Book Review: These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban
Sometimes a book catches your eye not just for its cover or its synopsis, but for the promise of a story that delves deep into the human experience—especially when intertwined with folklore and fantasy. That’s exactly what drew me to These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban. The premise hinted at a narrative rich with complex characters and a thrilling mystery that resonates with our darkest desires.
At the heart of the story is Ceci, a deeply relatable protagonist whose life flips upside down after her stepfather’s arrest. Suddenly, she finds herself uprooted from an affluent life in Miami to the eccentric small town of Santa Aguas. Montalban expertly portrays Ceci’s angst and confusion as she navigates this drastic change. I found myself rooting for her, feeling the weight of her struggles and triumphs, all while she grappled with her newfound reality. Living in the Sevilla family manor, an abandoned home steeped in secrets, draws her deeper into the town’s eerie folklore surrounding La Cegua—a spirit with a horse skull for a face. From the moment Ceci uncovers the well connected to La Cegua, the stakes rise dramatically, and the narrative twists become deliciously unpredictable.
One of the standout elements of These Vengeful Wishes is how seamlessly Montalban intertwines the supernatural with real-world issues. The exploration of wishes and their consequences serves as a powerful reminder of the age-old adage: be careful what you wish for. This theme isn’t just a backdrop; it’s intricately woven into Ceci’s development and the choices she faces. Each wish she makes spirals further into darker territory, forcing both her and the reader to reflect on the morality and toll of those decisions. My favorite line, "Abuse isn’t always loud or physical. Sometimes it’s a bard-wired whisper," encapsulates the subtler, yet profound lessons woven throughout the narrative. It resonates deeply, illustrating that danger and consequences can lurk beneath the surface in the most unexpected forms.
Montalban’s writing style is both engaging and atmospheric, expertly crafting a sense of place that feels alive. Santa Aguas enveloped me with its peculiar charm and heavy secrets, and I loved how the town itself almost felt like a character. The pacing is brisk—perfectly suited for a YA fantasy—allowing readers to be swept along with Ceci as she uncovers her family’s dark past and her connection to La Cegua.
What I particularly enjoyed were the interactions between Ceci and her friend Jamie, which grounded the often unsettling supernatural elements with a heartfelt emotional core. Their bond offers a refreshing contrast to the darker aspects of Ceci’s journey, providing glimpses of hope and resilience.
In summary, These Vengeful Wishes is a captivating blend of horror, magic, and coming-of-age themes that invites readers into a world where the supernatural collides with real-world consequences. This book will appeal particularly to fans of YA fantasy who appreciate strong character development and intricate mythologies. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone eager to explore a narrative where every choice matters and wishes come with a price.
A special thanks to Edelweiss+ and Zando Young Readers for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion. Mark your calendars for February 4th—this is one release you won’t want to miss! I can’t wait to see what Vanessa Montalban has in store for us next.