This urban fantasy vampire story was a ton of fun to read! With not one, but FIVE story telling perspectives, we get to learn all facets of what is happening in this alternate universe Mexico City where everyone in the world is aware that vampires exist. Atl, the main character, is a "princess" on the run to save her life. Domingo, is just a street kid living to work to make it to the next day. Nick, a vampire "princeling", is hell bent on a selfish revenge. Rodrigo is an old and tired human that has worked for one vampire gang for most of his life and now is tasked with "babysitting" Nick. And last we have Ana who is the human cop that was once known for her vampire hunting skills, but now just wants to provide a better and safer life for her teenage daughter. These characters are very complex and often act against what they feels is right in favor of what the world expects of them. There were a few that I found myself routing for and others that were just the right amount of antagonist. We also meet a few side characters who become very endearing to us as well as the main characters... I wouldn't even mind a side story with Bernardino! This story felt much more character based than I was expecting, but it wasn't a bad thing because that really moved the simplicity of the plot along. My one real frustration with it is the way that things ended. Not because of how, but because we just sort of dropped a few of the perspectives without any real closure. There was so much time invested in them that I don't think we were provided the justice of hearing their final thoughts, even if it was how you wanted them to end up. But overall it was really great to have a well delivered vampire story that was also a deep dive in to supernatural lore of Mexico.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for providing this review edition.

This was the first book by Moreno-Garcia that I’ve read, and I immensely enjoyed it. At first, it read like a continuation of “Mexican Gothic,” but it’s not. For me, this book was a breath of fresh air. The story takes place in Mexico City, and the author describes everything in such detail that you feel like you’re there. In addition, the characters of Atl and Domingo are engaging and intriguing. As a vampire noir, I expected this to be extremely dark, borderline horror; however, while it was dark, I wouldn’t put this in the horror genre.

The city is full of vampires from several cultures, as Mexico City is less restrictive. However, the town has outlawed vampires of all kinds. As a result, Atl is in danger at every turn; rival vampires and humans are hunting her. Of course, they have reasons for pursuing her, but they ultimately want to achieve the same goal. The only allies Atl has are her dog, Cualli, and Domingo, a street-savvy young man who wants to be her friend. Can Atl safely get out of the city, or will one of her enemies find her first?

I thought this was fantastic. I enjoyed the multiple point-of-views because it really added to the story. It was nice to get everyone’s perspective. Also, Atl and Domingo are adorable characters. I enjoyed reading their interactions. It was also great to get a bit of history about myths surrounding vampires. I didn’t know there were vampires from different cultures. It’s always nice to learn something from what you’re reading.

Although this wasn’t a continuation, it made me interesting in reading “Mexican Gothic.” I enjoyed the cultural aspect of this, and I can’t wait to read more from Moreno-Garcia. She’s on my list of go-to authors now.

I found this to be just ok. This was a very slow read until over 60% of the way into it. Once at this point it picked up and carried the rest of the book.

This was an awesome book. I've heard about Certain Dark Things since reading other books by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and I am happy to see it get re-released. A wider distribution was need for fans of her writing. It takes a noirish look at the vampire genre and sets it in an alternate Mexico City that has clamped itself down against vampires. The characters are enjoyable and I liked seeing the relationships develop.

I am always a tad bit hesitant when it comes to vampire books these days. I never know if I am just going to read a recycled version of the same story I've read for 25+ years or if it will be something fresh for me. But when I saw CERTAIN DARK THINGS by Silvia Moreno-Garcia I knew it would be anything BUT ordinary. Her world building is off the charts. The Mexican lore, mythology, and culture make this book a true gem. And I am in love with the dog in this book! All the characters, even the villains, were extremely interesting and all had their own issues to deal with. It made reading this book even more fun when I could count on the fact that no matter whose 'story' I was reading that I would be engaged. I already need more vampire crime-noir!

"Certain Dark Things" was an absolute adventure to read. The story is a rush. There's danger and fear at every turn and is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. I love how deep the vampiric lore goes and how the traditions weave their way into every page. I also really enjoy the direction the romance went in. Not gonna lie, it was kind of a breath of fresh air to me.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of those authors whose writing is lyrical in a way. You can hardly bring yourself to turn away because you're so entranced by what's happening.

