Gods of Jade and Shadow

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Gods of Jade and Shadow cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1308
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780525620761
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2019-07-23
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 4

Gods of Jade and Shadow is a dark fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore, blending mythology and history in a vivid setting. Casiopea Tun, a young woman dreaming of a life beyond her small town, accidentally frees the Mayan god of death and becomes entangled in his quest to reclaim his throne. Their journey takes them from the jungles of Yucatán to the bustling streets of Mexico City, and into the depths of the Mayan underworld. The novel is praised for its snappy dialogue, stellar worldbuilding, and lyrical prose, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. This novel is a magical exploration of identity, freedom, and love, set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age in Mexico. Casiopea's adventure is not just a physical journey but also a journey of self-discovery, culminating in a dramatic and satisfying conclusion. The seamless blend of mythology and history provides a rich and complex tale that readers will immerse themselves in.

Reviews
The Quiet Pond · 2020-08-14
charming 4.50

The story is a charming tale of a young woman discovering how Mayan myths and legends intersect with the real world. The reviewer found the narrative engaging and the cultural elements enriching.

The reviewer was charmed by the story of Casiopea Tun, a young woman who embarks on a journey that blurs the lines between Mayan mythology and reality. The narrative is engaging and the cultural elements add a layer of depth that enriches the reading experience. The reviewer appreciated the way the story explores themes of identity, destiny, and the power of myth in shaping our lives. The blend of historical fiction and magical realism creates a unique and captivating tale that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    A charming tale of a young woman discovering how Mayan myths and legends intersect with the real world.

    The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather's house to listen to the music.

    A historical fantasy inspired by Mexican folklore in which a girl, a god of death, and I, after reading this, are forever changed.

Elitist Book Reviews · Vanessa · 2019-10-15
mixed 3.00

The depiction of the main character felt somewhat flat, but the novel's blend of adventure and folklore is commendable. The pacing and world-building are particularly strong.

Vanessa found the initial portrayal of Casiopea a bit one-dimensional, which made the start of the story feel familiar. However, she quickly became engrossed in the adventure and the rich tapestry of Mexican folklore that Moreno-Garcia weaves into the narrative. The pacing is excellent, and the world-building is immersive, transporting readers to a vividly realized setting. The blend of adventure, mythology, and historical elements creates a unique and engaging reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Moreno-Garcia's depiction of our main character Casiopea was a little blunt.

    The pacing is excellent, and the world-building is immersive.

    The blend of adventure, mythology, and historical elements creates a unique and engaging reading experience.

Takes Two To Book Review · 2019-08-07
positive 4.00

The book defies genres, seamlessly blending Mayan mythology, magical realism, and historical fiction into a captivating narrative.

The reviewer at Takes Two To Book Review is impressed by the novel's genre-defying nature, seamlessly blending elements of Mayan mythology, magical realism, and historical fiction. This unique combination creates a rich and captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which offers a fresh perspective on well-known myths and legends. The characters are well-crafted, and the plot is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    This book defies genres. It's a mix of Mayan mythology, magical realism, and historical fiction.

    I love all of the different elements thrown together.

    The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story.

NPR · 2019-07-23
positive 4.50

The novel is at its best when it embraces its darker, witty, and compelling elements, offering a fresh take on fairy tales.

The NPR contributor highlights how Gods of Jade and Shadow shines when it leans into its darker and wittier aspects. The novel offers a fresh and compelling take on fairy tales, blending Mayan mythology with a richly imagined world. The reviewer praises the author's ability to create a captivating narrative that feels both familiar and entirely new. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    Silvia Moreno-Garcia's new fantasy, Gods of Jade and Shadow, is at its witty, compelling, and merciless best when it is fully embracing its darker elements.

    The novel offers a fresh and compelling take on fairy tales.

    The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging.

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