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These Vengeful Wishes
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11 days and 07:02:25
15 copies available
U.S. only
A teen girl moves to a small town and discovers a mysterious wishing well possessed by La Cegua, a vengeful female spirit with the face of a horse skull, in Vanessa Montalban’s new YA fantasy standalone.
When her stepfather is arrested, aspiring artist Ceci moves back to her mother’s hometown of Santa Aguas, an eccentric small town steeped in the legend of La Cegua, the specter of a wronged witch who appears on lonely roads at night, luring untrustworthy men to their deaths.
Ceci and her mother take up residence in the abandoned manor of the Sevilla family, rumored to have been cursed by La Cegua, where she begins to uncover a past that seems to be connected to her mother. The more she learns of the Sevillas, the more Ceci finds herself forming a strange affinity with the feared Cegua, who she suspects is the one inspiring her paintings of a mysterious door in the forest.
When the very door Ceci has been painting appears in the woods, she decides to venture through it with her new friend, Jamie. Together, they discover a well, guarded by the statue of a veiled woman. A well for granting wishes. The well of La Cegua.
What starts off as harmless fun quickly escalates into something sinister when Ceci realizes that the wishes are putting the people she loves in danger and testing her own penchant for vengeance. After learning others are also searching for the well, Ceci must confront the truth of her mother’s past and prevent La Cegua’s wishes from being used for the wrong reasons. Ceci knows too well how much people will sacrifice for power. Every wish has its price, and La Cegua never forgets the ones who have wronged her.
When her stepfather is arrested, aspiring artist Ceci moves back to her mother’s hometown of Santa Aguas, an eccentric small town steeped in the legend of La Cegua, the specter of a wronged witch who appears on lonely roads at night, luring untrustworthy men to their deaths.
Ceci and her mother take up residence in the abandoned manor of the Sevilla family, rumored to have been cursed by La Cegua, where she begins to uncover a past that seems to be connected to her mother. The more she learns of the Sevillas, the more Ceci finds herself forming a strange affinity with the feared Cegua, who she suspects is the one inspiring her paintings of a mysterious door in the forest.
When the very door Ceci has been painting appears in the woods, she decides to venture through it with her new friend, Jamie. Together, they discover a well, guarded by the statue of a veiled woman. A well for granting wishes. The well of La Cegua.
What starts off as harmless fun quickly escalates into something sinister when Ceci realizes that the wishes are putting the people she loves in danger and testing her own penchant for vengeance. After learning others are also searching for the well, Ceci must confront the truth of her mother’s past and prevent La Cegua’s wishes from being used for the wrong reasons. Ceci knows too well how much people will sacrifice for power. Every wish has its price, and La Cegua never forgets the ones who have wronged her.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 4, 2025
About the author
Vanessa Montalban
3 books119 followersMiami-born Vanessa Montalban channels her wanderlust for far-off worlds into writing young adult fiction, including A Tall Dark Trouble, winner of the Florida Book Awards in the YA category.
She’s a first-generation college graduate and is hard at work creating a collection of stories. Her work has appeared in Diabolical Plots and Entropy Magazine, and her newest novel These Vengeful Wishes is coming spring 2025.
She’s a first-generation college graduate and is hard at work creating a collection of stories. Her work has appeared in Diabolical Plots and Entropy Magazine, and her newest novel These Vengeful Wishes is coming spring 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 10, 2024
I enjoyed this so much! Full of heart, with a bit of mystery/suspense, found family, secrets, healing, and a beautiful love story as well (Jamie is such a great character!). Ceci grows so much throughout the story, I loved seeing her develop as she uncovers the truth and her ties to La Cegua.
I liked how it all came together in the end, how the pieces fit into place. I found it to be all wrapped up nicely with a hopeful and satisfying ending. Can’t wait to shove this one into people’s hands.
I liked how it all came together in the end, how the pieces fit into place. I found it to be all wrapped up nicely with a hopeful and satisfying ending. Can’t wait to shove this one into people’s hands.
November 2, 2024
2,5/2,75⭐️ (rounded up)
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban is a YA horror novel with elements drawn from Nicaraguan folklore.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t particularly engaged with this story.
The plot didn’t capture my attention, even though La Cegua’s story was pretty intriguing.
I also struggled to connect with the characters and I would’ve appreciated a deeper exploration of the relationship between Ceci and her mother.
Thank you NetGalley and Zando Young Readers for the ARC.
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban is a YA horror novel with elements drawn from Nicaraguan folklore.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t particularly engaged with this story.
The plot didn’t capture my attention, even though La Cegua’s story was pretty intriguing.
I also struggled to connect with the characters and I would’ve appreciated a deeper exploration of the relationship between Ceci and her mother.
Thank you NetGalley and Zando Young Readers for the ARC.
September 25, 2024
Though a bit predictable, this was a good read.
I loved the focus on Nicaraguan culture and legend – the book definitely sent me to the web to find out more.
Our main character is likeable. While there’s a touch too much angst for me, she definitely read as a real (angst-filled) teen. I also found her relationship with her mother realistic and emotional!
