Certain Dark Things

A Novel

By: Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Narrated by: Aida Reluzco

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

From Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the New York Times best-selling 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?

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Nightfire

©2021 Silvia Moreno-Garcia (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Critic Reviews

“Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s gritty novel is steeped in the history of Mexico City and vampire lore and yet manages to deftly re-invent the bloodsucker.... Certain Dark Things packs a wallop.” (Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts)

“With its vibrant prose and stellar world building, Certain Dark Things is one of the best books I’ve read in years.” (V.E. Schwab, New York Times best-selling author) 

"Silvia Moreno-Garcia pulls zero punches, bares all the fangs, and goes for every throat in the room with Certain Dark Things. And then she walks out without looking back." (Stephen Graham Jones, author of The Only Good Indians) 

This is a damn good book

I preordered this book back in July(ish) and it was KILLING ME to wait until the September release date. Now that I’ve finished this story, I’ve gotta say it’s a damn good story! The ending was unpredictable in my opinion which is something I love when it comes to stories. The only reason why I’m giving it four stars is because there were certain parts in the story that were graphic when it came to blood and I’m squeamish when it comes to a certain amount of details revealed about blood. Other than that, you need to read the book.

Pretty good

So this book was definitely not bad. But after reading the authors other book Mexican Gothic, I was expecting something a bit darker and creepier. That being said, while I wouldn’t reread this book, I would definitely read the sequel, or prequal. It was entertaining and the narrator was great.

Don't play with your bloody food...

I was left wanting to know more about each character in the best of ways.
The main character isn't really likeable which is something I admire about Moreno-Garcia's writing. She's perfected her flawed characters and has you rooting for almost every side to succeed and you're satisfied even if all some of them get are little victories.
Her locations are picturesque and you can really imagine the surroundings loading and emerging around every scene and movement, you are never confused as to where any of the characters are.
She so effortlessly weaves her histories and lores and you find yourself needing to know more about EVERYTHING.
The end is a bit gut-wrenching but not a surprise if you listen to what the book has been saying. Moreno-Garcia stays true to what the characters would do and does not compromise their character to please the audience. I HIGHLY recommend this book but also will probably not be reading it again. Hopefully this review helps and rings true.

Every bit and more what everyone saod it would be

This book is what i've always wanted in a vampire book. i can't even put into words the beautiful piece of art this book is.

Where Can I Get a Kwali?

I think this was an excellent vamp book. Taking place in an alternate Mexico City with this rich subculture filled with various species of vampires. Great pull towards plot and characters. Wish the ending didn’t happen that way but it was a good wrap up and (fingers crossed) another is coming??

For the audio, wonderful narrator. Flowed into different characters beautifully. The thing that kept hanging up was her transition from English to Spanish words. I understand using flair with names and places, but it was almost every minute for awhile and it took away the cadence of the novel. Once she pronounced “banana” with Latino gusto. Just made it weird lol.

Slow start but gets better

Maybe all vampire stories end cliche ?

It could have been any cartel story from Mexico

A New and Beautifully Dark Take On a Classic Genre

Silvia Moreno-Garcia shows her brilliant and diverse story telling range with one of the most original takes on a vampire story. Silvia Moreno-Garcia once again does an amazing job interweaving the world building of this alternate vampire reality, with in depth well developed characters and story, that keeps the reader captivated. Each facet of every character could be a story in itself and while the story has a strong satisfying conclusion, it leaves you begging for more.
The latest trend of limited series on streaming services would be a perfect venue for an adaptation of this neonoir gothic, but the book itself stands alone.

okay

I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. it's kind of a young adult horror book more true blood than Salem's Lot.

Such an enjoyable listen

This was honestly the most masterful audiobook performance that I’ve heard from any reader. Absolutely seamless read, and the voices were so subtle yet distinct. The story, itself, was fun, as well. A unique take on vampires.

Fantastic intro to a creative vampire world

I loved the story, the characters and the unique perspective of adding mesoamerican culture into a new vampire saga. I did not like the audio recording because it added a pseud-cholo, almost stereotypical Mexican accent to the characters. It distracted from the story. Character development was as expected,however towards the ends it seemed rushed and left me as a reader wanting for more complexity with the characters. As a whole a fantastic book and crossing my fingers this gets adapted into a video series.