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Crocodilopolis: A Novel
From the author of national bestseller Where There Was Fire, a sweeping sophomore novel of sibling rivalry set against the backdrop of a socially volatile 1970s and 80s Costa Rica.
Seth Oreamundo dreams of vengeance. For the past ten years, he's been exiled in D.C., prohibited from returning home to Costa Rica, where he was once a high-ranking government official but now is disgraced and despised. Osario Oreamundo, his younger brother, is to blame. When a macabre nature show about a crocodile that unexpectedly and viciously attacked a cast member reminds Seth of a childhood memory he's all but erased, Seth hatches a plan-one that involves a crocodile infested-river-to return to his rightful place among Costa Rica's elite.
Alternating between Seth's wily murder plot and the boys' privileged upbringing on a sprawling coffee estate in politically fraught 1970's and 80's Costa Rica, Crocodilopolis is an engaging exploration of archetypes (the exiled prince, sibling rivalry, and the anti-hero) that questions whether people have the power to escape the roles they are cast into at birth.
A darkly witty, biblical, and soapy tale of a “royal” Costa Rican family, Crocodilopolis masterfully interrogates power, destiny, and legacy in this sophomore novel from a literary star on the rise.
Seth Oreamundo dreams of vengeance. For the past ten years, he's been exiled in D.C., prohibited from returning home to Costa Rica, where he was once a high-ranking government official but now is disgraced and despised. Osario Oreamundo, his younger brother, is to blame. When a macabre nature show about a crocodile that unexpectedly and viciously attacked a cast member reminds Seth of a childhood memory he's all but erased, Seth hatches a plan-one that involves a crocodile infested-river-to return to his rightful place among Costa Rica's elite.
Alternating between Seth's wily murder plot and the boys' privileged upbringing on a sprawling coffee estate in politically fraught 1970's and 80's Costa Rica, Crocodilopolis is an engaging exploration of archetypes (the exiled prince, sibling rivalry, and the anti-hero) that questions whether people have the power to escape the roles they are cast into at birth.
A darkly witty, biblical, and soapy tale of a “royal” Costa Rican family, Crocodilopolis masterfully interrogates power, destiny, and legacy in this sophomore novel from a literary star on the rise.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
John Manuel Arias
5 books110 followersJohn Manuel Arias is the National Bestselling author of Where There Was Fire, named a Best Debut by Apple Books and a Finalist for the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize. A Canto Mundo fellow & an alumnus of the Tin House Summer Writers Workshop, his prose and poetry have been published in Harper's Bazaar, Electric Lit, The Kenyon Review, and PANK. He has lived in Washington D.C., Brooklyn New York, and in San José, Costa Rica with his grandmother and four ghosts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 8, 2026
3.75 - 4
A heavy, complex read that is tricky to rate because there is just so much to process.
Set primarily in Costa Rica, the book begins with a lush storytelling vibe, following the rich history of a prominent family and their coffee plantations. I loved this early part of the narrative. It shifts into an intense exploration of deep-seated trauma, political upheaval, racism, homophobia, and hate movements. It is painful to watch sweet, innocent children corrupted by the hateful cycles of the adults around them. I wanted to reach through the pages to protect them on multiple occasions.
The author draws incredible, chilling parallels between human nature and the animal kingdom, reminding us that "nature is the mother of cruel inventions." Just like a crocodile executing a death roll to tear its prey apart, the narrative shows the raw, primal ways people destroy one a
Not for the faint of heart, but it carries a deeply powerful message about the cyclical nature of human behavior.
A heavy, complex read that is tricky to rate because there is just so much to process.
Set primarily in Costa Rica, the book begins with a lush storytelling vibe, following the rich history of a prominent family and their coffee plantations. I loved this early part of the narrative. It shifts into an intense exploration of deep-seated trauma, political upheaval, racism, homophobia, and hate movements. It is painful to watch sweet, innocent children corrupted by the hateful cycles of the adults around them. I wanted to reach through the pages to protect them on multiple occasions.
The author draws incredible, chilling parallels between human nature and the animal kingdom, reminding us that "nature is the mother of cruel inventions." Just like a crocodile executing a death roll to tear its prey apart, the narrative shows the raw, primal ways people destroy one a
Not for the faint of heart, but it carries a deeply powerful message about the cyclical nature of human behavior.
July 30, 2026
ALC gifted by libro.fm
Gorgeous writing that transported me to the lush and vibrant sceneries of Costa Rica. It’s such a joy reading Arias’ prose while learning about the history through a dark and enchanting multigenerational tale.
I most appreciate how Arias builds morally complicated characters spanning every generation — to the point that I was lowkey hating on all the characters 😆. For those who need a character to root for, CROCODILOPOLIS could feel challenging to connect with.
While the writing is transcendent, the plot veers too melodramatic, giving the story a soap opera feel at times. And I find that I’m not super invested in what happens next because of this.
Overall, this is an entertaining and twisted tale about a cursed family, and how one might break out from or be consumed by it.
Gorgeous writing that transported me to the lush and vibrant sceneries of Costa Rica. It’s such a joy reading Arias’ prose while learning about the history through a dark and enchanting multigenerational tale.
I most appreciate how Arias builds morally complicated characters spanning every generation — to the point that I was lowkey hating on all the characters 😆. For those who need a character to root for, CROCODILOPOLIS could feel challenging to connect with.
While the writing is transcendent, the plot veers too melodramatic, giving the story a soap opera feel at times. And I find that I’m not super invested in what happens next because of this.
Overall, this is an entertaining and twisted tale about a cursed family, and how one might break out from or be consumed by it.
June 24, 2026
Thank you so much to LibroFM for the gifted audio - all opinions are my own.
Crocodilopolis is a beautifully devastating look at generational trauma and bitter conflict.
The meat of the story follows Oreamundo brothers, Seth and Osario. The brothers come from a powerful (though corrupt) Costa Rican political dynasty. When Seth finds himself exiled to America, he seeks vengeance on his brother. Through memories of their tumultuous youth and diametrically opposed paths in adulthood, one thing becomes clear… the Oreamundo blood runs cold.