The story is nicely creepy and it kept me reading.
I’d definitely read the author again and would love more stories about Nicaraguan culture/legend!
*ARC via Publisher
I loved the focus on Nicaraguan culture and legend – the book definitely sent me to the web to find out more.
Our main character is likeable. While there’s a touch too much angst for me, she definitely read as a real (angst-filled) teen. I also found her relationship with her mother realistic and emotional!
The story is nicely creepy and it kept me reading.
I’d definitely read the author again and would love more stories about Nicaraguan culture/legend!
*ARC via Publisher
September 5, 2024
This book is a brilliant testament to why I adore young adult fantasy and horror! From the moment I cracked open the pages, I was swept away by the rich, complex characters and their intriguing, multi-layered personalities. And let’s not forget the book boyfriend—an absolute charmer who deserves a top spot on all future "book boyfriend" lists.
While I did manage to predict a few plot twists before they unfolded, the story's rapid pace and relentless thrills kept me glued to the pages. The atmosphere is nothing short of spectacular, drenched in eerie, spine-tingling vibes that made every chapter an exhilarating ride. If you're a fan of YA fantasy and horror, this book is a must-read. It’s a delightful blend of excitement and suspense that reminded me exactly why I love this genre so much.
While I did manage to predict a few plot twists before they unfolded, the story's rapid pace and relentless thrills kept me glued to the pages. The atmosphere is nothing short of spectacular, drenched in eerie, spine-tingling vibes that made every chapter an exhilarating ride. If you're a fan of YA fantasy and horror, this book is a must-read. It’s a delightful blend of excitement and suspense that reminded me exactly why I love this genre so much.
December 19, 2024
The most intriguing thing of the book is the folktale mystery about a creature described as having a horse skeleton for a face that lures men into the woods.
It's pretty creepy, I would say.
Unfortunately, that’s the only element I genuinely enjoyed. The pacing feels off in several parts making it hard for me to connect with the characters. Aside from the gloomy and creepy vibe, the suspense is lacking so I'm also a bit bored.
Thank you NetGalley and Zando Young Readers for the ARC.
It's pretty creepy, I would say.
Unfortunately, that’s the only element I genuinely enjoyed. The pacing feels off in several parts making it hard for me to connect with the characters. Aside from the gloomy and creepy vibe, the suspense is lacking so I'm also a bit bored.
Thank you NetGalley and Zando Young Readers for the ARC.
September 4, 2024
Thank you to netgalley and Zando Young Readers for an advance copy!!
This was such a great reminder of why i love young adult fantasy and horror. The characters are all complex and fun. The book boyfriend is very cute and i think should be going on future bb lists. While, i did guess some of the plot lines before they happened, it was still a fast paced thrill. incredible atmosphere and creepy vibes.
This was such a great reminder of why i love young adult fantasy and horror. The characters are all complex and fun. The book boyfriend is very cute and i think should be going on future bb lists. While, i did guess some of the plot lines before they happened, it was still a fast paced thrill. incredible atmosphere and creepy vibes.
September 29, 2024
Netgalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest review!
These Vengeful Wishes was an easy, casual read with an intriguing mystery and steady pace. Montalban's prose is easy to read. Ceci and La Cegua's story offered a tragic narrative arc and I found it a compelling mystery. Unlike most people in the reviews, I couldn't have predicted the way the story unfolded and Montalban did an excellent job of building steady tension and mystery. I also have to give at least one whole star to Jamie, I adored the banter between Ceci and him. Honestly, they were easily one of the most fun couple's to root for that I have in a while.
All in all, These Vengeful Wishes was a delightful read, although I did find the beginning a little bit slow. This is exacerbated by the later pace of the book. Despite this, I still had a blast. Easily a 4/5 star read! Best of luck to Montalban on release day!
These Vengeful Wishes was an easy, casual read with an intriguing mystery and steady pace. Montalban's prose is easy to read. Ceci and La Cegua's story offered a tragic narrative arc and I found it a compelling mystery. Unlike most people in the reviews, I couldn't have predicted the way the story unfolded and Montalban did an excellent job of building steady tension and mystery. I also have to give at least one whole star to Jamie, I adored the banter between Ceci and him. Honestly, they were easily one of the most fun couple's to root for that I have in a while.
All in all, These Vengeful Wishes was a delightful read, although I did find the beginning a little bit slow. This is exacerbated by the later pace of the book. Despite this, I still had a blast. Easily a 4/5 star read! Best of luck to Montalban on release day!
October 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Young Readers for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
These Vengeful Wishes delivers an engaging story, though I found much of it to be predictable. The mother-daughter dynamics felt a bit overdone and cheesy, like something you'd expect in a Lifetime movie. On the other hand, the romance subplot was a pleasant surprise and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book!
