Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey
May 29, 2009
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Grand Central Publishing
Jill Sorenson is back with another review!
You guys! I found it. The most awesome book in the universe. SQUEEE!!!
This was recommended multiple times in a thread at Smart Bitches. When I saw it at my local library, I snatched it up. I’m so glad I did. The author delivers strong characters, a sweet romance, and a fascinating dystopian world.
Santa Olivia is a small town on the border of the US and Mexico. Due to war, famine, and civil unrest, it was cordoned off. Now it’s a military zone, patrolled by armed soldiers. There is only one chance of escape. The general who runs the town enjoys a good boxing match. Each year, a citizen of Santa Olivia challenges the military champion. The prize for winners is two tickets out. So far, the townsmen have lost every match.
The beginning of this book is unique in that the main character, Loup, isn’t introduced right away. It starts with Carmen, her mother. She falls in love with a soldier-boxer named Tom. When she gets pregnant, he promises to marry her and take her away from Santa Olivia. A few weeks later, he’s killed in a suspicious accident. Carmen names their son after him.
Carmen eventually recovers from the loss. She has a hard life as a waitress in a diner. One day, a black soldier wanders in. There’s something strange about him, but he’s handsome and kind. Carmen is flooded with attraction. On impulse, she invites him home. They have sex, and it’s explosive, but she realizes that he’s not like a regular man. He admits that he’s some sort of government experiment, a genetic mutant with super strength. Women have always been afraid of him, so her desire is an unexpected gift.
Carmen becomes pregnant for a second time with Martin’s child. He has to flee Santa Olivia because he’s not really a soldier, but a fugitive.
The heroine is born a mutant. Loup (“wolf”) is fearless, fast, and strong. Her older brother Tom looks after her while Carmen works. He teaches Loup to slow down and use caution so she doesn’t get hurt or attract attention.
Tom wants to be a boxer like his father, and he’s big for his age. He trains hard in the gym and dreams of leaving the poor streets of Santa Olivia. When Carmen dies, he promises Loup that he’ll win a match and take her to Mexico to find her father.
This brother-sister relationship is the sweetest thing I’ve read in a long time. Tom is adorable. Loup doesn’t experience normal human reactions, so she isn’t afraid of anything. Tom worries about her taking too many risks. They are fiercely protective of each other.
While Tom continues to build muscle and boxing skills, Loup joins the Santitos, a group of orphans at the local church. They are raised by a hilariously foul-mouthed priest who lives in sin with two women, the schoolteacher and a nun. God has abandoned Santa Olivia. Religious beliefs are nil but good people still exist.
The Santitos (“little saints”) are a motley crew of hard-knock kids. When one of the older girls is raped by a soldier, they band together to exact some vigilante justice. Soon, anyone who commits a crime against the townspeople is subject to the Santitos’ wrath. Loup disguises herself as “Santa Olivia,” the local deity, and wreaks havoc on the bad guys.
Loup doesn’t even hit puberty until the second half of the book, so the romance comes late. She realizes that she likes girls, not boys, which amuses her brother. When she falls in love with one of the female Santitos, the relationship is sexy and heartfelt.
After years of preparation, Tom enters the ring to fight the military champ, with tragic results. Loup realizes immediately that something is wrong. His opponent is a genetic mutant, like her. She begs Tom to throw the fight, but he refuses. *sob*
I won’t spoil the rest. Although I did find some flaws in the second half, I loved this book. The characters and storyline are incredibly compelling. I wanted a full romance for Loup’s parents. They were hot together! I also appreciated the fact that Loup’s father is black and her mother is Latina. Everything about this story felt fresh and authentic to me. I loved the border setting. The author nails the mix of religion, language, and street culture. All of the characters, even the little kids, curse like sailors. “Santa fuckin’ Olivia!” is a popular expression.
Loup is my favorite type of heroine: the outsider. Her differences have very little to do with her race or sexuality. She’s freakishly strong and doesn’t understand certain emotions. I found this to be a particularly interesting choice on the author’s part. Instead of feeling distanced from Loup, it was almost as if I experienced fear and sadness for her.
If you’re looking for a unique heroine and an all-around great story, READ THIS BOOK. Seriously. It’s excellent.
Grade: A
Reviews:
The Book Smugglers
Goodreads
Today, Jill would like to giveaway a copy of the book! She will gift an e-book copy to a Kindle or Nook. To enter, just leave a comment. Open through Friday.
Well, you’ve convinced me! I’m going to look for this book. And I know Carey can write, as I read her debut book, but decided the series wasn’t for me.
I am not usually a fan of sci-fi, but Jill, I am fan of your work (books and reviews), so I would be interested in trying this book.
Thanks susan!
This sounds like just what I need! Would love to read :) great giveaway
Sounds great! I’d love to enter.
Wow Jill, you really pimped this one. :) I like the sound of it. It’s been a long time since I read a book with a good, solid, sibling relationship.
Got me interested! I’ll definitely read this book.
Wow what a glowing review. Sure makes me what to read it!
Pin my tail and call me a donkey, that really helped.
And I was just wondering about that too!
That’s a brilliant answer to an interesting question
You’ve really captured all the essentials in this subject area, haven’t you?
