The Jaguar Mask is quite a unique novel, difficult to classify in a genre (I would argue that we could talk about magical realism or a contemporary fantasy) written by Michael J. DeLuca and published by Stelliform Press. A multilayered story that takes the opportunity to put the focus on Guatemala's instability and the current climate challenges while following Felipe Ki'cab, a jaguar that shapeshifts into human, a central character to the plot who ties all the different threads.

When El Bufo, a corrupt ex-detective, hires him as driver, Felipe didn't imagine how deeply his life would change; leading him to become part of the investigation of an assassination which is tied with government's corruption and the ecocide they've been systematically perpetrating in order to enrich themselves. However, not only El Bufo pushes him into a relentless vendetta against those that got him expelled, but crosses him with Cristina Ramos, who witnessed how her mother was killed as collateral damage on the conspiracy; together, they must fight to finally uncover the corruption and how power is used against the own citizens of the country, slowly destroying their natural ecosystem in order to enrich the privileged ones.

Ki'cab is a really interesting character, especially as we can see how he struggles to be part of the society; at the end, he only knows that he's different from humans, but quite proficient masking it. He deeply cares about others, as we can see on how he tries to protect his house mates; the pressure applied by El Bufo almost ends breaking his carefully crafted identity, especially as he realizes that his costume is not as opaque as he thought.
Cristina plays an important role in the plot, finding strength and valour with the help of Felipe; a traumatized person that comes from the working class but who never thought about becoming part of such an important plot.

DeLuca puts a great effort into creating a believable setting, as accurate as possible in Guatemala, introducing subtle fantasy elements that play an important role in the development of the story; it also puts the weight on how environment and climate are being destroyed in order to profit, many times harming the indigenous population, always benefitting just a few oligarchs. Pacing is medium, allowing space for introspective and reflection, fully fleshing the main characters, giving us insights about their past.

The Jaguar Mask is the kind of novel you wish to read more: ambitious and unique, trying to put the stress over important themes; a good example of magical realism. It will be probably more enjoyed by those that are used to thrillers, but I think if you are ready to think outside the mold, this will make a great read.