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Jaguars and Other Game
1808 Rio de Janeiro. The Portuguese Court flees Napoleon to Brazil. For the first and only time in history, a European royal family transfers its capital to an American colony.
Maria Azevedo and her sister, Isabel, have spent years transporting gold through the jungle to Rio’s port. They can dispatch jaguars and smugglers with a crack of a whip, but the Prince Regent’s efforts to civilize the city have them looking over their shoulders. More soldiers. New laws. Full stocks.
Then the sisters’ childhood friend is wrongly imprisoned for murder.
Maria knows the only hope a Brazilian has for justice in the Court’s Rio is if someone drops the real murderer on the palace steps. The sisters recruit Victoria Cruz, a Portuguese refugee in service to Mad Queen Maria, and together they begin hunting a murderer through a city teeming with corruption.
The women soon discover a conspiracy that reaches the heart of the Portuguese court. To save their friend from execution, they’ll have to decide what they’re willing to risk for justice, love and family.
Maria Azevedo and her sister, Isabel, have spent years transporting gold through the jungle to Rio’s port. They can dispatch jaguars and smugglers with a crack of a whip, but the Prince Regent’s efforts to civilize the city have them looking over their shoulders. More soldiers. New laws. Full stocks.
Then the sisters’ childhood friend is wrongly imprisoned for murder.
Maria knows the only hope a Brazilian has for justice in the Court’s Rio is if someone drops the real murderer on the palace steps. The sisters recruit Victoria Cruz, a Portuguese refugee in service to Mad Queen Maria, and together they begin hunting a murderer through a city teeming with corruption.
The women soon discover a conspiracy that reaches the heart of the Portuguese court. To save their friend from execution, they’ll have to decide what they’re willing to risk for justice, love and family.
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2022
9 people are currently reading
4772 people want to read
About the author
Brynn Barineau
2 books50 followersOriginally from Atlanta, Georgia, Brynn Barineau graduated from American University with a bachelor’s in international studies and master’s in international communication. She moved to her husband’s native Rio de Janeiro after college with too many sweaters and not enough Portuguese and began writing as a way to process life in a new country. Her fiction is rooted in the power and possibilities of relationships across cultures. She’s now back in Atlanta rediscovering her hometown with her Brazilian-American family.
If she's not writing, Brynn is probably out walking her rescue dogs to the coffee shop to have a third morning coffee and chocolate croissant.
If she's not writing, Brynn is probably out walking her rescue dogs to the coffee shop to have a third morning coffee and chocolate croissant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 14, 2022
I loved this book! It checked so many boxes for me:
Fun, exciting, page-turning adventure (think Three Musketeers but with women, in Rio)
Made me curious enough about the historical setting to go read some Wikipedia articles, but I never felt like I had to look outside the book to understand the context (So I learned a lot while being entertained without feeling lectured at, which is basically the ideal way to learn, amiright?)
Bad ass female characters that actually come across like real women, not just sex-symbol super-hero style caricatures.
Laugh-out loud funny (the bakery scene! My favorite!)
...But also really thoughtful (but not pretentious) commentary on the social constructs
Plus a healthy dose of villains you love to hate getting their comeuppance
Such a great, fun read. So easy to get through but not just fluff. Just the kind of book I was looking for when I got my hands on it l.
**I also really recommend reading the author's note at the end-- a lot of times I skip those but this one is worth the time.**
Fun, exciting, page-turning adventure (think Three Musketeers but with women, in Rio)
Made me curious enough about the historical setting to go read some Wikipedia articles, but I never felt like I had to look outside the book to understand the context (So I learned a lot while being entertained without feeling lectured at, which is basically the ideal way to learn, amiright?)
Bad ass female characters that actually come across like real women, not just sex-symbol super-hero style caricatures.
Laugh-out loud funny (the bakery scene! My favorite!)
