Certain Dark Things

A vampire novel unlike any other from the author of Mexican Gothic. Atl, a descendent of Aztec vampire warrior priestesses, is a young vampire on the run from an enemy clan of Necros, European vampires in the midst of a bloody clash over territory in the drug trade. Moreno-Garcia depicts a host of vampire species living among--and being hunted by--humans who resent their presence in Mexico City. I love all the history and lore that was drawn upon to create this supernatural world and how masterfully the characters and the story were woven together. Truly unique (to me, at least) vampire mythos and excellent writing. Between this and Mexican Gothic, Silvia Moreno-Garcia has become one of my top authors this year and I'm on a mission to read her entire backlist of books. Fortunately there are plenty to keep me busy and in great reads.

5 stars. This book was absolutely fantastic and I loved it! I need a whole 5 book series to delve into the vampire mythology brought to life in this book. It is so fascinating and I need MORE!

This book was originally published a few years ago and went out of print. With the success of "Mexican Gothic" and other titles, Silvia Moreno-Garcia has expanded her offerings, including this one, "Certain Dark Things."

Domingo, the protagonist, is a garbageman in Mexico City; he likes stories about vampires. Soon enough, he gets tangled with one, a beautiful woman named Atl. She has ties to Aztec mythology. The vampire worldbuilding in this book based on cultures and unique attributes of each group was an interesting element at play in this novel. Mexico City is supposed to be a vampire-free territory, but the novel soon demonstrates this is not quite the case. "Certain Dark Things" is a unique, #ownvoices take on vampires. It reminded me of "Let the Right One In" in some ways as well. The dynamic between human and vampire becomes very interesting in Domingo's relationship with Atl, especially considering who is predator and who is prey.
It's a fast-paced vampire crime thriller with romance elements. If you enjoyed "Mexican Gothic" and want more, definitely read "Certain Dark Things."

This book was utterly unique. A complex look at vampire mythology, a romance, a crime thriller—really there was something for every kind of reader to enjoy. Moreno-Garcia's prose is, as always, sparsely beautiful and tonally perfect.

One of the most thrilling and inventive vampire novels I have read in a long time (and trust me when I say I have read a lot), this new edition of CERTAIN DARK THINGS is a masterpiece. Atl flees to Mexico City after her family is slaughtered by a rival Vampire clan, teams up with a lonely garbage-collecting street kid. A classic noir with a twist, I couldn’t put this book down. The plot is fast-paced and thrilling, the characters seem to come to life off the page, and if Silvia Moreno-Garcia wrote another 300 pages of just vampire lore for each individual vampire subspecies I would be sold in a second. Honestly, I could write a whole review just on Moreno-Garcia's index of vampire types and their histories.

I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia's works! I was so excited to see this title from her available on here and had to request it. I was hooked on this vampire story. I plan on adding it to the library's collection.

I didnt know how read I was to get my hands on another vampire story until I picked this one up. Morena-Garcia has managed to become one of my favorite authors. I loved Mexican Gothic and Gods of Jade and shadows so I new I had to give this one a try. I loved it. It wasnt at all what I expected and I enjoyed every minute of it.

This book is a refreshing new take on the vampire story, with beautifully drawn characters moving through the light and shadow of a richly detailed world. Moreno-Garcia really lets us "feel" this world, and she's unafraid to take us into every dark corner of it (and often is content to just leave us there to fend for ourselves).

For fans of the vampire mythos, Certain Dark Things is an essential read. It expands the vampire's traditional milieu and and reinvigorates the sexiness, the sordidness, the pulpy fun of vampires. It's another home run for Moreno-Garcia, who's becoming one of the most important voices in horror.

I was obsessed with this author’s other book, Gods of Jade and Shadow (haven’t gotten to Mexican Gothic yet, whoops), so when I saw she had another book in the works, I knew I needed to get my filthy gremlin hands on it immediately. So I did and I fell in love with this action-packed, addictive book.

According to the author, Certain Dark Things is a neo-noir that takes place in an alternate Mexico City. It’s gritty, dark, super bloody, and full of morally-gray characters. The writing was packed full of rich Mexican and Aztec folklore and I loved the unique take on vampire mythology that was included as well. I’ve never seen vampires done like this before - this book features ten different ‘species’ of vampire that come from the lore of ten different cultures. Along with ALL THE VAMPIRES, there are mafia-style vampire turf wars, strong and interesting female leads, and a dog who is A Very Good Boy.

