This was my first contact with this authors writing and i throughly enjoyed it. 🥰
I not a huge fan of period romances, but the fact that this one was a Mexican period romance changed it all for me.
This kept me at the edge of my seat and, honestly, side-eyeing every character except the MC’s.
Interesting plot, absolutely beautiful writing and romance full of chemistry.

rating — 4.25 out of 5 stars.

ooh, i loved this one. i haven’t actually read any of isabel cañas’s other books, but this has convinced me to go back and add her backlist to my TBR! her writing is incredibly beautiful, and i loved her style. i also looooved elías and his little gold earring so much. i wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and keep him away from his terrible family (except maria victoriana, who is also my beloved). this story will be excellent as the cooler months approach – for both the physical and emotional chills it brings! even in the dead of summer, i can imagine the biting air of the mine, so i’m sure it’ll hit even better in wintertime.

one thing i wish we’d seen a little more of is the mine itself. it’s such an excellently scary setting (personally i am terrified of caves in general) and i feel like the characters’ proximity to it was a bit wasted. the one scene in which we saw alba in the cave was nice and creepy, so i wish it had been utilized more, even though i understand that alba was essentially blacked out during her sleepwalking episodes. overall, the appeal for me lied more in the characters and their relationships with one another in the face of this possession. i especially loved the ending!

First thing first: I know we don’t judge books by their covers but I love this cover; it’s a little bit old school pulp and I’m here for the retro red-dress-heaving-bosom of it all especially considering where Alba’s story ends up which, of course, you don’t know until after you’ve read it, but that’s the maraschino cherry on top of this horror sundae. Honestly though, it’s a fantastic cover in and of itself and I would definitely grab it off a shelf for the combination of the art and title alone.

Second thing second: I did not expect the Mexican Inquisition. Perhaps I should have because, well, Spain and colonizers, but I didn’t which tells me that I need to read up on Mexican history. Because I have a Masters in Theological Studies with a specialization in Christianity and Culture that supposedly covers everything between the way back and the Civil Rights movement and guess what we never talked about? If you guessed the Inquisition outside of Europe, gold star. Yes, The Possession of Alba Díaz is supernatural fiction but, hey, surprise, you can learn stuff from fiction. Any and all kinds of fiction. Including what you don’t know.

Now for the most important part: why Alba Díaz instead of any of the other eleventy-billion other possessed girl books out there? A fair question. Because there are eleventy-billion and a lot of the are good to great. If you read Cañas’s The Hacienda, you know at least some of the reasons: Cañas is really good at the creeping horror, that sense of there being something there but not quite, something whispering in your ear and staring at your back that, when you turn around, has melted into the wallpaper or the water or withdrawn back under the bed. She’s also extremely deft at crafting stories where the supernatural is a matter of course but during which the expected means of cure only make matters worse which is a nice little slap to doctrine and expands the plot’s possibilities to include not only the triumph of evil but some kind of alliance between the main character and her demon - whether willing or unwilling. And, despite the terror, blood, and agonized meditation on sin, things aren’t all doom and gloom; Cañas’s leading ladies are funny, always managing to see the absurdity in their situations and rolling their eyes at the ghosts, spirits, and old gods who just won’t leave them alone.

The Possession of Alba Díaz has a lot of competition in the horror category this summer and I’d place it at the front of the pack. It takes a minute to get into but, once you do, you’ll be glad you stuck around and when the payoff hits… well, I’ve never kicked my feet and squealed for a splatterfest before but I did for this one (insert Cell Block Tango gif).

Isabel Cañas’s The Possession of Alba Diaz is a gorgeously written, atmospheric tale that blends supernatural horror with historical depth and emotional resonance. Rich in cultural detail and brimming with tension, it explores grief, identity, and the eerie line between madness and possession. Cañas crafts a haunting, unforgettable heroine. Lyrical, chilling, and deeply human. A standout in modern gothic horror. 4.5/5 rounded to five.