Originally released in 2016, Certain Dark Things sees itself fitted with a new look and an audio edition due to its re-release this month under Tor. Having only recently read another book by the same author, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I am very appreciative of the spotlight shining onto this supernatural tale that felt equally familiar and intriguing after missing its first run.

Set in a slightly more technologically advanced Mexico City, Certain Dark Things utilizes the ordinary sight of street kids, party culture, and policing to draw the reader into a world where vampires sprout bird wings because they’re from an Aztec clan. Through the point of view of said vampire, Atl, and a motley cast of screw-ups, we learn that in this world vampires have always existed but have remained a secret to the general public until the past few decades. Upon their reveal to the world, many countries restricted vampire habitation, with Mexico limiting vampire movement within its borders and barring them entirely from entering Mexico City. Thus, it is desperation and death that brings Atl to Mexico City at the start of the book. Her long-ruling family has recently become victim to genocide at the hands of a territorial war between vampire empires. Forced to go on the run with her cybernetically enhanced dog, Atl must quickly learn who she can trust and how far. Luckily, she runs into a curious street kid, Domingo, who has led a rough life made a little bit brighter by nerding out on vampire comics and movies. With his help, Atl finds that she may just survive to find a way through a city that holds treachery and danger around every corner while being hunted by the very sadistic vampire force that murdered her family.

I found the integration of certain aspects of indigenous Mexican culture into the different practices upheld by the various vampire clans represented in the story refreshing. While the energy and some beats of the story reminded me of the best parts of the True Blood TV series and the political maneuvering of the vampire clans, human mobs, and police reminded me of Jade City, the commitment to showcasing how the loss of Atl’s family, the only remaining bearers of her culture, provides a unique lens. I also found that the story balanced a fine line between what I’ve seen before and feeling new by keeping the character motivations and crises clear throughout the tale. If you’re missing vampires, have a hankering for seeing them outside of a U.S. or UK-centric space, and are captivated by character work showcasing voices in direct conflict with one another, I think Certain Dark Things may just be the read for you.

In a vividly reimagined Mexico City, rules and barriers can’t keep the vampires out. Despite being told there are no vampires in the city, young guys like Domingo occasionally run into the blood drinkers, and when Domingo runs into Atl on the subway, his whole world turns upside down. As a young vampire with no remaining family to turn to, Atl reluctantly relies on Domingo for food and for answers. But Domingo has entered a dark world where all the vampire stories and comics won’t help him stay alive. Alone and on the run, Atl and Domingo will dodge other vampires, humans, and the law in their sprint to save themselves in this paranormal neo-noir.

After reading Mexican Gothic, I knew I needed to pick up this reissue of Certain Dark Things from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Full of the same attention-grabbing, fast-paced action that I’ve come to associate with Moreno-Garcia, Certain Dark Things dragged me through the gritty back streets of Mexico City on a wild ride on the run from several vampire species as well as humans. I absolutely loved Moreno-Garcia’s take on vampire lore; much to Domingo’s dismay, these were definitely not the vampires he’d read about or seen portrayed on the big screen. Moreno-Garcia intimately weaves her version of vampire lore with her cultural heritage, creating vampires of Aztec heritage, African heritage, etc. Usually, cultural diversity is not a concept I can associate with vampire myths, and it was very refreshing to see the diverse heritage living through the vampire lineage. I enjoyed the way Moreno-Garcia used Domingo as a conduit to educate the reader on the differences in vampires; just as the reader is probably used to seeing a standard vampire portrayal, so too is Domingo. Moreno-Garcia included so many facets of her vampire lore in this single novel, and I could have definitely spent hours just reading about the differences between her vampire races. Atl is a very interesting character; of Aztec heritage, alone, and on the run, she was unlike any vampire I’ve read about before and I could read a whole series (set before and/or after the events of Certain Dark Things) about Atl’s life. Atl and Domingo were stand-out characters for me for sure, but the other narrators were just as unique and interesting. Certain Dark Things is a must-read for anyone who is looking for a new twist on vampire lore. I’m certainly glad this story was reissued and can be shared with a much bigger audience.

Don't be fooled, this isn't any ordinary vampire tale. This is an interesting and innovative tale and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books are always hit or miss with me. Nothing will compare to my love for Mexican Gothic, but I am so happy Tor Nightfire is rereleasing Moreno-Garcia's Certain Dark Things as this book was a pleasant surprise for me. I chose to do the audiobook and the narrator was amazing! I *think* it is the same narrator that I loved from Mexican Gothic, but my Dory brain could have forgotten.

