Rating: 4.06 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 4/5
-Cover: 3/5
-Story: 4/5
-Writing: 4/5
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mythology, Retelling
-Historical Fiction: 3.5/5
-Fantasy: 4/5
-Horror: 1.5/5
-Mythology: 5/5
-Retelling: 3.5/5
Type: Ebook
Worth?: Yes

Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.

Wow okay... where to even begin? When I first started into the book I will admit the MC was annoying as hell then the story wasn't really connecting but the more I read the more I realized the message of it all. How generational curses can kill a family until someone stops it. This retelling took a Mexican mythology and used it to master a really good message.

THOUGH I do have one problem with all of that. It seemed randomly put. We get the very start of the curse only for it to not start till 94 years later? That is the major issue I have with it all.

Alejandra is at her wits end. Frustrated with her life, she finds herself being haunted by something she just can't place. But as the days go by, she realizes that she is not only being haunted, but she is being haunted by an ancient spirit that is preying on her bloodline's generational trauma. With the help of her therapist and her birth mother, Alejandra finds the strength in herself to take on the spirit and save her family.

I really liked this book! I generally don't like scary things but I think it wasn't too scary. It is not subtle about its feminist undertones (which I liked) and there are so many metaphors and explorations of what it means to be a woman in the modern world. Alejandra's return to herself was poignant and inspiring as we watch her find her strength and shed all of the weight of society's expectations in favor of her own. The husband was so well written - I guarantee you we all know someone like him. As infuriating as he was, watching Alejandra reclaim control had me cheering.

The book is pretty gory, but if you are prepared, I think it makes it easier. It's all in service to the plot, but may be tough for some readers. Trigger warnings abound, including: sexual assault (off-page), violence, miscarriage, suicide, etc.

This book will haunt long after you put it down . A fabulous retelling of the legend of La Llorna this has it all creeps , scares and believe it or not relatable. The main character is a SAHM to her three children. Realistically portrayed as tired and struggling . As she delves into her family history she finds out her ancestors have dealt with similar demons . This is a great horror novel

Raise your hand if you've been victimized by the thought of LaLlorona kidnapping you in the middle of the night. Seriously, aside from quicksand and Yellowstone national park exploding, La Llorona was a big fear of mine growing up as a Mexican kid. I blame Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and the fact that I lived a few minutes away from a river.

This book has everything you would want in a domestic woman litfic: a husband you want to punch in the face, adorable, but needy children, underappreciation, a so many “girl, divorce him already” moments

Now add the horrors of La Llorona (if you’ve never heard of her, I highly recommend a quick google) and generational trauma, and we have the perfect silent horror cocktail!

This book is a slow burn for sure, and I recommend going into it with the knowledge that it’s more about breaking familial curses than it is a horror story about La Llorona herself.

This book might just change your perspective on the Sra. Llorona and paint her in a completely different light!

Please check TW before reading this! There is a ton suicidal ideation in this.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the digital copy. A special thanks to V. Castro, my SATX queen! All opinions are my own.

I DNF'd half way through.

I had no idea it would be multiple POV's, which I have nothing against but sometimes you were just thrusted into someone elses POV and then back to Alejandra's that it just changed the pace a lot.

It felt like too long of a read and I had to force myself to keep reading it at time because all she did was complain and complain and complain. I understand depression, as someone who has it, but Alejandra was so unlikable that I wasn't invested in her having to overcome this.

This just wasn't what I was expecting from a story that said that it used La Llorena as it's point when its more of a generational curse/breaking cycles type of story. A type of story I absolutely would love.

It just wasn't for me.

This book was a beautifully haunting look into generational trauma, motherhood, and the historical struggles of women, especially WOC. I found this very enjoyable.

Since I was little I have always heard stories of the Llorona, the Mexican folklore of the woman who walks around crying for her dead children. So when I read the description of this book, I knew I had to read this book. This book provides a gothic ambience while you read it, immersing you in the situation the main character is going through. The author gives the story of the Llorona a unique twist, and adds layers to her story by shining a light on generational trauma, specifically that of women. The main character must embark on a journey to find herself, who she is outside of a mother, daughter and wife and learn why there is this dark looming over her. If you love strong women, retellings and a spooky reads, this is the book for you!

OH MY GOD THIS BOOK!?!?!?! The Haunting of Alejandra simply blew me away and there is no way that I will be able to do it justice. Haunting and beautifully written, this is a powerful and infuriating story that I won't soon forget.

This book deals heavily with depression and suicidal ideation so please be sure you are in the right headspace before picking it up.

"I watched my husband achieve his dreams while I sat at home wanting to die, forgetting any dreams of my own."

My heart absolutely aches for Alejandra, who had slowly given up pieces of herself to her husband and the life that he wanted for their family. Their interactions are microaggressions against her pain and he treats her like a servant. I love that we watch her unpack these feelings and work with a therapist. I appreciate the trauma and healing tools that are discussed.

