I love a great vampire book when it has a good dose of darkness to it, a feel of danger that overwhelms the romanticism. Certain Dark Things is far from the darkest vampire story I’ve read, but it still has a great balance and in addition, it also has a very interesting setting.

The story takes place in Mexico City, which has it share of problems in this book, but vampires are not supposed to be one of them. A declared “vampire-free”zone, task forces seek out vampires that dare to enter.

Our protagonist, Domingo, does what he can to survive in this city of crime and gangs. He collects garbage, sifts through it to find usable/sell-able items. He is pretty much alone in this city, and finds himself enamored with a beautiful woman he sees on the subway. When she approaches him, he is ecstatic, and also has no idea what he is in for or how his life with change from this chance encounter.

Atl is a vampire that is not only trying to lay low in this vampire free zone, but is also trying to hide from other vampires. Her relationship with Domingo is both sweet and compelling (I don’t know that I would call her sweet, but he is young and somewhat innocent, he brings a level of naivete that just makes me want to use that word.)

Another aspect of this book I enjoyed the different types of vampires (because not all are the same evidently). Not only do vampires have their own culture and organizations (like vampire gangs), but there are also differentiation between vampire as well. Some are more dangerous and frightening than others. Atl may need to drink blood to survive, but she is a type of vampire that is capable of having what seems almost human relationship. But never forget, as much as we want to root for this pair, Atl is not human so we can’t expect her to adhere to our cultural expectations.

Moreno-Garcia does a wondrous job with atmosphere, characters and pacing, creating a vivid and visceral fresh take on vampires. If you are in the mood for for a fresh vampire tale with an intriguing culture, Certain Dark Thing is definitely worth a read.

Moreno-Garcia's world of humans and vampires in Certain Dark Things is fresh and engaging. The main character, a street kid named Domingo gets caught up with a Tlahuihpochtlin or Aztec vampire and off they go on any adventure complicated by other types of vampires, including rival drug-dealing gangster types. Domingo is navigating a world full of new dangers. If you are a fan of vampire books and books set in Mexico City, have a read.