The Last Cuentista

Un poquito heavyhanded... maybe more than un poquito. Required Golden-Gate-level suspension of disbelief on the science, the character motivations, the sleep deprivation, the health issues that magically just go away when convenient, and, sigh, the sloppy editing.

But those are just the mutterings of a grouchy old man who enjoyed the book regardless. The story is fresh, the protagonist unique, the tension high. (Narration is first-person, so you'd think that would give me a clue about the ending... but okay, smartypants, you read it and tell me you weren't ever on edge.)

Not quite four stars, but am giving them anyway for its sweetness and charm.