Wow. This was an impactful experience, to say the very least. The scandal was delightful, the imagery was indulgent, and the depth was stunning. I’ll break those things down.
The dynamics of the Oreamundo family were complex and utterly captivating. Through three generations we see this shift and growth in the men. There’s political scandal, complex relationships, power struggles, and religious motifs all encompassed within elegant prose. I’ve never been to Costa Rica but I imagine it is just as lush and enthralling as it’s depicted in this story. I loved seeing the identity and culture explored with such rawness and adoration. There’s this ache for home that was depicted beautifully.
The author uses these generations of Oreamundo men to explore the identities of brotherhood, fatherhood, and husbandry with such authenticity that I may as well be a man. The rage, the passion, and the power struggles were all examined and in a complete and satisfying manner.
The imagery and iconography were grand and complex. From the jungles of Costa Rica to Washington D.C., the author builds a multinational and multi-generational tale for the ages. There was deep identity between the characters and their homeland and I loved the exploration of “home” and belonging.
The themes ran as deep as I imagine the crocodile-inhabited rivers of Costa Rica do. The author showcases how decisions can ripple through generations and feuds can implode an entire nation. John Manuel Arias explores masculinity and a deep resentment left to fester for too long until the resolution can only be bloodshed.
I enjoyed the audiobook for this immensely. Christian Barillas did a superb job narrating this captivating story. He captured the poetic nature and it was altogether a euphonic experience.
This is a wonderfully layered and intoxicating tale. This was my first by the author and I look forward to more. I recommend for fans of dark fiction, multigenerational stories, and heady reads.
Crocodilopolis is a beautifully devastating look at generational trauma and bitter conflict.
The meat of the story follows Oreamundo brothers, Seth and Osario. The brothers come from a powerful (though corrupt) Costa Rican political dynasty. When Seth finds himself exiled to America, he seeks vengeance on his brother. Through memories of their tumultuous youth and diametrically opposed paths in adulthood, one thing becomes clear… the Oreamundo blood runs cold.
Wow. This was an impactful experience, to say the very least. The scandal was delightful, the imagery was indulgent, and the depth was stunning. I’ll break those things down.
The dynamics of the Oreamundo family were complex and utterly captivating. Through three generations we see this shift and growth in the men. There’s political scandal, complex relationships, power struggles, and religious motifs all encompassed within elegant prose. I’ve never been to Costa Rica but I imagine it is just as lush and enthralling as it’s depicted in this story. I loved seeing the identity and culture explored with such rawness and adoration. There’s this ache for home that was depicted beautifully.
The author uses these generations of Oreamundo men to explore the identities of brotherhood, fatherhood, and husbandry with such authenticity that I may as well be a man. The rage, the passion, and the power struggles were all examined and in a complete and satisfying manner.
The imagery and iconography were grand and complex. From the jungles of Costa Rica to Washington D.C., the author builds a multinational and multi-generational tale for the ages. There was deep identity between the characters and their homeland and I loved the exploration of “home” and belonging.
The themes ran as deep as I imagine the crocodile-inhabited rivers of Costa Rica do. The author showcases how decisions can ripple through generations and feuds can implode an entire nation. John Manuel Arias explores masculinity and a deep resentment left to fester for too long until the resolution can only be bloodshed.
I enjoyed the audiobook for this immensely. Christian Barillas did a superb job narrating this captivating story. He captured the poetic nature and it was altogether a euphonic experience.
This is a wonderfully layered and intoxicating tale. This was my first by the author and I look forward to more. I recommend for fans of dark fiction, multigenerational stories, and heady reads.
September 4, 2026
Look out, literary world. The gays are BRINGING IT this year!
One of my favorite things is wandering into a bookstore, picking up an unfamiliar title, and having it bowl me right the fuck over.
The dust jacket likens this book to a telenovela, and I can see the parallels. But it’s also an echo of the magical realism and political subtext of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Arias has skillfully found that rare combination of poetic and propulsive in this family saga, the sort of book that keeps you turning pages but forces you to slow down and appreciate the glorious prose. It’s dark and compelling, and tinged with mythology from ancient Egypt, the Bible, Beowulf, and even The Matrix.
The final act is gutting. And the last few pages perfection.
More please. 🙏
One of my favorite things is wandering into a bookstore, picking up an unfamiliar title, and having it bowl me right the fuck over.
The dust jacket likens this book to a telenovela, and I can see the parallels. But it’s also an echo of the magical realism and political subtext of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Arias has skillfully found that rare combination of poetic and propulsive in this family saga, the sort of book that keeps you turning pages but forces you to slow down and appreciate the glorious prose. It’s dark and compelling, and tinged with mythology from ancient Egypt, the Bible, Beowulf, and even The Matrix.
The final act is gutting. And the last few pages perfection.
More please. 🙏
September 8, 2026
A slow burn of a multi generational revenge tale. The audiobook was well read, and though it felt a little slow at first, once I got hooked, it was quite satisfying and gripping.
August 3, 2026
Thank you to LibroFM and Bloomsbury for this ALC. Also thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the egalley as well.
A book that explores brotherhood across generations of a Costa Rican family and what it means for ‘evil’ to be in your blood
I listened to this audiobook in just two days and it had my attention the entire time. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the Oreamundo brothers at every turn. A family saga that explores what happens when one is exiled and two brothers take different paths
A book that explores brotherhood across generations of a Costa Rican family and what it means for ‘evil’ to be in your blood
I listened to this audiobook in just two days and it had my attention the entire time. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the Oreamundo brothers at every turn. A family saga that explores what happens when one is exiled and two brothers take different paths
September 1, 2026
First of all, what a title. I had no idea what to expect and went in completely blind. What I got was an atmospheric tale of revenge, identity, and how politics basically ruins everything. Oh and crocodiles.
The audiobook was beautifully narrated and kept me hooked. I think I finished this in 1-2 days because I was so captivated. I also really enjoyed learning about Costa Rica as this story follows the family through several generations and various points in Costa Rican history.
