Oh man. Oh man, oh man, oh MAN. This is my favorite Silvia Moreno-Garcia book by leaps and bounds. This is everything I wanted <i>The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo</i> to be. The tension was awful and heart-breaking, but it wasn't wholly predictable. I loved Vera and Salome and Jay and even Nancy, a little bit. I loved Marla and Joe. Tragedy loomed at the end of this book like a skyscraper, but I didn't know who wouldn't make it to the end until the final scene.

I can't wait for this book to come out so other people can read and experience this story.

This book grabbed my attention more than I had expected with a plot focusing more on an old Hollywood film. I always love stories told with multiple perspectives, especially in this novel I loved how the focus included the character of Salome. Her story tied in well with the rest of the characters and also was in a way keeping track of the timeline of the whole book honestly. The last few chapters and their apt title were so gripping I didn't want to put it down. Tragic story of fame and loss and desire and what you have to lose to get what you want.

A beautiful novel: lush settings, engaging characters, gorgeous writing. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The only aspect I had trouble believing was that Salome loved Jokanaan so fiercely based only on his beauty. I wish Moreno-Garcia had developed and explored Salome's attraction to him a bit more.

(Review based on advance reader's copy of the novel.)

I'm a big fan of Moreno-Garcia so was thrilled to read The Seventh Veil of Salome

A Hollywood noir with told with multiple points of view. I really liked it.

I just reviewed The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. #TheSeventhVeilofSalome #NetGalley

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Firstly, I'd like to thank netgalley and the publishers for your ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I fell in love with SMG's writing when I read Mexican Gothic. Her writing is beautiful and extraordinary, so when I read the premise for this book, I knew it was going to be amazing.

It's 1950's Hollywood and every actress is dying to play Salome in a new movie. Vera is cast for the role. Vera also consumes herself in this role and as the story interweave real life this story unfolds.

SMG puts her classic spin of love and tragedy in this book and will be pulling at your heartstrings.

I am a huge fan of Ms. Moreno-Garcia and so it was no surprise to me at all that I loved this book. I loved it from the epigraph, actually, because she chose to include a favorite Oscar Wilde quote of mine. From that point on, this book ensnared me in the most delightful way. Three women, each fascinating, each with their own stories to tell. I will say Salome's story was my favorite, but I enjoyed it all! Highly, highly recommended and a delicious treat to all who enjoy historical fiction and Hollywood in its Golden Age. Ten stars!

I loved this book!

Multiple POVs are spot on. I often get lost in books with multiple POV or think that not enough time is spent developing the characters. Not here! Every POV is there for a reason and is the right voice and length to keep the story moving.

The character of Vera is complicated. I enjoyed her internal monologues, back story, and her journey to discover who she is and can be in Hollywood. Moreno-Garcia does not hold back on the sexism and racism, so be prepared for some discomfort.

The sections with Salome's story are captivating! In my mind I sometimes imagined her as a separate character and sometimes imagined her as Vera. I think it works either way. Similar to Vera, Salome is deciding her future based on multiple options and is faced with hard choices.

Plan to be immersed in 1950s Hollywood as well as ancient Israel with sumptuous description throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for a digital ARC in return for my opinion.

A beautifulyoung woman wins the role of a lifetime in a film about a lengendary heroine, but the real drama is behind the scenes in this historical epic. I thibk if you are a fan of her other works, then you would love this book too.
The story unfolds in a half-documentary style with multiple narrations, intertwining Salome's story. There are two other women Nancy Hartley and Vera Larios that have a story to be told. Salome is entangled in a forbidden love affair with a young preacher too .

The qriti g is great, the ending was great, and i was hooked the whole time
Thanks #netgalley

This was my first foray into this author’s novels, and it was terrific. It is the story of Salome mixed with the making of a movie about her.

Vera, a newcomer in Hollywood, is cast in the titular role. Sadly, she endures racism being Mexican in 50’s America. But she doesn’t let that deter her as she films the movie and falls in love as well.

It took a bit for me to get into the parts about Salome, but I wound up finding her very captivating and wish I could see the dance on screen.

