I loved Gabino Iglesias's book The Devil Takes You Home. It is eerie and spellbinding, and this book is equally spellbinding and suspenseful, with interesting characters.

Gabe, Bimbo, Xavier, and Tavo are friends with tighter bonds than most blood brothers. Their pact of defending each other goes back to their childhoods in Puerto Rico and still holds today: mess with one, and you mess with all four. When the island's leading drug dealer kills Bimbo's mother, they vow to get revenge for her. They quickly realize they are in over their heads when they discover the drug kingpin's allies are not of this world and are not easily killed. Can their determination overcome evil spirits as well as their human enemies?

This interweaving of myths and legends provides an intriguing plot that is the basis of the dangers the friends face. As the four face formidable obstacles in their quest for vengeance, the reader watches as each character transitions into manhood. A story of love, revenge, and loyalty, this powerful book tests the bonds of loyalty and reality. 4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Mulholland Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is August 6, 2024.

A story of friendship and revenge with both real-world and supernatural evils set in Puerto Rico. I could not have predicted the turns this took. Great for fans of stories of childhood friendships and what we are willing to do for the ones that we love.

House of Bone and Rain will be in my top reads for 2024, no question about it. I fell in love with Gabino Iglesias’ writing style in The Devil Takes You Home and could not wait to get my hands on his latest.

This one was so good and lived up to the expectations I prematurely set in my mind and I am so happy about it. I loved all the characters and felt all the feels! There was a good bit of heartbreak in this one, I’m not gonna lie to you. There’s plenty for horror fans, we have grief horror (my fave!) coming of age, creatures and dark magic, plenty of bloodshed, ghosts, it's just so good! I think it’s the perfect read to end the summer with on the beach, just don’t get too close to the water.

Many thanks to Mulholland Books for my eARC. House of Bone and Rain will be published 8/6.

4.5 stars

This is a fast-paced, action packed, inventive novel that features a tightly knit group of characters doing the absolute most in the face of all kinds of super/natural forces.

My first thought upon finishing this novel was that I have to read _The Devil Takes You Home_: a good sign, of course.

Iglesias builds a world in which vengeance, allegiance, duty, and surprises test the central characters. But these characters are not mired in their struggle to the point of stasis; they persist, grow individually (in some cases), and learn more about the value of their community as they toil.

I loved the style, pacing, genre mixing, setting, and characterization and cannot wait to listen to the audio when it is available. Though the writing is thoughtful and incredibly aesthetically pleasing, nothing about this book ever feels inaccessible. It *does* feel very innovative.

Iglesias is new to me, but I hope to get quite familiar with all of his past and forthcoming literary efforts.

The biggest thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Riddled with painstakingly elegant prose, Gabino Iglesias’s House of Bone and Rain feels like a revenge tale crafted with raw brutality and unyielding violence yet carries the haunting undertone of a ghost story. Life for Gabe, Xaiver, Tavo, Paul, and Bimbo in Puerto Rico has been no walk in the park. Suffering and pain seem to be part of their DNA, but following the murder of Bimbo’s mother, a vow of revenge is taken by the five friends. Written with the force of a category five hurricane, Iglesias crafts an unforgettably jarring tale of devout devotion of the darkest variety.

House of Bone and Rain is a markedly impressive novel for many reasons, chiefly due to its ability to juggle so many ideas with ease and the strong sense of style it showcases oh-so subtly. The very first pages impart a deeply arresting sense of devastating beauty from Iglesias that imparts an ominous, brooding tone not unlike the churning force of a tropical storm upgrading to hurricane status. Not only is Iglesias’s style equally captivating and dangerous, but the sense of place within House of Bone and Rain facilitates how this explosive story is told. Puerto Rico is undoubtedly a character here, one that is deeply wounded by the wrath of Hurricane Maria. And what a wrath she has. The juxtaposition of beauty and violence, elegance and destruction are executed so expertly that it’s hard to find words to sufficiently impart their power.

Beyond these factors of environment, the character dynamics and relationships read like a mature, darker version of Stephen King’s Loser’s Club from It. Told from various perspectives, this group of friends is a deeply bonded group of individuals who are willing to sacrifice themselves for others, a brotherhood. Gabe, Xavier, Tavo, Paul, and Bimbo are clearly presented as realistic men with unique internal struggles and flaws. Writing like this provides a layer of authenticity in their journey to exact revenge on Bimbo’s mother’s killer. And let me just say, this revenge business is a messy one. It’s the type of work that unearths the harsh truths of each man as we see especially through Gabe’s perspective. He experiences a plethora of emotions, realizations, and confrontations as he navigates this bloody, violent warpath in the name of justice. The result is a feeling of being haunted, each man coming to terms with the reality set before them.