However, I had a really hard time with the nonlinear timeline. It felt as though much of the story was told out of order for no real reason; some parts I felt could have been told chronologically without changing the impact of the story except to make it easier for the reader to follow. Especially on audiobook, where it is difficult to keep track of when and where things are happening (since it's not as easy as flipping back and forth through pages). I also felt that because the story follows several generations, it was somewhat difficult to really connect with characters that didn't have much page time, especially when certain scenes are supposed to hit emotionally. There was so much going on in this book that at times it was overwhelming to keep track.
Overall I would rate this 3.25 stars. If you are a fan of weird atmospheric family dramas and want to be upset with pretty much every character in the book for different reasons, this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The audiobook was beautifully narrated and kept me hooked. I think I finished this in 1-2 days because I was so captivated. I also really enjoyed learning about Costa Rica as this story follows the family through several generations and various points in Costa Rican history.
However, I had a really hard time with the nonlinear timeline. It felt as though much of the story was told out of order for no real reason; some parts I felt could have been told chronologically without changing the impact of the story except to make it easier for the reader to follow. Especially on audiobook, where it is difficult to keep track of when and where things are happening (since it's not as easy as flipping back and forth through pages). I also felt that because the story follows several generations, it was somewhat difficult to really connect with characters that didn't have much page time, especially when certain scenes are supposed to hit emotionally. There was so much going on in this book that at times it was overwhelming to keep track.
Overall I would rate this 3.25 stars. If you are a fan of weird atmospheric family dramas and want to be upset with pretty much every character in the book for different reasons, this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2026
Usually I’m not a huge fan of a non-linear narrative but I will say this book was well written that it wasn’t hard to follow along. Really loved the Cain and Abel aspects that this story had to offer. A really good story at its core but I will say that this book can drag on a bit to the point where it gets a bit repetitive. Maybe if this was cut down by 50pgs it would be a really strong book. Overall a good read but it had potential to be a great read
September 11, 2026
What a beautiful and disturbing book.
August 21, 2026
Thank you Bloomsbury Publishing & NetGalley for a chance to read this ARC!
This book was NUTS and I devoured it. The writing was so vibrant, and the plot so dramatic it read like a Greek tragedy a lot of the time. I felt really uneasy for the majority of the time reading this, and yet couldn’t look away. The last few chapters had me IN KNOTS to the point that I listened with my eyes closed (as if that would help??). And if you enjoy morally gray characters, look no farther than *checks notes* every single person in this book❤️
I said “DAMN” out loud after the last line. This is a book that sticks with you, I think.
The narrator did a fantastic job!
This book was NUTS and I devoured it. The writing was so vibrant, and the plot so dramatic it read like a Greek tragedy a lot of the time. I felt really uneasy for the majority of the time reading this, and yet couldn’t look away. The last few chapters had me IN KNOTS to the point that I listened with my eyes closed (as if that would help??). And if you enjoy morally gray characters, look no farther than *checks notes* every single person in this book❤️
I said “DAMN” out loud after the last line. This is a book that sticks with you, I think.
The narrator did a fantastic job!
September 11, 2026
4.5 rounded up. This was very good and I love Arias' writing style. This one reminds me a lot of East of Eden by John Steinbeck, but in very positive ways. The themes are similar: the idea of nature vs nurture and if you can change your fate are woven through both. I also think Arias' and Steinbeck's writing style scratch a similar itch for me: both write about finding beauty and wonder and heartbreak in the mundane and convey that to the reader that isn't overwrought or precious.
I found that I changed my opinion several times throughout the course of the book on different characters and whether or not I liked them, and I think Arias is really good at writing complicated people. Although some of the people in this book were more good than bad or vice versa, they're all just very complicated and can't be easily categorized, and I really like that.
I received a free ALC for library employees from Libro.fm.
I found that I changed my opinion several times throughout the course of the book on different characters and whether or not I liked them, and I think Arias is really good at writing complicated people. Although some of the people in this book were more good than bad or vice versa, they're all just very complicated and can't be easily categorized, and I really like that.
I received a free ALC for library employees from Libro.fm.
September 4, 2026
A tale of two brothers caught in a biblical stranglehold of shared lineage and rivalry, set against the backdrop of Costa Rica in a time of flux for the country. Seth Oreamundo has been exilled from his homeland by his younger brother, Osario. When he becomes determined to return home and finally murder Osario, Seth pulls on the poisoned roots of the Oreamundo family tree, roots which dig into the hidden fascist history of Costa Rica's elite class. This novel reaches backward into the brothers' ancestry and forward into the lives of their sons.
I cannot shut up about this book. The writing is lyrical, powerful, captivating. The storytelling is layered, magical, historical. It shocked me how funny this book manages to be while also telling a tragic story of two doomed men, their histories seemingly written before their birth.
John Mauel Arias is a master at his craft. I spent this whole book enraptured by his command of narrative and language. While I know very little about the history of Costa Rica, this is one of those books that makes you want to go down a research rabbit hole. I was delighted and repulsed and entranced by every second of this vivid novel and I can't recommend it highly enough!
OH and one more thing: this book is deeply queer. Add it to your library displays for pride!
My extreme gratitiude to the author, NetGalley, and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC of this book.
I cannot shut up about this book. The writing is lyrical, powerful, captivating. The storytelling is layered, magical, historical. It shocked me how funny this book manages to be while also telling a tragic story of two doomed men, their histories seemingly written before their birth.
John Mauel Arias is a master at his craft. I spent this whole book enraptured by his command of narrative and language. While I know very little about the history of Costa Rica, this is one of those books that makes you want to go down a research rabbit hole. I was delighted and repulsed and entranced by every second of this vivid novel and I can't recommend it highly enough!
OH and one more thing: this book is deeply queer. Add it to your library displays for pride!
My extreme gratitiude to the author, NetGalley, and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC of this book.
Did Not Finish
September 5, 2026Listened to about 2 hours (13%) seems to be a Cain and Abel story with incest and crocodiles set in Costa Rica. I think I’m out…still 11 hours to go 😳
September 5, 2026
Siblings as a vehicle for exploring Costa Rican political, material and queer history! Very good.