The writing itself was a bit of a mixed bag—there were moments when I really enjoyed the atmosphere and direction of the story, but at other times, I was pulled out of the narrative by cliché or cringey depictions of teenage characters. Despite these issues, the overall vibe of the book was enjoyable, especially for the spooky season. It's not the kind of book that will linger with me long after finishing, but I would still recommend it to those looking for something spooky without ever crossing into truly scary territory.
These Vengeful Wishes delivers an engaging story, though I found much of it to be predictable. The mother-daughter dynamics felt a bit overdone and cheesy, like something you'd expect in a Lifetime movie. On the other hand, the romance subplot was a pleasant surprise and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book!
The writing itself was a bit of a mixed bag—there were moments when I really enjoyed the atmosphere and direction of the story, but at other times, I was pulled out of the narrative by cliché or cringey depictions of teenage characters. Despite these issues, the overall vibe of the book was enjoyable, especially for the spooky season. It's not the kind of book that will linger with me long after finishing, but I would still recommend it to those looking for something spooky without ever crossing into truly scary territory.
November 26, 2024
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban is a folklore retelling based off La Cegua with a blend of ya horror and contemporary fantasy. It follows Ceci, an aspiring artist, who has to suddenly move back to her mother's hometown and into an abandoned manor full of secrets. The entire town seems to think they are haunted by a vengeful spirit. Then she finds a mysterious yet familiar door in the woods that leads to a wishing well.
I am utterly obsessed with this story! It was written so well and kept me engaged! The themes of a new creepy town with a ghost story, curses, abandoned manor, and the feel of everyone knowing something you don't all blended so great. The gothic-like atmosphere was perfect.
Loved the characters. They all added something to the story. Ceci speaks to my soul, and I love her dearly even with all of her flaws. I have two other characters that just stole my heart, but I won't spoil it! Love the progression of the romance. My girl definitely gives black cat energy!
I enjoyed all the twists and the suspense surrounding them. This was my first La Cegua retelling, and after reading her history, I truly understood her. I need more! Feminine rage? Yes, please! I highly recommend this book
I am utterly obsessed with this story! It was written so well and kept me engaged! The themes of a new creepy town with a ghost story, curses, abandoned manor, and the feel of everyone knowing something you don't all blended so great. The gothic-like atmosphere was perfect.
Loved the characters. They all added something to the story. Ceci speaks to my soul, and I love her dearly even with all of her flaws. I have two other characters that just stole my heart, but I won't spoil it! Love the progression of the romance. My girl definitely gives black cat energy!
I enjoyed all the twists and the suspense surrounding them. This was my first La Cegua retelling, and after reading her history, I truly understood her. I need more! Feminine rage? Yes, please! I highly recommend this book
September 11, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
These Vengeful Wishes is perfect for anyone who loves family secrets. Who loves the ideas of coming back to a place you should know, that your family has history, but feels like a land of isolation. Where everyone is in on an inside joke. With folktale influences, These Vengeful Wishes is spooky and haunted, but maybe not in the way you think. There's a distinct sense of curses, of chills running down your spines, and Montalban does a phenomenal job at infusing the atmosphere. But there's also a sense that the past is reaching, clawing, back to reach us. That things left unsaid are speaking out.
These Vengeful Wishes is perfect for anyone who loves family secrets. Who loves the ideas of coming back to a place you should know, that your family has history, but feels like a land of isolation. Where everyone is in on an inside joke. With folktale influences, These Vengeful Wishes is spooky and haunted, but maybe not in the way you think. There's a distinct sense of curses, of chills running down your spines, and Montalban does a phenomenal job at infusing the atmosphere. But there's also a sense that the past is reaching, clawing, back to reach us. That things left unsaid are speaking out.
September 28, 2024
I had so much hope for this one but i was disappinted. Tho plot was kinda obvious and i couldnt really connect with the protagonist or any of the other characters. It did not gave me this creepy vibe i was hoping for. The ending did not really make sense for me. I still think people could read it if they are looking for some unsettling vibe and a kinda creepy atmosphere.
December 16, 2024
I enjoyed this supernatural / horror very much. The characters were well developed, and the suspense kept me engaged the whole time. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy. I would recommend this to any teen looking for a thriller.
August 30, 2024
Here we have a fable-rich YA mystery novel with a fantastical backdrop. Mom and daughter move back to mom’s hometown, where daughter discovers some modern and ancient lore, and finds herself sleepwalking in the woods at night … oh, and there’s a cute boy, too. How do I feel? Ambivalent. There’s a lot of mother-daughter tropes that I despise. Of course the daughter has to be an immature brat for no reason. And I’m so tired of YA writers normalizing sexist drivel like the daughter describing herself as having “resting bitch face and a droll voice to match,” sentiments courtesy of others who are called “friends,” of course. And we had several large info dumps at the end, like a casket of bones thrown in my face! At the same time, this has a lot of noble elements and a steadfast connection to indigeneity and, surprisingly, feminist retellings of witches and women branded “other” and ostracized. And the lead’s main love interest was sweet. Something a little different, but maybe only for those into the genre … who come in with a wary eye.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Zando Young Readers for the advance copy.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Zando Young Readers for the advance copy.
