A Tall Dark Trouble
Practical Magic meets Erika L. Sanchez in this propulsive YA fantasy about a Cuban American family of brujas who get entangled in love, magic, and murder, alternating between 1980s Cuba and present-day Miami
ISBN
9781638930129
Language
English
Page count
432
Edition
Hardcover
Sale date
August 29, 2023
Dimensions
6 x 9
About the Book
The Sanchez women aren’t just unlucky in love—they’re cursed. Twins Delfi and Lela are haunted by a malevolent magic that’s followed their family from Cuba to Miami, poisoning any chance at romantic love. It’s no wonder their mother forbids them from magic.
When Lela and Delfi receive premonitions of a mysterious killer targeting witches, 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 bring them face to face with 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, especially as political tensions rise and Anita’s cult initiation draws near.
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
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.
Vanessa Montalban
Fueled by the magic of espresso, Miami-born Vanessa Montalban channels her wanderlust for far-off worlds into writing speculative fiction for teens. She’s a first-gen graduate from the University of Central Florida where she received her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing with summa cum laude honors.
