logo

110 pages 3 hours read

Gods of Jade and Shadow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Gods of Jade and Shadow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mexico • 1920s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a fantasy novel set in 1920s Mexico, intertwined with Mayan mythology. It follows Casiopea Tun, an 18-year-old girl who discovers the bones of Hun-Kamé, the Mayan God of Death, and inadvertently resurrects him. Together, they embark on a journey to reclaim his throne in the Underworld, experiencing challenges, growing closer, and confronting Hun-Kamé's mortal brother, Vucub-Kamé.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

76,132 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Gods of Jade and Shadow is lauded for its rich folklore, compelling characters, and enchanting prose. Critics highlight the vivid depiction of 1920s Mexico, though some note occasional pacing issues. Its blend of myth and history captivates many, making it a unique and memorable narrative despite minor structural flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Gods of Jade and Shadow?

Readers who cherish mythological retellings entwined with historical contexts will relish Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Fans of Neil Gaiman's American Gods and Madeline Miller's Circe are likely to find the blend of fantasy and Mexican folklore captivating and immersive.

4.2

76,132 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Casiopea Tun

Casiopea Tun is the protagonist of *Gods of Jade and Shadow*. She is a young woman named after the queen Cassiopeia from Greek mythology. Casiopea does not see herself as attractive due to her Indigenous features, but throughout the novel, she is acknowledged for her beauty. Her journey is defined by her courage, curiosity, and defiance, which challenge traditional fairy-tale female archetypes. Her ultimate goal is freedom, and her story is a unique rags-to-riches tale.

Hun-Kamé is the Lord of Xibalba, the kingdom of the Underworld, and serves as the fairy-tale archetypal handsome prince in *Gods of Jade and Shadow*. His character is marked by arrogance due to his power and immortality, but his relationship with Casiopea transforms him, giving him a perspective on humanity and love. He does not fit the traditional prince role as he is freed by Casiopea and must work with her to achieve their goals.

Vucub-Kamé is the antagonist of *Gods of Jade and Shadow*, characterized as a selfish creature with a tendency for vengeance. He entraps his brother Hun-Kamé, setting the story's main conflict. As Hun-Kamé’s narrative double, Vucub-Kamé represents resistance to change and holds onto old, brutal traditions. His character explores themes of power and survival.

Martín Leyva is Casiopea’s cousin and an antagonist in *Gods of Jade and Shadow*. He embodies the patriarchal system and wields power over Casiopea due to societal norms rather than personal merit. His journey illustrates the dismantling of perceived power as he confronts his lack of authentic strength and courage.

Loray is a demon featured in *Gods of Jade and Shadow*, residing in Mérida with a guise of a polished upper-class individual. He represents self-interest, showing willingness to switch allegiances based on outcomes. Loray’s ambiguous morality contrasts with Casiopea’s strong ethical stance.

Xtabay is a figure from Mayan mythology present in *Gods of Jade and Shadow*. She is a demon who leaves her forest home at Vucub-Kamé’s request, guarding one of Hun-Kamé’s pieces. Her selective memory highlights themes of identity and transformation, focusing on the aspects of herself she chooses to retain.

Cirilo Leyva, Casiopea’s grandfather, serves as a secondary antagonist in *Gods of Jade and Shadow*. Described as cruel and oppressive, his actions are driven by a sense of inadequacy. He collaborates with Vucub-Kamé in hopes of securing a better life for himself, highlighting themes of desperation and ambition.

Aníbal Zavala is a sorcerer aiding Vucub-Kamé in *Gods of Jade and Shadow*. His character symbolizes loyalty and the spread of false information. Enthralled by Vucub-Kamé’s power, Zavala supports actions that could have detrimental effects, illustrating how allegiance can blind one to consequences.

In *Gods of Jade and Shadow*, Casiopea’s father and mother symbolize opposing influences on her identity. Her father, who died before the story begins, is romanticized by Casiopea as a symbol of defiance, while her mother represents the oppressive circumstances Casiopea aims to escape from. These influences shape her journey toward freedom.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mexico • 1920s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.