Such Wicked Things

The Salazar Chronicles #1

by Richard Cárdenas Jr.

A YA LGBTQ reimagining of the 1932 classic horror film "White Zombie" with a fantasy twist!

Teenage couple Julian Salazar and Ezra Langston are engaged and everything is going perfectly as planned... until they arrive home to be married at Julian's family estate and all hell breaks loose. Julian's best friend, Luke, still has feelings for him and upon hearing of Julian's impending marriage, he turns to a local sorcerer and devices a disturbing plan to put a spell on the love of his life.

While carrying out his own demented plan to turn the entire town of Mistwood Falls into zombies, dark sorcerer Alistair Graves, becomes infatuated with a new arrival in town... and it just so happens to be Julian. Alistair wants the boy for his personal collection and nothing is going to stop him.

Genres: Horror

231 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2019

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

I am a HUGE fan of Richard's so I was excited to be able to get to read this. If you like horror retellings you will enjoy this novel. Based on the horror classic "White Zombie" but with a steampunk atmosphere and modern humor.

The book is based around a love triangle, but the romance isn't gross. I typically hate romance in novels because it can be over-the-top. Ezra, Luke and Julian's interactions often coincided with humor which I liked. It's also easy to pick a favorite (#TeamLuke!)

While this is a horror love story, it is more eerie/creepy rather than truly terrifying so if you're a lightweight or new to the genre this is a solid read.

Just like Richard's previous novels, this a spooky and fast-paced read. Perfect for a fall TBR or Halloween readathon.

[Ruth Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a 10 star rating I would.... This author has a way of making a female character so tough but still lovable.... Even if she is not the main character.... I never expected that from a male author... Many male authors tend to make the female characters to damsel in distress... But not this author.... When he writes a female character she will be tough or not written in at all... The humor, in here despite there being zombies is the best way to have read something like this... But once again his books were way to short... But I understand that since this book is a part of a series you don't want to give to much to soon... I can not wait for book 2 ...

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read middle grade/younger YA, but I enjoy Richard's Youtube channel, thought the book sounded interesting, and wanted to support him. I agree with other reviewers that this book mostly reads more like a middle grade novel than YA, aside from a couple brief mentions of some more adult topics that wouldn't really be suited for that younger audience. That said, this was still a fun read, managing to be enough different from the plot of White Zombie that you didn't know everything that was coming even if you knew that story. I might have liked at least one of the love interests to be a bit of a better person in the end, but that would have made for a different story. This was quick and I definitely enjoyed it enough that I'm interested in following up with the sequel when it's published.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending! OMG! I need book two today, Mr. Cardenas. Read this on my phone's Kindle app and devoured it in one-sitting with a PSL at my side. The atmosphere, suspense, and magic kept me on the edge of my seat. I nearly spilt my latte reading the last three pages. I cannot wait for the second book to be released in 2020. The only thing I would've preferred more of is the world building but I guess that is what the next book is for which in that case I don't mind. 4/5 would highly recommend for fans of The Raven Boys and The Mortal Instruments!

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating between 3.5/4

I enjoyed the journey this book took me. The writing was entertaining and very much the style of the author. It read to me as middle grade more than YA, however it gave me the feel of nostalgia as I read it. For the books I read when I was in middle school and high school. I also enjoyed that it was fast pace and still enjoyed the characters as the story progressed.

Really looking forward to reading the sequel.

[All is on books · Rating 4 out of 5]

o the drama.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it and can't wait for book 2!