With his first three novels—Zero Saints, Coyote Songs, and The Devil Takes You Home—Gabino Iglesias forged an utterly original sub-genre in the horror/thriller arena, call it barrio noire. Set along the Mexican/U.S. border, these grim and gritty crime novels are a tangled amalgamation of old world Catholicism, even older world mysticism, and supernatural horror. The violence and tension are cranked up to eleven. This is bold, uncompromising, fuck-you-right-in-the fight-or-flight-center-of-your-brain writing.

I’m so happy to announce that House of Bone and Rain, Iglesias’ upcoming new novel, is his best yet. It contains all those elements that make every book by him essential reading, but there’s a triumphant confidence to the writing, a maturity the makes for a deeper, even more impactful reading experience.

Iglesias returns to his roots, and enters new territory, by setting House of Bone and Rain in Puerto Rico as a hurricane bares down on the island. Five young men, lifelong, ride-or-die friends, pledge vengeance when one of their mothers is murdered. This begins a headlong descent into harrowing violence, a world where murder is as commonplace as the grinding poverty that permeates every aspect of life, a liminal space where the mundane and the supernatural share an uneasy coexistence. Ghosts walk here, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Monsters walk here as well, although by the end you may find yourself questioning just who the real monsters are.

If Cormac McCarthy and Clive Barker teamed up to write a coming of age novel, you might get something like House of Bone and Rain, but honestly, that’s not anywhere near an adequate description, because it barely scratches the surface of what Iglesias has achieved here. He’s fiercely original and breathtakingly inventive. Best of all I have a feeling that he’s just getting started.

House of Bone and Rain will be released on August 6, 2024, and is available for pre-sale now.

All fans of horror and stories of #boricua need to get on it and order @gabino_iglesias’ next masterpiece. I’ve been telling my students snippets about this all week and haven’t been able to get this friend group out of my head. So good!

Thanks @netgalley for the chance for an early read!

#bookstagram #currentlyreading #houseofboneandrain

After reading two of his novels, I feel like Gabino Iglesias has really seen some shit. This story is extremely visceral and violent. One bad situation snowballs into many more. It is a stressful and harrowing novel in which terrible things happen to people. And once again, this author has a way with words.

One of my favorite things about this book was that it portrayed how terrifying storms are. I hate them so much. These storms specifically are hurricanes and not tornadoes, like the ones I have to worry about, (plus there are supernatural elements mixed in), but my feelings are still valid! This story takes place in Puerto Rico and I felt like I was there. Iglesias vividly describes the post-hurricane destruction and suffering in ways that evoke all of the senses. (The buzzing of the generators, the heat, etc.) And that's just the grounded layer of the plot, because there is also horrific revenge and something monstrous and otherwordly happening on top of all of this.

The main characters are four men who love each other like brothers. One of them is gay, and they accept and protect him without question. That was nice to see. But once the primary narrator, Gabe, gets caught up in a bad situation, it all spirals out of control and their loyalty to each other will be tested with blood. This book is brutally violent and bleak. Heed the trigger warnings.

I would also caution that at the start of every chapter, there are five words or phrases in bold. They’re sort of like a preview of what the chapter will be about, but they’re also like little mini-spoilers, so I would recommend ignoring these lists. I'm not sure why they're included.

I didn't mind the supernatural element, and just like with "The Devil Takes You Home," I think Iglesias blended it in well with the very real and very ugly core story. There were cool and creepy scenes throughout that added a chilling veil of darkness to the atmosphere. My only complaint was that some of it did get a bit silly near the end, even if it also touched me emotionally. (Very complicated!) I really like this author and will continue to read anything he releases. His writing is not for the faint of heart.

TW: Hate speech, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, child harm/death, suicide, animal death, drug use, extreme violence

Thanks so much to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for an ARC of House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

It’s sad and terrifyingly beautiful in all the best ways. Immersive and haunting. The writing is so poetically perfect that I was consistently captivated. I cried. I screamed. I absolutely devoured it. I cannot wait for everyone to have a chance to take in this experience.

