Ceci and her mother are forced back to her mother's hometown when Ceci's stepfather is arrested for fraud. When they arrive, Ceci keeps hearing rumors of a curse from La Cegua. Everyone is told to stay out of the woods but curiosity killed the cat and Ceci cannot help herself. Along with her new friend Jamie, they will uncover strange and creepy things. I loved the story. It was so creepy and interesting. Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Young Readers for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

3.5⭐ better than my first experience from the author... there's a mystery that kept me engaged although i think there wasn't really a high point in the story, like it was just,, going on? idk how to say this, anti-climactic i guess.

First and foremost I want to thank #Netgalley for the chance to read the fantastic novel #ThesesVenegfulWishes by #VanessaMontalban in return for a fair and honest review.

Soledad though that she was leaving her family in California with a Seville man to start and amazing new life. One where she would be respected and cherished even though her mother warned her nothing good could come from leaving with this man, all he wanted were the gifts she could grant him with the mysterious power that runs through her blood. Like any love sick woman she went with him and discovered too late that he wanted her for exactly what her mother thought, there was no love to be had for her.

The line of the Sevilles has been cursed going back years to when Le Cegua began appearing and taking the lives of the men in the family. Many believed that it was the spirit of Soledad who one day went missing and whose body was never found. She is seen as an alluring woman at first and then those that have survived her wrath say that once they got close enough her beauty melted away to that of a horses skull. Leaving Santa Aguas forever haunted by her spector and thousands of missing posters of those lost to her in the woods.

Ceci finds herself and her mother thrust from their illustrious home and riches to a life in Santa Aguas living in the old Seville Mansion that for some reason her mother has been hiding from her that they own. Ceci and her mother have never gotten on very well, Ceci has always felt as though a wall blocks her mother from herself. Too many secrets kept has eroded the relationship they could have had. Living in Santa Aguas though has woken something within Ceci. She begins to find herself not feeling numb anad cut off from her emotions the way that she usually is. Especially after meeting Jaime, a young man who seems to have more odd jobs than anyone she has ever known and who seems to be able to truly see her in a way that no one else ever has.

Living in The Seville house she is learning all about the curse on the Sevilles and all about Le Cegua. She finds herself drawn to the story and the history of the place and before she knows it feels as though she has a personal connection with Le Cegua especially when she and Jaime happen upon a well with stairs into and underground cavern and at its middle is a beautiful depiction of Le Cegua. In this place they can feel magic abound and soon find that wishes can come true but all magic comes with a price and Le Ceguas is no different.
Ceci has no idea what she has begun moving into the Seville house and awakening things that have long been dormant. The question is how many wishes can Ceci make before the consequence is irreparable? If Le Cegua is still around then the curse of the Seville line ending hasn't happened yet even though the last known Seville by the name of Roman disappeared years ago, which means a Seville still lives and Le Cegua can't rest.

*These Vengeful Wishes* by Vanessa Montalban is a mesmerizing and haunting YA fantasy that explores the powerful and dangerous consequences of getting what you wish for. Set in the eccentric town of Santa Aguas, the story follows Ceci, a talented artist who finds herself caught up in a chilling legend of a vengeful spirit named La Cegua. When Ceci and her mother move into a mysterious, long-abandoned manor, she begins to unravel a web of secrets tied to her mother’s past, all linked to the menacing folklore of La Cegua, a witch who lures wrongdoers to their doom.

Montalban masterfully blends supernatural elements with emotional depth, as Ceci becomes inexplicably drawn to the spirit of La Cegua. The beautifully atmospheric setting of the town and the eerie Sevilla manor creates a sense of unease, slowly pulling readers into a world where every corner holds a mystery and a curse waiting to be uncovered. Ceci's artistic talents serve as an intriguing plot device, with her paintings of a mysterious door in the forest becoming the key to unlocking the terrifying secrets hidden in the woods.

