Vanessa L. Torres’ On the Wings of la Noche is a lyrical, mesmerizing tale that blends rich cultural heritage with supernatural intrigue. With vibrant prose and a compelling protagonist, Torres explores themes of family, identity, and self-discovery against a backdrop of magical realism. This novel is a beautiful, immersive journey that will captivate fans of both contemporary and fantastical fiction. A deeply evocative read that lingers long after.

*an advanced digital copy was received from NetGalley in return for an honest review*

The beautiful cover of this book is what originally drew me in, and after reading the premise I knew it was something I needed to read. Let me just say, this book did not disappoint. It had a beautiful blend of urban fantasy combined with this coming of age story. With grief being a main theme in this book, the emotions of the characters felt very deep and real.

The main character Noche, is a science-loving, metalhead teenage girl, who just also happens to transform into a Lechuza, a mystic owl that leads spirits to their afterlives. After her girlfriend Dante dies in an accidental drowning, Noche can’t bring herself to lead Dante’s spirit away. Our MMC is Jax, the new kid who Noche is immediately drawn to.

Noche has very deep emotions and has to do a lot of things by herself in this book, or at least that’s what she thinks. She really grows into herself and her confidence throughout the book, and I appreciate how she’s not a “perfect main character.” She has her flaws and what’s seen as ‘negative emotions,’ the likes of which aren’t as widely talked about in some books. At the end of this book I really was bawling my eyes out. Noche is such a beautiful character and I love how she’s come to accept herself at the end.
What I thought was really great about this book is that there was no unnecessary animosity between the “love triangle” characters. Noche’s relationship with the other characters represented different parts of her life, and the new characters that were introduced had a lot of respect for that old life of Noche’s and the people that were in it.

Regarding the fantasy elements of this book, I thought it was very refreshing to see a story deeply rooted in Mexican folklore. As a huge fantasy nerd I personally would have liked to see the story delve a bit more into the lechuza histories, but I was still very happy with what was talked about.

All in all this book was a beautiful story about love and loss, about learning to embrace your differences, and finding the people who make you feel the most true to yourself. An emotional read that will probably make you cry, just like it did for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

At first, I didn't know what to expect from this novel. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and once I started reading...I WAS HOOKED!

This is a riveting tale of love, loss, growth, and culture. I love the aspects of folklore that was interwoven. The author, Vanessa L. Torres, did a wonderful job at storytelling and developing the characters so that the reader stays engaged and rooting for them. I can't recommend this enough and I look forward to what the author does next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the arc in exchange for an honest review

I have been drawn to many a book by a captivating cover, but never before have I had two (not a pair, but two separate) citrine eyes look into me and compel me to want to read a book. And I'm glad a trusted that compulsion. The story is one of love, loss, and growth. It is written for a young adult audience with young adult main characters, but with a style that could be appreciated by adults as well (there are certainly a few cultural references that anyone growing up in the '90's might get flashbacks from). Part of this story is also based in myth or folklore, and as with many authors that share parts of their culture, there is great care in this aspect of the story. The main character, Noche, must come to terms with the loss of her first love, while already dealing with some interesting magical powers that come with some serious responsibilities. A few new people come into her life to affect her acceptance of these things, learn more about her powers, learn to love again, and find a path forward for her life. The story hits notes of sadness and joy as it chronicles Noche's journey to a satisfying conclusion. I appreciated the chance to read this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a magical story to touch their heart.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Children's - Knopf Books for Young Readers) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

This book is a beautifully haunting exploration of love and loss. The story blends fantasy with deep personal struggles, creating a moving experience that explores the pain of loss and the courage it takes to move on. It’s a unique and heartfelt read that resonates with the heart’s deepest yearnings and regrets. I loved it.

I finished reading this while working a slow shift that suddenly was not so slow, and several customers offered me tissues. I will remember that humiliation and the snot.

This book is about death, but also about LIFE, love, family, history, and healing through grief. The middle was a little slow and I would've liked more of the romance build-up with Jax (it was a bit too "instant attraction" for me), but GUH everything with Dante. My heart, my soul. I'm getting choked up now just thinking about the resolution. E.E. Cummings said it best:

"i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart)"