"When a demonic presence awakens deep in a Mexican silver mine, the young woman it seizes must turn to the one man she shouldn't trust…from bestselling author Isabel Cañas.

In 1765, plague sweeps through Zacatecas. Alba flees with her wealthy merchant parents and fiancé, Carlos, to his family's isolated mine for refuge. But safety proves fleeting as other dangers soon bare their teeth: Alba begins suffering from strange hallucinations, sleepwalking, and violent convulsions. She senses something cold lurking beneath her skin. Something angry. Something wrong.

Elías, haunted by a troubled past, came to the New World to make his fortune and escape his family's legacy of greed. Alba, as his cousin's betrothed, is none of his business. Which is of course why he can't help but notice the growing tension between them every time she enters the room…and why he notices her deteriorate when the demon's thirst for blood gets stronger.

In the fight for her life, Alba and Elías become entangled with the occult, the Church, long-kept secrets, and each other… not knowing that one of these things will spell their doom."

Oh, this sounds like peak Isabel Cañas Gothic goodness!

i really like isabel cañas's writing and everything that she's doing with her books. i think we don't get enough books that are willing to blend horror and romance, and her writing is perfect for these historical gothic atmospheric stories.
however, this was my least favorite of her novels! idk if it's just bc i read it at the wrong time or it's because it's largely a possession story (which is my least fave type of horror), but this didn't really work for me. we take sooo long (about 200 pages) with the build-up for these family/relationship dynamics and the mercury chemistry stuff, that by the time we actually get to the horror and romance of it all, it just felt a bit rushed. like we have about three exorcisms back to back?? it felt weird to me idk.
i think it's a good book, and a lot of people are probably going to love it, so i still absolutely recommend it!

I'm just loving the historical horror realm that Isabel Canas resides in. This book was beautiful and creepy and so atmospheric. I can't wait to see what she decides to write next!

Isabel Cañas does it again!

Dark, atmospheric, and haunting!

Alba and Eliás desperately try to save Alba from the dark forces that is slowly taking her over and driving her to madness.

Quick paced with a bloody climax.

Characters will be RIDDLED with AUDACITY, and will infuriate you but it won't be our main leads. The portrayal of flawed but lovable characters is something I will always look forward to when picking up Cañas work.

I have no real negative commentary about the book and will say the it is perfect for those who love possession stories like The Exorcism!

What an atmospheric, haunting book. I was right there with them in the mines of Mexico. This one is strong on the demonic content side (I mean, it makes sense with the title), but if you enjoy horror with evil spirits, this is solid. The writing style is particularly beautiful.

What worked for me:
- Vivid setting
- A hard-earned climax and a satisfying ending
- The protagonist and her slow-burn romance
- Stunning writing style
- It did creep me out a bit (which is good), but I wasn’t so much that it took away from my enjoyment
- Having the opportunity to visit Mexico in the 1700s

Tricky Points:
- It was pretty slow to me. Between the slower plot and the dense writing, I could only read about 30 pages a night before I had to call it in
- I personally wanted more romance/romantic payoff
- More below the spoiler line

Recommendation:
If you like gothic historical horror—definitely recommend!

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⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️
Spice level: Nothing more than on-page kissing
Graphic: Possession, demons, blood, death, murder
Minor: Child abandonment

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⚠️ SPOILER ZONE — skip until you’ve read it ⚠️
I wish I cared more about Carlos. I feel like I didn’t have room to even buy that he was Alba’s friend. If she hadn’t directly said he’s her friend, I would’ve assumed they were strangers. I just had no investment in their relationship and I wish I did.

I wish Elías and Alba got more romantic payoff, but I’m thankful for the ending. I was completely surprised by him coming back. I was disappointed when I thought he’d died, especially since he’d barely begun with Alba. But I’m a romantic at heart, and I know that’s subjective.