The discovery of a well capable of granting wishes marks a pivotal moment in the story, propelling it into darker and more sinister territory. What begins as an innocent exploration with her new friend, Jamie, quickly escalates when the well’s power starts to affect those around them, placing Ceci’s loved ones in grave danger. Montalban’s exploration of vengeance and its consequences is compelling, as Ceci grapples with her own desires for retribution and the moral implications of using the well’s power. The themes of power, sacrifice, and the cost of wishes are deftly interwoven into the narrative, keeping readers on edge as they question who will ultimately pay the price.

Ceci herself is a deeply relatable protagonist. Her journey of self-discovery and moral conflict is poignant and authentic, particularly as she uncovers more about her mother’s involvement with La Cegua’s curse. As she grows closer to understanding the true nature of the well and its dark influence, her struggle to prevent the wishes from falling into the wrong hands becomes an intense and emotional battle.

*These Vengeful Wishes* is a stunning blend of gothic horror, supernatural suspense, and thought-provoking moral dilemmas. Montalban has created a world that is as richly atmospheric as it is dangerous, filled with secrets, ghosts, and the cost of unchecked power. This standalone novel will captivate fans of dark fantasy, especially those drawn to stories about vengeful spirits, curses, and the price of getting what you desire. The chilling atmosphere, the complex characters, and the tense, edge-of-your-seat plot make it a must-read for anyone craving a spellbinding, thought-provoking story.

I really loved the mother-daughter relationship. Ceci and Marina’s relationship was definitely rocky at the start. They butted heads while treading carefully during moments where they did get along. I understand where both were coming from. Ceci just wanted a family while Marina didn’t want her past mistakes to catch up to her. Them banding together at the end to fight the real villain while also having a heart to heart ultimately helped their relationship, ending that cycle of a strained family. I love when books show that “dysfunctional” families can most definitely grow and heal.

The Nicaraguan folktale of La Cegua was so, SO cool. La Cegua is said to grant wishes and I loved the absolute eeriness (and consequences) of these wishes. The birthday party wish was super creepy and translated well that these wishes are not what they seem. The story of La Cegua was so sad and gripping. I have such a soft spot for stories of women enacting revenge on men/those who’ve wronged them. I’m glad that the so-called “villain” of the story got to have her happy ending as well.

The amount of jobs Jaime has is wild, he’s had more jobs than I have had in like 10 years lol. He was definitely preaching to the choir about figuring out what you want to do as a career and how there’s no age to figure that out. I went through that same crisis when I was younger. The evolution of Ceci and Jaime’s friendship and romance was so cute! He is incredibly sweet and really cares for her. I’m glad Ceci allowed herself to open up more in letting people in.

I absolutely LOVED that Marina and Gabe were starting to have a little romance of their own going on. I wanted more of them! I do wish we got to know more about Adel and Jaime’s dad but that doesn’t take away my enjoyment from the book. This was my first read by the author and most definitely will not be my last!

This was a wonderful read, and honestly, so many things in here to rave about. I loved how rich it was in terms of family and folklore, and I really found the mystery really intriguing, particularly when it started to hit too close to home. I thought Ceci's character in a particular was an effective vehicle to take us through all those elements, and I enjoyed watching her take step after step in her adventure. A fun, eerie read, for sure!

DNF at 50%

I loved the premise of this book. I loved the South American representation and folk lore. My primary issues with this book was the lack of tension in the scary scenes. There were moments where I thought we would feel more dread but in the end I was let down.

I may pick this book back up because for the most part I did find in enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This book really seemed like it was going to be everything that I wanted. The folklore elements, the terrifying cover art, the plot, the main character - it really seemed like it was going to have it all. Unfortunately, it just missed the mark for me.

I felt like the horror element was missing from this one, and I wanted it to commit just a little bit more. The concept of the spirit was definitely a good one, but it remained a bit too cosy rather than dangerous or malevolent.

I can see that it would be a great YA novel, but unfortunately I was left a little disappointed by this one,

These Vengeful Wishes was such a captivating read. Full of mystery and suspense but it also showcases a beautiful love story. This book touches on secrets and healing and was such a great read.