The book takes place in a world in which vampires exist and people know of their presence. Specifically, the book is located in Mexico City, where there's an abundance of vampires and we are quickly introduced to Atl, a descendant of Aztec vampires. She meets Domingo, a poor teenager who finds himself attracted to Atl. Silvia Moreno-Garcia creates this beautiful world-building setting in which most of Mexico has fallen to violent vampire attacks, but Mexico City has been declared a "vampire-free zone." You can immediately guess how this story will play out. Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Certain Dark Things has some of the best world-building I've ever read. While the story takes a bit longer than expected to get to the main points of contention, this is ultimately due to that world-building factor, so keep reading, readers! Who knew that in 2021, I'd need to read a book about vampires? I really loved all the characters and I hope the next book Silvia Moreno-Garcia releases is in the same vein of Certain Dark Things and Mexican Gothic, rather than her latest one, Velvet Was The Night.

3.5 ⭐

A human boy and a vampire girl meet in Mexico City and form an odd friendship in this urban fantasy where vampires exist in our current reality.

There was nothing I really disliked about this book but there was nothing that wowed me either.

The story is told through multiple perspectives but the main two are Domingo and Atl (human boy and vampire girl). Domingo is curious about vampires and Alt is a vampire on the run. Mexico City is also a sort of character in itself. It is the only vampire free city in Mexico with strict check ups, but it is also described as being extremely filthy, covered in trash and neglected areas of the city full of neglected lower class.

What I enjoyed the most were the characters as this story was mainly about Alt's struggle to accept herself and what has happened to her, as well as letting Domingo in. I would almost call this book a romance. A dark romance, but still.

What I wouldn't use to describe this book is horror. Other than a few graphic bloody scenes, it's not really horror. Dark fantasy would be a better descriptor with how gloomy and gross the setting was and also how glum and sad the characters were. There truly was nothing happy about this book except for Domingo. He's so precious and all you want to do is shield him from all the bad.

The world was captivating. How all these different vampires each with their own clans, beliefs, abilities, etc. This sort of lawless order to it all. I liked how at the end of the book you get a glossary on vampires so I felt my curiosity satisfied on that point. I don't feel like the story could have elaborated more on the vampires that were involved since the plot mostly just mentioned 2 specific clans, though I would have liked more details on why their quarrel happened. The perspective of the police officer was also good because it gave a very basic understanding of the political stance Mexico has with vampires although I would have enjoyed a little bit more on that front.

Unfortunately, I did not get fully absorbed into the plot. I think it was mostly because I expected more horror, more action and ended up getting mostly a dark romance drama with a kind of slowish pace.

This was still a good book and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a gloomy story with tortured and twisted characters. It is not a YA though! It has some pretty harsh topics!

This was a wild ride and I liked it very much. All of the different vampire lore was welcome, and I loved that it was scary and very bloody. I adored Mexican Gothic but that was my first novel of hers. I like that while her books are very different from each other, she is a very good writer so I feel like I'm getting a lush experience each time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan- Tor/Forge for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a vampire story clear and simple. The story from the POV of a vampire on the run and throughout the book we learn of the other types of vampires and some of the legends around them. This was an interesting story, originally written during the time of Twilight and the excitement of Team Edward vs Team Jacob. So understandable this story got a little lost along the way. Overall the story was well written, interesting, scary and graphically gory. A good story in the end, but just not one that would keep me thinking about it for days.
I would recommend this book if you are a fan of Vampire stories. Not one of my favorites by Silivia Moreno-Garcia... I prefer her more recent works.

I had a hard time trying to genre-fy this book, but on Goodreads they call it a neo-noir and I feel like that sums it up pretty well.

Certain Dark Things is the story of Atl, a vampire from an ancient family who is in hiding after fleeing the Necros, who have killed her mother and sister, and are after her next, and Domingo, a guy who picks up trash and is picked up himself by Atl, figuring he can make some fast money by being her "friend" for a week or two. (And of course, Atl's dog Cualli, a genetically modified Doberman.)

This story follows Atl, Domingo, and Cualli as vampire narco clans, cops, and humans collide in Atl's desperate attempt to escape Mexico City and go underground, and Atl begins to discover maybe even a little humanity within herself. Absolutely riveting read!

