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The Possession of Alba Díaz
When a demonic presence awakens deep in a Mexican silver mine, the young woman it seizes must turn to the one man she shouldn’t trust… from bestselling author Isabel Cañas.
In 1765, plague sweeps through Zacatecas. Alba flees with her wealthy merchant parents and fiancé, Carlos, to his family’s isolated mine for refuge. But safety proves fleeting as other dangers soon bare their teeth: Alba begins suffering from strange hallucinations, sleepwalking, and violent convulsions. She senses something cold lurking beneath her skin. Something angry. Something wrong.
Elías, haunted by a troubled past, came to the New World to make his fortune and escape his family’s legacy of greed. Alba, as his cousin’s betrothed, is none of his business. Which is of course why he can’t help but notice her every time she enters a room or the growing tension between them… and why he notices her deteriorate when the demon’s thirst for blood grows stronger.
In 1765, plague sweeps through Zacatecas. Alba flees with her wealthy merchant parents and fiancé, Carlos, to his family’s isolated mine for refuge. But safety proves fleeting as other dangers soon bare their teeth: Alba begins suffering from strange hallucinations, sleepwalking, and violent convulsions. She senses something cold lurking beneath her skin. Something angry. Something wrong.
Elías, haunted by a troubled past, came to the New World to make his fortune and escape his family’s legacy of greed. Alba, as his cousin’s betrothed, is none of his business. Which is of course why he can’t help but notice her every time she enters a room or the growing tension between them… and why he notices her deteriorate when the demon’s thirst for blood grows stronger.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2025
978 people are currently reading
48689 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Cañas
13 books4,201 followersIsabel Cañas is a Mexican American speculative fiction writer. After having lived in Mexico, Scotland, Egypt, Turkey, and New York City, among other places, she has settled in the Pacific Northwest. She holds a doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and writes fiction inspired by her research and her heritage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
March 4, 2025
So, yeah, that was good. Really good. I thought I was going to have to hate it once I got a few chapters from the end, but … nope. Cañas really had me going for a minute there, though, I'm not going to lie.
The Possession of Alba Díaz is about, well … the possession of Alba Díaz, obviously. But it's also about patriarchy and colonialism and the Catholic Church and toxic family and revenge, and it's really all quite dark and gothic-y and entertaining. There's definitely some romance, and I generally despise romance in novels but let me tell you I was totally rooting for Alba and Elías. Why? I've no idea. They barely even know each other and, I mean, Alba spends a good portion of their time together possessed. But somehow they're like the Romeo and Juliet of Mexican horror … which, now that I think about it, actually kind of makes sense since Romeo and Juliet barely knew each other either.
But I digress. This is an atmospheric, creepy novel with a fantastic setting (a 1700s Mexican silver mine during a plague outbreak). The characters are multifaceted and complex and – with the exception of Alba and Elías themselves – almost entirely unlikeable. Carlos (Alba's fiancé) is a particularly fascinating character and I do wish we could have learned slightly more about him – with the exception of a small bit toward the end, he's mostly just the “guy who hates Elías for no reason.” The Big Bad is terrifying, and the Bigger Bad (who's maybe not really completely bad? I don't even know) only slightly less so.
And the ending? Fantastic. No spoilers here, but when you're near the end of the book and wanting to sling it across the room in frustration (you'll know it when you get to it), just know that the story isn't over yet. I was totally composing a hate mail to Isabel Cañas in my head there for a while, though.
Anyway, yeah. If you're a horror fan, definitely consider giving this one a read. It's atmospheric and dark and creepy and haunting, but also just maybe a little bit hopeful too? 4.55 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is August 19, 2025.
The Possession of Alba Díaz is about, well … the possession of Alba Díaz, obviously. But it's also about patriarchy and colonialism and the Catholic Church and toxic family and revenge, and it's really all quite dark and gothic-y and entertaining. There's definitely some romance, and I generally despise romance in novels but let me tell you I was totally rooting for Alba and Elías. Why? I've no idea. They barely even know each other and, I mean, Alba spends a good portion of their time together possessed. But somehow they're like the Romeo and Juliet of Mexican horror … which, now that I think about it, actually kind of makes sense since Romeo and Juliet barely knew each other either.
But I digress. This is an atmospheric, creepy novel with a fantastic setting (a 1700s Mexican silver mine during a plague outbreak). The characters are multifaceted and complex and – with the exception of Alba and Elías themselves – almost entirely unlikeable. Carlos (Alba's fiancé) is a particularly fascinating character and I do wish we could have learned slightly more about him – with the exception of a small bit toward the end, he's mostly just the “guy who hates Elías for no reason.” The Big Bad is terrifying, and the Bigger Bad (who's maybe not really completely bad? I don't even know) only slightly less so.
And the ending? Fantastic. No spoilers here, but when you're near the end of the book and wanting to sling it across the room in frustration (you'll know it when you get to it), just know that the story isn't over yet. I was totally composing a hate mail to Isabel Cañas in my head there for a while, though.
Anyway, yeah. If you're a horror fan, definitely consider giving this one a read. It's atmospheric and dark and creepy and haunting, but also just maybe a little bit hopeful too? 4.55 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is August 19, 2025.
August 14, 2025
Alba is set to marry her childhood best friend, who seems pretty safe (read: I don’t think she’s his type) and gosh darn it a plague starts to sweep through Mexico so she has to be spirited away to her fiancé’s family’s silver mine and oh my god why is his cousin so mysterious and hot and mysterious oh Jesus is that unmitigated, unrepentant yearning, too? This, on top of her mom being a complete drama queen 24/7, is enough to drive Alba absolutely batty but unfortunately she is also possessed by a demon which is, like, simply too much. This sounds like a lighthearted romp but make no mistake: the demon is extremely mean and Elías is stressed to the max with how much his family hates him, so crushing on his definitely straight cousin’s intended is a whole bucket of not fun. Cañas poses a lot of questions here, like is mercury actually effective in exorcisms and why aren’t there more historical Mexican horror romances when it’s clearly one of the best subgenres out there? That mystery may never be solved, but worry not — this book’s ending is as satisfying as the crunching bones of your enemies (priests).