...But also really thoughtful (but not pretentious) commentary on the social constructs
Plus a healthy dose of villains you love to hate getting their comeuppance
Such a great, fun read. So easy to get through but not just fluff. Just the kind of book I was looking for when I got my hands on it l.
**I also really recommend reading the author's note at the end-- a lot of times I skip those but this one is worth the time.**
September 14, 2022
A story about trust, care, loyalty, and love, the author transports you to the nineteen century Rio de Janeiro, a year after the Portuguese Royal family flees Napoleon by transferring the Portuguese capital to Brazil. Sisters Maria and Isabel with the help of Victoria, a Portuguese maid, are battling to find the real murderer of Dom Antonio after their friend Mateus was wrongly accused, showing how women can fight and accomplish what they work for.
Maria, Isabel and Victoria have different personalities and qualities that together help them work as a team, find the murderer, and save their friend. All three are battling different emotions in their lives while working to find the real murderer. In the end, all three changed in a way. I love how they are all strong in mind, heart, and body.
This book kept me wanting more. I did not want to put the book down. It has action, passion, and drama. The author describes each scene so well that you can feel like you are in each of those scenes. Get ready to have your heart race when the sisters are fighting off the Bats and soldiers; or laugh at the events that happen at a bakery in Rio; or witness the diversity of humankind as you walk the streets of Rio.
Maria, Isabel and Victoria have different personalities and qualities that together help them work as a team, find the murderer, and save their friend. All three are battling different emotions in their lives while working to find the real murderer. In the end, all three changed in a way. I love how they are all strong in mind, heart, and body.
This book kept me wanting more. I did not want to put the book down. It has action, passion, and drama. The author describes each scene so well that you can feel like you are in each of those scenes. Get ready to have your heart race when the sisters are fighting off the Bats and soldiers; or laugh at the events that happen at a bakery in Rio; or witness the diversity of humankind as you walk the streets of Rio.
November 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much! I found 19th century Brazil to be an interesting and unique setting, but it was the strong female characters that I really loved. Their similarities and differences really shined, and the plot was well-paced with plenty of action and intrigue.
September 16, 2022
When Brazilian sisters Maria and Isabel come to the rescue of Portuguese maid Victoria on a beach in Rio, they don’t know their troubles have only just begun – at the same time, their childhood friend is framed for murder, and the only way to prove his innocence is by finding the real murderer.
I love historical novels. Colonial-era Brazil is bought to life as the three women hunt Rio and its surroundings for the murderer, and I was curious enough to look up the Prince Regent and the Mad Queen on Wikipedia. They were indeed very real. I never knew.
Still, you don’t need any background knowledge or encyclopedia to understand and enjoy this story. Maria and Isabel’s banter during fights reminds me (in a good way) of the Disney depiction of the Three Musketeers doing just that as they fight the cardinal’s guards. One for All, and All for One could indeed be the unspoken motto between the three protagonists.
This is a fast-paced adventure featuring diamonds, whips, chicken legs, and the odd snake, with a feel of Musketeers meeting Indiana Jones if they were all female. And an excellent murder mystery too.
I love historical novels. Colonial-era Brazil is bought to life as the three women hunt Rio and its surroundings for the murderer, and I was curious enough to look up the Prince Regent and the Mad Queen on Wikipedia. They were indeed very real. I never knew.
Still, you don’t need any background knowledge or encyclopedia to understand and enjoy this story. Maria and Isabel’s banter during fights reminds me (in a good way) of the Disney depiction of the Three Musketeers doing just that as they fight the cardinal’s guards. One for All, and All for One could indeed be the unspoken motto between the three protagonists.
This is a fast-paced adventure featuring diamonds, whips, chicken legs, and the odd snake, with a feel of Musketeers meeting Indiana Jones if they were all female. And an excellent murder mystery too.
September 10, 2022
Sisters Maria and Isabel are racing against the clock to find a killer in Rio de Janiero so that they can free their lifelong friend, Mateus, who has been framed for a crime he did not commit. Together with their newfound friend, Victoria, the women try to find out who wants the diamond smugglers of the city dead.
