This book had me hooked for the first half. However, after 50%, I lost interest in this book and I did not feel the urge to pick it back up. I would recommend this book to others though because the plot and tropes might interest them even if I dnf-ed it.

I really wanted to love this book; but unfortunately it fell a bit flat for me. It might have been because I hyped it up in my mind before reading it though.

Vampires are definitely back! After reading some fun additions to the genre like Vampires of El Norte and A Vile Season, I was excited to pick up A Cruel Thirst. Following Lalo, a reluctant new vampire searching for a cure, and Carolina, a vampire huntress who just wants to be taken seriously by her family, our story takes off when their paths cross and they decide to work together to uncover the original vampire that plagues their land.

❤️ What I loved: Great setting, fun tropes like enemies-to-lovers (for real) and fake-dating wrapped up in one, with excellent banter between our lead characters.
💔 What I didn’t love: Around 50-75% the story dragged a bit—I’m not sure why, as looking back I liked all of the different plot lines, but while reading it felt somewhat slow.

Lovers of vampire fiction and romance will find this to be a unique addition to the genre, and I think it will make a great addition to any school library shelf.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (4-4.5)

Acknowledgments & Disclaimers
✨ Thank you to NetGalley, Angela Montoya, and Random House Children’s/Joy Revolution, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book. ✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. ✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.

I love a good vampire book! The epic tension with "The Cruel Thirst" if you will. This vampire and huntress dynamic was phenomenal!

This book had all the romance and adventure that I’ve come to expect from Angela Montoya. I just fell in love with Carolina and Lalo and this was an absolute delight. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your tbr immediately!

Thank you so much to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

I was pleasantly surprised by this YA vampire story. It takes place in an alternate ~1830s Alta California (utilizing Aztec mythology instead of Catholic). Though its fantasy I enjoyed seeing the author make shout-outs to real history like the business the hacienda does with people who wear fur from the north ie Russians who came down as far south as Monterey County. It’s also in conversation with Zorro in a clever anti-Spanish/American colonial way (but is not a retelling) and reminds me of a cross between Isabel Cañas’ Vampires of El Norte and an adventure film like The Mummy, with a dash of Hammer Horror thrown in. Supremely fun.

This was definitely a fun read. My bookclub and I all received the alc so we picked it for our book of the month. The two other ladies in my bookclub read it before I did and they both had very different views. One gave it 2 stars and the other gave it 5. I’m in the middle with 3.5 stars. It was like I said fun however I wanted a little more. About halfway through I lost interest but the fight at the end pulled me back in.

I’m a total sucker for vampire stories, so I had high hopes going into this one. Unfortunately, it just didn’t sink its teeth into me the way I wanted. I struggled to connect with the characters from the start, and there was very little spark or chemistry between them to keep things interesting. Even though the concept had potential, it felt like the emotional core of the story was missing. I kept waiting for that moment where I’d feel pulled in—but it never really came.

By the halfway point, I realized I wasn’t truly invested in what happened to anyone. The plot moved forward, but I was only mildly curious about where it was going. If I had been reading this as an ebook or physical copy instead of listening to the audiobook, I probably would’ve DNF’d it. It just didn’t hold my attention, and finishing it felt more like a chore than an adventure. I really wanted to love it—but this one just wasn’t for me.

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya has all the excitement of a teen vampire novel that pulled the strings of my love for Twilight, while giving it a refreshing cultural angle charged with Mesoamerican lore. I am glad Latinx teens will have this story to feel themselves seen in exciting and romantic paranormal tales.

Writing this review several months after the fact and based on my very limited memory, this was a freaking blast. Vampire x vampire hunter, enemies to lovers, vampire mythology based in Mexico, A Cruel Thirst just works!!! The cover is stunning. Pick this up!

✨DNF✨

The idea of the book seemed so promising.
Lalo’s story felt almost like Jasper’s backstory, which I liked.
Carolina will become a fascinating character as the story progresses, I’m sure.

I just couldn’t jive with the cadence of the writing. It felt clunky and overly wordy but somehow like it was missing pieces.