Want to read
July 15, 2024A teen girl moves to a small town and discovers a mysterious wishing well possessed by La Cegua, a vengeful female spirit with the face of a horse skull
sometimes, a single sentence is all you need to add a book to your tbr
sometimes, a single sentence is all you need to add a book to your tbr
September 4, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Zando Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“These Vengeful Wishes” by Vanessa Montalban is a standalone YA fantasy book steeped in mystery, local folklore, and a touch of horror. The story centers around Ceci, an aspiring artist, who moves back to her mother's hometown of Santa Aguas, a small town rich with local legends and dark secrets. Here, Ceci encounters a mysterious wishing well guarded by the spirit of la Cegua, a vengeful witch-like figure from local folklore with the face of a horse skull. As Ceci settles into the eerie Sevilla manor with her mother, she begins to unravel the town's mysteries and discovers her own connection to la Cegua. Through haunting dreams and bizarre events, Ceci's fascination with the spectral figure grows. When she and her new friend Jamie stumble upon a well in the woods—a well that grants wishes but at a dangerous cost—Ceci is drawn into a tangled web of ancient curses and modern-day vengeance. I absolutely loved this book, especially with its message about how women are often forgotten in history as shown through la Cegua.
The book is rich in atmosphere, with Montalban's vivid descriptions enhancing the creepy, supernatural tone. I especially loved the descriptions of la Cegua, particularly in the flashbacks of who she was when she was human; they perfectly set the mood of the story. The setting of Santa Aguas, with its dense forests and shadowy history, also provides a fitting backdrop for Ceci's journey. The folklore surrounding La Cegua adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical YA fantasy; it becomes a story of misunderstood spirits, revenge, and the reclaiming of identity.
Ceci is a relatable protagonist, with her mix of teenage naïveté and a desire for belonging. Her initial naivety regarding the consequences of her wishes reflects a realistic teenage mindset as she, at first, desires to make a selfish wish without considering the consequences, and her growth throughout the novel is both believable and engaging. I really liked how the wishes Ceci made were relatively wholesome, reflecting who she is as a person. The relationship between Ceci and her mother, though rooted in some common YA tropes, adds layers to the story, especially as Ceci learns more about her family's past and her mother's history with La Cegua. I do wish the mother were more involved in the story; she is mostly absent (which works for the plot), but I wanted more of her perspective.
Jamie, Ceci’s love interest, brings a refreshing dynamic to the story. I absolutely loved Jamie and his “golden retriever energy.” Jamie is supportive, understanding, and is a fully developed character instead of just being a generic, perfect love interest. His presence provides a grounding force for Ceci as she navigates the dangerous allure of the wishing well. He was, unexpectedly, my favorite part of the story.
I did find the plot predictable with obvious hints about key characters and their backstories, specifically Adel as well as Ceci’s father. There are also moments where the narrative relies heavily on info-dumping, particularly towards the end, which can feel overwhelming and detract from the otherwise well-paced storytelling. However, these shortcomings are balanced by the book's strengths. Montalban’s ability to blend folklore with a modern setting, combined with her focus on feminist retellings and themes of empowerment, make “These Vengeful Wishes” a compelling read. The book’s exploration of the misunderstood spirit of La Cegua, and its commentary on the power dynamics that have historically isolated women branded as “other,” adds a thought-provoking layer to the story.
Overall, “These Vengeful Wishes” is a fantastic YA fantasy novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories with a strong sense of place, rich cultural folklore, and complex female characters. I definitely can’t wait to read more from Montalban, and I will also be picking up a physical copy of the book (the cover is gorgeous!).
“These Vengeful Wishes” by Vanessa Montalban is a standalone YA fantasy book steeped in mystery, local folklore, and a touch of horror. The story centers around Ceci, an aspiring artist, who moves back to her mother's hometown of Santa Aguas, a small town rich with local legends and dark secrets. Here, Ceci encounters a mysterious wishing well guarded by the spirit of la Cegua, a vengeful witch-like figure from local folklore with the face of a horse skull. As Ceci settles into the eerie Sevilla manor with her mother, she begins to unravel the town's mysteries and discovers her own connection to la Cegua. Through haunting dreams and bizarre events, Ceci's fascination with the spectral figure grows. When she and her new friend Jamie stumble upon a well in the woods—a well that grants wishes but at a dangerous cost—Ceci is drawn into a tangled web of ancient curses and modern-day vengeance. I absolutely loved this book, especially with its message about how women are often forgotten in history as shown through la Cegua.
The book is rich in atmosphere, with Montalban's vivid descriptions enhancing the creepy, supernatural tone. I especially loved the descriptions of la Cegua, particularly in the flashbacks of who she was when she was human; they perfectly set the mood of the story. The setting of Santa Aguas, with its dense forests and shadowy history, also provides a fitting backdrop for Ceci's journey. The folklore surrounding La Cegua adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical YA fantasy; it becomes a story of misunderstood spirits, revenge, and the reclaiming of identity.
