I devoured this smart and engaging YA novel about family trauma and the supernatural. The characters were fantastically real and complicated, capable of complex thought and planning; the setting is richly realized; and the author handled the mixing of modern-day life with the past and the supernatural with ease. I loved the multicultural influences on the work, the centering of women, and the ways in which characters healed and developed. Despite the melodramatic overtones--a dead wife, a missing heir, a dangerous wood, warnings from psychics--this is never so over-the-top as to pull the reader out of the world. I'll be recommending this one to everybody.

I enjoyed this book SO much! It was a wonderful reminder of why YA and horror are a perfect blend! Montalban did a wonderful job of creating relatable and complex characters. The plot was quite predictable with the foreshadowing regarding key characters and their stories. I found that there was a good balance between pace and world-building. I also enjoyed how Montalban wove rich cultural folklore into such strong and complex female main characters.

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.

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 lisa. While, i did guess some of the plot lines before they happened, it was still a fast paced thrill. incredible atmosphere and creepy vibes.

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!).

This is BEAUTIFUL writing! From the beginning until the end this was gripping! Creepy and thrilling and lyrical. Please read!

This book was so damn good! I couldn’t put it down and it kept me spellbound the entire way. It was well written with a fast moving plot, wonderful characters, and the imagery was top notch. There were no spots it dragged and I throughly enjoyed every word. I’d definitely recommend reading this story and I’m looking for more from this author because she rocks!