Series: Sun and Blood and Ruin # 1
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Source: Publisher
Genre: Fantasy / Historical
Rumor has it on the streets of sixteenth-century New Spain, there’s a new vigilante in town serving justice. This reimagining of Zorro—featuring a heroic warrior sorceress—weaves Mesoamerican mythology and Mexican history two decades after the Spanish conquest into a swashbuckling, historical debut fantasy with magic, intrigue, treachery, and romance.
What is this I hear about a masked vigilante who calls herself Pantera? They say she's the finest swordswoman in the New World, that she is a witch, that she will be the end of us all. A new legend begins…
Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares is a historical fantasy debut. The sequel is slated to release late in 2024. The story itself takes inspiration from the myth of Zorro and the beloved novel by Isabel Allende. In sixteenth-century New Spain (Mexico), witchcraft was punishable by death, indigenous temples were destroyed, and tales of mythical creatures that once roamed the land became whispers in the night. Hidden behind a mask, Pantera uses her magic and legendary swordplay skills to fight the tyranny of Spanish rule.
To all who know her, Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin never leaves the palace and is promised to the heir of the Spanish throne, Prince Felipe to become Queen of Spain. The respectable, law-abiding Lady Leonora faints at the sight of blood and would rather be caught dead than meddle in court affairs. No one suspects that Leonora and Pantera are the same person. Until she meets a mysterious male with strange abilities who heals an injury she incurs while escaping capture.
She even carries the Sword of Integrity and draws her strength from the sun. Leonora has been forced to adopt Christianity by her hateful stepmother and to forget the gods of Nahua to live as a Spanish noblewoman and reject and hide her indigenous identity—at least in plain sight. Leonora’s charade is tragically good, and with magic running through her veins, she is nearly invincible. Nearly. Despite her mastery, she is destined to die young in battle, as predicted by a seer.
When an ancient Nahua prophecy of the world’s destruction shows signs of coming to pass both Pantera and Leonora must fight to save it. Knowing she is doomed to a short life, she is tempted to take the former option. But the legendary Pantera is destined for more than an early grave, and once she discovers the truth of her origins, not even death will stop her. Every step of the way, Pantera, who can shift into a panther, is hounded by the Spanish Captain Nabarres who wants her to be hanged for her actions.
”I knew, when I decided to don the mask of Pantera, that this wasn’t going to be easy. To pretend to have an interest in this life, in these Christians and their god, in the dull chat of courtiers who don’t know the world outside their walls. The games they play. For position. For power. For influence.”
Lares presents her readers with an alternative Mexico, one that holds much accuracy with the inclusion of various Spanish dialects and Nahuatl languages being spoken. Certain characters can use their tonalli, their life force, for powers such as extended speed, agility, or blasting your opponent ten feet away from you! Leonora, can not only wield tonalli but she is also a nagual, a shapeshifter.
Fantasy retelling is a thriving genre, and with the popularity of Sarah J. Maas and Madeline Miller unwavering and newcomers like Olivie Blake breaking onto the scene, readers can’t get enough of romantic, inclusive retellings that include a ton of action and adventure. I think I would have liked this book more had the ending been as good as the first parts of the book. I do like that the author doesn't hold back when it comes the how the Spanish basically destroyed civilizations and stole their heritage and their wealth. I will likely read the sequel when it comes out in the Fall of 2024.
No comments:
Post a Comment