So for some reason I thought that this was a sequel to Certain Dark Things called Nightfire. Sadly, it was not. But rather a re-release of the novel under a different publisher. It's a testament to how great this novel is that I still continued to read it for a second time even though I have previously read it about a year ago. I'm not one to reread books, especially only a year after reading. This is a great self contained Gothic ish novel, that deserves to be read by many.

Fantastic world-building, expanding this new trope into something both innovative and culturally relevant, the author makes vampires her own. Moreno-Garcia does for Vampires in Mexico what Ann Rice did for Vampire in New Orleans, makes them part of the socio-economic fabric. Loved this work.

This book was an excellent addition to the vampire genre, unique and bold and creepy, avoiding all vampire cliches and making the story completely her own, and dominating every second. Wonderful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for an ARC!

In short, spectacular vampire noir that plays around with genre conventions in a big way. Excellent world building. This was one of those books I was sorry to see end.

Domingo is a street kid in Mexico City who scrounges a living by collecting objects for a rag-and-bone man. Everything changes when he says hello to a beautiful girl named Atl one night. Of course, Atl isn't just a beautiful girl: she's a vampire descended from Aztec blood drinkers (who were more recently a powerful drug-dealing family in Northern Mexico). Atl is fleeing the rival gang who killed her family, and she needs help. Domingo finds out that everything he knows about vampires is wrong except for one thing: they are very, very dangerous.

This is one of my favorite vampire novels of the last decade. The setting— a dark, dangerous Mexico City— is fantastically noir. The different vampire races, which we see tantalizing glimpses of, are a fascinating amalgamation of vampire lore and a fantastic set-up ripe for political intrigue. Domingo, as a romantic optimist even with his hard life, is an excellent point-of-view entry into this world. The story in itself is quite contained and focused on Atl's goal of escaping Mexico City— some readers in other reviews have said that the plot feels basic despite the excellent world-building. I don't agree, but I would have happily consumed more and hope Moreno-Garcia might write more in this world. I thought the ending was fitting.

So, if you’d asked me a bit ago, I’d probably tell you that I hate sexy vampires. I generally like my bloodsuckers scary and edgy. Huh…turns out you can have scary and edgy vampires that are ALSO sexy. Who knew?

Certain Dark Things offers everything compelling about vampires, while still reminding you that they are, indeed, horrors. Moreno-Garcia brings us into a well-drawn world where humans and these terrible hell-creatures are at war…and the reader isn’t quite sure which side they’re rooting for!

This is an extremely fast read. The author seamlessly slams you into her world and doesn’t let you come up for air until the very end.

Absolutely reading the author again in the future!

*ARC Provided via Net Galley

This isn't the first time Certain Dark Things has seen print, but as someone who missed it the first time round, I am THRILLED to have finally had the chance to read it. Moreno-Garcia's take on vampires is rich in lore -- but not the same old white, European lore that's been associated with vampires since the publication of Dracula. Here, we see influences from all over the globe -- and it underlines just how rich the tapestry of vampire lore really is.

Also, it's one heck of a story. A blend of horror and noir set in a futuristic-yet-familiar Mexico City, Certain Dark Things grabs you from the start and won't let go until you turn the last page. Richly drawn characters and a fascinating backdrop make this one a tale to look out for.

<b>“She seems to enjoy your company, she may even like you, and yet. Don’t deceive yourself, my boy, this is not a love story”. </b>

In Certain Dark Things by Silvia-Moreno Garcia, a battle between two vampire clans takes to the streets of an alternate Mexico City. Domingo, a garbage collector encounters a vampire on the run named Atl. An unlikely partnership is formed when they team up to help Atl escape Mexico City and the subspecies of vampires, the Necros, who hunt her. Dodging other vampires, cops and humans, will they make it out alive?

This book was so different from Mexican Gothic, but I still loved it. Unlike Mexican Gothic, Certain Dark Things was a neo noir in that it was sort of genre bending and just a very contemporary, dark setting. Set in an alternate timeline, one where vampires are known to be real, Moreno-Garcia brought to life not just one type of vampire, but many. We meet three types in this novel, but the afterword features a Vampire Index that features many different kinds of vampires. The index at the end is an absolute treasure. It really shows how much thought Moreno-Garcia put into the world building in this novel.