Thank you so much Berkley for the e-arc of this book!! This book has been at the top of my list since I first saw it was announced. Isabel is one of my favorite authors of all time. I love the blend of horror with romance and historical elements. I absolutely loved the imagery in this because of the setting. The mine was so creepy and added so many interesting elements to the overall story. I loved exploring the themes of colonialism and oppression. Alba’s character is so raw and real. I like that you don’t get a full possession moments all at once- she really eases you into it. Isabel writes really great male characters that become love interests as well because they are flawed, but they would do anything for their woman. I was rooting for Elias and Alba so hard the whole time. Towards the end of the book was really shocking for me, and I could not stop reading it to find out how it would end. I was so touched at the end that I had tears. The book came to such a great full circle moment when the caged bird is finally free. I’m going to be singing this book’s praises up until it comes out and well after. Isabel writes amazing books!

Reading the Possession of Alba Diaz gave me an appreciation for how beautiful a gothic horror can be. The way the author describes each scene is breath taking and truly conjures a clear imagine in mind. I found this story to be interesting though it did drag on in parts. It was interesting to see how the possession played out from Alba's perspective as well as that of the other characters. The story was a little light on the horror parts until the very end, which was a phenomenal way to go out. My main problem with this story was that in order to feel like I understood the full picture of what the author was trying to create, I was constantly looking up Spanish translations and information on the inquisition/Spanish colonization of the Americas. It may not have been truly necessary but I felt like reading past everything I did not know would have left me with more to be desired. Unfortunately, that made it hard for me to be engrossed when I continuously had to redirect to search engines.

4.5/5 ⭐️

The perfect book for Summerween (or I guess also Halloween season).

As a fan of gothic horrors, I have often seen Isabel Canas's books on recommendation lists. Many people have raved about her Mexican Gothics. So when I saw her newest book, The Possession of Alba Diaz listed on NetGalley, I decided to send in a request. Now, I definitely want to read Isabel Canas's other books.

This book felt so new and refreshing (at least to me, but probably now familiar to those who have read her other books). It took familiar tropes of the genre with the eerie atmospheric house, a small warring religious community, and the "typical" signs of demonic possession, then twisted it into something new. The setting is different from most gothic horrors, placed in a 1700s European conquered Mexico. Because of this, the visual and sensory details are different, yet struck the same eerie chord as familiar in the genre. But it also invited a unique turbulence to the conflicts. The religious divide of worshiping old local gods vs the Inquisition. The layers of racism and the different names for each group of people depending on where they live, where they come from, what color they are, and their racial heritage. Despite that, this story shows how we all are the same. We all have the capabilities of "sinning." And we all yearn for something.

Reading this story was a wild ride of the senses and emotions, littered with historical conflicts that still feels relevant to today. While there were aspects (like the mercury parts for example) that felt slightly weaker than the rest or confusing, and the ending felt a tad more didactic than what is common in stories today, I still really enjoyed this story and eagerly am looking to read her others.

Thank you to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing Group for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

This is the third book by Isabel Cañas I have read. Her stories are haunting and have enough supernatural elements to allow the reader to suspend disbelief and be fully invested in the work. Alba and Elias were compelling leads. I wanted their story to have a positive outcome. When I got to the last few chapters, the suspense kept me reading well into the evening, desperate to finish their story.

“He was the one thing she ever truly chose for herself.”

Set during the 1800s Inquisition in Mexico, at the height of the silver mining boom, this is a story of demonic possession—but it’s so much more. It’s about a land and a people drained in the endless chase for wealth and power. At its core, it’s a tale of love, greed, ambition, and the fight for ownership over your body and soul.

Isabel Cañas’ writing always feels like a gift. She blends horror, history, and feminism in a way that feels effortless. This book is part creature feature, part reflection on womanhood and power, all wrapped up in a pretty bow.

Honestly, you're not going to want to miss this one

Quick very high level summary.
A woman named Alba Díaz flees a plague-ridden city with her fiancé to an isolated silver mine owned by his family. Strange things begin to happen to her and she becomes convinced she is possessed. Alba ends up falling for Elías (her fiancés cousin) an outcast to his family who dabbles in alchemy.