What a fun read! Reading Jaguars and Other game made me feel like I do when I watch a good action flick. There was never a dull moment, and the book was very fast paced. There lots of twists a d turns, and while it could be argued that some of the reveals were predictable, I thought the author still wrote things in a way that keeps the reader engaged.
The biggest allure of this nook is definitely the strong female characters. They were larger than life and could hold their own against seemingly impossible odds. I loved the distinctive personalities that Maria, Isabel, and Victoria had. They were so vibrant and unique from one another, but they worked well as a team. They reminded me a lot of the Three Musketeers.
What a fun read! Reading Jaguars and Other game made me feel like I do when I watch a good action flick. There was never a dull moment, and the book was very fast paced. There lots of twists a d turns, and while it could be argued that some of the reveals were predictable, I thought the author still wrote things in a way that keeps the reader engaged.
The biggest allure of this nook is definitely the strong female characters. They were larger than life and could hold their own against seemingly impossible odds. I loved the distinctive personalities that Maria, Isabel, and Victoria had. They were so vibrant and unique from one another, but they worked well as a team. They reminded me a lot of the Three Musketeers.
November 19, 2022
A delightful find!
I love historical novels, especially ones with strong female characters, but I also really enjoy a good murder mystery. Jaguars and Other Game is both!
It's 1808 in Brazil, a time and place I was totally unfamiliar with, and that's what initially drew me in. The story centers around a trio of women who team up to figure out who assassinated a wealthy client in Rio while racing against the clock to keep a friend framed for the murder from being executed.
Our heroines battle against conniving royals, corrupt officials, a changing city, and a mysterious American. They often find themselves in some tight spots but it turns out these fearless three can fight with the best of them and they navigate their way with some sly escapes, a few lucky breaks and a whole lot of witty repartee!
The twists and turns in this unique setting made for a real page-turner. I took it with me on vacation and couldn’t put it down.
Two thumbs up for this debut novel by author Brynn Barineau. She’s one to watch and I look forward to reading her next book!
(Oh, and spoiler alert: I just ordered a bunch of copies, so if you’re on my gift list this year, you'll be getting one!)
I love historical novels, especially ones with strong female characters, but I also really enjoy a good murder mystery. Jaguars and Other Game is both!
It's 1808 in Brazil, a time and place I was totally unfamiliar with, and that's what initially drew me in. The story centers around a trio of women who team up to figure out who assassinated a wealthy client in Rio while racing against the clock to keep a friend framed for the murder from being executed.
Our heroines battle against conniving royals, corrupt officials, a changing city, and a mysterious American. They often find themselves in some tight spots but it turns out these fearless three can fight with the best of them and they navigate their way with some sly escapes, a few lucky breaks and a whole lot of witty repartee!
The twists and turns in this unique setting made for a real page-turner. I took it with me on vacation and couldn’t put it down.
Two thumbs up for this debut novel by author Brynn Barineau. She’s one to watch and I look forward to reading her next book!
(Oh, and spoiler alert: I just ordered a bunch of copies, so if you’re on my gift list this year, you'll be getting one!)
October 2, 2022
Being a native of Rio and a fan of historical fiction, I was delighted to read Jaguar and Other Game. Brynn Barineau brought to life the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beauty of early XIX Century Rio de Janeiro through the lens of three fierce young women in their quest to fight for family, friendship, justice, and love. What I liked the most was how dynamic the narrative was. It feels like you are running nonstop with the protagonists from adventure to adventure. I loved the action scenes. They make you think you are watching one of those Indiana Jones impossible escaping scenes. I wish the story just kept going with the protagonists chasing another mystery murderer, but I think I'll have to wait for a sequel. So much fun!
September 16, 2022
Five swashbuckling stars for this action-packed (and I don't use that lightly) adventure! As a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, The Princess Bride, and using historical fiction as a jumping-off point to learn about people and places, Jaguars and Other Game was right up my alley--and just a TON of fun! I'll be buying my physical copy in November and will probably return to the tropical heat when I need a mood boost in the winter.
