Review: Lotería by Cynthia Pelayo

Title: Lotería

Author: Cynthia Pelayo

Genre: Adult, anthology, horror

Publication date: July 2012

Published by: Union Square & Co.

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: The Mexican board game of Lotería is a game of chance—similar to bingo. However, in Lotería instead of matching up numbers on a game board, players match up images.

There are 54 cards in the Lotería game, and for this short story collection you will find one unique story per card based on a Latin American myth, folklore, superstition, or belief—with a slant towards the paranormal and horrific. In this deck of cards you will find murderers, ghosts, goblins and ghouls. This collection features creatures and monsters, vampires, werewolves and more.

Many of these legends existed long before their European counterparts—passed throughout the Americas via word of mouth, collected just like the tales the Brothers Grimm. These are indeed fairy tales—Latin American fairy tales—but with a horrifying slant.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I enjoyed this book so much!! I love playing Lotería and I love horror, so this book was made for me! 😆 And for those unfamiliar with Lotería:

Review: Review: Sakamoto Days (Vol. 8) by Yuto Suzuki

Title: Sakamoto Days: Vol. 8

Series: Sakamoto Days #8

Previous books in this series: Sakamoto Days #1 | Sakamoto Days #2 | Sakamoto Days #3 | Sakamoto Days #4 | Sakamoto Days #5 | Sakamoto Days #6 | Sakamoto Days #7

Author: Yuto Suzuki

Genre: YA, manga, adventure

Publication date: June 2023

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Taro Sakamoto was once a legendary hit man considered the greatest of all time. Bad guys feared him! Assassins revered him! But then one day he quit, got married, and had a baby. He’s now living the quiet life as the owner of a neighborhood store, but how long can Sakamoto enjoy his days of retirement before his past catches up to him?!

In the third stage of the JCC transfer test, the participants are divided into multiple teams for a deadly game of “tail tag.” Three applicants, who have skipped the opening stages of the exam because of special endorsements from seasoned assassins, cause a stir with their disturbing styles. Meanwhile, Shin is determined to show Mr. Sakamoto—who just so happens to be an opponent in this round—that he’s made progress!

My rating: ★★★★☆

In this volume, we continue to follow the characters as they try to complete the entrance exam to get into assassin school. Specifically, stage three, the final stage, of the exam.

Review: Spy x Family (Vol. 3) by Tatsuya Endo

Title: Spy x Family: Volume 3

Series: Spy x Family #3

Previous books in this series: Spy x Family (#1) | Spy x Family (#2)

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Genre: YA, adventure, humor

Publication date: January 2020

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Master spy Twilight is unparalleled when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions for the betterment of the world. But when he receives the ultimate assignment—to get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head!

Twilight has overcome many challenges in putting together the Forger family, but now all his hard work might come undone when Yor’s younger brother Yuri pops in for a surprise visit! Can Twilight outsmart Yuri, who actually works for the Ostanian secret service?!

My rating: ★★★★★

I love this series so much! I think that goes without saying at this point, but I’m gonna say it anyway 😆

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #469: On the Struggle Bus

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #505: This is Getting Old

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!