Review: Silvia Moreno-Garcia's God of Jade and Shadow

God of Jade & Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This book has a 3.9 star rating on goodreads. This rating blows my mind as God of Jade & Shadow is a true masterpiece. It's been a while since I read a book written with such as detail, attention, and excellence. If you liked Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles (another one of my favorites), then you are going to love this book. 

God of Jade & Shadow follows the story of Casiopea Tun as she helps the Mayan God of Death reclaim his throne and immortality back. Moreno-Garcia is a master storyteller and it is evident within this book. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. The characters, the plot, the writing, and the themes within this book are on another level. 

This is not a one-dimensional story. Everything is complex and nothing is exactly black & white. In this book, we get to see the antagonist's POV and it gives the book more dimension. In mythology, things are usually black and white but that isn't how things are in the real world. I love how Moreno-Garcia explores mayan mythology within this book. I don't know much about Mexican folklore but this book makes me want to learn more. 

My favorite character has to be Casiopea Tun. She simply just steals your heart. She's defiant, brave, caring, sarcastic, and just. I loved the way she stood her ground and wasn't afraid to tell you how she was feeling even when it wasn't verbal. There were moments where she cried and was vulnerable. However, despite all the injustice she has endure, she always chose to be fair and always did her best to do the right thing. Even if that meant breaking her heart. I love her!

However, what I love most about this book was the ending. Many people might disagree with me on this as Casiopea didn't have a typical hollywood romantic ending. I love watching her slow-burn romantic relationship with Hum-Kame! The chemistry between them these two was off the charts.  However, (SPOILERS) the two don't end up together. But I love how her ending is filled with so much potential and possiblity. While she doesn't end up with Hum-Kame, she does end up with her freedom, new friends, and a future where her possiblities are endless. 

Please, please, please read this book. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a amazing author and we need to support more authors of color. God of Jade & Shadow is one of my favorite books of this year and also one of my all time favorite books. It's a 10 out of 5 stars kind of book!