Do you know how nice it is to see a book from Nicaraguan myths? It is beautiful, I am so grateful the receive this arc and have this opportunity to read it. I’m Nicaraguan and I don’t think I’ve seen anything relating to Nicaragua before and it feels great.
I do have that bias but I also think this book was very well done. The writing was relatable and enjoyable. The characters and story both interesting and keeps you invested. There are points in the plot that seem very obvious but I didn’t mind at all.
La Cegua is such an interesting story to grow on and make your own and I think Montalbun did a great job. I am excited to see more from her!

Ceci has anomalously called in her stepfather’s to report the financial wrongness in that they have been living off stolen money as he was running some Ponzi scheme with his investers, Ceci doesn’t feel bad that this has happened as she considers him to be a terrible man. Why? Ceci and her mother loses their lavish life and move to a small town Santa Aguas where her mother owns a house. Her mother stops at a pawnshop to get them money to live on. Ceci sees on a sign “beware The La Cegua.” She asks her mother who is Cegua. He mother tells her the story of La Cegua. The turns out to be a neglected mansion. Ceci soon becomes enmeshed in the legend of La Cegua—a vengeful spirit said to lure bad men to their doom. As an aspiring painter, Ceci has always been inexplicably drawn to the image of a mysterious door in the forest. Now in Santa Aguas, she feels an even stronger pull toward the forbidden woods. She believes haunting tale of La Cegua, that this spirit is what brought her to the town.. somehow Ceci and Jamie go through a door into the forest that has just appeared which takes them to a wishing well. Ceci decides to research the town’s hidden past. Ceci uncovers the connections between the spirit, the cursed Sevilla family, and her own mother.

The author has written an eerie novel of wishes and curses. Nicaraguan American Ceci is a richly developed protagonist, yearning for genuine connections. Jamie emerges as a love interest. I loved the mother daughter relationship. The story of La Cegua was so sad. The novel. Held me in the need to know what would happen with the wishes the wishing well gave and La Cegua’s fate. The story is a h orror novel that is also a mystery.
I loved this story!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

4 stars

This was an enjoyable, spooky read. Loved the Gothic and horror elements in this.

It was a little different than other things I have read before. Can't say I have read anything based on Nicaraguan culture before, so that was new and different to me!

This would be a great fall/spooky season book. The vibes are perfect for then.
It was a little too *YA* for my own personal liking, but for readers in that target market looking for a horror option, this is a good pick.

When her stepdad is arrested for embezzlement, Ceci moves back to her mother‘s hometown, where a local legend is said to lure men into the nearby woods, where they are never seen again. Or if they are, they are completely traumatized. And, it just so happens, that Ceci and her mother are moving into the home of a family particularly targeted by “La Cegua.” Ceci immediately feels a pull toward the woods behind the home, and while her mother claims the legend is nonsense, she forbids Ceci from going near the forest for any reason. Can Ceci figure out the mystery behind the spirit before it’s too late?

First, I am officially old: the “high school days” of the parents in the book are the same as mine. Thank you for that, lol. But I’ll forgive the author because she mention Jarrito’s in the book, and I love those, so all is forgiven.

Anyway, I absolutely loved this book, it had everything for a perfect escapist thriller: a unique location, a historical mystery, a creepy house, a ghostly presence, and family secrets! What more could you want?! And the author weaves all of it together seamlessly in a way that is easy to follow and creepy in an insidious and entertaining manner. I was hooked from the very beginning, eager to see how the story was going to unfold.

And I was not disappointed. The ghosts are creepy, the backstory is fabulous and the characters in the present are not only likable, but Ceci is pulled headfirst into the mystery and brings the readers along for the ride (I really don’t want to say too much - it’s better if you discover everything right along with her!)

All I can say is that you need to pick this book up! It’s a great mystery/thriller, with plenty of twists and turns that will make you want more, I know I’ll be watching for more from this author!