The setting is intriguing from the start: how did I not know that the entire Portuguese court packed up and fled the CONTINENT to escape Napoleon? Not doing things by halves, they made Rio de Janeiro the official capital and set out to settle in. The colonizers showing up on the doorstep of their colony with no warning? Yeah, the city's in total chaos.
Our three main characters in this marvelous mess span the major components of Rio society at this time: Maria, a free Black woman whose enslaved parents bought their freedom; Isabel, her adopted sister, whose parents were Indigenous; and Victoria, newly-arrived with the Portuguese royal court. Their personalities are fun contrasts: Maria is responsible and organized, dedicated to running her father's old mule train, with her childhood friend-or-more Mateus as the official male face of the group; Isabel is impulsive, eager to fight and to flirt, full of stories and laughter; and Victoria, quite different, is a shy servant to the elderly and mentally ill Queen Maria. Victoria's character growth is the greatest, and it feels earned.
(I have to make a quick note here that I was impressed by the at least somewhat plausible explanations for how our whip-, knife- and sword-wielding trio of valiant ladies picked up their skills and made their way in a man's world. They weren't completely modern-girl-in-a-historical-world rebels who did it all themselves--they had and got help when needed. So their level of skill doesn't seem that much more improbable than Zorro's.)
Shenanigans start right away when Isabel and Maria run afoul of some Bats--the brutal new royal guard harassing the city--and enact sweet, sweet revenge. During their distraction, Mateus winds up framed for murder and arrested by no less than the leader of the Bats himself, Vidigal.
Up against such a formidable opponent, Maria and Isabel know they'll need solid proof of Mateus's innocence to get him off, but it turns out it's not a simple matter to find a witness or a culprit. With help from an awed Victoria, they crisscross the city running into smugglers, criminals, slaves, Portuguese and British soldiers, Americans, conniving queens, dimwitted kings, and more. They crash a ball, a cart or two, and, well, more things than they can really afford to fix (though they do try).
Somehow, between the fencing-fighting-chases-escapes, we still get fun side characters as well as some actual depth to our main characters. Not enough to slow down the action--this is a swashbuckler, after all--but way more meat than I've seen in other books in this genre. We also get introduced to people and neighborhoods throughout the book, avoiding major plot-stopping info dumps, which is impressive considering just how much information there is to share!
My only big "complaint" is that the baddies are a bit obvious, but a) I was having so much fun that I didn't really mind; and b) the historical note and several different pages/citations on ye olde Wikipedia agree that one of them was actually pretty obvious in real life. Just in case you thought the setup wasn't strange-but-true enough!
Oh yeah, there's an excellent historical note in the back that breaks down what's true and what's a little fudged for effect, and also gives some insight into the author, who lived in Brazil for 15 years and married a Brazilian.
Overall, a great romping read perfect for the beach or days when you only wish you could be on one. Definitely recommended!
The setting is intriguing from the start: how did I not know that the entire Portuguese court packed up and fled the CONTINENT to escape Napoleon? Not doing things by halves, they made Rio de Janeiro the official capital and set out to settle in. The colonizers showing up on the doorstep of their colony with no warning? Yeah, the city's in total chaos.
Our three main characters in this marvelous mess span the major components of Rio society at this time: Maria, a free Black woman whose enslaved parents bought their freedom; Isabel, her adopted sister, whose parents were Indigenous; and Victoria, newly-arrived with the Portuguese royal court. Their personalities are fun contrasts: Maria is responsible and organized, dedicated to running her father's old mule train, with her childhood friend-or-more Mateus as the official male face of the group; Isabel is impulsive, eager to fight and to flirt, full of stories and laughter; and Victoria, quite different, is a shy servant to the elderly and mentally ill Queen Maria. Victoria's character growth is the greatest, and it feels earned.
