Vampires of El Norte By Isabel Canas (Review by Caitlin Winkler)

Rating: 4.5/5

I absolutely loved The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas, so when I was given the opportunity to read and review her new novel, I jumped at the chance! The premise of Vampires of El Norte was so interesting to me because, in my opinion at least, it is rare to find a story that has both horror and romance in the plot. The historical component to this novel was very interesting as well and I really enjoyed reading the Authors Note at the end to learn more about this time period and the events that occurred to inspire this story. This book is truly such an amazing blend of genres! 

In 1840’s Mexico, Nena understands that monsters can take many different forms. She is the eldest daughter of a prominent landowner, and her home has been threatened by those from the North who want to take it all away. But beyond that, there are more shadowy presences that have begun to attack in the night. Nena would know since she was attacked years earlier. A healer now, she strives to help those from the mysterious susto that seems to be increasing in frequency. Nestor, her childhood friend, was also there the night of Nena’s attack, but knowing that Nena had died, or so he believed, he fled the ranch and has not been seen by anyone since. As the threat from the North continues to increase, specifically the United States attacking Mexico, Nestor finds himself returning to the ranch he swore he would never go back to and learning that Nena is in fact alive, and very angry with him for disappearing. Can these two forgive each other and find what they once had to save not only themselves, but all they love from these dangerous forces both human and inhuman? 

While I strive to make my reviews as thorough as possible, I truly believe that my summary still does not do this book justice as it was so much more than all this! This book was a perfect combination of horror, western, romance, and action! I absolutely loved it and look forward to everything this author writes. I cannot recommend this book enough!