September 7, 2025
Isabel Cañas’ The Possession of Alba Díaz is a spellbinding blend of gothic horror, historical fiction, and forbidden desire, all set against the haunting backdrop of an 18th-century Mexican silver mine. The story centers on Alba, a young woman fleeing the plague who seeks shelter with her fiancé’s family. But instead of finding safety, she begins to experience terrifying hallucinations, uncontrollable convulsions, and an overwhelming sense that something dark is taking hold of her. As her condition spirals, Elías—her fiancé’s mysterious and brooding cousin—finds himself drawn into her nightmare. Though he knows he should stay away, he becomes an unwilling witness to her suffering, and the two are pulled into a battle against a malevolent force neither of them fully comprehends.
Cañas weaves an atmosphere so thick with tension and dread that it feels almost tangible. The eerie isolation of the mine, the secrets lurking in every shadow, and the slow-burning chemistry between Alba and Elías create a story that’s as emotionally gripping as it is terrifying. The novel delves into themes of faith, power, and the resilience of the human spirit, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page—unsettling, beautifully written, and utterly unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of gothic horror, slow-building suspense, or historical fiction with a dark twist, this is a must-read. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the chance to dive into this advance copy—it’s a story that will haunt you in the best way possible.
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Cañas weaves an atmosphere so thick with tension and dread that it feels almost tangible. The eerie isolation of the mine, the secrets lurking in every shadow, and the slow-burning chemistry between Alba and Elías create a story that’s as emotionally gripping as it is terrifying. The novel delves into themes of faith, power, and the resilience of the human spirit, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page—unsettling, beautifully written, and utterly unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of gothic horror, slow-building suspense, or historical fiction with a dark twist, this is a must-read. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the chance to dive into this advance copy—it’s a story that will haunt you in the best way possible.
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August 20, 2025-A genre blend of historical, gothic, romance, suspense, and horror
-Demonic possession
-Silver mines, mining, and alchemy
-A woman trapped by circumstance fighting for agency
This is Isabel Caña's third book so if you’re familiar with her previous two releases, The Hacienda and The Vampires of El Norte, and you enjoyed her unique brand of genre-blending horror, you will not be disappointed. To me, this book is closely related to The Hacienda by way of themes, tropes, and tone. It’s evocative and menacing–maybe even gruesome at times. It certainly has its chilling moments but there are also some romantic scenes that will make your pulse race. It’s all a part of what Isabel Cañas does best–paint a cinematic setting, bring warm-blooded characters to life on the page, and run a thread of supernatural or paranormal horror through the whole thing, leaving readers breathless by the end.
-Demonic possession
-Silver mines, mining, and alchemy
-A woman trapped by circumstance fighting for agency
This is Isabel Caña's third book so if you’re familiar with her previous two releases, The Hacienda and The Vampires of El Norte, and you enjoyed her unique brand of genre-blending horror, you will not be disappointed. To me, this book is closely related to The Hacienda by way of themes, tropes, and tone. It’s evocative and menacing–maybe even gruesome at times. It certainly has its chilling moments but there are also some romantic scenes that will make your pulse race. It’s all a part of what Isabel Cañas does best–paint a cinematic setting, bring warm-blooded characters to life on the page, and run a thread of supernatural or paranormal horror through the whole thing, leaving readers breathless by the end.
August 9, 2025
Dripping with blood on the cathedral steps all by yourself gorgeous?
in which giving into your inner demons is sexy and morally correct
With the state of things, now more than ever I want to read about blood soaked women, the women who fight tooth and claw (wink wink) for their futures in a world set to dually possess and demonize them. With that resounding desire in mind, The Possession of Alba Díaz found its way into my hands. Isabel Cañas’ latest novel is an atmospheric gothic bloodbath involving the Inquisition, patriarchy, and autonomy, furthering plots far more violent than a mere possession. Alba Díaz, a young woman facing down a loveless marriage, flees various monsters real and mythic in a desperate attempt to seize control of a future that was never hers to own. From the moment I read the lines, “Alba plotted to sin again,” I knew I was in the hands of a master and Cañas spends this entire novel proving that to be true. Where the greatest fear is standing strong in the face of those who seek to demean and control, The Possession of Alba Díaz leads its protagonist down a path where she aligns with the demon within. It’s a haunting tale retold that begs the question if we can ever achieve control of our own narratives or if autonomy can only be gained through giving into our own demonization.
no idea why my initial review was deleted, but thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the advance review copy.
Bookstagram | Blog
in which giving into your inner demons is sexy and morally correct
With the state of things, now more than ever I want to read about blood soaked women, the women who fight tooth and claw (wink wink) for their futures in a world set to dually possess and demonize them. With that resounding desire in mind, The Possession of Alba Díaz found its way into my hands. Isabel Cañas’ latest novel is an atmospheric gothic bloodbath involving the Inquisition, patriarchy, and autonomy, furthering plots far more violent than a mere possession. Alba Díaz, a young woman facing down a loveless marriage, flees various monsters real and mythic in a desperate attempt to seize control of a future that was never hers to own. From the moment I read the lines, “Alba plotted to sin again,” I knew I was in the hands of a master and Cañas spends this entire novel proving that to be true. Where the greatest fear is standing strong in the face of those who seek to demean and control, The Possession of Alba Díaz leads its protagonist down a path where she aligns with the demon within. It’s a haunting tale retold that begs the question if we can ever achieve control of our own narratives or if autonomy can only be gained through giving into our own demonization.
no idea why my initial review was deleted, but thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the advance review copy.
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August 5, 2025Cañas's The Hacienda had me by the throat when it first came out. Listening to it on audiobook had me looking over my shoulder. The atmosphere was rich—very gothic, very demure. That's why her latest—which has a demonic possession (!!)—is on this list. I also got an advanced copy of it and am super excited to get into it.
It's 1765 when a plague strikes Zacatecas, Mexico. Alba is privileged and able to flee with her wealthy parents to her fiancé Carlos's isolated mine. But then other things start happening: she starts having strange hallucinations, sleep walking, and having very violent convulsions. There's also the matter of that thing that cold angry thing that's lurking just beneath her skin.
Elías is Carlos's cousin. He is off to the New World to make his own way outside of his family's greed, but he can't seem to stop thinking about Alba and the growing tension between them...or the way she's started to deteriorate as the demon's desires grow stronger. —Erica Ezeifedi
It's 1765 when a plague strikes Zacatecas, Mexico. Alba is privileged and able to flee with her wealthy parents to her fiancé Carlos's isolated mine. But then other things start happening: she starts having strange hallucinations, sleep walking, and having very violent convulsions. There's also the matter of that thing that cold angry thing that's lurking just beneath her skin.
