Gods of Jade and Shadow

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Gods of Jade and Shadow cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1308
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9780525620761
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2019-07-23
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

In the heart of the Jazz Age, Casiopea Tun dreams of a life beyond her mundane existence in a small Mexican town. Her dreams take a dramatic turn when she accidentally releases the Mayan god of death from a mysterious wooden box. Enlisting her help to reclaim his throne from his treacherous brother, Casiopea embarks on a life-changing journey that will test her courage and wits. /n/n As they travel from the jungles of Yucatán to the bustling streets of Mexico City, Casiopea and the enigmatic god face numerous challenges, delving deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld. This dark, dazzling fairy tale, inspired by Mexican folklore, explores themes of identity, freedom, and love, offering a rich tapestry of mythology and history.

Reviews
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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