(I have to make a quick note here that I was impressed by the at least somewhat plausible explanations for how our whip-, knife- and sword-wielding trio of valiant ladies picked up their skills and made their way in a man's world. They weren't completely modern-girl-in-a-historical-world rebels who did it all themselves--they had and got help when needed. So their level of skill doesn't seem that much more improbable than Zorro's.)
Shenanigans start right away when Isabel and Maria run afoul of some Bats--the brutal new royal guard harassing the city--and enact sweet, sweet revenge. During their distraction, Mateus winds up framed for murder and arrested by no less than the leader of the Bats himself, Vidigal.
Up against such a formidable opponent, Maria and Isabel know they'll need solid proof of Mateus's innocence to get him off, but it turns out it's not a simple matter to find a witness or a culprit. With help from an awed Victoria, they crisscross the city running into smugglers, criminals, slaves, Portuguese and British soldiers, Americans, conniving queens, dimwitted kings, and more. They crash a ball, a cart or two, and, well, more things than they can really afford to fix (though they do try).
Somehow, between the fencing-fighting-chases-escapes, we still get fun side characters as well as some actual depth to our main characters. Not enough to slow down the action--this is a swashbuckler, after all--but way more meat than I've seen in other books in this genre. We also get introduced to people and neighborhoods throughout the book, avoiding major plot-stopping info dumps, which is impressive considering just how much information there is to share!
My only big "complaint" is that the baddies are a bit obvious, but a) I was having so much fun that I didn't really mind; and b) the historical note and several different pages/citations on ye olde Wikipedia agree that one of them was actually pretty obvious in real life. Just in case you thought the setup wasn't strange-but-true enough!
Oh yeah, there's an excellent historical note in the back that breaks down what's true and what's a little fudged for effect, and also gives some insight into the author, who lived in Brazil for 15 years and married a Brazilian.
Overall, a great romping read perfect for the beach or days when you only wish you could be on one. Definitely recommended!
October 10, 2022
Like land pirates on an adventure to rescue their friend from the clutches of tyranny and corruption. Maria and Isabel are sisters running a mule train through the jungles of Brazil into Rio, which is a great cover for diamond smuggling. Maria is a strong leader protecting her team with her second Mateus. When they pull into Rio to unload their train Isabel runs afoul of the local constables, called Bats who have stepped up all law enforcement since the Portugese royal family moved their court to Rio to escape Napoleon's invasion of Portugal. When Mateus is framed for the murder of one of their wealthy diamond buyers, the sisters engage the help of a maid from the castle named Victoria, who they saved from an attack on the beach. Initially Victoria is just looking for information about Mateus's situation but as her friendship with the sisters grows so does her involvment in their activities.
The first appeal to me was the adventure of two sisters forging their own destiny in a time period where they might otherwise be slaved, Maria because she was black, and Isabel because she was indigenous. I loved Victoria, who at first was a very submissive and poorly treated maid of the crazy old queen, and how she grew in strength and confidence through her friendship with Isabel. I liked the slight romantic tension between the two girls. I liked reading something in this era of history, I had no idea that Rio had served as the capitol of the Portugese empire at any point, and reading about that time period was very interesting to me. I loved the view of the inter relationships and internal politics of the Portugese royal family and nobility from the perspective of servants and lower class Brazilians.
The first appeal to me was the adventure of two sisters forging their own destiny in a time period where they might otherwise be slaved, Maria because she was black, and Isabel because she was indigenous. I loved Victoria, who at first was a very submissive and poorly treated maid of the crazy old queen, and how she grew in strength and confidence through her friendship with Isabel. I liked the slight romantic tension between the two girls. I liked reading something in this era of history, I had no idea that Rio had served as the capitol of the Portugese empire at any point, and reading about that time period was very interesting to me. I loved the view of the inter relationships and internal politics of the Portugese royal family and nobility from the perspective of servants and lower class Brazilians.