Elías is Carlos's cousin. He is off to the New World to make his own way outside of his family's greed, but he can't seem to stop thinking about Alba and the growing tension between them...or the way she's started to deteriorate as the demon's desires grow stronger. —Erica Ezeifedi
September 6, 2025
**4.5-stars**
I will not be cured...but neither will I be caged.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
In 1765, a plague sweeps through Zacatecas, Mexico, forcing our MC, Alba, along with her family, to flee the city and seek refuge at a property owned by her fiance, Carlos's, family.
The property is an active silver mine and many of Carlos's family members are there, involved in the day-to-day operations, including a black sheep cousin, Elias, whom Alba finds quite intriguing.
Living there is a bit of shift in lifestyle for Alba, but she's not hating it. One day on a tour, she actually gets to venture into the mine, and wanders off a little on her own to explore.
Big mistake and let this be a lesson to us all.
Alba has a disturbing first experience in the mine, including auditory hallucinations that shocked and confused her. She became disoriented and feared herself lost. It's after this initial exploration that events start trending into negative territory for Alba.
She begins hallucinating, sleepwalking and experiencing strange convulsions. She also starts having dark thoughts that are completely out of the norm for her.
Fearing for her sanity and her life, Alba ends up befriending the last person she should, and seeking solace through his company. As the two try to figure out what's going on with her, they boldly face enemies from all sides.
Heck, yeahhhhh! Isabel Cañas has done it again. The Possession of Alba Diaz is dripping in atmosphere, and full of an unsettling dread. How does Cañas make me love Historical Fiction?
Answer: With the atmosphere, that's how!
Granted caves, or anything cave adjacent, such as, oh, I don't know, silver mines, are definitely a real life fear of mine, so Cañas played right into that with this novel.
I have had great success with Cañas's novels in the past and this one did fall more into my comfort zone, as far as content goes, than the previous two. I love a possession story, and although this is a very slow burn, I feel it paid off.
Cañas definitely has a feel, or a formula, to her work. I'd be able to tell it's one of her novels, even if I hadn't seen her name on the cover. Her MCs have similar vibes, but I like it. I always know what I'm getting myself into and it keeps me coming back for more.
In addition to following Alba, we also get Elias's perspective and I adored him. I'm so glad that it was a dual narrative, because I felt like he brought so much.
His backstory was very interesting, and though he was such a sweet cupcake, he was treated terribly by his family, but that's a whole other thing. Both he and Alba were out of their element at this place, and I liked that they were able to be there for each other through some crazy stuff.
At the end of the day, this was a very satisfying reading experience. I always appreciate how much time and care it seems Cañas takes with the settings of her stories and building a sense of uneasiness.
I also like the real history she peppers throughout, and how the land/area always feels like such an important part of the story. I would probably put this last out of her three books in overall enjoyment order, but I still really, really liked it. I'm just an Isabel Cañas stan; what can I say?!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I can't wait to see what this author releases next. We've had haunted properties, vampires and possessions, what are we getting next!?
I will be on the edge of my seat until we find out. Whatever it is though, you better believe I will be first in line for a copy.
I cannot wait!
I will not be cured...but neither will I be caged.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
In 1765, a plague sweeps through Zacatecas, Mexico, forcing our MC, Alba, along with her family, to flee the city and seek refuge at a property owned by her fiance, Carlos's, family.
The property is an active silver mine and many of Carlos's family members are there, involved in the day-to-day operations, including a black sheep cousin, Elias, whom Alba finds quite intriguing.
Living there is a bit of shift in lifestyle for Alba, but she's not hating it. One day on a tour, she actually gets to venture into the mine, and wanders off a little on her own to explore.
Big mistake and let this be a lesson to us all.
Alba has a disturbing first experience in the mine, including auditory hallucinations that shocked and confused her. She became disoriented and feared herself lost. It's after this initial exploration that events start trending into negative territory for Alba.
She begins hallucinating, sleepwalking and experiencing strange convulsions. She also starts having dark thoughts that are completely out of the norm for her.
Fearing for her sanity and her life, Alba ends up befriending the last person she should, and seeking solace through his company. As the two try to figure out what's going on with her, they boldly face enemies from all sides.
Heck, yeahhhhh! Isabel Cañas has done it again. The Possession of Alba Diaz is dripping in atmosphere, and full of an unsettling dread. How does Cañas make me love Historical Fiction?
Answer: With the atmosphere, that's how!
Granted caves, or anything cave adjacent, such as, oh, I don't know, silver mines, are definitely a real life fear of mine, so Cañas played right into that with this novel.
I have had great success with Cañas's novels in the past and this one did fall more into my comfort zone, as far as content goes, than the previous two. I love a possession story, and although this is a very slow burn, I feel it paid off.
Cañas definitely has a feel, or a formula, to her work. I'd be able to tell it's one of her novels, even if I hadn't seen her name on the cover. Her MCs have similar vibes, but I like it. I always know what I'm getting myself into and it keeps me coming back for more.
In addition to following Alba, we also get Elias's perspective and I adored him. I'm so glad that it was a dual narrative, because I felt like he brought so much.
His backstory was very interesting, and though he was such a sweet cupcake, he was treated terribly by his family, but that's a whole other thing. Both he and Alba were out of their element at this place, and I liked that they were able to be there for each other through some crazy stuff.
At the end of the day, this was a very satisfying reading experience. I always appreciate how much time and care it seems Cañas takes with the settings of her stories and building a sense of uneasiness.
I also like the real history she peppers throughout, and how the land/area always feels like such an important part of the story. I would probably put this last out of her three books in overall enjoyment order, but I still really, really liked it. I'm just an Isabel Cañas stan; what can I say?!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I can't wait to see what this author releases next. We've had haunted properties, vampires and possessions, what are we getting next!?
I will be on the edge of my seat until we find out. Whatever it is though, you better believe I will be first in line for a copy.
I cannot wait!
August 9, 2025
yup yup yup this was the spooky possession book i didn’t know i needed. absolutely devoured this one
August 24, 2025
3.5 Stars
This is very much a case where I appreciated the novel more than I actually enjoyed it. I love possession horror but historical horror rarely lands for me so this novel felt torn between what I love and what I don't.
This is clearly a rich novel filled with history, cultural and complex characters. However, on a personal level, I struggled to connect with it. I felt the writing was objectively good but I wasn't as invested in the story as I wanted to be.