I tried to make it happen but I just couldn’t 🙈

This book had some seriously top-tier tropes and an amazing setting, and I was all in at the beginning. The first half of the story had me hooked — everything felt fresh, exciting, and full of potential. But around the 50% mark, things started to lose steam, and it just kind of… fell apart. The relationship development felt rushed and over-the-top. It was like it escalated way too quickly, and I couldn’t fully buy into it. my absolute favorite part of the book was that the mmc is so afraid and freaked out by the fmc that every time she looked at him, he swore his soul fled his body. (that sums up what type of woman I am)

Started off great but for some reason I found myself losing interest. I have not picked it yo in a while but hope to do so in the future. For now it is a soft dnf.

A fun and fast-paced vampire romance with just the right amount of swoon. I enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters and the rich vampire lore woven throughout. Perfect for anyone looking for a quick, entertaining read!

I really enjoy Angela Montoya's writing style. Her stories are easy to get into, have great rep and I swoon at the romances. I also enjoyed this take on a vampire romance. If Angela Montoya writes it, I'll read it!

Thank you so much to Joy Revolution for my ARC!

4/5

I really enjoyed this vampire romance. I loved Lalo and how sweet he is. Carolina’s headstrongness reminded me of myself. The ending was really good. I went in blind to this book, which I love to do. I recommend it.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for the free copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

A swoony romantasy that readers will devour. If you're a fan of the vampire/vampire hunter trope, this was a quick read. I loved the banter, the strong protagonist and the author did a fantastic job with imagery and setting. With culture and lore sprinkled in, A Cruel Thirst has characters and a love story to root for. Thank you to Random House Kids for the arc.

This is my first book from Angela Montoya and it was great reading experience.

I loved vampire lore in this story. I was initially gravitated towards Lalo and him trying to avenge his family but then ends up being turned to the one thing he hates. Then comes Carolina- who comes from family of vampire hunters- eventually they team up. The banter and chemistry between Lalo and Carolina made me enjoy this story.

I'd recommend this book- it was face paced and kept me entertained and wanting to know more.

I rate this book a 4.00

“…you will learn with age that some evil cannot be destroyed. Not without destroying some of the good we’ve built, too.”

This book started off so strong! The cover is absolutely gorgeous and the plot seemed so interesting! I mean, a fledgling vampire and a vampire huntress having to work together? I was super excited. But unfortunately this didn’t hit for me. I didn’t love it the way I thought I would. While I enjoyed Lalo’s character, his and Carolina’s first meeting just felt a little too insta-love for me? And that’s not something I normally mind, but there was something about this romance that didn’t work for me. And if the romance doesn’t work, it removes me from the story. I wish there was more chemistry and build up for these characters. And some parts felt a little corny and cliche. I don’t think this book was bad and am sure many would enjoy it, it was just okay for me.

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya is a dark and captivating fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world filled with blood, power, and intrigue. With a strong emphasis on vengeance, moral dilemmas, and complex relationships, the story is both intense and emotional, offering a thrilling ride for fans of dark fantasy.

The novel follows a fierce and determined protagonist who is thrust into a world where survival is uncertain, and power plays are ruthless. The central conflict revolves around her quest for justice and revenge, which ultimately leads her to confront not only external enemies but also her own deepest fears and desires. The stakes are high, and the protagonist’s journey is fraught with moral complexities, making it more than just a typical revenge tale.

Montoya’s writing is both gripping and atmospheric, with lush descriptions that bring the world to life. The world-building is rich and intricate, offering a unique and immersive setting that feels both dangerous and exhilarating. From the politics to the magic system, everything in the novel is crafted with attention to detail, drawing readers into a dark and gritty universe where nothing is quite what it seems.

The characters in A Cruel Thirst are multi-dimensional and compelling. The protagonist is strong-willed but also deeply flawed, which makes her both relatable and fascinating. Her internal struggle, as she navigates the moral consequences of her actions, adds emotional depth to the story. The relationships she forms—whether alliances or antagonisms—are complex and often filled with tension, which makes every interaction feel charged and significant.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of heart-pounding action interspersed with quieter, more introspective scenes that allow the characters’ emotional arcs to develop. There are plenty of twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, and Montoya does an excellent job of maintaining suspense and intrigue throughout the narrative.

A Cruel Thirst also explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the cost of seeking revenge. The protagonist’s journey is one of self-discovery as much as it is about fighting external forces. The moral ambiguity of the characters’ actions adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a simple tale of good versus evil.

A Cruel Thirst is a dark and engrossing fantasy novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy complex characters, morally grey storylines, and intense, high-stakes adventure. Angela Montoya has created a compelling world full of danger and intrigue, making this a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and epic quests.