October 29, 2022
Still reading this book but had to take a second to write a review because I have been genuinely loving it so far. It has pretty much everything I like in a novel - suspense, mystery, wit, and unapologetically strong female leads. This is my pre-bedtime read and I have found myself staying up way too late because it's hard to put down! I can't wait to finish it, but at the same time don't want it to be over.
October 10, 2022
Thank you so much to the author and publisher for an early copy of this novel!
This was a high energy and action packed novel that reminded me of three musketeers mixed with a little bit of the mask of zorro and three women who get to have all the fun fight scenes! It’s a little bit of learning about the history of Rio (something I really had no clue about), a little bit of a murder mystery and a whole lot of action!
Reading this made me want to not only visit Rio, but also read anything I can get my hands on about Rio or set in Brazil!
***Because the story includes bipoc main characters, I strongly encourage other readers to read the authors note in the back of the novel regarding this.***
This was a high energy and action packed novel that reminded me of three musketeers mixed with a little bit of the mask of zorro and three women who get to have all the fun fight scenes! It’s a little bit of learning about the history of Rio (something I really had no clue about), a little bit of a murder mystery and a whole lot of action!
Reading this made me want to not only visit Rio, but also read anything I can get my hands on about Rio or set in Brazil!
***Because the story includes bipoc main characters, I strongly encourage other readers to read the authors note in the back of the novel regarding this.***
November 29, 2022
I am so happy I read this book-- it was exactly the escape I needed right now. The author transports you to the world of Rio de Janeiro in the early 1800’s and right into the lives of three very different women. Without giving too much away, the desire to save a friend (who’s been accused of murder) from execution has the women racing around Rio de Janeiro to find a real murderer. They must do so while contending with the gender, class, and race dynamics of their time. (Spoiler: that isn’t easy!)
I was completely there for the adventure, mystery, love, and friendship in this book. It was so refreshing to read a story about three strong, independent women unapologetically kicking ass! I found myself holding my breath multiple times throughout the book and had a big smile on my face at the end.
Highly recommend this read!
I was completely there for the adventure, mystery, love, and friendship in this book. It was so refreshing to read a story about three strong, independent women unapologetically kicking ass! I found myself holding my breath multiple times throughout the book and had a big smile on my face at the end.
Highly recommend this read!
November 19, 2022
This story was so much fun! It felt like it was Six of Crows solving a mystery, but set in Brazil in 1808. This historical fiction novel centers on three young women who represent different parts of the Portuguese society and their journey to solve a mystery, free a friend, and possibly stop a coup. Overall, and absolutely thrilling read with awesome characters!
October 30, 2022
Jaguars and Other Game is a fun historical fiction that has been one of the bright spots of my day during the last few weeks. I study women in late 18th-early 19th century America, so it was awesome to read a depiction of women in the same time as my interests, but in different location. From the outset, it's clear that Barineau cares about her main characters and knows how to write women - her protagonists are strong and each have distinct personalities and motivations. Imagine The Hunger Games, but with 3 unique Katniss Everdeens in Rio and its surrounding jungle. Despite being about characters in the early 19th century, the dialogue feels fresh and the tone is upbeat and fun! This book is packed with action and energy with a mystery at its heart, and it always left me wanting to read one more chapter before bed.
November 6, 2022
WOW! I am blown away by the creativity and quick witted writing of this novel. From the first page, there is action and lovability in all 3 of the main characters; Maria, Isabel and Victoria. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the nuances that made each girl tick, and seeing how ultimately their lives intertwined to become a badass muleteer team.
Brynn Barineau was able to combine grit, awesome adventure fight scenes, suspense at every turn and genuine heart all into one story inspired by the beautiful background of Brazil in the 1800s. I absolutely loved that the story was centered around 3 strong women in such a time period. I am such a sucker for finding out the truth that exists in historical fiction, so I loved reading the author’s note at the end. Such a fascinating history that we as Americans especially have no clue about; I will definitely be googling Carlota Joaquina.
10/10 would recommend!!!