I was really impressed by this book. The pages kept turning as more bodies kept piling up. I was really rooting for Domingo and Atl (and of course for Cualli, ). The ending was satisfying. I would absolutely welcome more in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tor Nightfire Publishing for this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

Okay so Silvia Moreno-Garcia did not disappoint with this book! As soon as I read the description of this book, I knew I needed to read it! Certain Dark Things isn't your traditional, typical vampire book. It is filled with several VERY different species of vampires which I absolutely loved. This book set in Mexico City, a place that hates vampires, follows Atl, a vampire trying to find help to get out of the city safely while hiding from a rival vampire gang and Domingo, a homeless human guy just trying to survive. Their paths cross one night and after that, they are stuck together trying to figure out how to escape the vampire gang, the police, and the human cartel that runs Mexico City. Moreno-Garcia touches on several different cultures especially Aztec history and she isn't afraid to address the corruption that affects Mexico. If you are looking for a vampire romance story, don't look here but if you want something new, different and with a touch of horror, read this book!

Certain Dark Things is a gorgeous and gritty neo-noir set in Mexico City following vampire Atl, whose mother always told her to give humans she feeds off of iron pills, and Domingo, said human. If you live for dark fantasy and grew up on vampire novels, this is a must buy. So grateful to Nightfire for the ARC and for resurrecting this book from being out of print so more can enjoy this luscious, liminal world.

There are a lot of vampire books out there. Most of them are bad. A modest number of them are decent. And a very, very precious few are excellent. I live for those exceptional few, and Certain Dark Things is one of them.

To begin, as the author herself has cautioned, this is not like Mexican Gothic. It’s (sort of) a neo-noir, definitely not Gothic, and much, much darker. But Moreno-Garcia’s distinctive and notable “voice” comes through in both, and the differences mostly serve to highlight her range as a writer.

Bloody and noirish though this may be, it still has small doses of sweetness and wry, subtle humor, and while it may be violent and dark, I wouldn’t call it grim or depressing. Moreno-Garcia gives us enough light and hope in a bleak setting that the book doesn’t feel oppressive in the way that many Noirs do.

Speaking of setting, the one boasted by this book is excellent. The world building is outstanding and the landscape of the story is at once gritty and real but also satisfyingly fantastical.

I’m still not sure how I feel about the ending. It’s a good one but...not what I wanted. And as per my policy, no spoilers except the one I always grant for those whose sensitivities align with mine: The dog makes it through.

Moreno-Garcia has become a must read for me, and this book only served to reinforce that.

I read and loved Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade & Shadow, & Untamed Shore this year & was eagerly looking forward to reading Certain Dark Things. Unsurprisingly, I was blown away by this one. Certain Dark Things might be my favorite Silvia Moreno-Garcia book yet - I inhaled this book like a thirsty vampire drinks human blood. Moreno-Garcia has such an incredible way of weaving characters and story together and she so perfectly writes in a smart, and sophisticated noir vampire read.

Beyond the fantastical elements of vampires in Mexico City, Moreno-Garcia has important themes to reflect on, like that of colonization and class, corruption and greed. The way she engages with this themes feel so unique & I truly look forward to more books by her. Looking forward to purchasing this one!

Review incoming on https://www.instagram.com/bookedwithemma/

I was really excited to receive an advanced reader’s copy of Certain Dark Things from Netgalley because I LOVED Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s book, Mexican Gothic. Certain Dark Things was originally released in 2016 and is being rereleased this year. Certain Dark Things is a vampire novel set in Mexico City. Vampire themes in novels are sometimes met with trepidation, preferring original treatment like Grady Hendrix’s A Southern Bookclub's Guide to Slaying Vampires. However, after how brilliant Mexican Gothic was, I knew the depiction of vampires by Moreno-Garcia would be acceptable. Having a crime novel plot line definitely made for an enticing read.
The cultural backdrop of having vampires dwelling in Mexico City uplifts the realities of the third world, uplifting the gritty reality of the poverty and oppression that can take place in Mexico City. In trying to expand to more diverse voices in literature, this definitely provides the point of view of the characters who are situated in Mexico. Then this is coupled with the brilliant world building of vampire life, incorporating things like scientific terminology for vampires (homo cruentas) and policies regarding the presence of vampires. Don’t worry if you can not remember all of the terminology that is utilized in the story-- there is a glossary in the back of the book. Moreno has a way of playing with words that really are hilarious at times and then at other times states things that are really thought provoking. On top of that, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is also a master of suspense. Certain Dark Things is a brilliant book that should not be missed! If it were not for the success of Mexican Gothic, this book would not be rereleased and would be a gem that lovers of crime and horror fiction would have overlooked completely.

