Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

 

Vampires are still existent.  They have been banned in most countries, but Mexico is corrupt enough that officials can be bribed and papers obtained for residence.  Mexico City is about to witness a battle between two houses of vampires fighting for dominance.

Atl has run to Mexico City.  Her house has been dealt a horrific blow, her mother and sister who were running the house both murdered.  Atl got out just ahead of her own certain death along with her dog, a huge genetically modified Great Dane.  He is her only protection as she schemes to get away until she meets Domingo.

Domingo is a throwaway teenage boy.  His family was poor and sent him off to make a life for himself with no resources.  He has been working with the garbage pickers, not a career but a way to make some money until he can find something better.  He sees Atl on the subway and is fascinated by her.  When she takes him home, he volunteers his blood to her.

Atl needs a human helper to run errands she can't and provide another set of eyes for protection.  What she never expected was to learn to love a human, even when she knows it is an impossible dream for them to become a couple and stay together.  But the heart wants what the heart wants.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has written another intriguing fantasy.  She plays with both vampire lore and Mexican folk tales to create a new story, one which readers won't be able to put down.  I listened to this novel and the narrator was excellent, providing a narration that was smoky at times and warrior like at others.  This book is recommended for fantasy readers.