Somehow, during the entire first third of this novel, I managed to forget that Iglesias writes horror (in spite of following him on Twitter and KNOWING he's a Stoker winner) and all I kept thinking was that he was the Puerto Rican SA Cosby. And then, the horror came creeping in and I thought, okay, he's the Puerto Rican SA Cosby, but make it creepy as shit. That doesn't even really give Iglesias his due here, however. His books feel similar to Cosby, yes, in the stark violence but also in themes of masculinity and what it means to do the right thing. But Iglesias' writing is incredible, the way he weaves in Spanish phrases (some of which I could parse out and some of which I translated online) is beautiful even when the subject matter isn't. And perhaps the biggest personal testament I can give is that I usually really dislike the type of horror in this book (don't want to say more and give it away) but Iglesias does it so well so unexpectedly that I was all in. This solidified him as an auto-read author for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Well, this book certainly kept my interest, although reviews compared it to standard storylines about a "group of.boys growing up" mainstream fare, it is nothing of the sort.

I wanted to make sure to note and add a trigger warning for excessively graphic violence (in vividly descriptive detail). The author ensures you can imagine each brutal act, almost as if you are witnessing it occur.

I certainly would not compare this with any other coming of age story that comes to mind, although the group of boys values their friendship above any other relationships in their lives. Each boy individually seems to feel that because their friends had their "back" in sophomoric squabbles and fisticuffs, that they need to support their friend as he goes on a viscous murder spree.

Gore aside, the story keeps your interest, and the writing talent of the author is top-notch. Would definitely read another book by this author, but definitely will wait to read reviews until after I read the book.

Anyone who expects this book to be like Stand By Me or similar books of boyhood bonding are in for a harsh awakening.

Although I love mysteries, police procedurals and crime novels, this was definitely the most graphically and gratuitously gory book I have read in recent years, for some reason the reviews do not mention this.

However the entire book documents a group of lawless thugs who seek to meet our their own brutal version of justice, ignoring the fact that doing so endangers their loved ones.

I thought this was a really well done novel, it had that suspenseful vengeance that I was hoping for. The characters felt like they belonged in this world and had a great concept overall. It uses the darker elements perfectly and I was engaged with what happened. I enjoyed the use of mysticism and glad it worked with the story. I could understand why the characters did everything that I was hoping for. Gabino Iglesias wrote this perfectly and left me wanting more.

I did not finish this book because it’s just not my bag. I think for those who like action, mystery and horror you will love this. It’s well written and easy to read. I recommend it for people who like this genre.
I got this as an e-arc via NetGalley

As Hurricane Maria threatens Puerto Rico, four friends are catapulted from their youth after one of their mothers is gunned down. Just as the danger from the approaching hurricane increases, so does the violence and danger of their quest as well as the inevitability of the destruction to follow. The violence that these boys both choose and stumble into may be too much for some readers but the language used throughout draws you in and paints a picture of the beauty of the island and it's residents as well as why those from there feel connected, no matter where they roam. Readers drawn to stories with religion and belief at the core will find a lot to love here. Recommended for fans of Stephen Graham Jones and other dark, literary horror authors as well as fans of Nordic noir. The role that weather and the land itself will resonate with those readers. This is already one of the best books of 2024.

With hurricane Maria looming off the coast of Puerto Rico, five friends are determined to avenge the devastating murder of one of their mothers. What will the cost be for that vengeance?

This novel is part coming of age, part supernatural thriller and part horror. After reading and loving The Devil Takes You Home, I was excited to see the author has a new book coming out. I took my time with House of Bone and Rain and reread sections. It’s a lot. A lot in a good way. In fact, genius is the word I’d use to describe it. I have never felt more present in a story than I did here. I don’t speak Spanish and I’ve never been to Puerto Rico. This talented author took me right there. The plight of the people and the ridiculous politics that bar them from their rights as citizens of the United States is appalling.

