This was an incredibly addictive read. I went into this blind only knowing story through the title and I had the best time reading this! It’s a slow and atmospheric book, rich and velvety language really sets the scene of 18th century Mexico and the haunting reality behind the mine that is at the epicentre of all of Alba’s woes.

I loved her as a heroine, she was really easy to relate to and I was rooting for her so hard. Elias was a great hero and a good match for Alba without the romance feeling forced or flat. I really liked how nothing came easy for either of them, as individuals and as a couple, how the book always had an unexpected twist where you really couldn’t trust anyone. It was the perfect gothic tale and was unique in its chosen setting. I’d definitely read more from this author :)

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Actually liked this one, but it took me a while to get into it and it was also really slow sometimes.

This was so good ! I’ve been a fan of Isabel Cañas books ever since I read the Hacienda. The possession of Alba Diaz was such a thrilling read. I loved how the writing was able to transport me to Mexico in 1765.
Alba thinks she has outsmarted her parents by promising to marry Carlos Monterrubio, but by doing so, she started the whole chain of events. The pacing was fast, once it gets started, it doesn’t stop. The storytelling was so vivid and atmospheric. The possession scenes were intense and detailed. I really enjoyed the relationship between Alba and Elias. It was well developed and you could feel their yearning.
And the ending had me shocked. At no point in the book did I have an idea of how it would end. There’s were a lot of plot twists which made the story very engaging.
I definitely recommend this book. I think lovers of horror are going to love this one!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.

Isabel Cañas' The Possession of Alba Díaz is a spectacular edition to the horror genre. The carefully curated blend of atmospheric tension from the mines and the psychological dread coming from both Alba and Elias had me on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the book.
Alba's character was so expertly crafted and following her inner musings and her battle with not only the possession but also herself. The true horror was not the demon or the mine, but Alba's battle for agency and her inevitable loss.
I absolute love horror books and the folkloric was that Cañas' told this story was so engaging. I quite literally could not stop reading this book. At its core for me this book is about the struggle of being a woman and not having a choice and be able to break that cycle and take back agency. I will not stop screaming about this book from the rooftop, it is definitely joining my horror hall of fame. This was my first Isabel Cañas novel, but it certainly wont be my last.

Thank you Netgalley for the review copy :)