Did Not Finish
August 25, 2026DNF 13%
This is probably the third or fourth non-linear, multigenerational family saga I've tried out and it's just not a narrative style I enjoy. Not a bad book from what I can tell, but I simply do not care about anything going on.
I think readers who enjoyed Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez may enjoy this read.
This is probably the third or fourth non-linear, multigenerational family saga I've tried out and it's just not a narrative style I enjoy. Not a bad book from what I can tell, but I simply do not care about anything going on.
I think readers who enjoyed Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez may enjoy this read.
August 25, 2026
Thanks to Bloomsbury for my gifted physical ARC and to Bloomsbury and Libro.fm for my gifted ALC. All opinions are my own.
CROCODILOPOLIS was pitched and sold as “One Hundred Years of Solitude meets Succession,” which is honestly better than any intro I could write myself. While it’s a generational story, it primarily focuses on two brothers in one generation, with the other eras supporting their central story.
This book takes place mostly in Costa Rica and DC - one place I’d love to visit and another where I’ve spent a lot of time. Seth was 4 when his brother Osario was born on his birthday, setting up a sibling rivalry to end all sibling rivalries. I’m going to leave the rest of the plot vague and share just a few more impressions.
Central themes here include fate and destiny, and whether we can ever truly change our own. This is also a dark tale of toxic family and toxic masculinity. While it takes place in the real world and references real events, it also has kind of a fairytale or fable type quality. And lastly, the crocodiles are both literal and metaphorical. The Costa Rican scenery in the book is lush and beautiful, but also dark and dangerous, which created an intense atmosphere for the story. Overall I thought John Manuel Arias’s writing was excellent, and I’m glad I took a chance on something a little out of my comfort zone.
Audio thoughts: Christian Barillas’s narration was a great fit for the story. I started on the slower end of my personal speed range and then sped up quite a bit when I got used to the rhythm. I will say there are poetic interludes that work better on a physical page, so that’s one thing to keep in mind when choosing a format
CROCODILOPOLIS was pitched and sold as “One Hundred Years of Solitude meets Succession,” which is honestly better than any intro I could write myself. While it’s a generational story, it primarily focuses on two brothers in one generation, with the other eras supporting their central story.
This book takes place mostly in Costa Rica and DC - one place I’d love to visit and another where I’ve spent a lot of time. Seth was 4 when his brother Osario was born on his birthday, setting up a sibling rivalry to end all sibling rivalries. I’m going to leave the rest of the plot vague and share just a few more impressions.
Central themes here include fate and destiny, and whether we can ever truly change our own. This is also a dark tale of toxic family and toxic masculinity. While it takes place in the real world and references real events, it also has kind of a fairytale or fable type quality. And lastly, the crocodiles are both literal and metaphorical. The Costa Rican scenery in the book is lush and beautiful, but also dark and dangerous, which created an intense atmosphere for the story. Overall I thought John Manuel Arias’s writing was excellent, and I’m glad I took a chance on something a little out of my comfort zone.
Audio thoughts: Christian Barillas’s narration was a great fit for the story. I started on the slower end of my personal speed range and then sped up quite a bit when I got used to the rhythm. I will say there are poetic interludes that work better on a physical page, so that’s one thing to keep in mind when choosing a format
Read
August 16, 2026Crocodilopolis follows Seth and Osario, two brothers from a powerful, corrupt Costa Rican political dynasty, and explores the themes of exile, family relationships, and how corruption can tear apart both families and countries.
I enjoyed the story's non-linear timeline, and I felt it helped me understand the family in pieces, showing how the conflict between Seth and Osario comes to a head and unfolds. I think it was a strong tool for telling the story, and Arias used it well, allowing the story to flow between timelines, generations, and family members so the reader could get a full view of the entire Oreamundo family.
Both Seth and Osaraio were complex and layered characters that Arias took the time to let the reader fully see and understand all sides of them, which I really enjoyed and found to be by far the strongest part of the book because by the time I finished, I truly understood who these brothers were and why they ended up the way they are.
Overall, this was a great story filled with tension, drama, suspense, and everything else needed for a great story.
***Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review***
I enjoyed the story's non-linear timeline, and I felt it helped me understand the family in pieces, showing how the conflict between Seth and Osario comes to a head and unfolds. I think it was a strong tool for telling the story, and Arias used it well, allowing the story to flow between timelines, generations, and family members so the reader could get a full view of the entire Oreamundo family.
Both Seth and Osaraio were complex and layered characters that Arias took the time to let the reader fully see and understand all sides of them, which I really enjoyed and found to be by far the strongest part of the book because by the time I finished, I truly understood who these brothers were and why they ended up the way they are.
Overall, this was a great story filled with tension, drama, suspense, and everything else needed for a great story.
***Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review***
August 25, 2026
The best thing I can say about this book is that it’s the spiritual sibling of East of Eden, even down to the Cain and Abel allusions. But it’s also entirely its own book, with a large historical scope that touches on everything from Ancient Egypt to modern Costa Rican politics.
The story focuses on the origins of Seth and Osario, two brothers turned into enemies by either fate, divine intervention, or just some really crappy parental figures. There are multiple biblical allusions. Even the boys’ names, Seth and Osario, have multiple meanings that absolutely inform the narrative. Always present through the story are the crocodiles lurking beneath the surface, ready to devour. I have nightmares about those enormous river crocodiles in Africa, so if that’s you too: be aware.
This is a book with layers. I was constantly having internal conversations about what it meant and whether I agreed or disagreed. And that’s a pretty good assessment of an author with something to say.
Books with Something to Say can often be bogged down by their own pretensions. I didn’t feel that way here. The author is smart, passionate, and focused on his point. I think the book ends up being very successful.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc. I feel like it’s a quiet gem.
The story focuses on the origins of Seth and Osario, two brothers turned into enemies by either fate, divine intervention, or just some really crappy parental figures. There are multiple biblical allusions. Even the boys’ names, Seth and Osario, have multiple meanings that absolutely inform the narrative. Always present through the story are the crocodiles lurking beneath the surface, ready to devour. I have nightmares about those enormous river crocodiles in Africa, so if that’s you too: be aware.