Since the 1970s, a worldwide crackdown on the creatures known collectively as vampires had forced many to relocate. Mexico and a few other countries proved attractive destinations, entry easily bought at the border. Soon, tight-knit clans of as many as ten vampire species were vying for territory and power throughout the country, forming and breaking alliances more or less according to traditional codes of honor.
In the north, Atl is Tlahuihpochtli. Native to Mexico, these ezzohqueh (an Aztec term for the “bloodthirsty ones”) are descended from a high caste of priests and priestesses. She is the youngest member of a powerful and wealthy clan and enjoys the leisurely lifestyle of a rich party girl. The Godoys are a family of Necros, the east European variety most often portrayed in the media, and equally wealthy. When rivalry with the Godoy family turns disastrous, Atl is forced to run, seeking help from an old family “friend” in Mexico City. Bernardino is a Revenant whose method of rejuvenation is to suck the life-force from their victims. For centuries, he has hidden away in an ancient corner of the city and, though he has no knowledge of Atl, he is her best chance for survival.
Technically, there are no vampires in Mexico City. The local gangs “ . . . usually unwilling to cooperate, had come together against the single enemy that mattered to them: the bloodsuckers.” So, when Nick Godoy feeds on and kills a young woman outside a nightclub, it captures the attention of both Police and the gangs. Nick had accompanied Rodrigo when his father sent his “renfield” to track down and kill Atl. Like Atl, Nick is used to a comfortable lifestyle, and the tasteless bags of blood his father’s human servant provides merely stoke his hunger, and his anger at being forced to hide while in the city. The killing and the attention it receives puts added pressure on Rodrigo, whose preference would have been to leave Nick at home in the first place.
On the run from the Godoys and in hiding from local Police, Atl befriends Domingo, a street kid with a lifelong
fascination with vampires. Through his connections and knowledge of the city, she begins to see a way through. Together, they navigate the city and as plans form, fail, and form again, Atl begins to accept that the very nature of their friendship is at odds with her very nature and that hers is not the only life at stake.
This is a welcome and multilayered addition to vampire lore. Elements of crime, horror, family drama and a touch of historical epic and romance are skillfully blended in a highly satisfying read.
#CertainDarkThings #NetGalley

Truly what can Moreno-Garcia not write? Because I despise the vampire stuff with a burning passion but this was WONDERFUL. It was thrilling and dark and totally out of my comfort zone but I loved it.

The historical aspects that were incorporated were fascinating to learn about and is encouragement to learn more about Indigenous culture from Mexico and Central America.

The writing itself does start off a little bit slow but it picks up very fast and is incredibly engrossing. I just could not put it down after about 15% of the way in.

It starts off slow and kind of dense, but once the action begins, it's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. It reads as a true epic, one that makes you feel the world really has been reshaped as you read it. Would recommend.

I understand there was vampire fatigue when this novel was initially published and that’s a shame because Certain Dark Things resuscitates a very dead genre into something exciting and innovative. I love vampires, but I am highly selective when it comes to watching or reading about them.

First of all, I simply loved the fact that there were subspecies of vampires stemming from various cultures and mythologies in this novel.

The protagonist Atl is a vampire that’s descendent of the Aztec goddesses, meaning she’s a vampire that laso has bird-like wings and feeds with a stinger rather than fangs. What I loved about the novel is that although the vampire and human friend, Domingo have feelings for one another, the author never forgets what would truly happen between a vampire and human.

My fave character was a revenant called Bernardino that gives Domingo the best advice ever when it comes to dealing with vampires, “We are our hunger.” Meaning that vampires will kill you even if they love you because their hunger is stronger than their love.

