I liked the premise behind this story, the curse, the wishes, and the stories about La Cegua. Figuring out how the wishes worked and how to end the curse kept me interested. I also liked the mystery centered around Ceci's mom's past. I had a hard time connecting with Ceci, something about the voice of the character didn't fully draw me in. I also wish Myra and Di were more present, like Jamie was.

This is a horror book geared towards young adults. It was REALLY good but I felt like it needed something a little more. It was still REALLY good! I would recommend this to my YA horror people. I would like to see this redone and feel like it is a complete without the feeling it is not complete.

“‘Santa Aguas rules. If you hear someone call for you from the forest, you don’t answer. You don’t stare too hard through the trees, and you never walk into the woods at night alone.’”

I enjoyed this quite a bit, and it had the feel of being both familiar and not at the same time. On the one hand, a girl moving back to her parents’ hometown to live in a spooky old house and face the trials of being the new kid in high school is so trope-y it should have its own genre by now. In that sense, I found it easy enough to sink into this book because the premise was already familiar. Ceci could easily have been the city mean girl stuck in the backwoods, but while she holds herself and her feelings at a distance, she’s never hurtful or snobby. I enjoyed the way she comes to love the locals, and the friendships/romance end up feeling very wholesome.

On the other hand, Montalban brings something new to the table with la Cegua’s mythology, and I suspect that’s what most readers (like myself) picked this up for. Though I do wish we’d gotten a little more of a deep dive on the broader la Cegua mythology rather than just what’s been invented for the purposes of this story, that is, for the most part, where the book shines. Fiction can always use the diversity, and the image of the veiled horse-head woman haunts the pages and the edges of the woods, ever-watchful and ever-vengeful.

That being said, I did not find this book remotely scary and wouldn’t classify it as horror. Since Ceci is never afraid of la Cegua, it’s difficult to see her as a threat, and the book goes to great pains to show her as the victim of an abusive marriage rather than the aggressor. It’s more of a supernatural/urban fantasy deal, and more than the specter of la Cegua, I think what will stick with me most is the wonder of the cavern when Ceci discovers it and the magic of feeling as though anything is possible with the wishes (whose consequences we’re told about far more often than we see on the page, which again reinforces la Cegua as Not The Villain). If it sounds like something you’ll enjoy, it’s worth the read! I received a free e-ARC through NetGalley from the publishers at Zando Young Readers.

I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy. The opinion is my own.

3.5 stars.

So I guess the first thing I have to say is that this is a YA horror novel and it shows. I'm not the target audience and I'll be honest and say I never read much YA. It's a first person POV and there's a cute romance plot in there too besides the mysterious supernatural story .
I found I started enjoying the story more at around 40%, before that I felt it was too slow and a bit boring but I liked when it finally started to pick up.
Finally I did find it predictable which isn't necessarily bad as I enjoyed the writing.
All in all, nice book to spend the time with if you like YA supernatural stories with a bit of an edge of mystery and horror (and I feel I need to say this considering the whole YA ratings complications, no spice. The couple did grow on me as the story went though.)

Absolutely loved this book! The pace was perfect, the story was perfect. That's Netahlley and to the publisher for the ARC.

The best part of the book is the creepy folktale about a creature with a horse skeleton for a face that lures men into the woods. However, that's the only thing I liked. The pacing is uneven, making it hard to connect with the characters. The gloomy atmosphere is there, but the suspense is weak.

I enjoyed this supernatural / horror very much. The characters were well developed, and the suspense kept me engaged the whole time
An angsty teenage girl and her mom move into an old mansion with History shrouded with secrets at in a small town. Things start getting weird. Wishes are granted at the expense of others. There are plenty of typical high school experiences coupled with some heavy, real-life scenarios included.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy. I would recommend this to any teen looking for a thriller.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me though I was very excited about it. The synopsis was intriguing, but the book fell flat for me. I ended up DNFing at 42% because I just wasn’t really into the story. I felt like each chapter promised more for the following chapter but didn’t deliver.