“Todas las historias son historias de fantasmas. All stories are ghost stories.”

And here is where Iglesias really lets his sense of terror shine. The unending levels of anger and hurt experienced by this group of men prove to be a strong motivator for their exaction of repeated violence. Multiple scenes left me visibly wincing and tense as the road to justice is paved with pain. To add to this intensity, the implication of unknown supernatural evils delivered by Hurricane Maria ratchet the stakes of survival to one hundred. This unique blend of hard-to-describe atmospheric horror and sheer, graphic injury forms a boldly horrific narrative that will leave your nerves fried and your mind haunted.

“All stories are ghost stories, and some stories turn us into ghosts.”

With so much accomplished within a succinct novel, Gabino Iglesias’s House of Bone and Rain is an undeniable champion of the horror genre. It is a book that exists on a strong pedestal of place and character but thrives through its unyielding journey into bloody, raging revenge. Expertly juggling the supernatural, intense suspense, and unthinkable violence, House of Bone and Rain will leave you in a perfectly uncomfortable state.

This was so wonderful. Gabino really knows how to tell a story and keep you invested the whole way through.

The story starts off with a bang and dives deep into the culture of Puerto Rico, focusing heavy on the local lore and legends. This was an excellent mix of community caring for one another and facing supernatural (and also very real) horrors all thrown together. The story had a great pace to it and never felt dull or too wordy.

I really enjoy how Gabino writes their characters and develops them over the course of the story, there wasn’t a single character I wasn’t interested in. I was on the edge of my seat most of this book because of how invested I was in every single person.

This is a beautifully written story filled with brotherhood, doing what’s right (even if it doesn’t seem right) and taking care of those folks in your community because you know nobody else will.

House of Bone and Rain is a raw and violent revenge novel. The story follows a group of young adults bonded by loyalty and trauma as they hunt the killer of one boy's mother. From fighting gangs to navigating ancient lore and unseen forces, the friends work to do the impossible: take down the most powerful gang leader in Puerto Rico. While the boys battle physical and mental angst in their quest for justice, the island battles the destruction of Hurricane Maria.

The prose is raw and personal, and I often felt like I was reading a memoir instead of a work of fiction. At times, House of Bone and Rain was challenging to read - not because of the violence and gore but because of the anger and hurt reverberating through every page.

📚 Readability - 4/5 ⭐️'s
📚 Plot - 4/5 ⭐️'s
📚 Writing Style - 5/5 ⭐️'s
📚 Character Development - 5/5 ⭐️'s
📚 Gut Rating - 4.5/5 ⭐️'s

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of House of Rain and Bone.

This was a dark crime novel that left me feeling...not good. It is gritty, grim, and has some startling gruesome moments. I wish it had a more developed plot because it went in circles and didn't progress as smoothly as it should.

It claimed to be like Stand By Me but other than a friend group being involved is absolutely nothing like that. These are adult men who've done many crimes, not children losing their innocence as they experience life...and I wouldn't consider it a coming of age story so much as a gang revenge story about men who think they need to be "macho" (their word, not mine) to even the score and although they are ride or die for eachother they are also super toxic and mean to one another.

Also, the story tells rather than shows and the long winded discussion of the characters got tedious at times. I did like the Puerto Rican culture that was infused into the story and found the supernatural elements interesting enough to keep me engaged despite the parts I disliked.

I had a hard time with the multiple terrible descriptions of child deaths. It wasn't necessary for the story and it triggered me. When a baby's throat is slit and tongue pulled through the throat...it's just not readable and that wasn't the only mention of disgusting deaths of children. I contemplated DNFing a few times but was curious to see if the characters actually got vengeance or not so I kept reading but ultimately wished I hadn't. This is the second book by this author that has made me feel like this so I just don't think his storyline material and I really mesh. I love horror and I am all for revenge stories but killing small kids isn't something I want to read about.

