nena has been killed and he runs away from the ranchero because he blames himself. Nine years later, Néstor show more returns to the ranchero to help out his family, and discovers that Nena is still alive and that the moment that has impacted his entire life was a lie.

Nena is training to be a healer and wants to help her ranchero with her skills, but her parents have other plans. They want to make an alliance through her marriage with another powerful ranchero. Nena offers her healing skills on the battlefield to try and show her father her value. Through this journey Nena and Néstor are reunited and there is anger and hurt on both sides. Their journey to save the ranchero and their journey of reconciliation runs parallel throughout the book.

I had a lot of fun reading this book, and I would recommend it to people who are looking for romance with their horror (or horror with their romance).

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. show less

TW/CW: Language, violence, death, mild sexuality

RATING: 4.5/5

REVIEW: Vampires of El Norte is the story of a vaquero named Nestor and the eldest daughter of a rancher named Nena. Taking place in the mid-1840’s during the war between Mexico and Texas, the two are faced with war and the appearance of vampires in the area.

This is a beautifully written book, and I really enjoyed it. It was scary in points, but very sweet at points too, and I loved the relationship between Nestor and Nena. While for the most part it was realistic historical fiction, the author worked in the vampires so that it didn’t seem absurd or out of place. It was an exciting book and very engaging – I read the whole thing in two days.

I definitely recommend this show more book, and this author – I love everything she’s written! show less

EASILY one of my favourite books thus far!

Less so a horror- more a historical romance thriller. But it is INCREDIBLE. I don't even mind it leaning away from the horror aspects. The romance between Nestor and Nena is wonderful. You can really feel the turmoil between them and I truly wanted them to find happiness.

I could really relate to Nestor. Being proud and refusing to be looked down on. It was therapeutic to see him stand up for himself.

I was super attached to the characters. Beto especially!
The dialogue is written so smoothly- everyone has a unique voice and their characterisation just... AGHH I barely have the words to describe how much I loved the writing.

Cañas is a brilliant writer. Perhaps even my favorite. I HAVE to read show more more of her books. show less

I was swept away by Isabel's writing (again) because this book was truly mesmerising! It felt as if I was taken back in time to a ranch in 1840s Mexico, the vivid descriptions of the places and clothes they wore added to this experience. And the non-sparkly vampires scared me but also fascinated me. Nena and Nestor's love story was the cherry on top, his yearning was beautiful and I was rooting for this couple and Nena's growth right up to the end.
I'm glad I read this on my e-reader with an español dictionary, because there were quite a few words in Spanish that needed translation.

If you are expecting a classic vampire tale or a modern take on vampires a la Interview with a Vampire, wipe that idea from your mind.

Isabel Cañas uses vampires as a literal and metaphorical way of explaining colonization and the brutal battle between Mexico and the US in 1846. The plot is extraordinarily complex as she juggles the historical setting, classism, and the patriarchy but nothing feels overwhelming or too heavy-handed. This is definitely a gothic horror book, so a very good read for the fall.

Our two main characters and perspectives are Nena and Néstor, childhood friends and romantic interests. While I liked their character growth/arc, I personally struggled a lot with the constant will they/won't they. All I needed was show more for them to communicate and realize that there were bigger fish to fry in their lives, so to speak.

Now, the vampires. I love the idea and slightly different take on vampires Cañas gives us, but it felt too little too late. By the time they become bigger players in the story, I had forgotten about them because of the threat of the Anglo settlers and then it was wrapped up in a nice little bow and the story ended.

Overall, this book did manage to pleasantly surprise me, but it sadly was not a five star like I had hoped it would be. show less