"The tension between them remained in the air like a smoldering vapor. In that vapor floated the dust of all the unloving and inharmonious things they have ever said."

Fast paced and effortlessly crafted, the narrative captured me from the first page to the very last. The Haunting of Alejandra is a book about learning to love oneself and heal both personal and generational trauma. It's more than a ghost story and Alejandra is haunted by more than La Llorona. It's also about the horrors of the patriarchy and is an honest look at the thankless reality of motherhood. This book made me cry and while I am not a mother myself, I feel seen and will treasure this book.

Representation: adoption rep, bisexual main character, Mexican American rep, trans rep
Content Warnings: ableism, bloody injury and gore depiction, depression, generational trauma, menstruation, miscarriage, parental abandonment, racism, religious oppression, sexual assault mention, suicidal ideation

eARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion nor the contents of my review. Quotations are from an unfinished proof and subject to change upon final publication.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was the first book I have ever read by V. Castro but it definitely won't be the last. I loved it so much. As a Hispanic woman, who grew up hearing about the legend of La Llorona I was super excited and interested in this book as soon as I heard about it. I read this book in one sitting and now I am constantly recommending it to customers and friends. I loved how it analyzed generational trauma which is something that happens in every culture but definitely in the Latine/Hispanic cultures. Just an overall beautiful and clever story.

Oh, how I loved this book! Yes there is a haunting. But it's about so, so much more than that. Culture, bloodlines, family, friends, love, loss, pain, strength...so many facets! It's also about the love of a mother and the lengths they will go to in order to keep her children safe. As a mother myself, although I've never dealt with a haunting, I completely understand how Alejandra was feeling about her life, husband, and children. Getting to watch her essentially come back to life, figure out who she is and what she wants, and taking charge of herself and her life was amazing. I cannot recommend this book enough!

"The Haunting of Alejandra" by V. Castro is a thrilling and haunting novel that kept me captivated from start to finish. With its atmospheric setting, rich cultural backdrop, and compelling characters, this book effortlessly blends supernatural elements with the intricacies of human relationships.

The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the eerie atmosphere surrounding Alejandra, the main protagonist. Castro's attention to detail is commendable, as she expertly weaves together the supernatural and everyday aspects of Alejandra's life, creating a believable and immersive world.

The characters in "The Haunting of Alejandra" are well-developed and relatable. Alejandra's journey is particularly fascinating as she navigates her connection to the spirit world, confronting her own fears and uncovering family secrets along the way. The supporting cast is equally compelling, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of Mexican folklore and traditions. The incorporation of Day of the Dead rituals and other cultural elements enriches the story and adds an extra layer of authenticity. Castro's knowledge and respect for these traditions shine through, making the reading experience all the more engrossing.

The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with suspenseful moments and quieter introspective scenes that allow readers to fully immerse themselves in Alejandra's world. The author maintains a sense of tension throughout, building up to a satisfying climax that delivers on the promises set up earlier in the book.

If I were to offer any critique, it would be that the resolution felt slightly rushed compared to the deliberate pacing of the rest of the story. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

"The Haunting of Alejandra" is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers, particularly those interested in diverse and culturally rich narratives. V. Castro has crafted a chilling tale that explores the power of family bonds, the complexities of the human psyche, and the enduring presence of the supernatural. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an engaging and immersive reading experience.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

V. Castro's The Haunting of Alejandra is an atmospheric and riveting novel that seamlessly combines horror, folklore, and personal struggle. With its compelling characters and rich cultural backdrop, this book delivers an unforgettable reading experience.

Castro's storytelling is masterful, striking a perfect balance between suspense and emotional depth. The protagonist, Alejandra, is a resilient and relatable character, and readers become fully invested in her journey through unexplained occurrences and terrifying encounters.

The exploration of cultural folklore adds a vibrant layer to the story, immersing readers in a world where the line between the living and the dead blurs. The prose is elegant and evocative, creating a sensory experience that brings the haunting landscapes and unsettling encounters to life.

Beyond its gripping narrative, the novel delves into themes of grief, trauma, and the power of family bonds, adding emotional depth and resonance. With its atmospheric storytelling and thematic exploration, The Haunting of Alejandra is a must-read for fans of horror. Prepare to be captivated by this dark and compelling tale.

La Llorona! All of Mexico knows her story. Hundreds of years ago a creature took on the persona to trick women to feed it's hunger.

Alejandra comes from a long line of tortured women under a curse but she is unaware of her history because she was adopted by a white fundamentalist family. It is not until she is married to Matthew and her first child is born does she begin to hear the creature. Alejandra is a people pleaser and loses herself in the marriage. Matthew is the bread winner and she is the stay at home wifey. Alejandra didn't want to quit her job but Matthew though it best. She has two more children, the third one because it's what Matthew wanted. She loves her children but they drain her of energy.