There were also parts dedicated to the POVs of others in Vera’s world, including Nancy who is dying to take over the role of Salome. She was truly a hateful person in this story, and definitely couldn’t root for her at all.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC of the Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This book is different from her usual writing in that it is historical fiction as opposed to her usual gothic horror l. It is still dark and moody. Moreno successfully weaves the stories of the three women together incorporating the past and the present. She has proven that she can write any genre and I will read it.

Nancy and Vera are both inspiring actresses in the 1950s. When Vera, who has never acted before is chosen for the role of Salome over Nancy, her jealousy takes over. The story alternates between the stories is the two women and the real Salome, the character they are fighting over.

I really enjoyed the unique and creative storytelling Moreno-Garcia used in this piece, especially the way she interwove characters from the Hollywood Golden Age with biblical characters (or at least how they were presented onscreen). I did feel like the writing got a bit bogged down in too many details at times, and it could have been a bit shorter.

I'm a little conflicted on what to say about this book. It's Silvia Moreno-Garcia so the writing is excellent and the characters are well thought out. But it also felt kind of like nothing happened until 85% of the way through. And when the plot did pick up it was soap opera predictable.

The Seventh Veil of Salome is told primarily through the eyes of Vera (our ingenue star), Nancy (an extra with leading lady dreams) and Salome herself (a princess who wants more). Gossip columns, interviews and colleagues add to the narrative as well. Vera is a newcomer to Hollywood and as naive as possible and Nancy is almost cartoonishly evil. I enjoyed Salome's narration and her feelings about the mysterious prophet and her uncle were deep and fascinating.

I don't know a lot about Salome and I enjoyed learning a little bit more about her. I also like that Moreno-Garcia focused on a mythological woman from Christianity as the Greek myth re-tellings have been constant lately. I still enjoy them but it was nice getting a new perspective.

I don't want to spoil anything but I will reiterate the predictability of the Hollywood story and I don't feel like the novel really broke new ground on that aspect.

I think if this is your first novel on old Hollywood and the studios then it could be really enjoyable. Or if you like predictability in your novels (which I do find comforting sometimes - I am someone who loves to re-watch my favorite movies because I know what's coming) then I would recommend. Overall it was a mostly enjoyable if slightly boring read.

I was provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley.

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia immerses readers in the glitzy and tumultuous world of 1950s Hollywood, where the coveted role of Salome becomes the focal point of a riveting tale. Moreno-Garcia skillfully interweaves the lives of three compelling women: the mysterious Salome herself, the transformative Mexican ingenue Vera Larios, and the ambitious bit player Nancy Hartley. Through a half-documentary narrative style and shifting perspectives, the novel exposes the darker side of the entertainment industry, addressing issues of racism, sexism, and fierce competition. The characters are flawlessly layered, with Moreno-Garcia's expert research vividly portraying the glamour and grit of the era. As tragedy looms, mirroring Salome's story, the author delivers a thought-provoking commentary on ambition and the sacrifices made for fame. The Seventh Veil of Salome is a dazzling blend of women's and historical fiction, earning its five stars for its captivating storytelling, rich character development, and nuanced exploration of Hollywood's complexities, reaffirming Silvia Moreno-Garcia's status as a literary force to be reckoned with.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc of this upcoming release!

I was a total sucker for this! Albeit, it is my first read from this author. Her work has harmed so much attention and accolades that I somehow managed to never dive deep into her catalogue.
If I could describe this book in three words I would say, poetic, enthralling and lush. The writing, the scenes the characters, it’s all just so lush and polished. The dual timelines worked well for the story, bringing the reader deeper into this tale of old Hollywood and rich storytelling. Bravo!

<b>Desire & Power in Ancient Times & 1950s Hollywood</b>
<i>Review of the upcoming Del Rey / Penguin Random House hardcover/audiobook/eBook (July 16, 2024) read via a NetGalley Kindle ARC (downloaded January 9, 2024).</i>

<i>The Seventh Veil of Salome</i> is a clever blend of ancient folklore and historical fiction with the glamour and glitz of 1950s Hollywood. Young Mexican ingenue Vera Larios is hired as an unknown face to act the role of the supposed Biblical temptress Salome in a new film adaptation. Nancy Hartley, a rival starlet, has been angling for a breakout role but lands only a bit part in the crowd scenes for the picture. As we toggle between the stories of the two actresses we are also able to read the historical story from Salome’s point of view in what becomes apparent as the screen treatment (not the screenplay) of the upcoming film.