This isn’t your typical vampire story, this book is packed with violence, loyalty, and what it means to truly love someone.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LOVES THE UNDEAD AND WHO WANTS A VAMPIRE STORY THAT ISN’T THE SAME OLD REHASHED A THOUSAND TIMES.

A crime noir steeped in cultural history and vampire folklore, Certain Dark Things has unequivocally become one of my all-time favorite vampire novels. The vampires in this novel are drastically different from the ones we’re used to seeing in popular culture, drawing inspiration instead from the myths and legends of cultures around the world. These wildly different mythological figures come together and clash, creating a canonical universe where all exist.

Nothing about the plot or characters feels like it isn’t grounded in reality, the history of upheaval and the colonization of Mexico of centuries past is woven so naturally into the narrative. I loved the way that the novel subverts humanity’s increasing romanticization of vampires as sympathetic misanthropes that aren’t too different from people. This naivete is encapsulated so perfectly by Domingo, a poor street kid dazzled by the vampires of film and comic books. We forget that vampires are the embodiment of death.

Intensely readable and perfectly placed, from the steady beginning to the pure adrenaline rush denouement; I am so thankful that this book is being republished, and because of that it landed on my radar and I took a chance to read something different. I immediately wanted to reread it as soon as I finished, it is truly a hidden gem among the vast sea of vampire media.

One of my favorite vampire novels, ever. I am so excited this is getting new life! If you like well written horror and vampires, this is the book for you. IF you enjoy sparkling vampires....maybe it is not.

The setting and aesthetic of this entire book was exactly everything I love and more. Set in a city I love, Mexico City, and with a topic I adore, vampiric mythos, Silvia Moreno-Garcia puts a neo-noir spin on some common vampire story tropes in a highly original way. I found the conflicts between the various factions compelling, I really liked the dog companion, and I really appreciated each of the characters and their depth, motivations, and relation to one another. A full review will be released closer to publication, but in the meantime a huge thank you to Macmillan- Tor/Forge and Netgalley for a free copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is badass, just read the synopsis and that is all you need. Legitimately, I have been starved for Latinx/Indigenous fantasy- but the Mexican goth in me was thrilled, nay, ecstatic to have a vampire story too. All the stars.

I randomly picked up an ARC of Gods of Jade and Shadow because I thought the cover looked interesting and discovered a gem. Now I wait impatiently for each book Silvia Moreno-Garcia puts out and am never disappointed. I loved Atl and Domingo! Is there any genre she can't write?! Her books are so different but excellent each time.

Certain Dark Things is the story of Atl, a member of an ancient vampire clan born out of the Aztec empire and its ancient religious practices. The youngest of her mother's two daughters, she has just survived the brutal drug war centered slaying of the majority ( and possibly all) of her proud and storied clan. She lives in a modern world where vampires were outed in 1967 and cities like Mexico City have declared themselves vampire-free zones despite the very high population of vampires in Mexico and South America as a whole, many of these ten clans having handily centered themselves at the top of crime and drug syndicates who wield power over human and vampire lives alike.

Despite the ban, Atl finds herself hiding in a Mexico City occupied by so many differences- among them sanitation squads who hunt and destroy vampires, brutal poverty, and complex threats from police officers, a crime group called Deep Crimson, and other vampires. Atl is surviving by the skin of her teeth with no other company than her dog Cuilli until she meets Domingo by chance and things begin to happen which drag both Domingo and herself into a major conflict with the Necros clan which murdered her family, an old enemy of Domingo's named Jackal, Deep Crimson itself, and a police officer pulled into the fray by both her need to protect her daughter from this violent modern world and a past that included slaying vampires.

This is a richly detailed noir laced with urban fantasy elements, a strong clan-centered vampire crime world, new and interesting vampire lore and diversity, and so much of Mexico's own cultural heritage. If I could compare it to any other vampire fiction I would say think of Nancy A. Collins' Sonja Blue and Nancy Baker's Creed duo which began with The Night Inside, possibly also elements of Vampire: The Masquerade which was also heavily centered on the interplay between differing vampire clan and types (All three of these were also major standouts in the genre and well worth your time. ). Vampire fans and fans of the noir are very likely to enjoy this original take on the old tropes and find themselves a new favorite in Certain Dark Things. I certainly appreciated it's characters, complexities, and layers after many years of having been a reader and writer of vampire fiction.