This is a book with layers. I was constantly having internal conversations about what it meant and whether I agreed or disagreed. And that’s a pretty good assessment of an author with something to say.
Books with Something to Say can often be bogged down by their own pretensions. I didn’t feel that way here. The author is smart, passionate, and focused on his point. I think the book ends up being very successful.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc. I feel like it’s a quiet gem.
Did Not Finish
September 10, 2026I couldn't get into this narrative, it felt bloated. The craft was there but it didn't hold up for me. Great title and cover though, for sure.
August 31, 2026
Seth Oreamundo was once a crooked politician in Costa Rica, and has been in exile in Washington D.C. for years. Seth wants to go back to Costa Rica so he can finally make amends with his younger brother Osario, But Seth has other plans in mind while he is in Costa Rica that will change the fate of both his family and his brothers. Seth brings Osario to the to feed him to the crocoiles. When Seth doesn't come back from Costa Rica his wife is questioned by the authorities. Osario's wife also goes to the authorities in Costa Rica when he doesn't return home. The wives, who are estrainged sisters live together in D.C. and raise thier son's like brothers. This novel is about power, greed, and what you would do to achieve this even if it means to kill your own flesh and blood. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for letting me listen to an advance copy of this audiobook.
Did Not Finish
August 24, 2026DNF’ed at 15%.
Beautiful writing, perfect narrative voice. However plot lines where the main character is a result of intentional incest is a no-go for me.
Beautiful writing, perfect narrative voice. However plot lines where the main character is a result of intentional incest is a no-go for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🐊 Power, Poetry & Providence 🩸
I knew before I even finished "Crocodilopolis" that this review was going to be difficult to write.
I wanted to do this book justice.
John Manuel Arias has written a novel that reaches across countries, histories, and identities. A simple "this was beautifully written" wasn't going to cut it. There is too much here worth talking about, and even more worth thinking about.
At its center is the Oreamundo family, whose story spans generations of Costa Rican history. Their lives are shaped as much by the world around them as they are by everything their family has carried forward.
The further I got into their story, the more I realized just how much Arias was asking us to look at.
At times, I found myself thinking about "The Godfather." The stories themselves are very different, but the Oreamundos have that same larger-than-life quality as the Corleones. Both seem to exist within worlds of their own, where loyalty, money, politics, pride, and power become so tangled together that their influence eventually reaches far beyond them.
I loved some of these characters. I hated some of them. More often, I found myself moving somewhere between the two.
That moral messiness was one of my favorite parts of the novel. Arias allows his characters to be frustrating, selfish, cruel, loving, vulnerable, and occasionally hopeful without reducing them to any one of those things. They carry old expectations, prejudices, wounds, and loyalties, even as some struggle to find a way forward.
That same complexity carries into the way Arias writes the world around them. His background as a poet comes through beautifully in his prose, particularly in the way he writes about Costa Rica's natural world. The landscape and its wildlife become so woven into the family's story that, at times, the Oreamundos begin to feel almost mythological themselves.
But Arias never lets that mythological quality overshadow the very real place at the heart of the story. Costa Rica's culture, politics, and history aren't simply a backdrop for the Oreamundos. They're part of their story.
I went into "Crocodilopolis" knowing relatively little about Costa Rican history and found myself stopping several times to research what I was reading. The novel led me to learn more about the tensions between foreign oil interests, economic development, and environmental protection in Costa Rica, the history of Nicaraguan immigration and xenophobia, LGBTQ+ rights, and parts of its political and cultural history I hadn't encountered before.
I love when fiction makes me curious enough to do that. It made the experience of reading the book feel larger than the story itself.
That curiosity extended to the portions set in Washington, D.C. The connection between Costa Rica and the United States is deliberate. Arias isn't simply drawing parallels between the political problems of two countries. He's exploring how American power reaches beyond its own borders, and how some of the ugliest parts of American politics can encourage and embolden those same impulses elsewhere. Prejudice, nationalism, political extremism, and the pursuit of power don't stop neatly at a country's borders.
The United States isn't positioned as some distant observer of what happens elsewhere in the world. It is part of the machinery.
That felt particularly relevant to our current political climate, and it gave the novel's exploration of power an even sharper edge.
"Crocodilopolis" is dense, and I don't mean that as a criticism. There were moments when I needed to slow down, remind myself where I was in the family history, or simply sit with a passage before continuing. It's a novel that asks you to pay attention.
But I think that's part of what made it so rewarding.
By the end, I found "Crocodilopolis" mesmerizing, frustrating, beautiful, and surprisingly hopeful. It gave me a family I couldn't look away from, introduced me to pieces of Costa Rican history and culture I wanted to understand better, and left me thinking about what we inherit from the people and places that came before us.
Those are usually the books that stay with me.
Thank you to author John Manuel Arias and Bloomsbury Books US for sending me an advanced reader copy of "Crocodilopolis" in exchange for an honest review.
I knew before I even finished "Crocodilopolis" that this review was going to be difficult to write.
I wanted to do this book justice.
John Manuel Arias has written a novel that reaches across countries, histories, and identities. A simple "this was beautifully written" wasn't going to cut it. There is too much here worth talking about, and even more worth thinking about.
At its center is the Oreamundo family, whose story spans generations of Costa Rican history. Their lives are shaped as much by the world around them as they are by everything their family has carried forward.
The further I got into their story, the more I realized just how much Arias was asking us to look at.
At times, I found myself thinking about "The Godfather." The stories themselves are very different, but the Oreamundos have that same larger-than-life quality as the Corleones. Both seem to exist within worlds of their own, where loyalty, money, politics, pride, and power become so tangled together that their influence eventually reaches far beyond them.
I loved some of these characters. I hated some of them. More often, I found myself moving somewhere between the two.
That moral messiness was one of my favorite parts of the novel. Arias allows his characters to be frustrating, selfish, cruel, loving, vulnerable, and occasionally hopeful without reducing them to any one of those things. They carry old expectations, prejudices, wounds, and loyalties, even as some struggle to find a way forward.
