A bruja is born.

What does a girl who envies the creep and darkness of a shadow become? From the time she was born, Matea had a connection to Santa Muerte that seemed to linger inside her. Matea’s world seemed to bend around her in a way that no one else could comprehend. She trembled with an unexplained intensity, knowing that the cosmic forces and strange intuitions driving her forward were going to be impossible to control. Promised to Santa Muerte at birth Matea’s life felt like it was constantly on the edge of something unpredictable and fear filled Matea’s body as she considered what type of power, she may ultimately be capable of. Who could keep Matea from Santa Muerte’s oppressive forces, and who would keep the world safe from Matea?

Goodreads Synopsis

Overall Rating

3/5

Spooky Rating

3/5

Quick Take

Sinner by Carol James Marshall is filled to the brim with beautiful writing and horrific imagery; however, there are too many points of view and ideas that are not fully fleshed out. While this story kept my interest, it did feel like it was too short for how intense the story was. I would like to see this book given a longer layout to give it the time it deserves to develop, but it is worth the read, nonetheless.

Tell Me More

Carol James Marshall’s writing is some of the most beautiful horror that I have ever read. Her voice is all her own, and it really stands out in the genre. I enjoyed the feminist elements and female empowerment most of all, as well as the witchy vibes. It is a cultural, gothic horror that really captivated my attention, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Unfortunately, the novel was simply too short for how in-depth the ideas were, as well as how many alternating points of view it included. For such a rich story, it just became too convoluted. If the novel were to be expanded upon, it would have made for a five-star read for sure.

However, if you enjoy cultural horror with a strong female lead, Sinner by Carol James Marshall is well worth the read. You will be mesmerized by Marshall’s writing, and it is sure to leave a mark on you. I am looking forward to seeing where she takes this series.