I got an arc of this from NetGalley and I really enjoyed it. After a hangover from Nosferatu, this was a fun read that gave a similar performance in demonic possessed women. Like all of Isabel’s books, she does atmospheric writing in a spell bounding way where you can feel like you’re in Mexico.

Isabel Cañas’ The Possession of Alba Díaz is a spellbinding blend of gothic horror, historical fiction, and forbidden desire, all set against the haunting backdrop of an 18th-century Mexican silver mine. The story centers on Alba, a young woman fleeing the plague who seeks shelter with her fiancé’s family. But instead of finding safety, she begins to experience terrifying hallucinations, uncontrollable convulsions, and an overwhelming sense that something dark is taking hold of her. As her condition spirals, Elías—her fiancé’s mysterious and brooding cousin—finds himself drawn into her nightmare. Though he knows he should stay away, he becomes an unwilling witness to her suffering, and the two are pulled into a battle against a malevolent force neither of them fully comprehends.

Cañas weaves an atmosphere so thick with tension and dread that it feels almost tangible. The eerie isolation of the mine, the secrets lurking in every shadow, and the slow-burning chemistry between Alba and Elías create a story that’s as emotionally gripping as it is terrifying. The novel delves into themes of faith, power, and the resilience of the human spirit, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page—unsettling, beautifully written, and utterly unforgettable.

If you’re a fan of gothic horror, slow-building suspense, or historical fiction with a dark twist, this is a must-read. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the chance to dive into this advance copy—it’s a story that will haunt you in the best way possible.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was just alright for me, very slow going and hard to get into plot wise, once it picked up I enjoyed it, but I think I was working against the beginning. I think I'll try again in the future with an audio book. All in all a good story!

Isabel Cañas just keeps getting better with every book. I was SCREAMING my way through the last 10%. Horror romance at its finest!

Sinister, seductive, and steeped in eerie atmosphere, this book weaves horror and historical fiction into a chillingly intoxicating tale. The creeping dread of Alba’s possession is as gripping as the forbidden tension between her and Elías, every moment thrumming with danger and desire. With haunting prose and a setting as rich as it is terrifying, this is the kind of story that’s as irresistible as it is unforgettable.

Isabel Cañas delivers a haunting masterpiece with The Possession of Alba Díaz, a novel that will linger in my mind for a long time. This captivating blend of historical gothic horror and slow-burning, forbidden romance is set against the evocative backdrop of 18th-century Mexico—a setting as mesmerizing as it is unique. The psychological and supernatural torment Alba endures makes for a gripping, immersive read that I couldn’t put down.

Alba is a compelling protagonist—strong-willed yet vulnerable—while the simmering tension between her and Elías adds a layer of intensity that perfectly balances the novel’s chilling atmosphere. Cañas masterfully builds suspense, intertwining folklore, family secrets, and colonial history into a richly layered narrative that stays with you well beyond the final page. Her prose is lush and atmospheric, conjuring vivid scenes of isolation, dread, and dark temptation.

This was my first novel by Cañas, but it certainly won’t be my last. A must-read for fans of gothic horror, a pining romance, and stories that explore the fine line between love and darkness. Look for this on shelves on August 19, 2025!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this eARC.

Isabel Canas is a wonderful author and can write a story! This one was truly a fun time to read. It was spooky and I could not stop reading it. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy