BOOK REVIEW | DAWN OF FATE AND FIRE | MARIELY LARES

ABOUT THE BOOK

The stunning conclusion to the duology that began with the internationally bestselling Sun of Blood and Ruin, this Zorro reimagining weaves Mesoamerican mythology and sixteenth-century Mexican history into a swashbuckling historical fantasy filled with magic, intrigue, treachery, and romance.

They call her many things. Witch, Nagual Warrior, lady, Pantera. And after defeating the Obsidian Butterfly, Leonora carries a new Godslayer.

Peace in Mexico City is fragile. Rebellion brews in the North, and when the people’s safety is at risk, Pantera must once again become the demure viceregent Leonora to stop a war before it begins. But her friends are scattered, Tezca is gone, and one wrong move could seal her fate. Caution is her ally, for the real Prince of Asturias—her former betrothed—has arrived at court, reigniting Leonora and Pantera are one.

 A greater threat looms in the mountains, where a false king seeks to summon the god of night using a weapon of untold power. It’s up to the Godslayer to confront this enemy. . . and the one growing within her. Only by embracing her divine origins can Leonora triumph over the forces of darkness—and maybe even spark a revolution that could change Mexico’s fate forever. But in doing so, she risks losing herself forever… 

REVIEW

Mariely Lares returns to 16th Century Mexico in this conclusion to the duology begun in Sun of Blood and Ruin.

Mixing historical fantasy and Mesoamerican Mythology with the swashbuckling action of Zorro, Mariely Lares takes a speculative look on what might have been in the history of Mexico.

Continuing on from the last book, Dawn of Fate and Fire reintroduces the reader to the characters from the first book.

After the battle with the supernatural forces of The Obsidian Butterfly, Leonora, otherwise known as the titular hero of the people Pantera is in hiding in the forest safely ensconced in her panther form. However, this is having an effect on her and is draining away her magical powers (known as Tonalli). In addition to this, voices from the past are drawing her back to her former life as regent Viceroy of the Spanish colony of Mexico in order to save the people that she is sworn to protect.

Unbeknownst to Leonora, other forces are at work and the usurper of Snake Mountain has set in motion a plan to bring the Gods back into the world in all their ferocity.

Heavily weaving mythology, fantasy and various aspects of Mexican history, Lares deftly tells a story of high adventure, political intrigue and terrible deities.

Many readers will find the episodic structure of the book difficult to contend with as the rhythm of the story shifts tonally throughout as each section of the book deals with a singular problem and crescendoing to a conclusion on a number of times. However, the overarching plot of Mexico’s independence from Spain is the main driving force behind the book and eventually leads the book to a satisfying conclusion.

As this mixes historical aspects into the story, the book can sometimes feel a little messy as many characters are introduced into the book with little impact on the story overall. However, set this aside and the core story is quite enjoyable and interesting (Yes! I did find myself searching out various aspects of the history and mythologies surrounding the story in order to gain a deeper understanding of the story). And let’s be honest here, history is a little messy.

Dawn of Fate and Fire brings the story begun in Sun of Blood and Ruin to an enjoyable conclusion.