I didn't get a chance to finish and review this book before it’s publication date. It was a very emotional read for me given I found the opening unfortunately relatable. That said, once I picked it back up, I really enjoyed it. I did find it to drag in parts and did skim over a few bits which is why the drop of one star.

Gabino Iglesias is a skilled writer who produces novels that viscerally had to read. House of Bone and Rain definitely fits this pattern.

This is a story about friends who would do anything for one another, which leads them down some dark paths when the mother of one of the crew is murdered. We follow this group of friends as they hunt down those who were involved in her death, going on a gore filled revenge rampage.

I wouldn’t say this was an enjoyable novel, but it felt moving and powerful to read. I particularly loved reading the sections reflecting on life in Puerto Rico.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for access to this work in exchange for an honest review!

This was a super violent book....i was not expecting that. There was lots of action but a lot to unpack with this one. it was a very heavy, emotional read. which is unlike most books i usually read. altogether i did like the paranormal aspect and the need for revenge. i would say its a middle of the road read for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias!

It was alright. Not my favorite, but also not the worst. A good introduction to the author for new readers of the books.

With HOUSE OF BONE AND RAIN, Gabino Iglesias hits your gut and heart and leaves your senses reeling.

Mainly narrated by young Gabe, what begins as a story of revenge for the murder of his best friend's mother at the gun of gangsters, swiftly turns into a hurricane-force story of witchcraft, elder gods, and eldritch horror. The living and the dead warp reality and leave the reader not knowing who to trust.

Yet, amongst the maelstrom, Iglesias gives us a story of brotherly love and devotion that is reminiscent of Stephen King's THE BODY (later a movie called Stand By Me). He also clues us into the reality of not only Puerto Rico during the devastating Hurricane Maria, but also we get a glimpse into the proud history and present struggles of the people that island.

This is not a tale for the feint of heart. It's brutal and raw. However, it's also beautiful and hopeful, and necessary.

Another wonderful barrio-noir piece from Iglesias. I devoured this book and loved every moment. Gabino is a must-read, and must-purchase, author. I will be first in line for his next offering.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. Gabino Iglesias is truly a masterful storyteller. This novel took the reader on a journey through a land and with characters that were vibrant and tragic. The story was heartbreaking and gripping in its universal story that people will go to great lengths for those they love.

Gabino Iglesias is a writer whose work I eagerly keep an eye out for. The Devil Take You Home blew my mind in the best way, and I was thrilled to get a copy of House of Bone and Rain. It did not disappoint, and contains his trademark mix of nuanced characterization, horror, and subtle supernatural menace. Highly recommend this to fellow horror lovers, and I will be happily awaiting his next book.

Gabino Iglesias is such a gifted author, and this is his best yet. He had my heartstrings in his fist within the first few pages of this book, and then dragged me feelings-first through all the stages of grief and back again. This is grief horror but also revenge horror; its cosmic horror, but rooted in gritty reality. This book is full of righteousness and fear and love, and it was also damn entertaining. I can't wait to read whatever he does next. I'll have the tissues ready beforehand next time, and won't try to read it on my lunch break.

I was not able to read and review this book before it’s published date but now that I have read it I gave it 3 1/2 stars

**House of Bone and Rain** by Gabino Iglesias is a haunting masterpiece that seamlessly blends horror, noir, and the themes of family loyalty. Set in the evocative backdrop of Puerto Rico, the story follows Gabe and his friends as they embark on a quest for revenge following the murder of Bimbo's mother. Iglesias masterfully weaves supernatural elements with the gritty realities of life, creating a gripping and atmospheric narrative. The characters are vividly developed, and their struggles resonate deeply. The relentless pacing keeps readers hooked from start to finish. This novel is a testament to Iglesias's exceptional talent, earning a well-deserved 5/5 stars for its compelling storytelling and profound emotional depth.

Thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

Gabino Iglesias is a true rising star. He gets better with each book and House of Bone and Rain is Iglesias at the height of his powers. You will be disturbed and yet unable to put the book down. It doesn't get much better than this.