That same complexity carries into the way Arias writes the world around them. His background as a poet comes through beautifully in his prose, particularly in the way he writes about Costa Rica's natural world. The landscape and its wildlife become so woven into the family's story that, at times, the Oreamundos begin to feel almost mythological themselves.
But Arias never lets that mythological quality overshadow the very real place at the heart of the story. Costa Rica's culture, politics, and history aren't simply a backdrop for the Oreamundos. They're part of their story.
I went into "Crocodilopolis" knowing relatively little about Costa Rican history and found myself stopping several times to research what I was reading. The novel led me to learn more about the tensions between foreign oil interests, economic development, and environmental protection in Costa Rica, the history of Nicaraguan immigration and xenophobia, LGBTQ+ rights, and parts of its political and cultural history I hadn't encountered before.
I love when fiction makes me curious enough to do that. It made the experience of reading the book feel larger than the story itself.
That curiosity extended to the portions set in Washington, D.C. The connection between Costa Rica and the United States is deliberate. Arias isn't simply drawing parallels between the political problems of two countries. He's exploring how American power reaches beyond its own borders, and how some of the ugliest parts of American politics can encourage and embolden those same impulses elsewhere. Prejudice, nationalism, political extremism, and the pursuit of power don't stop neatly at a country's borders.
The United States isn't positioned as some distant observer of what happens elsewhere in the world. It is part of the machinery.
That felt particularly relevant to our current political climate, and it gave the novel's exploration of power an even sharper edge.
"Crocodilopolis" is dense, and I don't mean that as a criticism. There were moments when I needed to slow down, remind myself where I was in the family history, or simply sit with a passage before continuing. It's a novel that asks you to pay attention.
But I think that's part of what made it so rewarding.
By the end, I found "Crocodilopolis" mesmerizing, frustrating, beautiful, and surprisingly hopeful. It gave me a family I couldn't look away from, introduced me to pieces of Costa Rican history and culture I wanted to understand better, and left me thinking about what we inherit from the people and places that came before us.
Those are usually the books that stay with me.
Thank you to author John Manuel Arias and Bloomsbury Books US for sending me an advanced reader copy of "Crocodilopolis" in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Huge thanks to my friends at Macmillan/Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me a very very early advance copy of this book. Please keep in mind that any quotes I share are under spoiler tags and may change once the book is officially published.
Crocodilopolis is a dark, slow-burning novel about power, family, and the kind of resentment that never truly disappears. At its core are two brothers bound by privilege and betrayal, their lives shaped by corruption, political ambition, and a devastating family secret. The story moves between past and present, steadily building a tense emotional landscape where love and cruelty exist side by side, and where revenge feels both inevitable and deeply unsettling.
I’m Costa Rican, born and raised, and I grew up with the political and social history that informs this novel. I’ve lived through environmental movements, political shifts, and conversations about equality that echo throughout these pages. I was raised in Orotina, just fifteen minutes from the Tárcoles River. I’ve seen crocodiles up close, fed live chickens for spectacle, and witnessed the brutal efficiency of their death roll. Because of that, reading this book felt strangely personal, almost inevitable, as if these images and histories were always meant to collide on the page.
Setting aside my obvious emotional connection, what truly makes this novel compelling isn’t just the plot but the atmosphere John Manuel Arias creates. Costa Rica feels alive, heavy, and symbolic throughout the story, especially the crocodile-infested river, which lingers like both a threat and a promise. The writing leans into myth, memory, and melodrama in a way that feels deliberate and almost hypnotic, inviting the reader to reflect on fate, masculinity, and the legacies we inherit whether we want them or not. This is a slow burn with sharp teeth, rewarding patience with a haunting and morally complex story.
John Manuel Arias’ writing is lyrical, ambitious, and richly descriptive, shaped by layered storytelling and emotional depth. I personally found it breathtaking and immersive, though I can see how some readers might find it dense or overly elaborate. If you’ve read and loved One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, this book will likely resonate deeply with you.
Crocodilopolis is a dark, slow-burning novel about power, family, and the kind of resentment that never truly disappears. At its core are two brothers bound by privilege and betrayal, their lives shaped by corruption, political ambition, and a devastating family secret. The story moves between past and present, steadily building a tense emotional landscape where love and cruelty exist side by side, and where revenge feels both inevitable and deeply unsettling.
I’m Costa Rican, born and raised, and I grew up with the political and social history that informs this novel. I’ve lived through environmental movements, political shifts, and conversations about equality that echo throughout these pages. I was raised in Orotina, just fifteen minutes from the Tárcoles River. I’ve seen crocodiles up close, fed live chickens for spectacle, and witnessed the brutal efficiency of their death roll. Because of that, reading this book felt strangely personal, almost inevitable, as if these images and histories were always meant to collide on the page.
Setting aside my obvious emotional connection, what truly makes this novel compelling isn’t just the plot but the atmosphere John Manuel Arias creates. Costa Rica feels alive, heavy, and symbolic throughout the story, especially the crocodile-infested river, which lingers like both a threat and a promise. The writing leans into myth, memory, and melodrama in a way that feels deliberate and almost hypnotic, inviting the reader to reflect on fate, masculinity, and the legacies we inherit whether we want them or not. This is a slow burn with sharp teeth, rewarding patience with a haunting and morally complex story.
John Manuel Arias’ writing is lyrical, ambitious, and richly descriptive, shaped by layered storytelling and emotional depth. I personally found it breathtaking and immersive, though I can see how some readers might find it dense or overly elaborate. If you’ve read and loved One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, this book will likely resonate deeply with you.
August 27, 2026
“Crocodilopolis” answers a question I hadn't previously considered: how many decades of family resentment does it take before someone's revenge plan involves a crocodile-infested river?
The novel follows two brothers born into a powerful Costa Rican political dynasty whose rivalry stretches across generations, family scandals and major moments in the country's history. When one brother, disgraced and living in exile, decides to settle old scores once and for. The novel unfolds across generations to explain how this remarkably specific murder plan came about and what consequences follow.
What follows is an absolutely epic family saga. So much happens over such a long span of time that by the end I felt as though I'd lived through several lifetimes alongside the Oreamundos. The story moves back and forth through time, gradually revealing motives, betrayals and connections in a way that rewards patience. It constantly reframes what you thought you knew.