I would recommend this story to those than love historical horror because they will ultimately be most satisfied with this horror novel.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is very much a case where I appreciated the novel more than I actually enjoyed it. I love possession horror but historical horror rarely lands for me so this novel felt torn between what I love and what I don't.
This is clearly a rich novel filled with history, cultural and complex characters. However, on a personal level, I struggled to connect with it. I felt the writing was objectively good but I wasn't as invested in the story as I wanted to be.
I would recommend this story to those than love historical horror because they will ultimately be most satisfied with this horror novel.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!
This book wasn't completely perfect, but the vibes certainly were. I'm deeply in love with Isabel's writing, it's so beautiful. Her writing was immersive and lyrical. I thought she did a fantastic job of transporting the readers back to the 1700s. The start of this book leaned heavily on family connections and issues. This story also leaned into the struggles of women within the patriarchy, classism, sexism, and religious bigotry. There was a bit of everything within this story, but I thought it was decently well-balanced.
I don't normally expect romance in possession story, but it worked here and didn't detract from the progression. This book honestly made me feel like I was watching a movie in my head.
To criticize, I do wish that the possession started earlier on within the book and combated the familial and social drama a bit more. I wish the split went something more like 1/3 of the book relating to the family/social drama and 2/3 relating to the possession. Instead, it felt more split halfway for both. It's a small criticism as I didn't mind it too much, but I still would've found that to be a better layout.
As I was reading, I was preparing myself to be unsatisfied with the ending. Isabel was putting me through some emotional turmoil but I actually ended up liking how the story concluded. I would love to see this turned into a movie. We are lacking in possession and exorcism movies lately and I feel like this would translate wonderfully into a film from paper.
I wish I had read this when autumn was already here, but I'm strongly considering a reread at some point during October. Overall, I really don't have many complaints. I can see how a some people might not like the slow, family building start, but I think the second half makes up for it.
I'm so relieved that one of my most anticipated reads of the year, did not disappoint me.
CW: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic, Confinement, Infertility, Abandonment
StoryGraph Review
Fable Review
This book wasn't completely perfect, but the vibes certainly were. I'm deeply in love with Isabel's writing, it's so beautiful. Her writing was immersive and lyrical. I thought she did a fantastic job of transporting the readers back to the 1700s. The start of this book leaned heavily on family connections and issues. This story also leaned into the struggles of women within the patriarchy, classism, sexism, and religious bigotry. There was a bit of everything within this story, but I thought it was decently well-balanced.
I don't normally expect romance in possession story, but it worked here and didn't detract from the progression. This book honestly made me feel like I was watching a movie in my head.
To criticize, I do wish that the possession started earlier on within the book and combated the familial and social drama a bit more. I wish the split went something more like 1/3 of the book relating to the family/social drama and 2/3 relating to the possession. Instead, it felt more split halfway for both. It's a small criticism as I didn't mind it too much, but I still would've found that to be a better layout.
As I was reading, I was preparing myself to be unsatisfied with the ending. Isabel was putting me through some emotional turmoil but I actually ended up liking how the story concluded. I would love to see this turned into a movie. We are lacking in possession and exorcism movies lately and I feel like this would translate wonderfully into a film from paper.
I wish I had read this when autumn was already here, but I'm strongly considering a reread at some point during October. Overall, I really don't have many complaints. I can see how a some people might not like the slow, family building start, but I think the second half makes up for it.
I'm so relieved that one of my most anticipated reads of the year, did not disappoint me.
CW: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic, Confinement, Infertility, Abandonment
StoryGraph Review
Fable Review
August 4, 2025
I still had a good time, I swear 😭
I really liked Alba and Elias, and I was rooting for them from the start. The demon itself was terrifying and effective - but the side characters/plots just fell really flat to me. Everything about the priest, Carlos, Alba's family, and the back story of the mine just felt very predictable unfortunately.
The ending truly could have brought this to a four, but the last chunk of this book really had me scratching my head. The third act kind of descended into a chaotic free for all, and I had a hard time keeping up with who was possessed, and who was attacking who - but the end smoothed everything out and left us with a satisfying conclusion. There's a bit of insta-love here as well, but given the dire circumstances - I'll allow it.
I think this fell more in line with the Hacienda, but if you loved Vampires of El Norte you'll enjoy this as well.
I feel like I'm just having the most hateful reading year of my life, so honestly take all of this with a grain of salt.
I really liked Alba and Elias, and I was rooting for them from the start. The demon itself was terrifying and effective - but the side characters/plots just fell really flat to me. Everything about the priest, Carlos, Alba's family, and the back story of the mine just felt very predictable unfortunately.
The ending truly could have brought this to a four, but the last chunk of this book really had me scratching my head. The third act kind of descended into a chaotic free for all, and I had a hard time keeping up with who was possessed, and who was attacking who - but the end smoothed everything out and left us with a satisfying conclusion. There's a bit of insta-love here as well, but given the dire circumstances - I'll allow it.
I think this fell more in line with the Hacienda, but if you loved Vampires of El Norte you'll enjoy this as well.
I feel like I'm just having the most hateful reading year of my life, so honestly take all of this with a grain of salt.
August 19, 2025
One of my most anticipated reads of 2025 & I must say I'm slightly disappointed. While I didn't hate it, I also didn't love it especially when comparing it to some of her previous work..
As always the writing is immersive, Isabel Cañas always does a great job of transporting you back to Mexico during the 1700-1800's. I usually love the way she blends gothic horror with romance. It always felt perfectly balanced. But there's something about The Possession of Alba Diaz that missed the mark for me.
My biggest issue is how much time spent over explaining in the beginning. The first 200 pages is really just about family drama & the mines/alchemy, that it almost felt like the possession was an afterthought. The last 40% felt so rushed which ultimately let me down because the possession elements & the descriptions were creepy but I also didn't get enough time to be spooked . The romance felt a little insta lovey, which I don't usually like, but I think this is due to how much time over explaining on other things in the beginning that we really didn't get enough time to connect to the characters/romance.
Overall, I can see why other people would love this & I can still see myself recommending it but this just wasn't my favorite from Isabel Cañas.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
As always the writing is immersive, Isabel Cañas always does a great job of transporting you back to Mexico during the 1700-1800's. I usually love the way she blends gothic horror with romance. It always felt perfectly balanced. But there's something about The Possession of Alba Diaz that missed the mark for me.