Brynn Barineau was able to combine grit, awesome adventure fight scenes, suspense at every turn and genuine heart all into one story inspired by the beautiful background of Brazil in the 1800s. I absolutely loved that the story was centered around 3 strong women in such a time period. I am such a sucker for finding out the truth that exists in historical fiction, so I loved reading the author’s note at the end. Such a fascinating history that we as Americans especially have no clue about; I will definitely be googling Carlota Joaquina.
10/10 would recommend!!!
November 8, 2022
The story is very engaging and inserts aspects of Brazil imperial period with references that brings you back in time.
Being from Rio but leaving abroad, it brought memories from the streets and buildings from the old parts of the city and the history books.
The fantasy story line is well written and entertains.
Being from Rio but leaving abroad, it brought memories from the streets and buildings from the old parts of the city and the history books.
The fantasy story line is well written and entertains.
October 20, 2022
This is a genre I don't typically read and covers a period of time that I don't know a lot about, but I'm thankful to have read it! I loved the strong female leads - each of which I found myself relating to in some way. Their strong character development along with the immersive action scenes painted a detailed picture of the climate of Rio during this time.
December 4, 2022
Some books really grab you and once read can never be forgotten. Jaguars and Other Game is such a book. Not only is it brilliantly executed, but it is also utterly enthralling from start to finish.
The attention to the historical detail has to be commended. The author has certainly done her homework and this shines clearly through. Likewise, I thought the author had created a cast of very believable characters.
If you enjoy quality historical fiction then this book has to be on your to-read list. I highly recommend it.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
The attention to the historical detail has to be commended. The author has certainly done her homework and this shines clearly through. Likewise, I thought the author had created a cast of very believable characters.
If you enjoy quality historical fiction then this book has to be on your to-read list. I highly recommend it.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
December 22, 2022
Such a fun adventure romp through the wilds of the Brazilian forest and the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro. And with female protagonists! If you're looking for a fast read with lots of adventure scenes and characters that will charm you, Jaguars & Other Game is the perfect vacation read.
October 9, 2022
This book completely transported me to Rio. It’s a fun, page-turning adventure inspired by The Three Musketeers. As the main characters, three fierce women, work against the clock to solve a crime and save a colleague they learn a great deal about each other, and their own strengths and motivations.
October 4, 2022
I found this book really good and easy to read. I did have to look up a few translations because I don’t really know much about Brazil. It’s definitely fascinating to learn about a doffe culture.
November 2, 2022
I’m very new to reading historical fiction, but Jaguars and Other Game has been the BEST introduction to the genre! Upon being thrust into the story, readers are immediately able to visualize the elaborate adventure scenes as though they’re watching an action movie. I was so absorbed in the plot that I seriously could not put this book down!
One of my favorite aspects of the novel is how empowered it made me feel. Three women protagonists who possess such different - yet uniquely valuable - qualities embark on incredible adventures, and as a reader, I felt as though I could even conquer the world! Seeing aspects of your own personality reflected in characters is always an indication of a thoughtfully-written novel. The author was clearly very considerate in her portrayal of each individual character and their subsequent development throughout the book, and this became such a stand-out feature to me.
On the whole, I loved being able to learn about Brazilian culture and history, especially since the setting is not a time period or geographical location that I know much about. However, I really believe Jaguars and Other Game could set a precedent for future historical fiction novels that take place during frequently overlooked points in history. I also believe this is the only book I’ve read that demonstrates such a wide range of the many types of strength women possess. So, if you want to read a novel that is truly unique in a myriad of different ways, this is undeniably the book for you. I absolutely loved it!
One of my favorite aspects of the novel is how empowered it made me feel. Three women protagonists who possess such different - yet uniquely valuable - qualities embark on incredible adventures, and as a reader, I felt as though I could even conquer the world! Seeing aspects of your own personality reflected in characters is always an indication of a thoughtfully-written novel. The author was clearly very considerate in her portrayal of each individual character and their subsequent development throughout the book, and this became such a stand-out feature to me.