Beneath all the scheming, feuding and political manoeuvring, the book seems deeply interested in questions of power, legacy and whether any of us can truly escape the roles our families hand us. I didn't always understand the sheer intensity of some of the characters' emotions or decisions, but I was fascinated by them nevertheless. And the symmetry that emerged across generations caught me off guard, but looking back, it feels inevitable.
I also loved that I learned a surprising amount about Costa Rican and Central American history along the way. The historical backdrop adds depth to the story while remaining firmly in service of the characters.
The audiobook is great. Christian Barillas handles the large cast and shifting timelines with ease, and his narration felt perfectly suited to the novel's mixture of family drama, political intrigue and dark humour. One small note: there are a handful of brief, poem-like interludes scattered throughout. In the audiobook they initially caught me by surprise and I found myself rewinding to listen again, wondering whether I'd missed something. I think this would have worked better in the print version, but they make up only a tiny fraction of the book.
An ambitious, entertaining and surprisingly funny novel full of history, family dysfunction, and crocodiles. Not a combination I knew I needed, but I had a great time with it.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Audio, NetGalley and John Manuel Arias for an advance listening copy of this book.
The novel follows two brothers born into a powerful Costa Rican political dynasty whose rivalry stretches across generations, family scandals and major moments in the country's history. When one brother, disgraced and living in exile, decides to settle old scores once and for. The novel unfolds across generations to explain how this remarkably specific murder plan came about and what consequences follow.
What follows is an absolutely epic family saga. So much happens over such a long span of time that by the end I felt as though I'd lived through several lifetimes alongside the Oreamundos. The story moves back and forth through time, gradually revealing motives, betrayals and connections in a way that rewards patience. It constantly reframes what you thought you knew.
Beneath all the scheming, feuding and political manoeuvring, the book seems deeply interested in questions of power, legacy and whether any of us can truly escape the roles our families hand us. I didn't always understand the sheer intensity of some of the characters' emotions or decisions, but I was fascinated by them nevertheless. And the symmetry that emerged across generations caught me off guard, but looking back, it feels inevitable.
I also loved that I learned a surprising amount about Costa Rican and Central American history along the way. The historical backdrop adds depth to the story while remaining firmly in service of the characters.
The audiobook is great. Christian Barillas handles the large cast and shifting timelines with ease, and his narration felt perfectly suited to the novel's mixture of family drama, political intrigue and dark humour. One small note: there are a handful of brief, poem-like interludes scattered throughout. In the audiobook they initially caught me by surprise and I found myself rewinding to listen again, wondering whether I'd missed something. I think this would have worked better in the print version, but they make up only a tiny fraction of the book.
An ambitious, entertaining and surprisingly funny novel full of history, family dysfunction, and crocodiles. Not a combination I knew I needed, but I had a great time with it.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Audio, NetGalley and John Manuel Arias for an advance listening copy of this book.
September 9, 2026
I found Crocodilopolis a really great read - compelling if not necessarily likeable characters, vividly rendered setting, some attention-grabbing imagery with metaphorical crocodiles as well as literal ones, accomplished storytelling that seamlessly wove multiple rich strands together, and a plot that grabbed me from the get go and never let up. As the novel opens Seth Oreamundo, a once powerful Costa Rican politician, is seeking to end his exile in Washington D.C. and return home. And he has revenge on his mind, specifically feeding his younger brother to the crocodiles. The novel moves backwards and forwards between then and now timelines, and looks at multiple generations of the family, although the Cain and Able like relationship between Seth and Osario - how it came to be, how it plays out, and its consequences - is always at its center. Arias interrogates power, betrayal, ambition, jealousy, political corruption, masculinity, legacy, fate, and toxic family dynamics, highlights environmental issues, and folds in a queer storyline that is in no way an afterthought. It's a contemporary novel, very much of our time and yet it also has the feel of a mythological epic. I listened to the audio and it required attention, especially initially, due to the complexity of the story, but Christian Barillas did a great job with the narration. I'd have loved to do a tandem read and so enjoy the benefits of both formats. This isn't the easiest of reads and it comes with plenty of trigger warnings, but it is well worth it. Readers who love of East of Eden or House of Spirits won't want to miss it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
General Thoughts:
If you enjoy complex stories with engrossing and multi layered characters told over various timelines, then this is the story for you. Lush imagery and deep metaphors take the story to a heightened level. Characters that make you feel complex emotions are at the forefront of this timeless novel.
We immediately are introduced to one of the most complex family systems and cold-blooded characters I've ever read. Born into an idyllic childhood that should've resulted in greatness and power, the Oreamumdo Brothers spiral into a losing battle of sibling rivalry and deep, dark family secrets.
We are thrown between alternating timelines of childhood backstory and current political scheming and revenge. The story reads like the most delicious telenovella. Arias weaves a tale that explores masculinity, pride, sibling rivalry, power, and ultimately deceit and revenge.
In this family, dark secrets are at the center of every decision and power is the ultimate goal. I could not look away.
Things to Love:
* multi layered timeline and imagery
* engrossing and complex characters
* deep metaphors and emotions
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 13 hours
🎤: Christian Barillas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: single narrator/multi timeline
Was the narration good??
Barillas did an excellent job with narration. I would listen to this narrator again.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a gifted audiobook from the Libro.FM audiobook program. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars rounded up.
ALC provided by Netgalley and Bloomsbury publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Recently, I published a list of the books that shaped me as a reader and at the top of one of those lists was the House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. What I loved about that book was the multi-generational saga combined with magical realism and a backdrop of historical conflict.
While, the novel Crocodilopolis by Aria is set in Costa Rica and the United States instead of Chile, it provided many of those same feelings. Arias also does some interesting comparisons between Egyptian mythology and Central American folklore. There are also biblical allusions to Cain and Abel that provide a backdrop for the tension between the two brothers.
This novel provides a fascinating perspective on the influence of Nazi ideology outside of Germany during WWII and draws comparisons to the current political and culture wars that persist in and outside of the United States today. Maybe they didn't all escape to South America, but instead slithered into the rainforest.
