I loved the idea of exploring tensions between Mexican ranchers and Anglo settlers during the Mexican-American War and adding in the supernatural element of vampires. I mean, if it were possible, I wouldn’t put it past the US to actually do this – we were desperate for more, more, more land. It’s also been a while since I’ve read a vampire book, so I was eager to jump into this one. While I liked the concept and the story, I would have liked more vampires and horror and less romance and love story.

The book centers around Nena, the daughter of a rancher who has grown up in a world plagued by the threat of violence and bloodshed. White men have claimed Texas and have either killed or driven many Mexican people south as they overtook more and more land. They’re moving in on Nena’s family’s ranch, and everyone knows it’s only a matter of time before the people in the community will be fighting for what’s theirs – including their lives.

When the novel starts, Nena is a spirited teenager who sneaks off to spend time with her best friend and crush, Nestor. One night, the two set out to dig up what they believe may be buried treasure, but Nena is attacked by a fanged creature. Nestor manages to save her and carries her home, screaming for help, but she appears to be dead. Fearing Nena’s wealthy father will beat him, or worse, Nestor flees, harboring the guilt that he is responsible for Nena’s death.

Nine years later, Nena is alive and well, nursing a broken heart that Nestor just up and disappeared without even so much as a letter. Miles away, Nestor has been making a life for himself working on various ranches, but when he gets word that white men are moving ever closer to his hometown and Nena’s family ranch, he feels compelled to go back and fight and imagine his surprise when he finds Nena alive and well.

Nena’s character is complex. As we all know, women had a specific role back in the 1800s. Nena’s desires differ from those of her wealthy father. She wants to become a healer, but he wants to marry her off to a wealthy family to strengthen their wealth and ensure a strong ally when the white men come. She also carries the weight of her past trauma on her shoulders, having survived a vampire attack years ago. Determined to prove herself capable and avoid an unwanted arranged marriage, Nena becomes a curandera (a healer) and heads into battle with her father and his group of men. She is hoping this will earn the respect of her father and allow her some bargaining room. Surely, if he can see how capable she is and how useful she would be around the ranch, he won’t try and marry her off. I found her character very likable, and she had many layers. I found myself rooting for her.

Néstor is equally intriguing and likable. Having believed Nena to be dead, he has spent years running from his grief, haunted by memories of what happened that night by the river. As a member of the auxiliary cavalry, Néstor finds himself reunited with Nena on the road to war, forcing them to confront their shared past and the unresolved feelings they still hold for one another. This reunion sparks a rollercoaster of emotions as Nena’s anger and resentment clash with Néstor’s regret and longing.

The plot of Vampires of El Norte is captivating, seamlessly combining elements of history, romance, and supernatural horror. The author’s ability to interweave these different genres is impressive, and it creates a compelling narrative. That said, I really wanted more horror and tension and less romance. On one hand, I felt that the romance definitely added an interesting layer to the overall story, but eventually, it felt repetitive and weighed the story down. I went in expecting a horror novel about vampires, but the presence of vampires is more of an underlying threat, with the true heart of the story lying in the relationship between Nena and Néstor. While this focus on romance adds depth and emotional resonance to the novel, those seeking a more traditional horror experience – like myself – may find themselves wanting more.

In terms of writing style, though, the author excels. She’s great at capturing atmosphere, and the descriptive style planted me firmly in Mexico in the late 1800s. The attention to detail paints a rich and immersive world that breathes life into the characters and their surroundings.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I would have enjoyed it much more had it been less of a romance and had a lot more tension. I liked the different take on vampires and how the author made the creatures something different than what I was expecting – I just wanted more of them.

Anyone looking for a gory horror novel should look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for an interesting blend of historical fiction and the supernatural with a hefty dose of romance, this book might be for you.