These boys are flawed and have lived difficult lives. Their friendship and love for each other was strong and so was their need for their own survival. The precarious situations throughout the story put those things at odds with one another. The writing is outstanding in this original and very dark coming of age story. I was so invested in the lives of these boys, that it was difficult for me to get anything else done until I finished the book. The atmosphere is eerie and I felt such a range of emotions throughout the novel. There’s so much danger that surrounds these friends. From natural disasters to drug cartels. The constant feeling of impending doom is intense, but I just couldn’t look away.

I’m honestly exhausted after reading this book and I will think of these characters and their stories for a long time. I’ll be adding an audio copy and a hardcover to my library as soon as I’m able. Thank you so much to @gabinoIglesias @netgalley @mulhollandbooks for an advanced digital copy of this brilliant novel.

At first, the violence was a lot and I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. Then I got invested in the characters. For all their flaws, they're loveable guys. After that I was afraid to find out what bad things were going to happen to the guys so I thought about quitting. But holy what?! I did NOT imagine that twist at the end?! And that *other* twist, too. WOW

Thank you to Mulholland Books, NetGalley and Gabino Iglesias for an eARC of House of Bone and Rain. Wow, what a wild ride. If you thought it couldn't get any better than The Devil Takes You Home, you need to read this one. Amazing story with great characters and fast paced action...... with a lot a violence thrown in. When I first read The Devil Take You Home I was hook with this author. After reading this one he is definitely on the automatic buy list. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

Gabe, Xavier, Tavo, Paul, and Bimbo are close childhood friends who have experienced the worst of Puerto Rico via hurricanes and life in gang infested area of town. When Bimbo's mother is shot, he is enraged and leads the friends into a dogged search. When the search takes them to a drug king, the young men create a plan, knowing all the while that no one has ever defeated the kingpin and another strong hurricane is bearing down on the island.

Bringing elements of myths and horror, grit and hope, Iglesias bring Puerto Rico to life. The 5 young men are life friends by the end of the story and the beauty of the writing will carry you through the heart wrenching moments. If you like a gritty thriller, elements of horror and myth, this is perfect novel for you!
#mullhollandbooks #houseofboneandrain #gabinoiglesias

A pulpy, blood-soaked, and rain-drenched tale of brotherhood and revenge.

This was a fun, fast-paced thrill. I enjoyed the blend of revenge and supernatural horror in a locale (Puerto Rico) that doesn’t get the limelight in contemporary fiction too often. That said, the tone and writing style didn’t always land with me, and some of the violence is so cartoonishly over the top that it distracted me from the narrative. I still think it’s a worthwhile read, as it’s stuffed to the gills with exciting action set pieces.

I will start by saying this author has a beautiful way with words. He takes through a tale so poignant that it truly makes your heart ache.

This story follows five teenage boys in Puerto Rico. Gabe, Bimbo, Xavier, Paul and Tavo. Bimbo’s mother has just been brutally murdered in the streets, she is a low level drug dealer. The boys show up to Maria’s funeral to support their best friend Bimbo. Bimbo is absolutely crushed and stricken by grief, he decides to seek vengeance on the ones who shot her. Was it a rival drug dealer? A gang? He feels the only way to heal is to seek revenge. However, his friends are a little hesitant.

When his best friend Gabe stands by his side, the others decide to join him. From there it becomes about life or death. At the same time we have a horrible hurricane that is blowing through with a fury. Trying to stay alive and fight, this becomes a gritty bloodbath. Bimbo will stop at nothing and kill whoever is in his way. I will tell you that there are some violent scenes here. Brutal and unsparing. Death is inevitable.

This story is about grief, coming of age, family, friends and the things that tie them together. There are even some supernatural elements. This would not be my normal read, however, there has been much praise for Gabino Iglesias’s work that I had to get my feet wet. All in all, the constant murder spree and violence just isn’t my thing. I will give credit for writing that is spellbinding, story so gritty and I think he will continue to write great books.