In Certain Dark Things Mexico City is considered a safe zone away from the violence of feuding vampire clans. Atl is a young vampire on the run from a clan of vampires who killed her family. She has been laying low in Mexico City as she plans her escape to Brazil. Hungry, she meets Domingo, a trash collector who she pays to let her feed off him one night. Domingo very quickly develops a crush on Atl and continuously insists on becoming her friend and helping her escape. Unlike Domingo, Atl is pragmatic and sees the danger in having a human companion. For Atl, there is the fear that Domingo will slow her down and blow her cover. There is also the fact that Atl is hungry and, quite frankly, it is a deeper hunger than Domingo can even begin to comprehend.

I will preface by saying that I very much enjoy a Silvia Moreno-Garcia story. The time and energy that she puts into world-building is ever-present in Certain Dark Things. Unlike many other vampire books that I’ve read, she has interwoven vampire legends from around the world and placed Mexican vampires in the forefront. And like Domingo I found myself looking for the good in Atl even though there was horror along-side the beauty.

Certain Dark Things is a gritty crime novel and at times, a scary, fast-paced gore fest. It was fun to read and I easily recommend it to fans of horror and fantasy.

I really like this book. There are many kinds of vampires, and the main character, Atl, makes me want to learn more about Aztec vampires. The author’s use of point of view is mostly seamless. I thought being in everyone’s thoughts throughout the story added dimension.

The setting of Mexico City is unfamiliar to me in the real world, but I think the description of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexico City is wonderful. The vampire mythologies are thought out. There is a subtlety to the characters that balances out some of the emotion and action. The storyline is good, even if a tiny bit predictable at times – which isn’t a bad thing. There really isn’t anything to not like about this book, so go buy a copy and enjoy!

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

I will be posting this review on my website EveHallows.com.

#CertainDarkThings #NetGalley

Many thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan- Tor/Forge for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Certain Dark Things is grim and truly dark in ways I cannot describe, I love it. Moreno-Garcia has originality and great talent to weave layers to the story without compromising the flow. This atmospheric tale is the best in the vampire lore genre for the longest time.

Everything about this novel was amazing. I am honestly beyond words. Vampires, rival gangs, rich folklore. IT IS SO GOOD. Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done it again.

I love anything written by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This is her interesting take on vampires and a friendship (of a sort) between a human and a killing machine. I had actually read this before and enjoyed the writing.

Moreno-Garcia’s novel Mexican Gothic was a revelation to me, a dark, strange brew of Lovecraftian cosmic horror set in a rotting mansion deep in the Mexican jungle. That novel, filled with deadly family secrets, sentient mold, and dread, introduced me to a writer of rare skill, with an amazing gift for thrilling storytelling and vibrant language.

While most of Mexican Gothic was set in that house of horrors, the beginning took place in glittering Mexico City. Moreno-Garcia’s descriptions made me want to read more set in that place, which happily brings me to Certain Dark Things. It is, indeed, set completely within the walls of Mexico City.

Yes, I said walls. In the alternative history of Certain Dark Things, Mexico City is a walled city-state, and perhaps more importantly to the story, a supposed vampire-free zone. Vampires have existed throughout history, and have been known to humans for years. They are shunned and feared in some places, and have formed an uneasy alliance in others. Moreno-Garcia has done some complex world-building here, with ten different, distinct species of vampires, each with their own history, strengths, and weaknesses.

If that last sentence makes this novel sound dry, Certain Dark Things is anything but. Moreno-Garcia calls it neon noire, and that description is apt. This is a gritty no-holds-barred crime novel ripe with cops, gangsters, and drug lords, but many of the players happen to be vampires. Atl, a young female vampire of Aztec descent is hiding out in Mexico City, on the run from ruthless narco vampires and trying to get to South America. She’s tough and formidable, beholden only to her dog, a genetically enhanced doberman. That is, until she develops uneasy, unwanted feelings for Domingo, a street kid who falls under her sway.