This was a fantastic story. It tells of family, secrets, wishes made, and vengeance. The main characters are wonderfully written. Ceci is smart and talented, Jamie is kind and helpful, and Ceci's mom is a bit of a question mark at first but comes into her own at the end. The relationship between Ceci and Jamie is my favorite. It is so real. I also loved Gabe who I found caring and compassionate despite not being a main character initially. The setting of the big house is awesome, it is just the right amount of sinister that keeps you wondering what is going on. The plot is where this one shines. It is unique and flows perfectly. Loved the ending! I look forward to reading more by this author.

The creepy house, the muggy Florida weather, and a Nicaraguan legend make for a compelling backdrop to this complicated family story. Ceci and her mother are not likable at first, but they grew on me throughout the book. I would have liked more depth with their relationship, especially considering the ending. It just feels like there is more that could be told and developed in their relationship. The friends that are made and the mystery they uncover make for a fun read.
So if you are looking for a good horror thriller with family secrets and a legendary being, you will love this one.

"Her head lifts in my direction. I watch slowly as she lifts her mantilla and shows me her true face . And in it, I see horror, I see beauty, but most of all, I see truth."

First off, a huge shoutout to @hearourvoicestours and @vvmontalban for sending me an ARC and having me on their tour!

These Vengeful Wishes follows the Nicaraguan Legend of La Cegua, a folktale about a woman with the face of a horse skull who appears in the night and lures away men to their death. I absolutely adored this book from start to finish, especially from how much it incorporated the folklore into the plot.

📚 Book Review 📚

The book follows Ceci, a young aspiring artist who moves back to her mother’s hometown of Santa Aguas. While she’s there, Ceci finds herself exploring the woods behind her house, which is infamously haunted amongst the town people, and comes across a wishing well tied to La Cegua herself. As the story unfolds, Ceci finds herself sympathizing with La Cegua and discovering dark secrets not only about the town but about her own family.

The author did an absolutely phenomenal job weaving supernatural elements with a bit of psychological thriller vibes and I was obsessed with it from the start. This book is definitely one for the culture and one for those who enjoy a good gothic horror story.

This is why I read and review books! I do it for the magic I felt reading this amazing novel. I loved the ending. I loved the setting. I loved the innocent romance.

I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. A lot of the character flaws I observed were explained by the end and made me root for them even more. I loved the dynamic of Ceci and her mother, the friendships she formed. I especially did not know what to expect in the end because the story was so intricate and there were a lot of things that threw me off. When reading a mystery I appreciate the twists and turns. 5 stars

Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned and Once Upon A Time's Rumplestiltskin had a baby. Or maybe only in my mind. Granted the betrayal wasn't infidelity, but still Dearie, all magic comes with a price. Ceci is a product of her upbringing and my heart broke for her because a part of me understands all too well. Feeling too much, but hardening ones heart to protect oneself. La Cegua isn't exaclty rhe true villain of the story, more so like Ceci a product of surroundings. Which is probably one of the reasons why they are connected aside from fate and circumstance. Jamie was one of my favorite characters, probably because of his positivity even though he had his own stuff to deal with but also because he was a true friend. The author did an amazing job with the suspense, false leads, and the many lessons throughout.
Would you make a wish even knowing there are consequences?

Thank you to Hear Our Voices Book Tours and the Author for copies of the book to review.

Horror, Family Secrets, Town Lore, Creepy Manor, Friendship, Betrayal, Magical Amnesia? (not sure else how to explain that part of the book)

Going back to your hometown after you leave is always hard as an adult, but when you don't remember anything about it, that is harder. This book follows our FMC who's mother is leaving her most recent husband after he gets in trouble with the authorities.

Moving to a small town during your last part of high school is hard, but when your old friends ghost you and the new town welcomes you, maybe it will be okay. I loved Jamie, he was adorable, and the rest of the friend group were fantastic.

I loved the role that art played in this story, and the creepy wishing well. The problem is sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for because you don't know what consequences will come with what you asked for. The entire town being involved with the lore, and her mom being involved (unknowingly) was very interesting.

Liked that there was a HEA