My biggest issue is how much time spent over explaining in the beginning. The first 200 pages is really just about family drama & the mines/alchemy, that it almost felt like the possession was an afterthought. The last 40% felt so rushed which ultimately let me down because the possession elements & the descriptions were creepy but I also didn't get enough time to be spooked . The romance felt a little insta lovey, which I don't usually like, but I think this is due to how much time over explaining on other things in the beginning that we really didn't get enough time to connect to the characters/romance.
Overall, I can see why other people would love this & I can still see myself recommending it but this just wasn't my favorite from Isabel Cañas.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
July 15, 2025
Vampires of El Norte was one of my favourite reads of 2023 and was always going to be a tough act to follow. It brought horrormance into the sunlight in a way no one else was really doing, incorporating rich historical elements and genuinely spooky vampire lore with a lush and romantic second chance love story.
While The Possession of Alba Díaz was clearly a labour of love and provides a thoroughly researched portrait of 18th century Mexican life, it wound up feeling very dense and exposition heavy. This, combined with very purple prose made this a somewhat perplexing read to settle into. The characters feel kept at arms length, and plot developments largely unfold through conversational info dumps rather than tangible actions taken on the page by the characters. The titular Alba, is a young woman who seeks to secure her freedom through brokering a marriage that allows her to live a life unfettered by the whims of a stranger. Her best option? Get engaged to her childhood friend Carlos, a man with whom she shares a platonic understanding, and will never force himself upon her or keep her on too short a leash. Following her betrothal, Alba relocates to her future husband’s estate/silver mine as a plague sweeps its way through Mexico. There she crosses paths with Elías, Carlos’ handsome cousin she shares an undeniable connection with, and who also happens to be the black sheep of the family with a dark past.
Not long after her arrival, Alba starts to slowly lose herself and her grip on reality, having become the unwitting host to a demon. Casual. Will Elías be able to save her or will Alba be able to save herself and be free once and for all?
While the bones of a good story are set out early, the pacing struggles to set out the various elements in a propulsive way. There is a LOT of silver mine shop talk and backstory about the characters, and it seems to come at the detriment of Alba and Elías’ burgeoning relationship. Alba is a woman struggling to maintain her grip on things like reality, and her soul - let alone fight a forbidden attraction to her fiancé's cousin. Both the possession plot and the relationship subplot could have had more room to grow if the mining aspect had been edited down.
The possession narrative itself was fun once it kicks off, but the trouble with these stories is that there’s only so many places the plot can go. I wish more time had been spent showing the extent of the possession closing in on Alba from her POV, rather than leaping feet first into the inevitable exorcism arc. Ultimately, what led me to bump this from a 3 star read to a 4 star, was the ending. How things came together - earned or not - was too satisfying not to reward. Is it a little heavy handed in its messaging? Sure! But after everything Alba is put through, I was locked in despite some earlier skepticism.
All told, while this is my least favourite of Isabel Cañas’ books so far, it is still absolutely worth your time. It’s atmospheric, evocative and ambitious, and while not everything worked for me, the elements that did connect were so very satisfying. If you’re a fan of unique historical fiction or possession stories, be sure to pick this one up when it hits shelves next month (August 19th).
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
While The Possession of Alba Díaz was clearly a labour of love and provides a thoroughly researched portrait of 18th century Mexican life, it wound up feeling very dense and exposition heavy. This, combined with very purple prose made this a somewhat perplexing read to settle into. The characters feel kept at arms length, and plot developments largely unfold through conversational info dumps rather than tangible actions taken on the page by the characters. The titular Alba, is a young woman who seeks to secure her freedom through brokering a marriage that allows her to live a life unfettered by the whims of a stranger. Her best option? Get engaged to her childhood friend Carlos, a man with whom she shares a platonic understanding, and will never force himself upon her or keep her on too short a leash. Following her betrothal, Alba relocates to her future husband’s estate/silver mine as a plague sweeps its way through Mexico. There she crosses paths with Elías, Carlos’ handsome cousin she shares an undeniable connection with, and who also happens to be the black sheep of the family with a dark past.
Not long after her arrival, Alba starts to slowly lose herself and her grip on reality, having become the unwitting host to a demon. Casual. Will Elías be able to save her or will Alba be able to save herself and be free once and for all?
While the bones of a good story are set out early, the pacing struggles to set out the various elements in a propulsive way. There is a LOT of silver mine shop talk and backstory about the characters, and it seems to come at the detriment of Alba and Elías’ burgeoning relationship. Alba is a woman struggling to maintain her grip on things like reality, and her soul - let alone fight a forbidden attraction to her fiancé's cousin. Both the possession plot and the relationship subplot could have had more room to grow if the mining aspect had been edited down.
The possession narrative itself was fun once it kicks off, but the trouble with these stories is that there’s only so many places the plot can go. I wish more time had been spent showing the extent of the possession closing in on Alba from her POV, rather than leaping feet first into the inevitable exorcism arc. Ultimately, what led me to bump this from a 3 star read to a 4 star, was the ending. How things came together - earned or not - was too satisfying not to reward. Is it a little heavy handed in its messaging? Sure! But after everything Alba is put through, I was locked in despite some earlier skepticism.
All told, while this is my least favourite of Isabel Cañas’ books so far, it is still absolutely worth your time. It’s atmospheric, evocative and ambitious, and while not everything worked for me, the elements that did connect were so very satisfying. If you’re a fan of unique historical fiction or possession stories, be sure to pick this one up when it hits shelves next month (August 19th).
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2025
4.5 stars - get you a man who falls in love despite you being possessed by an unhinged demon <3 RTC
September 3, 2025
"Something was wrong with Alba. Wrong in the way that a dream could be wrong..."
This story of a young woman’s fight for her autonomy both literally and supernaturally was unputdownable! Author Isabel Cañas reminds readers in this paranormal historical fiction horror how it is an infuriating tragedy that women’s bodies are rarely something to be honored and often something to be “possessed”.
[Thank you to NetGalley for this review copy!]
This story of a young woman’s fight for her autonomy both literally and supernaturally was unputdownable! Author Isabel Cañas reminds readers in this paranormal historical fiction horror how it is an infuriating tragedy that women’s bodies are rarely something to be honored and often something to be “possessed”.
[Thank you to NetGalley for this review copy!]
August 30, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
"How foolish of her to dream of autonomy. Of control over her life. She had never had any. She had always been this: a mongrel of mortal and monster, her soul charred and crumbling, her life forfeit since the moment her wet body emerged from a stranger and met the icy mountain air."
