These Vengeful Wishes

Gr 9 Up–A fast-paced ghost story about betrayal and revenge, brought to life by flawed yet deeply relatable characters. When Ceci’s stepfather is arrested, she knows exactly what comes next: her mother will sell off their valuables, they’ll pack up the car, and they’ll start over somewhere new. This time, they return to Santa Aguas, her mother’s hometown, where they take up residence in the abandoned Sevilla mansion, home to the family that founded the town. Ceci soon becomes enmeshed in the legend of La Cegua—a vengeful spirit said to lure corrupt men to their doom. As an aspiring painter, Ceci has always been inexplicably drawn to the image of a mysterious door in the forest. Now in Santa Aguas, she feels an even stronger pull toward the forbidden woods and the haunting tale of La Cegua, convinced this spirit is what brought her to the town. One fateful night, the door from her paintings manifests in the woods, leading Ceci and her new friend—and potential love interest—Jamie to a wishing well inhabited by the spirit of La Cegua. What follows is a riveting exploration of the town’s hidden past as Ceci uncovers the tangled connections between the spirit, the cursed Sevilla family, and her own mother. Montalban masterfully portrays the complex dynamic between Ceci and her mother, immersing readers in their relationship before unraveling the chilling secrets of La Cegua. As the truth unfolds, readers will find themselves captivated, racing toward an unforgettable conclusion.