My Take.
Total atmosphere of dread and unease created right away and stays throughout the book. You can feel a heaviness while you read because this novel is both haunting and metaphoric. Be it demon or man our MC feels the constraints placed upon women in the 1700s. Throughout the novel Alba seems to fight for control over her own body and mind. First from societies expectations and religious pressure but then from the demonic possession. Overall I enjoyed this read. The novel is well written with vivid detail that gives the reader an unsettling picture that only aids in it’s eerie and haunting feel. If you enjoy dark, grotesque and decaying settings that evoke feelings of unease and dread, this is the book for you.

From the very beginning of this book I felt like I was sitting at a table with a relative drinking coffee and being told a story that was passed down through generations. A story born of The Conquistadors, The Inquisition, and a woman wanting to make her own choices at a time when choices were not hers to make.

This story was masterfully written and had me holding on until the very end. Isabel Cañas is a skilled storyteller, who has written a book filled with twists, perseverance, and a presence so chilling you should not read this at night.

I feel so incredibly lucky to have received an early copy of this from Berkley Publishing and can’t say thank you enough.

**A Gripping and Ghoulish Journey into Darkness and Desire** The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Canas is a compelling blend of historic horror and dark romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Set in 1765 Zacatecas during a deadly plague, the story plunges into a sinister atmosphere where deadly secrets lurk behind every shadow—and something far more dangerous is stalking Alba. From her terrifying hallucinations to her battle with sleepwalking and violent fits, Alba’s descent into supernatural horror is both creepy and visceral. Canas masterfully builds a tense, claustrophobic mood, where every creak and whisper hints at the malevolent force consuming her. The rich historical setting adds a layer of eerie authenticity, immersing you fully in this haunting world. Elías’s troubled past and quiet resolve make him the perfect partner to Alba’s fight for survival. Their relationship teeters on the edge of passion and peril, adding emotional depth to this chilling tale. The story’s twists and long-buried secrets keep you guessing about who—or what—is truly behind Alba’s suffering, and what their ultimate fate will be. Canas’s atmospheric writing, compelling characters, and the relentless pace deliver an enthralling and almost visceral experience. Perfect for fans of historical horror with a touch of romantic tension, The Possession of Alba Diaz is a dark, engrossing read that will leave you wondering what truly lurks in the shadows.

Absolutely loved this book! Loved the gothic, atmospheric setting, the connection between Elías & Alba, the historical elements of Nueva España & the role religion & silver played during this time period . It was horrific and romantic at the same time.

This was a great read which is no surprise knowing what Isabel Canas is capable of. Really enjoyed the world and story that Canas had created and by the time I'm into the last act of the book I just couldn't stop reading. Canas got me suspended in my seat and flipping the pages as fast as I could to find out what will happen next. I can envisioned so many scenes playing out in my head but there was one in particular that I can see so vividly and can only hope that this book will one day get a movie adaptation so I can see it play out with my own eyes.

As always will be looking forward to whatever Isabel Canas write next, she got a fan in me.

Isabel Cañas has no misses!!! Truly her books keep getting better!

This is a possession horror story (duh, it’s in the title), and it is also full of historical fiction and forbidden love! The way Cañas effortlessly transcends genres and weaves a romantic plot line into her horror novels is pure magic. There were also themes relating to patriarchy, autonomy, Catholicism, and colonialism.

This novel is set in 18th century Mexico amid a plague outbreak. During this time, Alba’s family joins her fiancé and his family at their silver mine where dark secrets that had been exhumed from the mine return. This is where things start to go wrong. However, this story would have a tragic ending if it weren’t for Elias, Alba’s fiancés cousin who manages to be a confidant and helper. I couldn’t help but root for them!!!

Overall, Cañas has the ability to transport readers to 1700’s Mexico through the most vivid, atmospheric, and haunting descriptions. So much so that the setting becomes a character all on its own. Isabel Cañas will forever be an auto-buy author for me and you will definitely be doing yourself a favor by picking up this book and the rest of her backlist!