I've been wanting adult vampire books for ever! And most importantly I love that this is for adults, and horror. All the gore.

Yes, it is written Moreno-Garcia's fashion, slow and steady, with little bits of action woven in. Characters that you're not completely sure about, whether you love them or hate them. Are they good or evil, or somewhere in between. (I know, I know, there are no such things as good vampires). But it also has a lot of Mexican cultural background, myths and beliefs. Oh and lots of misconceptions and modern beliefs about vampires. What I loved, that Moreno-Garcia takes those misconceptions that come from movies and comic books, and tears them down, and builds her vampires based on myths that come from her own cultural background.

This book is set in a futuristic Mexico City. Vampires live in the world, but hidden, as there are countries that are sending them running, or killing them. Mexico City is clean of vampires, till Atl shows up. She comes from the North, where her clan is a drug cartel. Their competitor however, kills Atl's mother, and the rest of her clan and has Atl running for her life. Now Nick, the son of the competitor, and his helpers come after Atl. What follows is a big blood bath. Now, who will make it out of Mexico City alive?

I enjoyed this book not just for the horror aspect, but for the world building and vampire lore. The author also creates this dark atmosphere perfect for these vampires to live, kill, and die in. Add in a naive good guy, and a bit of love interest and this is a great starter for the spooky season.

This is my 3rd book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Certain Dark Things is a gritty, noir-ish story of vampires, gangs, and drug runners in Mexico City. The main character is a teen boy who devotes himself to helping a lone Aztec vampire escape the city and the various other clans of vampires who want to see her and her people wiped out. It’s a fascinating spin on the world of vampires, and while I would have liked to have seen a bit more on the origins and natures of the different vampire species, I still really enjoyed this book. It’s dark, fast-paced, and surprising.

Fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia will not be disappointed by this reprint of one of her earlier books, a vampire noir set in Mexico City. Atl, a young vampire and the last of her clan, is on the run, reluctantly accepting the help of street kid Domingo. A strong cast of characters support this story of rival vampire gangs clashing on the noirish streets of Mexico City in this taut, moodily atmospheric book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to love this more but I think I'm going to have to come to terms with the fact that I just don't really enjoy Moreno-Garcia's writing style. The author writes that this was originally a short story and I think it may have been better left as a short story or maybe a novella. Either that or more time and editing needed to be put into transforming this into a full-length novel. The pacing dragged a bit and honestly I didn't think that the characters were particularly well developed. I didn't really find myself caring much about or believing in the romance. I loved the premise but I didn't love the execution, which I have experience before with Moreno-Garcia. I think this is a great book for a certain reader, I am just not that person.

I've been a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's writing since Gods of Jade and Shadow, so I was excited for the chance to read one of her earlier works, newly back in print (and with a gorgeous new cover). Certain Dark Things didn't disappoint. Moreno-Garcia's writing style is strong and clearly recognizable in this earlier book, providing rich vampiric lore throughout. Her prose is, as its inspiration would suggest, particularly cinematic - you can totally picture the gleam of neon lights on the asphalt in the dark alleys of this vampire-riddled, noirish version of Mexico City. Atl and Domingo are fascinating characters, surrounded by a strong cast in a few different plot threads that all ravel together into the dramatic conclusion. An excellent read for fans of Moreno-Garcia, of noir atmospheres, or of vampire fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the advance review copy!

Having not read any of this authors work (though I have it on TBR to definitely get to) I wasn't sure what I was walking into. I tried to avoid the synopsis a bit. Just glancing to get a grasp of it. Neo Noir is what it's being labeled as and I honestly liked the idea with (seeing as how I love Noir in general) the fusion of it. This is definitely dark. There is murder, violence and mayhem just about everywhere you look. There is some romance mixed in but it's not the point of the story and I actually find that refreshing. Some stories, all the plot is about is romance (and for romance books that makes sense) and sometimes, you just need a good, well thought out plot. I loved this story. The nitty gritty with the slices of mythology mixed with it. The concepts of merging different myths here and there was also a fun twist.

Overall, this book had me at the first sentence. I loved the characters (hate loved the bad guys) and found myself satisfied that no one was perfect and everyone had "blood" on their hands so to speak. I don't know if the author is writing a follow up to this. But if she does, I'm there for it. If that's it, I'm satisfied enough with the ending and that I had a good time reading it. (Now on to read more of this lovely author's books!)

My Rating: 4 Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.