Ceci is a relatable protagonist, with her mix of teenage naïveté and a desire for belonging. Her initial naivety regarding the consequences of her wishes reflects a realistic teenage mindset as she, at first, desires to make a selfish wish without considering the consequences, and her growth throughout the novel is both believable and engaging. I really liked how the wishes Ceci made were relatively wholesome, reflecting who she is as a person. The relationship between Ceci and her mother, though rooted in some common YA tropes, adds layers to the story, especially as Ceci learns more about her family's past and her mother's history with La Cegua. I do wish the mother were more involved in the story; she is mostly absent (which works for the plot), but I wanted more of her perspective.
Jamie, Ceci’s love interest, brings a refreshing dynamic to the story. I absolutely loved Jamie and his “golden retriever energy.” Jamie is supportive, understanding, and is a fully developed character instead of just being a generic, perfect love interest. His presence provides a grounding force for Ceci as she navigates the dangerous allure of the wishing well. He was, unexpectedly, my favorite part of the story.
I did find the plot predictable with obvious hints about key characters and their backstories, specifically Adel as well as Ceci’s father. There are also moments where the narrative relies heavily on info-dumping, particularly towards the end, which can feel overwhelming and detract from the otherwise well-paced storytelling. However, these shortcomings are balanced by the book's strengths. Montalban’s ability to blend folklore with a modern setting, combined with her focus on feminist retellings and themes of empowerment, make “These Vengeful Wishes” a compelling read. The book’s exploration of the misunderstood spirit of La Cegua, and its commentary on the power dynamics that have historically isolated women branded as “other,” adds a thought-provoking layer to the story.
Overall, “These Vengeful Wishes” is a fantastic YA fantasy novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories with a strong sense of place, rich cultural folklore, and complex female characters. I definitely can’t wait to read more from Montalban, and I will also be picking up a physical copy of the book (the cover is gorgeous!).
October 8, 2024
4/5 stars
Recommended if you like: Southern Gothic, horror, wishes, family secrets
Big thanks to Netgalley, Zando Young Readers, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The book started out quite interestingly and you can't quite tell where it's going to go or how our MC ends up back in her mother's hometown. This part of the setup progresses fairly quickly and I was actually pretty amused at how it played out.
I have to say, I didn't like Ceci very much at the beginning. The very beginning was interesting, but she's quickly painted as a spoiled, capricious character. Luckily, things seem to change once her mom and her head to Santa Aguas, and I found myself liking Ceci much more after that. She's definitely a character who has gone through difficulties, despite the seemingly privileged facade (and honestly, reality). She also grows over the course of the book and comes to realize her own flaws while also understanding and forgiving her mother for some of hers.
Santa Aguas clearly has something...off about it from the get-go. For one there's the horse-headed statue of a woman with mustard seeds outside the gas station. For another there's the sheer number of missing person cases and drunk people who wander into the woods and return wrong. There's actually a couple layers to the mystery, and it's hard to tell at first how they all connect with one another. I definitely figured some aspects of it out before the characters did, but there were also parts that took me completely by surprise.
The well of La Cegua and the wishes it grants was definitely an interesting aspect. Wishes being magically granted is, naturally, very seductive and hard to resist. Who wouldn't make a wish or two given the chance? But all magic comes with a price, and the wishes La Cegua grants have a nasty sting...just not always for the wish maker. It was definitely interesting to see how the dark side of these wishes played out and how the desire to make life just a little bit better battled with the need to prevent bad things from happening.
I wasn't sure how the wishes and the missing people connected (except for the obvious: La Cegua), and it was fun trying to figure it out alongside the characters. While the two bits of magic are seemingly separate, there was a really interesting thread connecting them, and I really liked how it was all revealed.
The main side characters are Jamie, the friend who discovers La Cegua's wishing well with Ceci, and two of Jamie's friends, Myra and Di. Jamie is a giant teddy bear who's always looking out for people and trying to make sure they're taken care of. But just like how Ceci is hiding a vulnerable core, Jamie is hiding his own difficult family background behind his sunny exterior. The two of them are able to connect over shared, but different, family troubles, and it makes sense why they're both drawn to the wishing well. Myra and Di seem like polar opposites, but they vibe off each other fairly well. They're also more than willing to bring Ceci into their friend group, and I liked that she had someone other than Jamie that she could be herself around.
I'm not really sure how I feel about Ceci's mom. For most of the book she acts one way: rich, out to keep her money, and wanting to keep up appearances. But throughout the book there are moments of softness with her and she and Ceci get some genuine moments together. She does seem to shed some of the superficiality the longer they stay in Santa Aguas, but then something will happen and she'll snap back to her old self. The ending felt a little too neat with her, imo, though there is a time jump from the last chapter to the epilogue, so I suppose it's feasible she worked on herself.
Overall, I found this to be a great horror read that has wishes gone awry, family secrets, and a nice dose of Southern Gothic. While Ceci doesn't start out as the most likable, I did enjoy her character once she was in Santa Aguas, and she definitely undergoes some major character growth.
