Book Review: A Tall Dark Trouble by Vanessa Montalban
Book Review: A Tall Dark Trouble by Vanessa Montalban

Book Review: A Tall Dark Trouble by Vanessa Montalban

TITLE: A Tall Dark Trouble
AUTHOR: Vanessa Montalban
PUBLISHER: Zando Publishing
RELEASE DATE: August 29, 2023
GENRES: YA Contemporary, magic, Latinx

SYNOPSIS

Twin sisters Ofelia and Delfi know better than to get involved with magic. Their Mami has seen to that. After all, it was magic that cursed their family, turning love into poison. Romance is off the table for the Sanchez women. They’ve seen the curse take hold enough times to know how that road ends. And yet. Sometimes a girl catches feelings and just can’t help herself. 

When Ofelia and Delfi begin having premonitions of a series of murders, the sisters know it is time to embrace their magical inheritance to get to the bottom of the mystery and save innocent lives. Teaming up with their best friend Ethan and with brooding detective-in-training Andres, the sisters set out to learn the truth. They just need to make sure Mami doesn’t find out what they’re up to.

Meanwhile, in 1980 Cuba, Anita struggles with a different magical conflict. Her mother, Mama Orti, is a bruja who belongs to a secret coven of elders and Anita knows she will be forced to join the coven herself one day. She sees no escape, though the thought of staying and letting this future claim her is terrifying. Ofelia, Delfi, and Anita’s stories collide as each woman steps into her power and embraces who she truly is, refusing to be subdued by any person, coven, or curse.

In this stunning YA contemporary fantasy, debut author Vanessa Montalban explores the interlocking struggles of three generations of women in one family. An unputdownable debut for anyone who roots for magic, sisterhood, and love.

Giveaway

There is a giveaway for one (1) ARC copy of the title, courtesy of TTPT Stacia!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1e4a114d80/?

Why Should You Read This?

“A Tall Dark Trouble” by Vanessa Montalban is a spellbinding YA contemporary fantasy that weaves together the struggles of three generations of women in one captivating tale. Twin sisters Ofelia and Delfi Sanchez have been taught to steer clear of magic due to a family curse that has left a trail of poisoned love. But sometimes, the heart can’t resist, and when the sisters begin experiencing premonitions of a series of murders, they know it’s time to embrace their magical inheritance to uncover the truth and save innocent lives.

Montalban masterfully creates a rich and engaging world filled with magic, mystery, and sisterhood. The bond between Ofelia and Delfi is beautifully portrayed, capturing the complexities of sibling relationships and the power of love and support. Their determination to protect each other and their best friend Ethan adds depth and emotion to the narrative.

Intertwined with their story is that of Anita, struggling with her own magical conflict in 1980 Cuba. The portrayal of Anita’s predicament and her mother’s secret coven adds an additional layer of intrigue and depth to the plot. Montalban’s writing effortlessly navigates between the present and the past, seamlessly connecting the lives of these remarkable women.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each woman finding strength and courage to defy the expectations imposed on them by their magical legacies. Ofelia, Delfi, and Anita’s journeys toward self-discovery and embracing their true identities make for a compelling and empowering read.

“A Tall Dark Trouble” is a gripping page-turner that effortlessly balances magic, mystery, and romance. Montalban’s debut novel is a testament to the power of sisterhood, love, and self-acceptance. The enchanting storytelling and captivating world-building make it an unputdownable read for anyone who roots for magic, sisterhood, and love.

With its engaging plot and well-crafted characters, “A Tall Dark Trouble” is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy and those who appreciate stories of female empowerment and resilience. I enthusiastically recommend this novel and award it four stars for its captivating storytelling, poignant themes, and its celebration of the strength of women and the magic that lies within them.