Unfortunately I had a hard time getting into this one. While the concept is fresh, and I love the Cuban take on Practical Magic, the sisters felt interchangeable and the execution felt cluttered and packed with repetition. I found myself backtracking frequently to remind myself who Idaly was but couldn't get a good grip on the plot through the noise.

Ultimately I put this one down.

Vanessa is a amazing. I loved this book so so much. Being a huge fan of practical magic I was dying for another story to be written similar to it. Vanessa definitely delivered. 10/10
Would recommend it. Can’t wait to have this book on my shelf.

I enjoyed reading about the culture and various religious practices in this book. I thought the characters were well-balanced and the twists were good, however, I was able to guess several of them pretty early on. I appreciated the emphasis on loyalty based on familial relationship, however, desiring to make your own choices. The scene with Mamá Orti beyond the veil had me tearing up. I love a good resolution of conflict between mothers and daughters.

Thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC of this book!

Really enjoyed this book! The dual timelines each told fantastic stories and I loved how everything came together. The pitch-perfect presentation of Cuban history and culture was fantastic. Highly recommend.

This book was very enjoyable and kept my interest. It read really fast. The characters were interesting and relatable. The story was very compelling and engaging involving witches and cults. The story does deal with Cuba in the 1980s but it is very intergraded with the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I was given this arc from NetGalley, Zando Projects, and Vanessa Montalban for an honest review.

Twins are forbidden to use magic by their mother. But they must go against her when it comes to saving the lives of many from killer witches treating to take out many.
An enthralling fantasy perfect for all age groups in my opinion; I really grew to love the characters and enjoy the plot

this latine fantasy was a phenomenal read. this book wove together dual timelines spanning from 80s cuba and modern day florida. i liked the inclusion of spanish throughout and the bond between the sisters.

A Tall Dark Trouble is certainly an interesting read. One filled with a strong sense of Cuban heritage and magic.

While the story itself is interesting and relatively engaging, I found myself unable to connect to the characters. I was more interested in the Anita POV than either of our two main characters and found myself wishing entirely for her story instead.

On another note, I’m left wondering where the name came from, as it doesn’t really seem to fit the story I just finished.

Perhaps this book was just not it for me, because I can tell it will be a hit for someone else, but unfortunately not myself. I think the writer has a lot of potential however, so I’m sure they will continue to grow in the future.

For fans of magical fantasy set in interesting locations, this is a book for you. I loved following Ofelia and Delfi through their journey of discovery, as well as learning more about Cuba and it’s culture and history.

The book is fantasy with a dual timeline, between modern day Florida and 1980s Cuba.

One thing that jarred me slightly - and I may be incorrect, so please do correct me if I am!! - is that the present day timeline appeared to be set in around 2016. However, it’s mentioned a few times that El Comandante (aka Castro) is still alive, which is true, but he was only leader until 2008 from what I could tell, so I was a little confused at some historical details.

The Spanish throughout was fairly well done, although I wonder if it may be a little tricky with some words that aren’t really explained with context/translated for any non Spanish speaking readers.

Don’t get me wrong, I did love this book and definitely recommend it! I really enjoyed the historical timeline set in Cuba, and I learned a lot about that part of history, with a bonus magical flair. I was also wildly proud of myself for having an inkling about the ‘twist’ that came at the end 👀 pero qué sorpresa

If you’re interested in Cuba, historical fantasy, or dual timeline novels, this is one you should have on your tbr!

this was a really good! I liked the characters, and they were super well-developed. the plot was super cool and fun to read, and the writing was also smooth and easy to understand
highly recommend

I really enjoyed this story. I love the multiple POVs and alternating timelines, it really kept me wanting more. As a parent took twins I always have a soft spot for twin MCs, I enjoyed seeing how different their personalities were. The whole plot was interesting with navigating the mystery, supernatural, and suspense. I would 100% recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Zando for providing me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I really liked the concept of the twin witches. I think it works really well, but unfortunately I didn’t vibe with the story. It was hard for me to get really into it.

The two main characters were just lacking any sort of likeable traits. Supporting characters were forgettable in my opinion.

I haven’t read a fantasy YA in a long time and this was a great one to break that streak. The multiple timeslines/POVs kept me gripped.

Twins Ofelia and Delfi Sanchez know very little about the magic they carry in their blood. They also don't understand why they are cursed. The Sanchez women will not be able to maintain a romantic relationship. But the curse is now taking a backseat to the premonitions the girls are having of a murder victim. Back in 1980 Cuba, Anita knows her mother is the leader of the powerful coven and is terrified that her fate is also tied to the coven. There is no way for Anita to escape the grasp of the coven, and yet, that is her only desire. How Anita is connected to the murder victims of the twins' premonitions is a truth the twins don't find out until it is nearly to late. A powerful story of family, connections, and curses.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Two twin witches share visions of a woman who later turns up dead. They decide it’s time to finally learn what their powers can really do … but that means ignoring their mother’s warnings. Meanwhile, in the past, a girl who seems likely to be one of their ancestors is also reckoning with her powers and the corrupt government that wants to wield her to its own ends.

DNF @ 18%

I tried, but I just couldn’t get into it! Not only does the concept fail to stand out among the other witchy YA titles that have come out in the past year or so, but the execution is also blah. I felt no attachment to any of the characters I probably should’ve. Like, the twins are literally clutching their chests over Idaly and I’m over here wondering why I’m supposed to care about her when she has no agency, no wants, and no sense of what she cares about. Like, Ofelia is swooning over Ethan and I’m over here wondering what he looks like and when his personality is supposed to kick in.

The cover will catch eyes, and I’m still happy to recommend it to teens who ask for witches or Latinx fantasy. But my honest opinion is that this book is forgettable. I wish the inside was as good as the cover!

This wad absolutely perfect. I simply adored this book and it had me completely enchanted with the story.
I just reviewed A Tall Dark Trouble by Vanessa Montalban. #ATallDarkTrouble #NetGalley
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I don't have much things to say about this one, other than I liked it.

It contained a few elements that I didn't like but overall it was enjoyable.

I like the two main characters and the connection they have as sisters but at times I had to reread passages so I could just remember the person & the POV.

The supporting characters were okay, I didn't like anyone in particular and no one stood out to me.

The writing on the other hand, was phenomenal. The prose, the lyricism, it was addictive to read.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.