Recommended if you like: Southern Gothic, horror, wishes, family secrets
Big thanks to Netgalley, Zando Young Readers, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The book started out quite interestingly and you can't quite tell where it's going to go or how our MC ends up back in her mother's hometown. This part of the setup progresses fairly quickly and I was actually pretty amused at how it played out.
I have to say, I didn't like Ceci very much at the beginning. The very beginning was interesting, but she's quickly painted as a spoiled, capricious character. Luckily, things seem to change once her mom and her head to Santa Aguas, and I found myself liking Ceci much more after that. She's definitely a character who has gone through difficulties, despite the seemingly privileged facade (and honestly, reality). She also grows over the course of the book and comes to realize her own flaws while also understanding and forgiving her mother for some of hers.
Santa Aguas clearly has something...off about it from the get-go. For one there's the horse-headed statue of a woman with mustard seeds outside the gas station. For another there's the sheer number of missing person cases and drunk people who wander into the woods and return wrong. There's actually a couple layers to the mystery, and it's hard to tell at first how they all connect with one another. I definitely figured some aspects of it out before the characters did, but there were also parts that took me completely by surprise.
The well of La Cegua and the wishes it grants was definitely an interesting aspect. Wishes being magically granted is, naturally, very seductive and hard to resist. Who wouldn't make a wish or two given the chance? But all magic comes with a price, and the wishes La Cegua grants have a nasty sting...just not always for the wish maker. It was definitely interesting to see how the dark side of these wishes played out and how the desire to make life just a little bit better battled with the need to prevent bad things from happening.
I wasn't sure how the wishes and the missing people connected (except for the obvious: La Cegua), and it was fun trying to figure it out alongside the characters. While the two bits of magic are seemingly separate, there was a really interesting thread connecting them, and I really liked how it was all revealed.
The main side characters are Jamie, the friend who discovers La Cegua's wishing well with Ceci, and two of Jamie's friends, Myra and Di. Jamie is a giant teddy bear who's always looking out for people and trying to make sure they're taken care of. But just like how Ceci is hiding a vulnerable core, Jamie is hiding his own difficult family background behind his sunny exterior. The two of them are able to connect over shared, but different, family troubles, and it makes sense why they're both drawn to the wishing well. Myra and Di seem like polar opposites, but they vibe off each other fairly well. They're also more than willing to bring Ceci into their friend group, and I liked that she had someone other than Jamie that she could be herself around.
I'm not really sure how I feel about Ceci's mom. For most of the book she acts one way: rich, out to keep her money, and wanting to keep up appearances. But throughout the book there are moments of softness with her and she and Ceci get some genuine moments together. She does seem to shed some of the superficiality the longer they stay in Santa Aguas, but then something will happen and she'll snap back to her old self. The ending felt a little too neat with her, imo, though there is a time jump from the last chapter to the epilogue, so I suppose it's feasible she worked on herself.
Overall, I found this to be a great horror read that has wishes gone awry, family secrets, and a nice dose of Southern Gothic. While Ceci doesn't start out as the most likable, I did enjoy her character once she was in Santa Aguas, and she definitely undergoes some major character growth.
November 25, 2024
This is a YA horror, contemporary fantasy that delivers genuine thrills, so let’s dive in.
The story follows Cesi, a young artist who moves to an eccentric small town with her imperfect mother after her stepfather’s arrest.
Upon settling into her new, creepy home, Cesi discovers a mysterious wishing well in the woods linked to La Cegua, a vengeful spirit from Central American folklore who targets drunk or abusive men. Kinda wish she was real.
As Cesi explores her surroundings, she realizes that some dark sketches she previously drew eerily depict the gardens and woods around her house. This raises questions about her connection to the area and the secrets it holds.
While this move presents challenges for Cesi, it also introduces her to genuine friendships and a love interest who is truly "book boyfriend" material.
Throughout the story, Cesi grapples with disturbing dreams, sleepwalking episodes, and flashbacks of a woman enduring abuse at the hands of her husband. Which deepen the mystery of her connection to the house, the woman in her dreams and how La Cegua factors into the whole thing.
Cesi is an imperfect character—I hated her often in this book. She’s a petty, judgmental bitch. Then I remember she’s a teenager and her mom is not what I would consider stable. A compliment to the author because successfully evoking strong feelings about a character indicates they were written with depth and insight. So kudos there.
As the story unfolds, Cesi feels an irresistible pull toward the woods and the wishing well, leading her to an underground cenote with a statue of La Cegua, where everything starts to unravel.
What begins as harmless fun wishing for seemingly innocuous things, quickly escalates into something sinister when she realizes that her wishes are endangering the people she loves.
She learns that others are also searching for the well, forcing her to confront the truth about her mother’s past and prevent La Cegua’s wishes from being misused.
The book starts off slowly but gains momentum, particularly in the last 25%, where I found myself covering half the page with my hand so I wouldn’t read ahead.
The balance of thrills and suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the ending is fantastic. Tears were shed.