La Llorona takes this opportunity and whispers horrible things to Alejandro that reinforce her feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, self doubt. It encourages her to hurt herself. It shows itself to her in all its horrible putridness. She thinks that she is losing her mind! In her search for a therapist she finds one who is similar in age with a Mexican background. With the help of her therapist, Melanie, Alejandra starts to regain her confidence and sense of self but La Llorona continues to taunt her. As shares more and more about her experiences, Melanie (who is also a curandera) begins to think there is something else going on.

Will Alejandra be able to rid herself of the La Llorona curse? Will she be able to find happiness with her husband and children? Read to find out.

#NetGalley #TheHauntingOfAlejandra #MexicanCulture #Horror

I have greatly enjoyed V Castro’s work as she expresses latinidad in her stories so well. The Haunting of Alejandra is no exception. Motherhood is explored through the story of La llorona alongside trauma and generational trauma.

My biggest gripe is that I was really wanting more about la llorona in this story but it was a quick and spooky read

Appreciate NetGalley and RHPG for the arc

There was nothing inherently wrong with the writing or the plot of this book. But as a new-ish mom still struggling to find a balance between being a mom and wife and the person that I want to be, this was hitting a little too close to home. I was not in the right headspace to read this and had to put it down for now. I may pick it back up again when I am ready, and if I do, I will update my review with my actual thoughts because the premise still sounds great.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Del Rey, and V. Castro for the opportunity to review a copy of The Haunting of Alejandra.

"The Haunting of Alejandra" by V. Castro

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

"The Haunting of Alejandra" weaves together powerful Mexican folklore, women's fiction, fantasy, and horror, delivering a haunting tale of self-discovery and generational struggles. Alejandra's journey, intertwined with the vengeful spirit of La Llorona, explores themes of depression, lost identity, and the power of family history. While the incorporation of cultural details and folklore is compelling, the writing style falls short, with repetitive sentence structures and excessive exposition. The lack of emotional connection to the characters hinders the overall impact of the story. Nonetheless, it remains a gripping read with moments of suspense. Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for the early copy.

THE HAUNTING OF ALEJANDRA hooked me from the first page. The writing is exquisite. I think this book can speak to everyone who reads it on different levels. Our main character is a woman and a mother of 3 (of which I am neither) who has this darkness lurking and is trapped in this oppressed and claustrophobic life. Her marriage seems... awful does not really begin to describe it. She is underappreciated and seemingly invisible. And to top it all off there is this creepy bloodied woman watching her and her children. This story is rich in family history, horror + folklore (La Llorona), and reclaiming one's own power and self. The emotions I felt while reading this were all over the place... but I was mostly devastated, heartbroken, and scared. I absolutely LOVE this book!

I was absolutely fascinated by the mix of Mexican folklore and the concept of evil and the very real views into was it's like to have post partum depression that we see throughout this book from the beginning. Readers were quickly immersed into the mind and life of Alejandra as she fought against the emotional abuse and gaslighting of her husband while also journeying to learn more about her past and culture and work toward mental and spiritual healing, and self discovery.

This was a fascinating read and I can honestly say I haven't read a book quite like it.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the e-ARC. Pub date was April 18.

I know this book has been out for a bit now, but it took me this long to get into it. While slow to start it is a slow burn and doesn’t disappoint.

While I did enjoy this, there are definitely some parts I enjoyed more than others. She is haunted by the Mexican folk demon of La Llorona as dark secrets of her family are revealed.

The horror level is just right on this one. The writing is good, but room for improvement.

There are quite a few TW: suicidal ideation, depression, and miscarriage to name a few

Hey bookbots! Who is ready for a review?!? Today I am reviewing THE HAUNTING OF ALEJANDRA by @vlatinalondon . Thank you to the author, the publishers @delreybooks / @randomhouse and @netgalley for the e-ARC.

Y'all, this book is an absolutely perfect example of what I have been saying lately - horror is the genre for you if you are working out some feels! I find horror to be one of those genres people shy away from because fear is a hard emotion, but horror has so much more to offer than just fear...

This story is about generational trauma through multiple women in one family and how one woman finally has the wherewithal and space to challenge that trauma.

While at times scary and creepy, this book also includes fierce love of others and self, overcoming adversity, living your authentic life and coming into your own. It has heartache and tender moments as well as the spectre (literally in this book!) of your past haunting you.

This is one of the best books I have ever read regarding grief and it isn't a self-help book or a scholarly article. It is a horror love-letter to self, to family, and to heritage.

If you are interested in horror but not here for too much body horror or gore, this might be a good place for you to start. There is so much heart and soul in this book mixed in with folklore, terror and triumph.

💀ABSOLUTELY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.💀

Castro is a stunning and welcome voice in horror and I will devour anything she writes! This one came out in April but check out her other titles too if you have a chance! An auto buy author for me! Who is yours?

💚SMASHBOT💚

#bibliophile #booknerd #horror #thehauntingofalejandra
#vcastro #netgalley #horrorreads
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