Lacrimosa (Requiem #1) by Christine Fonseca

SPOILER ALERT! This review has spoilers. Continue at your own risk.

Where to begin? You know how something starts as intense and exciting, and after a while it gets dull and boring and you’d end up disappointed with it? Well, that’s not the case with Christine Fonseca’s Lacrimosa. I received my copy from the author herself when I read in a Goodreads group that she’s giving away digital copies in exchange for a review. I have never read any angel/fallen/goth themed novels but there are a few I’m interested in, and when I read Lacrimosa’s plot, I was intrigued with its story.

Let’s start with the book cover. At first look, it didn’t really appeal to me. It’s simple, showing half the face of a girl with piercing blue eyes, gold lips, smooth skin, and blond hair. Behind her are grey feathers which comes across as angel wings, but the wings aren’t that obvious until you look closely. If I were to rate it, based on my rating system, I’d give it a 2.5.

The story starts with Nesy adjusting to her human host as she gets ready to carry out her plans in sending the UnHoly to the Abyss. Her target is Aydan, disguised as a teen band vocalist, who seduces young women and eat their soul, the victims bodies then devoured by dark creatures. Aydan is the right-hand man of Azzaziel, the most powerful evil being there is. Nesy was prepared to take his life, until she looks into his eyes and memories long gone come rushing back. Memories from her other human past.

I like Christine Fonseca’s writing style, her words are captivating. The moment I started reading, I was drawn to the story right away, I could feel the emotions her characters are experiencing. And after two chapters, I was already hooked. I immediately fell in love with the characters too and longed to read more about them. Fonseca also has this style, her signature maybe, where Nesy or Aydan contradicts his/her own thoughts, I don’t know how to explain it but I like how she does it.

Another thing I liked is we get to see the views of both characters involved, it’s a refreshing change from the usual first-person POV that I read. I would often wish I knew what the other person is thinking and with Lacrimosa, we get to be inside both their heads.
Of course, it’s not perfect. It has flaws but I looked past that and just enjoyed the rest of the story. There were times that I wanted to strangle Nesy and/or Aydan myself, wanted to bang their heads together or something. I also have questions about some parts of the book, but I’ll reserve those questions and ask Ms. Fonseca instead.

The ending was heartbreaking. I didn’t see it coming, although while I was reading I kept wondering how it will end because it seemed like whatever happens, no one ends up happy. I cried so many times throughout this book, even when it reached the end, even with a glimpse of happiness, I am curious as to what will happen next and how that ending happened. I can’t wait for the book 2 of the Requiem series.

I’m currently reading the Dies Irae, the prequel of Lacrimosa. It’s about the relationship of Mikayel and Azzaziel. After I finish that I’ll be reading Mea Culpa, the short story after Lacrimosa. I can say that Christine Fonseca is my new favorite author, aside from her awesome novel, she is also a very nice person. She replies to my messages and tweets, and leaves comments on my comments. I am very honored to have met such a nice person like her.

I want a physical copy of this book, but I don’t think we have it yet in local bookstores. I don’t want to risk purchasing online because it might get lost. Maybe I’ll ask a friend from the US to buy one for me. 😀