The author skillfully makes readers care not just for Cesi, but also for La Cegua. Who’s essentially like a demon – BIG DEAL.
This book is a captivating blend of horror, mystery, and emotional depth that will resonate long after the last page.
Definitely recommend it!
The story follows Cesi, a young artist who moves to an eccentric small town with her imperfect mother after her stepfather’s arrest.
Upon settling into her new, creepy home, Cesi discovers a mysterious wishing well in the woods linked to La Cegua, a vengeful spirit from Central American folklore who targets drunk or abusive men. Kinda wish she was real.
As Cesi explores her surroundings, she realizes that some dark sketches she previously drew eerily depict the gardens and woods around her house. This raises questions about her connection to the area and the secrets it holds.
While this move presents challenges for Cesi, it also introduces her to genuine friendships and a love interest who is truly "book boyfriend" material.
Throughout the story, Cesi grapples with disturbing dreams, sleepwalking episodes, and flashbacks of a woman enduring abuse at the hands of her husband. Which deepen the mystery of her connection to the house, the woman in her dreams and how La Cegua factors into the whole thing.
Cesi is an imperfect character—I hated her often in this book. She’s a petty, judgmental bitch. Then I remember she’s a teenager and her mom is not what I would consider stable. A compliment to the author because successfully evoking strong feelings about a character indicates they were written with depth and insight. So kudos there.
As the story unfolds, Cesi feels an irresistible pull toward the woods and the wishing well, leading her to an underground cenote with a statue of La Cegua, where everything starts to unravel.
What begins as harmless fun wishing for seemingly innocuous things, quickly escalates into something sinister when she realizes that her wishes are endangering the people she loves.
She learns that others are also searching for the well, forcing her to confront the truth about her mother’s past and prevent La Cegua’s wishes from being misused.
The book starts off slowly but gains momentum, particularly in the last 25%, where I found myself covering half the page with my hand so I wouldn’t read ahead.
The balance of thrills and suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the ending is fantastic. Tears were shed.
The author skillfully makes readers care not just for Cesi, but also for La Cegua. Who’s essentially like a demon – BIG DEAL.
This book is a captivating blend of horror, mystery, and emotional depth that will resonate long after the last page.
Definitely recommend it!
October 16, 2024
I devoured this book! Vanessa Montalban weaves an eerie and enchanting tale with These Vengeful Wishes—it’s packed with small-town secrets, supernatural legends, and just the right amount of spine-tingling suspense. Ceci is a character I immediately connected with—her journey of self-discovery, especially through her art, made the story so much richer.
The atmosphere of Santa Aguas, with its dark folklore and that haunting wishing well, gave me chills in the best way. And La Cegua? Absolutely creepy yet so captivating! The horse-skull-faced spirit is unforgettable and adds an unsettling layer of danger. As Ceci’s bond with La Cegua deepened, I found myself holding my breath, wondering what would happen next!
My only wish (pun intended!) is that the pacing could’ve been a tad quicker in spots, but overall, this was such a fun, spooky read. It’s perfect for anyone craving a mix of magic, mystery, and a hint of vengeance. Just be careful what you wish for… 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The atmosphere of Santa Aguas, with its dark folklore and that haunting wishing well, gave me chills in the best way. And La Cegua? Absolutely creepy yet so captivating! The horse-skull-faced spirit is unforgettable and adds an unsettling layer of danger. As Ceci’s bond with La Cegua deepened, I found myself holding my breath, wondering what would happen next!
My only wish (pun intended!) is that the pacing could’ve been a tad quicker in spots, but overall, this was such a fun, spooky read. It’s perfect for anyone craving a mix of magic, mystery, and a hint of vengeance. Just be careful what you wish for… 🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 20, 2024
I greatly enjoyed the writing in this book. Never once did I feel like I was reading a book that was geared toward young adults; it felt like it was a book meant for anyone who wanted to enjoy a good book.
The lore in this book was amazing and fascinating and I thought it was very interesting. (Especially the truth of it.) I liked the storyline and the cast of characters and I felt like the main character was very human and relatable.
Even though this book had somewhat of a cliched ending, I found that I didn't mind it at all. In fact, I was happy with it and satisfied with how things turned out. I'll give that credit to the author and their ability to weave a storyline together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky story of revenge.
The lore in this book was amazing and fascinating and I thought it was very interesting. (Especially the truth of it.) I liked the storyline and the cast of characters and I felt like the main character was very human and relatable.
Even though this book had somewhat of a cliched ending, I found that I didn't mind it at all. In fact, I was happy with it and satisfied with how things turned out. I'll give that credit to the author and their ability to weave a storyline together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky story of revenge.
