Review of "These Vengeful Wishes" by Vanessa Montalban
From the moment I stumbled upon the title These Vengeful Wishes, I was instantly intrigued. Let’s be real—who wouldn’t be curious about a YA fantasy that promises a blend of supernatural intrigue, folklore, and the haunting complexities of adolescence? Vanessa Montalban has crafted a tale that is as atmospheric as it is thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where shadows whisper and wishes come with terrifying strings attached.
Characters and Themes
At the heart of this gripping narrative is Ceci, a character whose struggles make her incredibly relatable. An average teen thrumming with the angst we all recognized in our own youth, Ceci’s life takes an unsettling turn after her stepfather’s arrest. Suddenly uprooted from her posh Miami life, she finds herself in the quirky town of Santa Aguas, a place steeped in legend and enveloped by the ominous presence of La Cegua. This powerful spirit isn’t just local folklore; it pulses through the story, intertwining with Ceci’s own family history and spurring her on a journey that forces her to confront darker desires.
Montalban expertly explores the theme of "be careful what you wish for." As Ceci discovers a wishing well that connects to La Cegua, the consequences of her harmless yearnings quickly spiral into something sinister. Watching Ceci grapple with her choices—what she’s willing to sacrifice for love and her perceived power—was both captivating and painful in the best way. The intricate layers of her character growth kept me turning pages late into the night, desperate to see who she would become.
Writing Style and Setting
Montalban’s writing is immersive, weaving a rich tapestry of magical realism that feels alive. The small town of Santa Aguas serves as a haunting yet vibrant backdrop, painted with evocative descriptions that made me feel the heat of its secrets and the weight of its eerie past. Quotes like, “Abuse isn’t always loud or physical. Sometimes it’s a bard-wired whisper,” resonate deeply, capturing the subtle intricacies of both emotional and supernatural traumas in a single haunting line.
The narrative pace is brisk, filled with twists that kept me guessing. Montalban knows when to linger on a moment and when to rush the heartbeats, creating a rhythm that feels almost musical—perfect for a story that dwells in the realm of whispers and magic.
Conclusion
Overall, These Vengeful Wishes is a beautifully crafted tale that seamlessly intertwines elements of horror, magic, and the coming-of-age journey. If you find joy in stories where folklore breathes life into tangible realities, where characters confront their deepest fears, and where every longing holds a cost, then this book is a must-read.
It’s a journey that resonates with anyone who has ever wished for something that might ultimately lead to their undoing. As I closed the last page, I was left reflecting on the moments that defined me, much like Ceci. Mark your calendars for February 4th—this one is worth diving into. A huge thanks to Edelweiss+ and Zando Young Readers for sharing this captivating eARC with me; I can’t wait to see what else Montalban brings to the literary landscape!
