Vanessa Montalban’s YA debut is a dazzling Latine twist on Practical Magic that follows a family of Cuban American brujas entangled in love, magic, and murder.
ISBN
9781638930129
Language
English
Page count
432
Edition
Hardcover
Sale date
August 29, 2023
Dimensions
6 x 9
About the Book
In contemporary Miami, twins Delfi and Lela are haunted by a family curse that poisons any chance at romantic love. It’s no wonder their mother forbids them from getting involved with magic. When Lela and Delfi receive premonitions of a mysterious killer targeting brujas, however, the sisters must embrace their emerging powers to save innocent lives. Teaming up with their best friend Ethan and brooding detective-in-training Andres, Delfi and Lela set out to catch a murderer on a dangerous hunt that will force them to confront the dark secrets of their family’s past.
Meanwhile, in 1980s Cuba, Anita de Armas whispers to the spirits for mercy—not for herself, but for the victims of her mother’s cult. She’s desperate to rid herself of her power, which manifests as inky shadows and an ability to speak to the dead. As political tensions rise and Anita’s cult initiation draws near, she must make a decision that could change not only her fate, but the fate of the nation.
Lela, Delfi, and Anita’s stories intertwine in a thrilling fantasy that spans oceans and generations as each woman steps into her power, refusing to be subdued by any person or curse.
Reviews
“Readers will ugly cry for all that Anita loses, and then cheer for Delfi and Lela as they conquer both internal and external crises. VERDICT: Hand to YA readers who enjoy their history told with an abundant dose of horror.”
“Captivating debut.”
“Richly rendered main characters and a knotty central mystery captivate . . . Utterly bewitching.”
Montalban’s story deftly handles the complicated threads of family to weave a powerful exploration of sisterhood, magic, and the curses that follow us through generations. Practical Magic meets Miami, A Tall Dark Trouble is bound to become a Cuban American classic.
A Tall Dark Trouble made me want to laugh, cry, and hold my own beloved sister tight! Told in alternating timelines set in Cuba and Miami, this story is rich with emotion, forbidden love, and heart-stopping twists. Through magic and mystery, Montalban paints a searing portrait of breaking generational curses and the importance of fighting against oppression. Delfi and Lela’s sisterhood feels so real—whether they’re bickering or fighting side by side—and gives readers a badass duo to root for. A Tall Dark Trouble is uniquely thrilling and sure to cast a spell on every reader.
With a gripping plot, a unique and vibrant cast, and a richly imagined Miami setting full of magic, A Tall Dark Trouble will have readers glued to the pages from beginning to end. Family ties, generational curses, and complicated relationships are expertly woven into this heart-pounding tale, adding layers of depth and relatability. This story will leave readers breathless and wanting to seep into the pages.
Deftly weaving together multiple timelines and narratives, A Tall Dark Trouble is equal parts magical, romantic, and heart wrenching. Beautifully written, Montalban’s debut is sure to leave you enchanted.
“Montalban creates a lyrical and atmospheric story with plenty of twists. Readers won’t be able to look away as the Sanchez women conquer love, magic, secrets, and curses—with the help of each other.”
Vanessa Montalban
Miami-born Vanessa Montalban channels her wanderlust for far-off worlds into writing young adult fiction, including A Tall Dark Trouble, winner of the Florida Book Awards in the YA category.
She’s a first-generation college graduate, and is hard at work creating a collection of stories. Her work has appeared in Diabolical Plots and Entropy Magazine, and her newest novel These Vengeful Wishes is coming spring 2025.