Certain Dark Things is violent, bloody, relentless, and completely satisfying. Atl is a wonderful protagonist. I found myself rooting for her, even when things seemed hopeless. I love the passion and inventiveness Moreno-Garcia brings to her writing. She’s undoubtably having a great time writing this world to life, and it shows. This is a novel with real bite.

This is a reissue of a novel first published in 2016, and this new edition will be released September 7th, 2021. Certain Dark Things is very much worthy of pre-order.

I am so, so excited for the vampire resurgence.

Like many readers, I can to Silvia Moreno-Garcia's work through MEXICAN GOTHIC. Really, the re-release of CERTAIN DARK THINGS goes to show our tangled the publishing industry is, because I cannot imagine a book *this good* just ... falling out of print. 2016 wasn't even that long ago! Who doesn't love a diverse cast, a neonpunk Mexico City setting, and bloody folklore combined with classic noir crime vibes?? Who????

As with Moreno-Garcia's previous works, CERTAIN DARK THINGS shines in its ability to be deliciously pulpy whilst also commenting on issues like colonialism and gang culture. The characters range from total sunshines (Domingo) to fierce af vampire queens (Atl) to slimy-frat-boy-villains (Nick), and that's just the beginning. It's loud, complex, and oozes confidence between all its layers. I'm so excited to see this book get the second life it deserves. 4/5.

Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia expertly weaves culture, folklore, and gore.

Superbly crafted, as is to be expected by Mexican Gothic writer Silvia Moreno-Garcia, this vampire novel transcends above the vampire cliche's so often littering the genre. Pulling from the ancient indigenous cultures established in South America ages ago, Moreno-Garcia successfully crafts a profoundly complex, futuristic/alternate, science-fictional world.

Vampire mafia gangs, government prohibitions, and turf wars saturate this book with blood. It dives into the classic horror element of the long-lived, seemingly soulless creatures that vampires have long been. Yet, with ingenuity, and a character-driven story, Certain Dark Things paints the lore of vampirism in brilliant new ways.

This novel is a complex thriller, with twists at every corner. Atl is a vampire who turns into a bird when she feasts (harkening back to the strange gods of the indigenous peoples). She appears as a twenty-something woman most times. She picks up Domingo, a street kid who agrees to let her feed on him. Feelings develop, though they go unacknowledged by Atl, who is too busy trying to survive on the run from a vampire gang that has already eliminated her entire family.

The setting is exquisitely drawn, making things feel both dark and seedy while also luminescent and neon. Certain Dark Things satiates, balancing things familiar with newly imagined depth.

I am all things Silvia Moreno-Garcia and this gem did not fail to give me all this writers vibes!! This novel is intoxicating, brooding with mood, and will sink its teeth in your taking hold of your emotions!!!

YES!!!! I loved this! I’ll never get tired of fresh takes on vampire lore and who but this author to really do it right. Highly recommend for all collections.

I'm not a fan of vampire books -- they are generally overwrought with too much "romance" and drama. But I am a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books so I gave it a shot. She did not fail me. Certain Dark Things contains, as do her other books, a great story complete with action, world building, and the creation of a complete history/mythology of her characters The history of each vampire group she writes about is fully laid out and relates to contemporary issues as well (drug turf wars) as historical mythology. The vampires are not heroic nor dashing. They are fully formed characters, not black and white stereotypes drawn from other books. They are wholly original. The characters who are not vampires are sympathetically but objectively depicted. Their interaction with the vampires is novel and engaging. I've always enjoyed how Silvia incorporates Aztec mythology into her books as well as how she turns Mexico City into one of the main characters. I highly recommend Certain Dark Things, as I do all her books,

Certain Dark Things gives a fresh and scary new life to the vampire genre. It's a dark, gritty blend of neo-noir and fantasy. Pulling vampire lore from all across the globe, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is able to craft a tail that is new, yet feels deeply embedded in humanity's psyche.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for letting me read the ARC in exchange for a review!

I've actually attempted to read this book twice. The first time, I read the word "vampire" and really went in with the wrong expectations. I didn't even make it through the whole book the first time because of those expectations. So, when I saw this new edition pop up on Netgalley, I thought "I like vampires. I like Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Why don't we try this again?" Moreno-Garcia's own comments on Goodreads about this book and what to expect helped a lot. I finally understood that this was less of a vampire romance but more of a noir/gritty/thriller where Atl and Domingo's lives are at stake. The book is dark and- I'll emphasize- gritty. Every character in the story has something messed up going on in their lives, but they're trying to scrape by and survive as best as they can.