That’s an ingenious way of thinking about it.
Is that really all there is to it because that’d be flabbergasting.
That’s the best answer by far! Thanks for contributing.
Great insight. Relieved I’m on the same side as you.
I could watch Schindler’s List and still be happy after reading this.
I’m impressed you should think of something like that
Hey, that’s a clever way of thinking about it.
You’ve got to be kidding me-it’s so transparently clear now!
I have exactly what info I want. Check, please. Wait, it’s free? Awesome!
That’s going to make things a lot easier from here on out.
If you’re looking to buy these articles make it way easier.
You’ve grabbed my attention with this excellent review! I’d love to win a copy.
I remember you tweeting about this book when you were reading it. So it’s not my Ian ;), but after reading your review, I think I need this one! Great to see you back at smexy!
The most awesome book in the universe?! How could I resist? Count me in.
I’ve seen this book around but never picked it up. All of this glowing praise, I’m gonna have to grab a copy. :)
I’ve never read Jacqueline Carey!! Great review and the book sounds really good!
Sounds fascinating. If I don’t win a copy, I’ll have to find the budget to buy it sooner or later.
You’ve got me hooked now! What a great review. I’ll have to read it now :)
Great review. If the giveaway is international, please count me in :)
I’m not sure if I can gift a book to an international winner using Amazon or B&N. If I can, you’re in!
I’ve adored Carey’s Kushiel series for the longest time and I keep looking at Santa Olivia to try, this might just be the right time ;) Great review!
And there is another book too? Oh my gosh, count me in!
Ok I hear you and I shall run over and put it on my wishlist :D
Awesome review! I have not heard of this book, so it’s going on my want list after your review.
I’d kinda ignored this when it came out because the author’s previous books hadn’t really done it for me, but this review makes it sound rather more my cup of tea.
Thanks for drawing attention to this backlist title! The review was successful in convincing me to give this book a chance. I’ll keep Santa Olivia in mind and try not to confuse this author with the other Jacqueline Carey authors out there.
I think there’s only one. This is the same J. Carey that writes the Kushiel series.
Wow, this sure is different. It sounds awesome, but also a tearjerker. Does this classify as YA or Adult?
Hard question! It didn’t read like YA to me but the heroine is a kid or teen throughout the book.
Fantastic review. I’m in!
I’ve been circling this book forever!! I actually think I own it… so don’t enter me. But, the most awesome book in the universe???? So there. Thanks!
Sounds awesome. Thanks for the giveaway, Jill.
Loos good.
Wow! This sounds very interesting. Can’t wait to read it!
I enjoyed the review. The book sounds good.
I would love to read this book.. Thanks for the opportunity!
wow…an A….not too many As these days….looks like a fantastic read
sandy@thereadingcafe.com
Damn, this sounds fresh and exciting! Great review, too. Adding to my wishlist immediately!
this sounds awesome!
Wow! Awesome review! Count me in. :-D
I’ve read all of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel books, and all of her books set in that world, but I’ve been nervous about trying Santa Olivia. But now you’ve got me intrigued! Thanks for the review :)
I’m convinced! Been thinking about checking out this series but had a hard time separating Jacqueline Carey from the Kushiel series. Definitely going to try it out.
sounds like a good book, will have to check it out!
I somehow missed this book by Jacqueline Carey! As a huge fan of hers this has been added to the top of my “Books To Read NOW” list!
I love Jacqueline Carey’s books. I have read all of her Kushiel’s series, Naamah’s series and the Saints Astray book. I hope to go back and read Santa Olivia soon!
Thanks for the review as I will now go read the book. I have read all of her other books and loved them, so this should be no different.
I read this book about 2 years ago and it was incredible, like all of Jacqueline Carey’s works (I’ve read all but the latest 2 books). Your review was spot on. Now I want to go re-read it before reading the sequel.
I would love to read this book. It sounds very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Jacqueline Carey ROCKS! I would love to win her book
All of the Kushiel books were great – I’ve been meaning to try Santa Olivia.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Carey’s books and writings. I often go to her website and will own to being one of the tattoos on her web page. I like your review, it was really well written, honest, and really shows you got into the novel. I seriously suggest getting the second novel. I read the first but do not own it but bought the second Saints book. It was even more touching, and the images Ms. Carey paints are more then likely things I will never see with my own two eyes. It is beautiful and a triumph of the spirit and the will to do something better with your life than just “be.” Carey’s writings often remind me, personally, that there is a vast and amazing difference between being a human being and a human DOING. I want to be a human doing. Almost all of her characters are thus inspired and I think that speaks to the most inner part of people who want to do something great.
I would love to win the book so that I could read it again and again, but I don’t expect to, In fact I really hope who ever does keeps it forever or when they know the book by heart, donate it to the library so that other people can be thus inspired.
Beth
This book sounds amazing. After reading this review, I immediately checked to see if the library had it, and I’m going after work to pick it up. Thanks for the review!
Loved the Kusheil series! Have to try this!
Wow this book sounds awesome! I’d love to read it :) Great review. I’ve never read any books by Jacqueline Carey but it sounds like I should now!
This is usually not the subgenre I read, but man, you make a convincing argument!