Both actresses face obstacles and barriers in their journey. Vera is trying to break free from her manipulative mother but must also deal with the promotional system of old Hollywood with forced dates and public appearances while constantly ducking scandal sheets and studio gossip. Nancy is desperate to become a star and will begin to use some shady characters and contacts in her pursuit of her dream. The suspense builds as parts of the story are told in hindsight by other characters who keep making references to a tragedy which the reader is yet to discover.

The modern day story is paralleled in the ancient historical fiction where Salome is caught between her desire for the Biblical prophet Jokanaan (curiously, Oscar Wilde’s assumed name for John the Baptist is used throughout), the demands of her mother Herodias and stepfather Herod Antipas and the various cousins and suitors with which she is alternatively plotting and conspiring or trying to avoid.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done a thorough job of research in order to produce this epic adaptation which is perhaps closer to the historical truth of the story that Wilde’s blood-drenched spectacle. No spoiler from me here, but the finale is more in keeping with the historical reality. The modern day story comes to its own shocking conclusion in a suspenseful finish.

My thanks to author Silvia Moreno-Garcia, publishers Del Rey / Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC, in exchange for which I provide this honest review.

<b>Soundtrack</b>
As she has done for several of her novels, Silvia Moreno-Garcia provides a playlist for <i>The Seventh Veil of Salome</i> which is listed (but not yet linked) at the back of the Kindle ARC which I read, but which is too long (55 songs!) to transcribe here. It will likely be linked from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5922257740">her own review</a> closer to the July 16, 2024 publishing date or you can search for it at the Random House Books <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/randomhousebooks/playlists">Spotify playlists</a> around that time as well.

As a teaser for the playlist, the 1st song on it is Roxy Music’s <i>Avalon</i> which you can listen to on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpA_5a0miWk">here</a>.

<b>Trivia and Links</b>
There will likely be a book-kit available closer to the publishing date and the best place to find it again will be at the author’s <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5922257740">own review</a>.

I read Oscar Wilde’s <i>Salome</i> (1893/4) as a prelude to reading <i>The Seventh Veil of Salome</i> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6179295283">my review</a> provides links to its various historical sources and to some of its free public domain editions.

You never know what to expect when diving headfirst into a Silvia Moreno Garcia book- which is a true testament to her versatility. The Seventh Veil of Salome was completely different than anything else she has written- and perhaps the most beautiful. The expert mirroring of Vera to Salome is handled with the most beautiful and delicate of hands, which gives the reader such a dreadful feeling knowing that if Vera is mirroring Salome- we are headed to no place good! The different viewpoints and switches are pitch perfect.

The first word that comes to mind when I think of this book is lush. The prose is lush, the settings are lush, the movie sets are lush...it's absolutely stunning. We have two protagonists: Vera, an ingenue in 1950s(ish) Hollywood and Salome, the character she's portraying in a movie. The novel goes back and forth in time between the two women and the very different, equally treacherous worlds they are forced to navigate. The tension builds so subtly I didn't even notice that I was holding my breath for the last 50 pages.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Wowwwwwwwwww just stayed up till 1am to finish this because I couldn't put this down. My heart is </3. I am feeling messed up by the ending.

I loved the parallel plots: one about Salome and her family, basically the movie happening in real time, as well as Vera Larios, the actress portraying Salome. This read like Taylor Jenkins Reid, with multiple perspectives peppered in that made it easy, not more difficult, to follow. I really really enjoyed it, but stories with sad endings ruin me, and this book did just that (in a good way). Will be recommending to my friends and book clubs!

I'm a huge fan of Old Hollywood stories, and of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's work, so I loved her take on 1950s Hollywood in this drama about the making of a sword-and-sandal epic starring a young Mexican actress, Vera Larios. There was so much great historical detail that really immerses the reader in the setting, and Vera is a charming, likeable heroine. I wasn't quite as interested in the story-within-a-story about Salome, the central figure of the film Vera's making, but still loved the book overall. Highly recommended for Old Hollywood fans!