There are some really great portions of writing in this book mixed in with the meh parts, though. The author has a way with words and some stand out prose here and there, but I just don't like his stories in general I think.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 out of 5 stars rounding up to 5 stars for GoodReads. Gabino Iglesias does it again! After The Devil Takes You Home, I knew I was going to pick up whatever this author wrote next and was so happy to receive an early arc to review! He has a way with words that is somehow almost indescribable. I have so many highlighted passages on my Kindle because of the way he articulates such simple ideas/themes into elegantly harsh truths. The friendship aspect was one of my favorite parts of this novel and really exploring how your friends are with you even if it seems like they aren't in some moments. I am not Latina nor a dude but I could still relate to that feeling of ride-or-die friendship and loved it. The supernatural horror in this is subtle until it is not and was definitely extremely disturbing, however, I think this one is more about real-life horror, and even without a supernatural element this book stands strong. Iglesias does not shy away from the brutality these characters are forced to experience and the story was indeed not one for the faint of heart. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a book with real-life horror that delves a bit into the supernatural and also if you are looking for something different. This is honestly probably one of only a handful of books I've read that is set in the Caribbean and that alone made it sadly feel fresh and new. Iglesias also should be praised for how he incorporates Spanish into the story while still making it entirely readable for non-Spanish speakers.

Totally the same vibe as Devil Takes You Home; new setting. The author has a definite voice; that can't be said for a lot of writers I like. The whole "HP Lovecraft goes to Puerto Rico" thing might be a tough sell- I laughed out loud at the beach when the fish people showed up- but there were enough truly chilling parts in it to make the whole thing worth it. I mean, the fight with El Brujo; anyone would be proud to have written that.

When I first found House of Bone and Rain Through Tik Tok I was drawn in by its striking cover and the author's delivery of the summary. What I could not have expected was how masterful Gabino Iglesias would be at weaving together elements of a horror/thriller story with a coming-of-age and dealing-with-grief narrative. From page one the prose drew me deeper with every line and I was hooked. The pacing was phenomenal, the character work was on point and the only compliant I have is that I now need to wait for release day so I can snag a physical copy for my book shelf.

This story is about grief, coming of age, family, friends and the things that tie them together. There are even some supernatural elements. This would not be my normal read, however, there has been much praise for Gabino Iglesias’s work that I had to get my feet wet. All in all, the constant murder spree and violence just isn’t my thing. I will give credit for writing that is spellbinding, story so gritty and I think he will continue to write great books.

House of Bone and Rain is a Category 5 genre smasher, masterfully combining crime, thriller, and horror to tell a tale of brotherhood pushed to its limits and beyond. It’s gloriously violent and brutal, and also beautiful and heartbreaking. Highly recommended!

The Devil Takes You Home is one of my favorite books ever! So I have been beyond excited about this one. And I enjoyed everything I read. I did unfortunately have to stop because I was triggered by something which is crazy because nothing ever triggers me. But this is a great novel and I'll definitely be recommending it.

That cover! Perfection. The story between it, nearly perfect as well. Iglesias always does a great job of mixing horror and the Latino experience. If you haven’t tried his Coyote Songs, please do. House of Bone and Rain is like The Goonies meets Tarantino. Iglesias drops the reader right in to the action and almost never lets up. There are ghosts aplenty, ancient gods, sea monsters, a whopper of a hurricane and so much more here. It’s a great story that did go a little off the rails towards the finale for me. There was also a lot of repetition of information that felt overlooked in the editing process and pulled me out of the action. Small quibbles though. Iglesias is a great storyteller and I love the way he infuses Puerto Rican culture in every aspect of this book. It’s a great cinematic summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias

The House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias is a chilling and intense novel that masterfully blends horror with elements of magical realism. The story centers around Rafael, a journalist who returns to his hometown in the Puerto Rican mountains after the death of his estranged father. He inherits the family home, a decaying mansion shrouded in mystery and whispered legends of supernatural occurrences.

As Rafael delves into the house's history and his family's dark secrets, he encounters eerie phenomena and unsettling visions. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as he uncovers the truth about his father's death and the malevolent forces that have plagued his family for generations. The constant, oppressive rain that envelops the house adds to the sense of dread and otherworldliness.

Rafael: The protagonist, is a journalist whose investigation into his family's past leads him into a nightmarish journey.
Don Emilio: Rafael's late father, whose mysterious death sets the story in motion.
Marisol: A local historian who helps Rafael uncover the secrets of the mansion and its connection to the town's dark past.
The Shadow Man: A sinister entity tied to the house and its horrifying history.