I really enjoyed the language and descriptions of reptiles and reptilian behavior across three generations of siblings and children. Arias skillfully inserted descriptions like slitted eyes and scaly skin that they felt realistic rather than paranormal or absurd. All in all, a provocative novel where the snakes of the past keep wriggling up into the future wreaking havoc and laying eggs of monsters or saviours yet to hatch.
ALC provided by Netgalley and Bloomsbury publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Recently, I published a list of the books that shaped me as a reader and at the top of one of those lists was the House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. What I loved about that book was the multi-generational saga combined with magical realism and a backdrop of historical conflict.
While, the novel Crocodilopolis by Aria is set in Costa Rica and the United States instead of Chile, it provided many of those same feelings. Arias also does some interesting comparisons between Egyptian mythology and Central American folklore. There are also biblical allusions to Cain and Abel that provide a backdrop for the tension between the two brothers.
This novel provides a fascinating perspective on the influence of Nazi ideology outside of Germany during WWII and draws comparisons to the current political and culture wars that persist in and outside of the United States today. Maybe they didn't all escape to South America, but instead slithered into the rainforest.
I really enjoyed the language and descriptions of reptiles and reptilian behavior across three generations of siblings and children. Arias skillfully inserted descriptions like slitted eyes and scaly skin that they felt realistic rather than paranormal or absurd. All in all, a provocative novel where the snakes of the past keep wriggling up into the future wreaking havoc and laying eggs of monsters or saviours yet to hatch.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5
An exiled brother plotting revenge on his own family makes for a pretty brutal premise and I wasn’t sure what to expect but this story was dark, layered and tragic. I was completely immersed and really enjoyed it.
The narrative shifts between past and present while slowly revealing the family history and secrets that shaped the characters. There’s so much tangled up in this family: sibling rivalry, toxic masculinity, generational trauma, envy and the weight of family legacy. There’s also this constant struggle for power that extends from the family into Costa Rican politics along with a lot of metaphorical and philosophical undertones that I really appreciated.
The writing is lyrical, lush and atmospheric. There was so much gorgeous imagery and I loved how Arias was able to make this story feel ancient and mythological while still being firmly rooted in Costa Rica. It almost felt like a biblical family tragedy mixed with a very dark telenovela.
There are a LOT of characters and family histories to keep track of so I was very grateful to have received a physical copy from Bloomsbury to read along with the audiobook. The nonlinear structure worked really well for me and I really appreciated how expansive it felt.
Overall, I was completely immersed in this but it took a little time to get there. So despite ultimately loving it there is something keeping it from a full 5 star read for me personally. Still a wonderful book that I’d absolutely recommend and so glad I read!
Thanks again to Bloomsbury publishing and NetGalley for the ALC and physical review copy!
An exiled brother plotting revenge on his own family makes for a pretty brutal premise and I wasn’t sure what to expect but this story was dark, layered and tragic. I was completely immersed and really enjoyed it.
The narrative shifts between past and present while slowly revealing the family history and secrets that shaped the characters. There’s so much tangled up in this family: sibling rivalry, toxic masculinity, generational trauma, envy and the weight of family legacy. There’s also this constant struggle for power that extends from the family into Costa Rican politics along with a lot of metaphorical and philosophical undertones that I really appreciated.
The writing is lyrical, lush and atmospheric. There was so much gorgeous imagery and I loved how Arias was able to make this story feel ancient and mythological while still being firmly rooted in Costa Rica. It almost felt like a biblical family tragedy mixed with a very dark telenovela.
There are a LOT of characters and family histories to keep track of so I was very grateful to have received a physical copy from Bloomsbury to read along with the audiobook. The nonlinear structure worked really well for me and I really appreciated how expansive it felt.
Overall, I was completely immersed in this but it took a little time to get there. So despite ultimately loving it there is something keeping it from a full 5 star read for me personally. Still a wonderful book that I’d absolutely recommend and so glad I read!
Thanks again to Bloomsbury publishing and NetGalley for the ALC and physical review copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ARC Review✨
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Books for the eARC of this novel!
Seth has been living in exile in Washington DC with his family for the last 10 years away from his home country of Costa Rica. While watching a nature documentary, he remembers a traumatizing event from his childhood, which causes him to create a plan to deal with the younger brother who betrayed him.
This book is beautifully written and the author does a great job of painting a picture for the reader. I really enjoyed the fact that this novel moved back and forth between present day and flashbacks so you could understand the motivations of Seth and his family members.
My only complaint with this novel, and it is minor, is that the first two-thirds of the book is building toward what the reader feels like is the climax. Then the event happens and, as the reader, I was sitting there wondering, where does the book go from here?
I also want to give bonus points to this book for having DC as a setting and mentioning real places and neighborhoods that were not exclusively Georgetown and DuPont Circle. When the author mentions the Chipotle right across the Calvert Street Bridge, it was fun to know exactly where that is in the city.
If you are looking for a literary fiction revenge story, with some historical fiction thrown in, or want a book that explains a lot about Costa Rica, you will definitely enjoy this novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Books for the eARC of this novel!
Seth has been living in exile in Washington DC with his family for the last 10 years away from his home country of Costa Rica. While watching a nature documentary, he remembers a traumatizing event from his childhood, which causes him to create a plan to deal with the younger brother who betrayed him.
This book is beautifully written and the author does a great job of painting a picture for the reader. I really enjoyed the fact that this novel moved back and forth between present day and flashbacks so you could understand the motivations of Seth and his family members.
My only complaint with this novel, and it is minor, is that the first two-thirds of the book is building toward what the reader feels like is the climax. Then the event happens and, as the reader, I was sitting there wondering, where does the book go from here?
I also want to give bonus points to this book for having DC as a setting and mentioning real places and neighborhoods that were not exclusively Georgetown and DuPont Circle. When the author mentions the Chipotle right across the Calvert Street Bridge, it was fun to know exactly where that is in the city.
If you are looking for a literary fiction revenge story, with some historical fiction thrown in, or want a book that explains a lot about Costa Rica, you will definitely enjoy this novel.
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