That being said, this book is definitely for someone. That someone just wasn’t me, and that’s okay.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This is a great, higher-stakes YA horror novel with great messaging. I loved the folkloric representation and the way the main character shifts over the course of the novel, and also that ending!

Montalban’s writing is sharp and immersive, with a strong sense of atmosphere that makes the stakes feel high and the consequences dire. The characters are morally complex, and their choices lead to a web of tension and suspense that keeps you hooked. While the pacing can sometimes feel deliberate as the plot unravels, the emotional intensity and depth of the characters’ struggles make it a compelling read. If you love fantasy with a darker edge and stories about the fine line between justice and revenge, These Vengeful Wishes is sure to captivate you.

Too predictable but enjoyable non the less. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban is a dazzling tale of ambition, magic, and vengeance that captivates from start to finish. Montalban's lush, evocative prose breathes life into a richly imagined world, while her complex, morally ambiguous characters keep you hooked. The plot is a thrilling blend of high stakes, dark secrets, and unexpected twists, culminating in an emotional and satisfying conclusion. While a few minor subplots could have been more fleshed out, the book's emotional resonance and thematic depth more than compensate. A must-read for fans of dark fantasy with sharp edges and heart.

2.5 stars (I rounded up) unfortunately I wasn’t super into this book and I felt like I didn’t really connect with the characters. I did love the La cegua back story and felt for her though. The last 20% felt very chaotic and I found I didn’t really know what was going on and it felt rushed. I also felt the romance was forced and wasn’t needed. Unfortunately I also guessed the “twist” of the book. Thank you to negtgalley and the publisher for an ARC

These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban is a folklore retelling based off La Cegua with a blend of ya horror and contemporary fantasy. It follows Ceci, an aspiring artist, who has to suddenly move back to her mother's hometown and into an abandoned manor full of secrets. The entire town seems to think they are haunted by a vengeful spirit. Then she finds a mysterious yet familiar door in the woods that leads to a wishing well.

I am utterly obsessed with this story! It was written so well and kept me engaged! The themes of a new creepy town with a ghost story, curses, abandoned manor, and the feel of everyone knowing something you don't all blended so great. The gothic-like atmosphere was perfect.

Loved the characters. They all added something to the story. Ceci speaks to my soul, and I love her dearly even with all of her flaws. I have two other characters that just stole my heart, but I won't spoil it! Love the progression of the romance. My girl definitely gives black cat energy!

I enjoyed all the twists and the suspense surrounding them. This was my first La Cegua retelling, and after reading her history, I truly understood her. I need more! Feminine rage? Yes, please! I highly recommend this book.

I’m giving this book 3 stars instead of four because while it was good, and I liked the story….i unfortunately had it figured out less than half way through the book. 🥲 I’d still recommend to someone looking for a mystery book with slight thriller notes. It has a spooky element I think people would enjoy, and it was well written and the story was easy to picture.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5

These Vengeful Wishes is an atmospheric, haunting YA contemporary fantasy with delightful doses of horror and romance.

This one was fun. I enjoyed the incorporation of the story of La Cegua and the eerie setting. The haunting, whimsical aspect of the story was lovely, and the writing fit Ceci’s character well. The pacing was great, and I loved the sweet romance. Ceci was an interesting main character, and I loved her artistic style and determination. Some of the banter between Ceci and Jamie felt awkward at times, but it was otherwise a great story.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!

Firstly I am not a YA reader but that cover got me. I throughly enjoyed this book. I've never read anything with La Cegua as the main supernatural creature and found it so interesting. I thought the characters were really good, the family secrets and mystery were somewhat predictable but still kept my attention. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc

very much liked the vibe on this and i loved the choice of using Sihuanaba (La Cegua) as the main supernatural character. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

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!).

First of all, I am obsessed with that cover. It’s what caught my interest in the beginning. This story is very atmospheric and I loved the touch of mystery and the folklore aspect. It did take me a bit in the beginning to get interested but once I did I really enjoyed my time with this book.