I loved watching Atl and Domingo. I loved watching them slowly (and kind of awkwardly) become friends and begin to care about each other. I'm glad I gave this story a second chance because it is good. Just realize this is not a vampire romance. Yes there is love and sex and lots of blood, but Moreno-Garcia uses real vampire lore from around the world in this book. A lot of these vampires aren't exactly pretty, but they feel so much more real.

OH MY GOSH. certain dark things is stunning. i felt as if this book was written for me. it has everything i love and i cant wait to recommend to everyone

A fun twist on classic noir, with vampires! It's a fast read, bouncing between a few strands of plot, and while Moreno-Garcia's writing has gotten better since she first wrote this book, that doesn't mean this is bad. It's a great summer ripper, get into it.

"From Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic, comes Certain Dark Things, a pulse-pounding neo-noir that reimagines vampire lore.

Welcome to Mexico City, an oasis in a sea of vampires. Domingo, a lonely garbage-collecting street kid, is just trying to survive its heavily policed streets when a jaded vampire on the run swoops into his life. Atl, the descendant of Aztec blood drinkers, is smart, beautiful, and dangerous. Domingo is mesmerized.

Atl needs to quickly escape the city, far from the rival narco-vampire clan relentlessly pursuing her. Her plan doesn’t include Domingo, but little by little, Atl finds herself warming up to the scrappy young man and his undeniable charm. As the trail of corpses stretches behind her, local cops and crime bosses both start closing in.

Vampires, humans, cops, and criminals collide in the dark streets of Mexico City. Do Atl and Domingo even stand a chance of making it out alive? Or will the city devour them all?"

Silvia Moreno-Garcia, AKA the author of the moment.

I had absolutely no idea that was was missing in my life was a Latinx vampire neo-noir horror novel. I was missing out! This book has me wanting to get my hands on every single neo-noir book I can find and also on every book Moreno-Garcia has ever written that I have not yet read.

This was my second book by this author, and once again Moreno-Garcia's writing was incredible. I could picture every single scene in this book. Most often through a rainy black and white lens.

This is not your typical vampire novel. You will not find sparkly love triangles here. Instead, you will find horror, grit, and beautiful downfalls. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This book combines different vampire myths from multiple cultures and the end result is a book I couldn't put down. Amazing.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia awes again and this time with a magnificent, expansive tale of alternative universes and the coolest vampires you’ve ever met.

First off let me start by saying once again Silvia has exceeded my expectations. She provides her amazing storytelling set in Mexico City but this time the paranormal element isn't a gothic haunting supernatural element, no she has vampires. This is a very cool and fast pace read that will leave you wanting more. I know I am a huge fan of hers and will buy everything she writes because so far she hasn't disappointed me yet. Every story she creates is unique in its own way but still has her own style and spin on it. This was another amazing read from her!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has a compelling voice that kept me turning pages. I can't believe this gem of a book didn't have its glory before but I'm glad it's surged. There is a lot of action, a slow burn romance with a strong female character that's empowering. The story felt fresh, and the reimagined Mexico City felt super alive.
A must-read for vampire lovers.

This review is SO painful for me to write because Silvia Moreno-Garcia only writes stand alone novels, to my knowledge, and I want so, SO badly for this to be a series. Moreno-Garcia creates an incredible world pulling on folklore about vampires from across the world and from page one you are invested in the story of Atl, a vampire barely in her twenties who has had everything stripped away from her. A complicated mixture of teen and monster she makes all the same mistakes we would have made in our youth. She meets Domingo, a kind boy with nothing who makes his living as a trash collector. One night their lives collide and the rest of the book details how two people, two creatures with almost nothing in common, could mean everything to one another in a short period of time. I wish I could read this book for the first time a hundred times over. I cannot adequately express how much I loved this book. Just when you thought you'd read all the vampire takes, Moreno-Garcia gives us a beautiful noir thats part Bladerunner, part Blade and all magic.

This is a really interesting take on vampires. The author creates an entirely new world where there are multiple clans/species of vampire, each with their own appearance, powers and foibles. She places them in a modern world and lets the story run from there.