This book is not for everybody. TW galore — extreme violence, death of a family member, drug use, and I’m probably missing some.
Thank you Mulholland Books, NetGalley and Gabino Iglesias for the opportunity. Publication date August 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

I had not read a book by Gabino Iglesias before, but had heard of his other books through social media platforms.

I started reading this not knowing what to expect.

It grabs you by the seat of your pants and you have to hang on tight. I liked that I could really feel the emotion that came from each character. It added so much more to the story.

The story would speed up and I couldn’t stop reading and then it would slow down a bit to let you catch your breath.

I did not see where the story finally takes you coming at all. It definitely was a twist that was the least expected and I am not sure my feelings on it yet.

Take a chance and read this book. You definitely won’t regret it.

Gabino Iglesias. reminds me of Stephen King. Not so much writing style, but how you really get immersed in his world. He can take a totally unbelievable subject, and when you finish the book, you're utterly convinced it's completely possible and start researching to see if it is.

I was so lucky to get an arc of his newest and was I thrilled and grateful. I had already pre-ordered but to wait so long till publication was killing me.

The main story is friends helping another friend get revenge. A lifelong friend who is making bad choices but out of loyalty, you still support, even though you know you should just walk away. You're lucky if you have that type of friend. I also liked the spiritual practice of espiritismo and santeria was a big part of the story. All my Boricanos and Cuban friends have shared these beliefs with me, and I find them fascinating.

The book is set in Puerto Rico and gives you a touch of island life. Don't let the occasional spanish scare you off. Just highlight and hit translate. A lot of it is already translated in the following paragraph, and it's only five percent of the book. I actually liked it.

The book is interesting from the first page, but wait until you get to the end of the book. It will blow your mind.

Couldn't recommend this book more if I tried.

This was an addictive story about the power of friendship, growing up, love, death, vengeance and everything inbetween, Gabino is a powerful storyteller, writing with finesse he weaves a tale of grief with the most beautiful narration, punchy prose that hits hard, like emotional jabs, but amongst this is almost poetic descriptions, some sentences border on being philosophical, I have highlighted so many throughout this, incredibly thought provoking and evocative, themes of toxic masculinity and friendship group dynamics are explored, well crafted characters whos pain and rage are palpable, expect some gut wrenching moments (duh..its Gabino, have you read The Devil Takes You Home?)The descriptions of the island are lush and transport you entirely, I enjoyed the history and lore of Puerto Rico, I found it utterly fascinating and felt homesick for a place I've never been, Gabino is a master at what he does and what he does is break hearts with his stories, there are not enough stars I could give!
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Loved this book!!! The characters were beautifully rendered, and it had so much history and power in these pages. It reminded me of Fernanda Melchor who is one of my favorite authors!

Thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and comment on Gabino Iglesias's 'House of Bone and Rain.'

First, what a great title and cover for a book. You shouldn't judge a book by its name (or cover) but it can give you a sense of what's to come and this title and cover surely did.

I'd fairly recently read this author's 'The Devil Takes You Home' and loved the combination of very visceral real life crime and punishment with the weird and paranormal as well as its offering a sympathetic window in Latin/Hispanic experiences. I wondered if he would and could bring that same balance that worked so well in 'Devil' to this new book. He really did and has created another potent mix of the harshest of realities, folkloric spirituality and horror, and commentary on the cultural and socio-economic challenges faced by Hispanic Americans.

'House of Bone and Rain' is set in Puerto Rico and, although it pulls no punches about the natural, cultural, economic, and political challenges of living there it's also clearly a love letter to a place, a people, and a spirituality that the author knows and loves.

Triggered by a single murder a group of young men - life-long friends - go up against crime lords and worse in pursuit of revenge and risk losing each other, loved ones, their humanity, and their lives in the process. All of this happens immediately preceding, during, and in the aftermath of one of the devastating hurricanes that regularly batter Puerto Rico. This one brings more than earthly devastation, it brings dark evil.

The physical, emotional, and spiritual violence is quick, harsh, and brutal and may put some off but if you enter into this you should know what you're getting into.

This is a strong and worthy follow up to Iglesias's previous novel. Congratulations to all.