October 25, 2024
These Vengeful Wishes is a gripping young adult horror novel that weaves together a family mystery and Nicaraguan folklore. Ceci and her mother return to her mother’s hometown of Santa Aguas after her stepfather is arrested. They move into a large manor house that her mother had secretly owned, and Ceci quickly befriends some local students. Ceci learns the town’s mysterious history revolving around La Cegua, a Nicaraguan ghost story.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were engaging and well written, and the folklore was interesting. While slightly predictable, there were definitely plot points that kept me guessing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of These Vengeful Wishes in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were engaging and well written, and the folklore was interesting. While slightly predictable, there were definitely plot points that kept me guessing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of These Vengeful Wishes in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2024
These Vengeful Wishes was folkloric and atmospheric and spooky. I loved who Ceci grew into and the real bonds she made with her new friends. I wish we got a deeper insight into the relationship between Ceci and her mother. Ceci is also written as an antsy and aggressive teen, which felt completely accurate, albeit annoying at times. I can't discredit how well Montalban wrote her characters; she made me feel so many different ways about them. La Cegua was a haunting beautiful specter, i loved how Montalban wrote her. I also really appreciated the dive into Nicaraguan culture/legends. It brought new elements to this YA horror. Overall, this was a solid read and I enjoyed the writing style.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2024
As my sophomore book goes out into the world and finds its readers, I have a renewed sense of responsibility and appreciation. I get to keep telling stories that I love. I get to contribute to the rich folklore of the generations that came before me, and give new breath onto a tale that's been whispered throughout time and within countries. La Cegua's story isn't mine alone. It's a shared misunderstood spirit that lives within the heart of many women. I hope I did her justice, or at the very least, I hope I showed her humanity.
October 21, 2024
Senior year was supposed to be the beginning of Ceci’s plan to get away from her mother’s constant failed marriages. All she’d ever wanted was her love, but her mother was more interested in money and men. After they moved to a small town where her mother grew up darkness began to stalk Ceci’s every move... I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, so go to my blog to read more about this amazing book: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
October 30, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC copy
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban impressed me with its combination of magic and psychological depth. The story focuses on the desire for revenge that slowly consumes the characters, making the plot dynamic and suspenseful. What struck me most was how accurately the internal conflicts of the characters are conveyed - the question of morality, the power and consequences of fulfilled wishes. This is a dark, yet insightful novel that makes you think about the cost of our actions and choices.
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban impressed me with its combination of magic and psychological depth. The story focuses on the desire for revenge that slowly consumes the characters, making the plot dynamic and suspenseful. What struck me most was how accurately the internal conflicts of the characters are conveyed - the question of morality, the power and consequences of fulfilled wishes. This is a dark, yet insightful novel that makes you think about the cost of our actions and choices.
December 19, 2024
"These Vengeful Wishes" by Vanessa Montalban is a captivating tale of magic, revenge, and complex human desires. The richly layered characters and intricate plot twists keep readers engaged from start to finish. Montalban's vivid descriptions and immersive worldbuilding create a captivating atmosphere. While the pacing occasionally falters, the gripping narrative and compelling character arcs more than compensate. Overall, it's a must-read for fans of dark fantasy, showcasing Montalban's talent for weaving emotional depth into her storytelling.
September 11, 2024
I liked the Nicaraguan representation, especially the folklore of La Cegua. It was more of a suspenseful read and felt more like a gothic aesthetic read, hopefully it will be translated into Spanish because of the good potential the story has. I was not bored throughout the book, although I did not feel it for me, if I would recommend the story to someone else, but I remembered the introduction of the twilight's film.
October 20, 2024
Be careful what you wish for!
These Vengeful Wishes was a creepy, atmospheric read. When Ceci's mom drags her back to her small hometown, she learns that the town's folklore about a generational curse is directly linked to the house she's living in.
This book sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole, learning about La Cegua.
This had the right amount of suspense and kept me turning the pages.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy to review.
These Vengeful Wishes was a creepy, atmospheric read. When Ceci's mom drags her back to her small hometown, she learns that the town's folklore about a generational curse is directly linked to the house she's living in.
This book sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole, learning about La Cegua.
This had the right amount of suspense and kept me turning the pages.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy to review.
October 10, 2024
This is the first time I have read anything by Vanessa Montalban. This book was a interesting combination of plot, characters, romance and horror. The characters were well written, especially Ceci. The book was well written, but I was expecting more creepiness. I feel like it would be perfect for a school library. I will be recommending this book to the YA crowd. Thank you Net Galley ARC!
October 17, 2024
Professionally:
Eerie, gorgeously written, and with a swoon-worthy romance, THESE VENGEFUL WISHES is a must-read that will keep you up at night and obsessed for years to come, just like la Cegua and her wishing well.
Unprofessionally:
THAT SLOW BURN ALMOST PUT ME IN AN EARLY GRAVE, i was kicking my feet, holding my breathing, squealing, screaming, tearing the room apart
Eerie, gorgeously written, and with a swoon-worthy romance, THESE VENGEFUL WISHES is a must-read that will keep you up at night and obsessed for years to come, just like la Cegua and her wishing well.
Unprofessionally:
THAT SLOW BURN ALMOST PUT ME IN AN EARLY GRAVE, i was kicking my feet, holding my breathing, squealing, screaming, tearing the room apart
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