Balancing horror with romance is far from easy, and such books can disappoint fans of both genres. Somehow, Isabel Cañas has done it. Somehow, this is the most compelling romance I've read in quite some time.
I expected incredibly well done atmosphere because of the premise and some author blurbs (I know we're not supposed to trust those, but whatever) and Cañas delivered! It's not a pleasant experience, but it's very immersive. The descriptions of the mine and the suffocating feel of mercury were very well written. I wouldn't recommend this if you're squeamish, because the gore is also quite descriptive. I loved the historical details peppered in the book. I appreciate how Cañas stuck to authenticity and didn't translate every single Spanish term into English after it was introduced. It's annoying to see characters translate non-English words into English for the readers' sake. The darkly decadent prose was perfect for a book like this.
The longing between Alba and Elías was INCREDIBLY well written. Yes, it started off
as insta-love but I'll mostly overlook that because Cañas wrote their connection in a way that made even a sceptic like me feel something. It's not just Alba who's suffering from demonic possession (and monstrous humans too, which is probably worse), Elías himself experiences a whole host of ailments (including the possibility of going mad) as a result of working with mercury. This made for an interesting dynamic between them. Even the declarations of love felt genuine and not at all cringe or cheesy. Both of them were equally well crafted and compelling and I never felt disappointed by one character's POV chapters and wanting to read only the other one's.
"Quicksilver had always been his psychopomp, omnipresent as a loyal dog, watching and waiting for the moment to bring him into the land of the dead."
The Possession of Alba Díaz is thematically rich in the way it tackles themes of freedom, bodily autonomy, and the clash between Christianity and folk religion. IC's take on possesion as a metaphor for bodily autonomy is a lot more nuanced than how it's usually portrayed. It's not just the demon that wants control of Alba, it's the patriarchy.
I can't not mention how satisfying the ending was. It was honestly a cathartic experience after reading pages upon pages of insufferable characters. It did feel a little rushed, though, and that paired with the fact that some parts of the book dragged a bit too much made me knock down a star from my rating. The horror aspects of TPOAD rely heavily on the sense of dread that builds up slowly and that both worked and didn't work for me. I wouldn't recommend this for readers looking for a quick, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Possession of Alba Díaz and would recommend it to readers looking for impeccable gothic vibes, a richly detailed historical setting, and of course, a satisfying 'good for her' narrative.
"How foolish of her to dream of autonomy. Of control over her life. She had never had any. She had always been this: a mongrel of mortal and monster, her soul charred and crumbling, her life forfeit since the moment her wet body emerged from a stranger and met the icy mountain air."
Balancing horror with romance is far from easy, and such books can disappoint fans of both genres. Somehow, Isabel Cañas has done it. Somehow, this is the most compelling romance I've read in quite some time.
I expected incredibly well done atmosphere because of the premise and some author blurbs (I know we're not supposed to trust those, but whatever) and Cañas delivered! It's not a pleasant experience, but it's very immersive. The descriptions of the mine and the suffocating feel of mercury were very well written. I wouldn't recommend this if you're squeamish, because the gore is also quite descriptive. I loved the historical details peppered in the book. I appreciate how Cañas stuck to authenticity and didn't translate every single Spanish term into English after it was introduced. It's annoying to see characters translate non-English words into English for the readers' sake. The darkly decadent prose was perfect for a book like this.
The longing between Alba and Elías was INCREDIBLY well written. Yes, it started off
as insta-love but I'll mostly overlook that because Cañas wrote their connection in a way that made even a sceptic like me feel something. It's not just Alba who's suffering from demonic possession (and monstrous humans too, which is probably worse), Elías himself experiences a whole host of ailments (including the possibility of going mad) as a result of working with mercury. This made for an interesting dynamic between them. Even the declarations of love felt genuine and not at all cringe or cheesy. Both of them were equally well crafted and compelling and I never felt disappointed by one character's POV chapters and wanting to read only the other one's.
"Quicksilver had always been his psychopomp, omnipresent as a loyal dog, watching and waiting for the moment to bring him into the land of the dead."
The Possession of Alba Díaz is thematically rich in the way it tackles themes of freedom, bodily autonomy, and the clash between Christianity and folk religion. IC's take on possesion as a metaphor for bodily autonomy is a lot more nuanced than how it's usually portrayed. It's not just the demon that wants control of Alba, it's the patriarchy.
I can't not mention how satisfying the ending was. It was honestly a cathartic experience after reading pages upon pages of insufferable characters. It did feel a little rushed, though, and that paired with the fact that some parts of the book dragged a bit too much made me knock down a star from my rating. The horror aspects of TPOAD rely heavily on the sense of dread that builds up slowly and that both worked and didn't work for me. I wouldn't recommend this for readers looking for a quick, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Possession of Alba Díaz and would recommend it to readers looking for impeccable gothic vibes, a richly detailed historical setting, and of course, a satisfying 'good for her' narrative.
May 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Books for the opportunity to review the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The second I saw this book listed I had to put in a request. I love Isabel Canas’s writing. The creepy atmospheres, the way she sucks you in with the story, and the satisfying endings. This one was no different.
Alba, newly engaged, finds herself not only lost in her fiancée’s mines, but possessed by a very powerful force. The only person she can turn to is his convict cousin Elias. He’s the only one that noticed something was wrong with Alba. 4.5 stars rounded up.
The second I saw this book listed I had to put in a request. I love Isabel Canas’s writing. The creepy atmospheres, the way she sucks you in with the story, and the satisfying endings. This one was no different.
Alba, newly engaged, finds herself not only lost in her fiancée’s mines, but possessed by a very powerful force. The only person she can turn to is his convict cousin Elias. He’s the only one that noticed something was wrong with Alba. 4.5 stars rounded up.
August 11, 2025
"Darkness can only by undone by its like"
When a demonic presence awakens deep in a Mexican silver mine, the young woman it seizes must turn to the one man she shouldn’t trust.
Book Stats:
📖: 384 pages
Genre: Adult Horror/Gothic Fiction
Publisher: Berkley
Format: Physical ARC from publisher
Series: Standalone
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 11 hours 35 minutes
🎤: Carolina Hoyos/ Anthony Rey Perez
Publisher: PRH Audio
Format: Multi POV / Dual narrator
Carolina is a frequent narrator for Cañas books and for good reason. Her narration and pronunciation is top tier. The emotion lent to the story is wonderful.