Gabino Iglesias has proven, once again, that he is a master of his craft. Equal parts gritty, heart-wrenching, and darkly beautiful, House of Bone and Rain weaves a narrative that takes its readers to the depths of the horror of loss and the ripples grief begins can quickly turn to drowning waves.

This Thriller set in Puerto Rico was heartbreaking and beautiful. Suffice level it’s about 5 best friends trying to avenge the killing of Bimbo mother. This book has such a more deeper meaning especially for a Boricua like me. It hits on the hurricane that hit the island and the government not helping the residents. The US and PR government being corrupt. The gentrification in the island the power outages because of LUMA. The struggle of Boricua that live in the island wanting to stay but most choosing to leave because of how bad the economy is in Puerto Rico for its residents. This book was a little dark, sad mysteries but overall a great read.

Thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing me an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced digital copy of this book. But as usual, my mood reading brain took over and I was unable to even start this book until I could listen to it. And honestly, I think that’s the best way for me to experience Iglesias’ books. I did the same with his previous novel, "The Devil Takes You Home”, and I was not disappointed. This was no exception. The narration, the authenticity of the accents is what made this an experience I’m glad I waited for. I would not have been able to read it the same way the narrators did. If anyone is able to listen to the audiobook, I highly recommend that route.

Gabino Iglesias writes horror in a way that is scarily realistic. It’s not your slasher, or your monsters that go bump in the night. Rather, it’s the drug dealer with a conscience, it’s your friend who has to resort to violence to avenge his mother’s murder. Like with “The Devil Takes You Home”, “House of Bone and Rain” has a dash of the supernatural.

I enjoyed the storyline. There were perhaps one or two chapters that I feel didn’t go with the story, but did add to the experience. Iglesias does this trick within his chapters where he starts off with a seemingly unrelated topic, only to bring it all together within a sentence. Though written well, and engaging, Iglesias lost me when it became too supernatural. This did not take away from all of his fantastic set ups for twists that left me gasping in surprise. However, I just didn’t see the point of some of the characters (when you read it, you’ll know what I mean).

This novel is told from multiple points of views, with a pace that varied between medium and fast.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, so much so that I even recommended it to my boyfriend as I was finishing the novel. If you enjoyed “The Devil Takes You Home”, you’ll likely enjoy this one as well. To be fully transparent, I prefer “The Devil Takes You Home” in comparison.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? This was a stunning read. Grief, camaraderie and the occult deftly woven together to create a complex yet heartfelt tale. Gabino Iglesias is a master of his craft.

Raw and evocative writing. Read this if you are in the mood for an intense dark story with some violence. Will definitely read more from this author.

Five teenagers in Puerto Rico come together to avenge the murder of one of their mothers. Visceral and very violent, Iglasias adds a supernatural element to this revenge tale, which works pretty well. I definitely want to read more of his work.

Thank you, Mulholland Group Publishing for the ARC!

3/5 Stars

This book immediately caught my eye, but I was not prepared for what was to come. I admit, I am one of those Americans that has extremely limited knowledge and understanding of Puerto Rico, and I appreciate Iglesias for his vulnerable and informative way of writing some of this history into his novel. Following a group of men living on the island, Iglesias weaves in the struggles of Puerto Rico as an annex to the United States and its tumultuous relationship with the world, as well as documenting what feels like a personal struggle with Hurricane Maria.

What felt off from me was the motivations for the main character and his relationship to others. He is hard-headed and has a one-track mind, while also keeping his thoughts focused on the bigger picture of his hometown. I sympathized for him as horrors ravaged his world, but I couldn't quite figure him out and thought his decisions were a bit too "out there." While I can get with vengeance as a motivator, some of the circumstances weren't quite dire enough for the results.

I also was a bit baffled by the creatures that showed up at the end, which did feel a little rushed.

Overall though, I thought this was a great book to delve into for spooky season, especially with a location I'm not familiar with.