On the whole, I loved being able to learn about Brazilian culture and history, especially since the setting is not a time period or geographical location that I know much about. However, I really believe Jaguars and Other Game could set a precedent for future historical fiction novels that take place during frequently overlooked points in history. I also believe this is the only book I’ve read that demonstrates such a wide range of the many types of strength women possess. So, if you want to read a novel that is truly unique in a myriad of different ways, this is undeniably the book for you. I absolutely loved it!
November 21, 2022
Jaguars and Other Game is such a fun read. I couldn’t get enough of sisters Maria and Isabel, plus their new friend Victoria. The story is full of adventure, loyalty, daring, devotion, humor, and strong women. I couldn’t put it down because I had to see what the sisters were up to next! So much action!
The story takes place in Rio de Janeiro in the 1800s during Portuguese rule, a time and place I knew nothing about. I enjoyed delving into this world with Maria and Isabel as my guides on this exciting adventure!
The story takes place in Rio de Janeiro in the 1800s during Portuguese rule, a time and place I knew nothing about. I enjoyed delving into this world with Maria and Isabel as my guides on this exciting adventure!
November 17, 2022
Jaguars and Other Game is a delightful page-turner from debut novelist Brynn Barineau.
Sisters Isabel and Maria brandish attitude and kinship along with whips and knives.
Queen's assistant turned maid Victoria rounds out the bold trio of female warriors who are on a quest for justice in the steamy, lush setting of Rio. This is a great holiday gift for readers of history and historical fiction, those who enjoy murder mysteries, and for the fiction lovers in your life.
Sisters Isabel and Maria brandish attitude and kinship along with whips and knives.
Queen's assistant turned maid Victoria rounds out the bold trio of female warriors who are on a quest for justice in the steamy, lush setting of Rio. This is a great holiday gift for readers of history and historical fiction, those who enjoy murder mysteries, and for the fiction lovers in your life.
January 22, 2023
Loved this! Strong characters, an exciting storyline- all wrapped in and around thoroughly researched true historical events. (Who knew the entire royal court fled Portugal for the new world???)
Bonus- the author writes in a voice that’s whip smart with unexpected zings of humor laced throughout. Next book, please!
Bonus- the author writes in a voice that’s whip smart with unexpected zings of humor laced throughout. Next book, please!
October 17, 2022
The adventure starts in the first paragraph and continues to the climatic ending. Brynn Barineau has skillfully elevated the once traditional male version of the Three Musketeers to compelling female characters: Maria, Isabel, and Victoria. Set in 1809 Rio de Janeiro, this page-turner will pull you into their saga. Debut novelist Barineau has made an indelible mark in the world of historical fiction. I highly recommend Jaguars and Other Game and look forward to her next book.
November 21, 2022
Loved the diverse female leads in non-stop action! The Rio setting was a great change of pace from the adventure books I usually read. Excited to see more from this author.
December 14, 2022
This book is a beautiful combination of adventure, mystery, humor and romance. I enjoyed every page!
November 19, 2022
I enjoyed the story of family, chosen loved ones, and community that Barineau has written here, she has used the history, setting, time, and people that would have existed in Brazil under very restrictive and brutal conditions to create a believable world. The strength that each women possesses is a testament to the drive and inner badass that resides within. Using the historical foundation for Brazil in this time allowed Ba4ineau to construct a tale that would explore facts while playing with establishing her characters.
This was an easy and engaging read that centred women and the bonds they form and how tenacity and determination can drive actions when it comes to saving the ones that mean the most.
This was an easy and engaging read that centred women and the bonds they form and how tenacity and determination can drive actions when it comes to saving the ones that mean the most.
November 15, 2023
A first tine author hit it out of the park! Kept you guessing till the end
Very enjoyable read. The characters were unique in their own way.
Quick easy read
Very enjoyable read. The characters were unique in their own way.
Quick easy read
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