Themes:
💫: Bodily autonomy
💫: Independence in a "man's world"
💫: Capitalism
Representation:
🪽: Mexican characters
🪽: Conversational Spanish
🪽: Set in Mexico
Tropes:
💗: Family Secrets
💗: Forbidden Love
Spice: 🌶️
Gore: 🧟♂️
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.
General Thoughts:
This book was fantastic on so many levels. The horror was dread inducing and hit those classic catholic fears of possession. The romance was full of yearning and forbidden. The mythology was rich and layered. The characters were nuanced and realistic. Not much to criticize here.
The setting was so good. The mysterious dark depths of the mines was absolutely the perfect setting for this horror. I wish we had spent more time with the mines as a setting vs the compound. I also wish we had gotten more of Alba's past as I felt that part of the story was a little underwhelming for me when it was the basis for all that was happening in the current timeline.
The ending really worked for me. I loved the way it was presented and tied everything together. It didn't rushed or incomplete and I liked where everyone ended up.
I can't wait for the authors next book because they honestly just keep getting better and better.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a gifted physical ARC from the publisher Berkley and a gifted audiobook from PRH Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
When a demonic presence awakens deep in a Mexican silver mine, the young woman it seizes must turn to the one man she shouldn’t trust.
Book Stats:
📖: 384 pages
Genre: Adult Horror/Gothic Fiction
Publisher: Berkley
Format: Physical ARC from publisher
Series: Standalone
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 11 hours 35 minutes
🎤: Carolina Hoyos/ Anthony Rey Perez
Publisher: PRH Audio
Format: Multi POV / Dual narrator
Carolina is a frequent narrator for Cañas books and for good reason. Her narration and pronunciation is top tier. The emotion lent to the story is wonderful.
Themes:
💫: Bodily autonomy
💫: Independence in a "man's world"
💫: Capitalism
Representation:
🪽: Mexican characters
🪽: Conversational Spanish
🪽: Set in Mexico
Tropes:
💗: Family Secrets
💗: Forbidden Love
Spice: 🌶️
Gore: 🧟♂️
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.
General Thoughts:
This book was fantastic on so many levels. The horror was dread inducing and hit those classic catholic fears of possession. The romance was full of yearning and forbidden. The mythology was rich and layered. The characters were nuanced and realistic. Not much to criticize here.
The setting was so good. The mysterious dark depths of the mines was absolutely the perfect setting for this horror. I wish we had spent more time with the mines as a setting vs the compound. I also wish we had gotten more of Alba's past as I felt that part of the story was a little underwhelming for me when it was the basis for all that was happening in the current timeline.
The ending really worked for me. I loved the way it was presented and tied everything together. It didn't rushed or incomplete and I liked where everyone ended up.
I can't wait for the authors next book because they honestly just keep getting better and better.
Disclaimer: I read this book as a gifted physical ARC from the publisher Berkley and a gifted audiobook from PRH Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 6, 2025
Isabel Cañas is an auto-read author for me since her 2022 debut novel, The Hacienda. Her books are so immersive, suspenseful, and beautifully written, and her 2025 release, THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DÍAZ, continues that trend. With a beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis, I knew that this would be high on my TBR list.
In 1765, Alba flees plague-stricken Zacatecas with her parents and fiancé to a remote family mine—but safety quickly turns to terror as she’s consumed by visions, sleepwalking, and violent seizures. Something cold and furious is waking inside her, and it wants out. Elías came to the New World to escape his family’s legacy, not fall for his cousin’s bride-to-be—but he can’t ignore the pull he feels toward Alba or the darkness slowly taking hold of her.
I will be honest and say that this book was almost a DNF. I was not used to Cañas' heavily detailed, yet beautifully written prose, and I was struggling with paying attention. Once I switched my focus onto the audiobook version via @prhaudio, I was hooked. I would recommend if you are struggling with the narrative. Isabel Cañas' writing is so immersive and beautiful that once I got hooked, I was committed. My rankings for her novels are below, but THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DÍAZ is immersive and atmospheric, with suspense that kept me wanting more until the final act. STARS: 4, PUB: 8/19
RANKINGS:
1. The Vampires of El Norte
2. The Possession of Alba Díaz
3. The Hacienda
In 1765, Alba flees plague-stricken Zacatecas with her parents and fiancé to a remote family mine—but safety quickly turns to terror as she’s consumed by visions, sleepwalking, and violent seizures. Something cold and furious is waking inside her, and it wants out. Elías came to the New World to escape his family’s legacy, not fall for his cousin’s bride-to-be—but he can’t ignore the pull he feels toward Alba or the darkness slowly taking hold of her.
I will be honest and say that this book was almost a DNF. I was not used to Cañas' heavily detailed, yet beautifully written prose, and I was struggling with paying attention. Once I switched my focus onto the audiobook version via @prhaudio, I was hooked. I would recommend if you are struggling with the narrative. Isabel Cañas' writing is so immersive and beautiful that once I got hooked, I was committed. My rankings for her novels are below, but THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DÍAZ is immersive and atmospheric, with suspense that kept me wanting more until the final act. STARS: 4, PUB: 8/19
RANKINGS:
1. The Vampires of El Norte
2. The Possession of Alba Díaz
3. The Hacienda
July 11, 2025
IM NOT EVEN JOKING WHEN I SAY THIS COULD BE MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR???!!!
The Possession of Alba Díaz
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
I would like to thank Isabel Cañas for always giving us an mmc she throws into the most absolute horrific scenarios for the forbidden love of the fmc. Like yes, prove your love to me by facing death multiple times all so you can gaze into my eyes with yearning and maybe brush my hand. 😏
Cañas has mastered the perfect combination of horror and romance. In The Hacienda I wanted more love, in Vampires of El Norte I wanted more terror. She then said “here damn” and threw this book in my face. Perfect, absolutely no notes. 🤩
You know that scene in Nosferatu where Ellen gets possessed by the vampire lord and starts convulsing all over and spitting at her husband Thomas and he still bangs her? Yeah if you saw that scene and said “damn thats love” then you’re going to love this.😛
Elías as the mmc of course graduated top of his class from the school of YEARNING!!🧎♂️➡️🧎♂️➡️
This also has incredible character development done with multiple side characters I kept getting confused about: do I hate them or not?? As always I adore and will protect the fmc with my life. Alba get behind me, this world does not deserve you. 🗡️
While this is indeed a supernatural horror novel it also is an uplifting feminist story of a woman who faces her demons (those in her and outside of her) and finally gets to decide her own future for the first time. A bloody tale that will have you giving it a standing ovation in your own living room.
