Expected Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Content Warnings: graphic colonization, racism, violence; moderate animal death, gore, racial slurs; minor pregnancy
Rumor has it on the streets of sixteenth-century New Spain, there’s a new vigilante in town serving justice. This reimagining of Zorro—featuring a heroic warrior sorceress—weaves Mesoamerican mythology and Mexican history two decades after the Spanish conquest into a swashbuckling, historical debut fantasy with magic, intrigue, treachery, and romance.
A new legend begins…
In sixteenth-century New Spain, witchcraft is punishable by death, indigenous temples have been destroyed, and tales of mythical creatures that once roamed the land have become whispers in the night. Hidden behind a mask, Pantera uses her magic and legendary swordplay skills to fight the tyranny of Spanish rule.
To all who know her, Leonora de las Casas Tlazohtzin never leaves the palace and is promised to the heir of the Spanish throne. The respectable, law-abiding Lady Leonora faints at the sight of blood and would rather be caught dead than meddle in court affairs.
No one suspects that Leonora and Pantera are the same person. Leonora’s charade is tragically good, and with magic running through her veins, she is nearly invincible. Nearly. Despite her mastery, she is destined to die young in battle, as predicted by a seer.
When an ancient prophecy of destruction threatens to come true, Leonora—and therefore Pantera—is forced to decide: surrender the mask or fight to the end. Knowing she is doomed to a short life, she is tempted to take the former option. But the legendary Pantera is destined for more than an early grave, and once she discovers the truth of her origins, not even death will stop her.
🔥🔥 — smoldering
Sun of Blood and Ruin is a captivating historical fantasy novel that combines elements of Zorro's legend with Mesoamerican mythology and Mexican history. The story follows the masked heroine Pantera as she uses her magical abilities and swordplay skills to fight against Spanish tyranny in sixteenth-century New Spain.
The book starts off a bit slow, taking some time for the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story. However, once Pantera embarks on a journey to Snake Mountain with Andrés, the narrative takes a thrilling turn, feeling like an entirely different tale. This shift in setting and tone adds depth to the overall plot.
One aspect that stood out was the presence of three different storylines occurring simultaneously. While each storyline was enjoyable in its own right, they didn't always seamlessly fit together, giving the impression of disconnected narratives. However, the strength of the characters, particularly Pantera, made up for this slight drawback. Pantera is a compelling and resilient character, and her journey of self-discovery is a highlight of the book.
The interactions between Pantera and Andrés added a touch of charm to the story. Their moments together showcased their chemistry and added an extra layer of depth to their respective character arcs.
Overall, Sun of Blood and Ruin is an intriguing historical fantasy novel that offers a fresh retelling of the Zorro legend. While the story may have some pacing issues and disconnected storylines, the strong characters and the blend of mythology and history make it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
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