Vampires of El Norte

Quick review: Lately I've been loving horror/suspense that lets a little bit of hope peek through the chaos, and this book absolutely delivered for me. 

You could call this horror, historical fiction, and maybe even a second chance romance, and you would be right each time. Set in 1840s Mexico, strong characterization and an elaborate sense of setting shine here. 

We get a deep fascinating look into both Nena and Nestor, each fighting against a destiny handed to them by a rigidly stratified society -- Nena, daughter of a wealthy rancher, is looking for ways to convince her father not to marry her off to the highest bidding suitor, and Nestor, an orphaned vaquero, has been saving every penny he's earned to try and buy land of his own. 

Together with relatives and neighbors, they march into battle against invading Anglo settlers from the north while something monstrous and bloodthirsty stalks the battlefields and countryside. Rich descriptions and sense of place enhance, not distract from, the story. 

Overall -- thrilling and un-put-down-able. 

arc received from the publisher