Summary: Your crush is possessed by a demon and also engaged to the cousin you hate.
THANK YOU to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Possession of Alba Díaz
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
I would like to thank Isabel Cañas for always giving us an mmc she throws into the most absolute horrific scenarios for the forbidden love of the fmc. Like yes, prove your love to me by facing death multiple times all so you can gaze into my eyes with yearning and maybe brush my hand. 😏
Cañas has mastered the perfect combination of horror and romance. In The Hacienda I wanted more love, in Vampires of El Norte I wanted more terror. She then said “here damn” and threw this book in my face. Perfect, absolutely no notes. 🤩
You know that scene in Nosferatu where Ellen gets possessed by the vampire lord and starts convulsing all over and spitting at her husband Thomas and he still bangs her? Yeah if you saw that scene and said “damn thats love” then you’re going to love this.😛
Elías as the mmc of course graduated top of his class from the school of YEARNING!!🧎♂️➡️🧎♂️➡️
This also has incredible character development done with multiple side characters I kept getting confused about: do I hate them or not?? As always I adore and will protect the fmc with my life. Alba get behind me, this world does not deserve you. 🗡️
While this is indeed a supernatural horror novel it also is an uplifting feminist story of a woman who faces her demons (those in her and outside of her) and finally gets to decide her own future for the first time. A bloody tale that will have you giving it a standing ovation in your own living room.
Summary: Your crush is possessed by a demon and also engaged to the cousin you hate.
THANK YOU to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2025
Alba Diaz is so relatable because I too would be more concerned about my man thinking I'm hot than demonic possession.
October 30, 2024
1765 Mexico? Love interest with a fabulous 1700s wardrobe? Demons? I'm sat.
August 22, 2025
I’m so sorry but this did not work for me 😩 don’t get me wrong Cañas’ prose and cultural world building is fantastic, but I was so bored. This book fell completely flat for me. Unlike her previous two novels, I could not connect with the MCs and that just snowballed into not caring what was happening. It was very underwhelming.
September 5, 2025
Thank you so much Rebellion | Solaris for the arc!
**4,25/5**
„His greed was different. It buried him in tomes and equations and experiments, for it was a lust for knowledge that drove him to seek more.“
- New Spain (Mexico) 1765
- Colonialism & Class system
- Family secrets
- Catholicism
- Forbidden love
What I liked:
Throughout the whole book, there’s a constant, eerie feeling of isolation on multiple levels. The main character often feels emotionally isolated and unseen by her family, both because of her past and the limited autonomy of young women in society. Additionally there’s the physical isolation of the setting. The characters flee from a plague outbreak in the city to a house in the Mexican mountains. Far away from civilization and people.
Combined with the character’s hallucinations, convulsions and unintentional nighttime activities, it was a delightfully unsettling book!
What I didn’t like:
I wish we had more scenes inside the mine! It’s such an unsettling, foreign place and I expected it to play a more prominent role. I also would have liked to see a deeper exploration of the differences between the main character’ Catholic religion and the beliefs of the locals!
Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Story & Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
**4,25/5**
„His greed was different. It buried him in tomes and equations and experiments, for it was a lust for knowledge that drove him to seek more.“
- New Spain (Mexico) 1765
- Colonialism & Class system
- Family secrets
- Catholicism
- Forbidden love
What I liked:
Throughout the whole book, there’s a constant, eerie feeling of isolation on multiple levels. The main character often feels emotionally isolated and unseen by her family, both because of her past and the limited autonomy of young women in society. Additionally there’s the physical isolation of the setting. The characters flee from a plague outbreak in the city to a house in the Mexican mountains. Far away from civilization and people.
Combined with the character’s hallucinations, convulsions and unintentional nighttime activities, it was a delightfully unsettling book!
What I didn’t like:
I wish we had more scenes inside the mine! It’s such an unsettling, foreign place and I expected it to play a more prominent role. I also would have liked to see a deeper exploration of the differences between the main character’ Catholic religion and the beliefs of the locals!
Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Story & Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
July 31, 2025
4.5 stars - wow, wow, wow. a masterclass in writing and an ode to the craft and the perfect horror romance. reads just like The Exorcist and was sooo fascinating.
August 25, 2025
The Possession of Alba Díaz is brutal, intelligent, and gorgeously defiant—a novel about power: who holds it, who hides behind it, and what happens when a girl stops asking permission to take it.
Forget the demon. This story isn't about exorcism. It’s about control. About the violence done to women in the name of purity, and what it costs to say no. Isabel Cañas doesn’t hand us a tidy victim or a tragic heroine. Alba is sharp, angry, unrepentant—and impossible to look away from.
The prose cuts deep. “I was the body. I was the altar. I was the god.” Cañas writes like someone who knows exactly what’s at stake, and she doesn’t flinch.
The final act doesn’t give you closure—it gives you consequence. It’s not a cleansing. It’s not catharsis. It’s something bolder.
This book is for readers who are done with survival stories that end in silence. It’s for the ones who would rather watch the house burn than be locked inside it.
Forget the demon. This story isn't about exorcism. It’s about control. About the violence done to women in the name of purity, and what it costs to say no. Isabel Cañas doesn’t hand us a tidy victim or a tragic heroine. Alba is sharp, angry, unrepentant—and impossible to look away from.
The prose cuts deep. “I was the body. I was the altar. I was the god.” Cañas writes like someone who knows exactly what’s at stake, and she doesn’t flinch.
The final act doesn’t give you closure—it gives you consequence. It’s not a cleansing. It’s not catharsis. It’s something bolder.
This book is for readers who are done with survival stories that end in silence. It’s for the ones who would rather watch the house burn than be locked inside it.
June 3, 2025
This is one of those books I was sad to finish. It was beautifully written and kept such good pacing I never wanted it to end. The prose are lush and vibrant, pulling you into the story and lives of the characters. I swear I could smell the mine! The story is full of chilling fear and suspense, but I’ll never forget one specific part where Elias sees Alba walking unnaturally in the moonlight. The description chilled me to the bone!
Needless to say, I highly recommend reading this gorgeous piece of fiction. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Needless to say, I highly recommend reading this gorgeous piece of fiction. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 27, 2025
Review to come
August 26, 2025
My first by Isabel Cañas but absolutely not my last. I would categorize this as romantic horror; full of yearning dripping in gore.
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