The novel explores themes of family, heritage, and the inescapable nature of the past. It delves into the psychological impact of grief and the supernatural, as well as the concept of inherited trauma. The rain, ever-present and relentless, serves as a symbol of purification and foreboding, reflecting the emotional and supernatural turmoil within the story.

Gabino Iglesias's writing is both vivid and atmospheric, with a strong sense of place that brings the Puerto Rican setting to life. His use of magical realism adds depth to the horror elements, creating a unique and immersive reading experience. The narrative is fast-paced and gripping, with a perfect balance of suspense and terror.

The House of Bone and Rain is a captivating and haunting novel that will appeal to fans of horror and magical realism. Iglesias's ability to weave together a compelling story with richly developed characters and a palpable sense of dread makes this book a standout in the genre. The exploration of cultural and familial legacy, combined with supernatural horror, creates a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.

Gabino with another heartstopper. This one has traces of Stephen King and heavy tracks of Breaking Bad-style noir. Perfect for fans of Hunter S. Thompson and Cormac McCarthy. However, this story feels wholly unique to Gabino’s style. The characters feel more human than any human I’ve ever met and the storytelling masterfully takes us along a brilliant plot. Could be my book of the year!

Gabino is one of my favorite authors. I've taken a few of the writing classes he's offered. I've read Coyote Songs, Zero Saints, and The Devil Takes You Home.

He's not just a fantastic writer but a nice dude. He cares about the writing community, and his legendary tweets and TikTok posts about writing and some of the shady operators within the community reflect this.

I knew very little about this book going in. I try to do that for many reasons. I only knew the author. I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I remember the people I hung around with in high school, the crazy things we did, and the stunts we pulled, and I'm glad there is no video footage.

This book is about that. It's about, at least to me, the brotherhood we take into adulthood.

We meet Gabe. He has a girlfriend, Natalia, who wants to leave Puerto Rico. He has friends Bimbo, Tavo, Paul, and Xavier. This is his brotherhood. These people he vouches for, fights for, and will do anything for. If someone messes with one, they mess with all of them.

This quote struck a chord early on: "We're all sad animals looking for something to lift us out of the mud we lived in and make us think being alive was worth it."

There's something about Gabino's writing that pulls the reader in. I've never been to Puerto Rico, but with his help, I know what it feels like to walk the streets and know if going to one part of Old San Juan will cause problems.

Bimbo's mother, Maria, dies just before Hurricane Maria makes landfall. This is all intentional. They take it upon themselves to find out who killed her. This brings us into the realm of Dante. It's a spiral of epic proportions as this group descends into the abyss of murder, mayhem, and death.

The storytelling and the connections to all the religions that make Puerto Rico the place it is had me feeling like I was back in American Gods as Shadow took his steps.

We followed these men and this brotherhood through the various belief systems within Puerto Rico. It was a learning experience and fascinating. This book is as brutal as Gabino's others, but there's a point to it, as with The Devil Takes You Home.

The darkness within Devil Takes You Home emerges in the House of Bone and Rain, but its brutality is never for show. You know that there's some truth to it. There's a reality to it. Gabino never does his violence for show.

When the bodies start adding up, and the brutality takes a turn I wasn't expecting, the reality of it is as with this quote from the book: "You don't need a huge army to take over the world; you need three or four crazy motherfuckers who really love you and are will to do whatever had to be done."

This is what this book is about—showing up for those who need you.

Gabe realizes this too late.

There are some things in this book I can't put in a review because of spoilers, but Gabino has written another banger.

I pre-ordered this in April, long before I could read it. He's that good.

I'm looking forward to reading other's reviews and having someone to discuss this book with.

Gabe and Bimbo need to avenge Bimbo's mother's murder. "When someone F's with us, they F with all of us."

With stunningly beautiful descriptions of Puerto Rico, an unfortunate and compelling inner dialogue from Gabe, "House of Bone and Rain" is a highly symbolic novel. The violence is significant, if violence isn't your thing, prepare to skim some larger sections. The community has the utmost confidence and faith in each other, and a running theme is a cynicism of the institutions, church and government.

"Category 5 hurricanes pummel cement and mess up paint, but they obliterate wooden homes. Whatever it is doing the destroying, it always hurts poorest folks the most." While this is well written, I do typically appreciate a little more hope in the novels I read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for the ARC. Book to be released August 6, 2024.

Dipping its toe in many different genres, House Of Bone And Rain is a profound story of friendship, loss and revenge.
The author has a very skilled way with words, presenting such violence so beautifully.