Maria the Wanted

by V. Castro

Newly turned Mexican vampire, Maria, is not just out for blood, she wants answers.

From the twice Bram Stoker-nominated author of The Haunting of Alejandra and Immortal Pleasures, a gripping tale of empowerment, desire and belonging, perfect for readers of A Dowry of Blood and Certain Dark Things.

Maria is a wanted woman. She's wanted by an Aztec trafficker, a cartel boss, the people she fights for, and now the Devil she can't resist. Her journey begins as a would-be immigrant turned vampire in Juarez, Mexico until the injustices of the world turn her into something else.

Forced to leave her home and family, she embarks on a journey across Mexico seeking those answers. She learns a new language and how to survive as a vampire. To ease her restlessness she finds work with an ex-boxer and learns to fight, becoming an unlikely bad ass enforcer of justice for the community that has embraced her. Is she a saint or an old God from a forgotten past?

An encounter with a violent, ruthless vampire boss leads her to finally find her creator, and he is nothing like she imagined. Drawn into a world of ancient vampires, deadly conspiracies and a dangerously seductive devil, Maria must find a way to fight for herself and all humankind.

A fierce and seductive vampire thriller, pulsing with rage, fear and desire, that explores the dark back streets of Mexico and a vampire woman's determination to find her place in the world.

Genres: Horror, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2018

About the author

Hi ! Thank you so very much for picking up my books. You can also check out www.lamuertemarket.com

Wishing you Blessings and Abundance!

Reviews

[❁lilith❁ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this eARC! All opinions are my own.
______________

I enjoyed this at the beginning, though the writing style is very simplistic and stilted throughout the entire book. I was interested while it was about Maria discovering her new life and how to live it, but it goes off the deep end by the halfway mark and everything after gets rather convoluted with biblical stories being real and its characters coming into this story. I feel as though it really lost the plot by then, and even though the story was getting bigger and the stakes should've been growing with it, there was no real tension to be found.
I enjoyed some of the earlier side characters, but the ones introduced later fell flat. Every character seemed to be immediately in love with Maria which was strange, considering a bunch of them are centuries/millennia old beings. Altogether there was a lot that really didn't work for me, unfortunately.
Also when comping to Dowry of Blood, there had better be some sapphics involved (there was not).

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
This was an easy vampire focused story. I personally didn’t love this one because it read more like an action story than the kind of horror stories that I prefer. The writing was easy with plenty of dialog and narrative drive. I prefer other books by this author where the characters really shine. This story was fine but a touch more forgettable than I wanted.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the publishers Titan Books.

Maria the Wanted is a descriptive, atmospheric, and haunting read about a young Mexican woman called Maria who undergoes a night of terror and is turned into a vampire and left alone to fend for herself. Maria doesn't take this life altering change lying down and takes it upon herself to extract revenge on those who do and did her harm, took away her human life and what could have been.
Along the way, Maria becomes a protector for those who are wronged and forges connections she never anticipated.
There's something about this book that really gets under your skin and pulls you back to it again and again. I wanted to know what would become of Maria, and you can feel her pain and despere, hurt and anger, joy and humanity, and connect to her on every page. Maria is such a strong and inspirational character with a deepness and consciousness that humanises her and brings light to the darkest of humanity.
The book is broken into two parts, and the second part is quite explosive when she meets more of her kind and dances with the devil....
I can't wait to read more from this author after reading this.

[Nikki Lee (Nikkileethrillseeker)]

The narrator for this book pretty much ruined it for me. Can’t stand a monotone voice.

[Siân Pycroft (plumreads__s) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5

You know what makes this novel so beautiful? You can feel the hope running throughout. You can feel the connection to Maria's culture. You can feel the loss and the pain that Maria struggles through. You get a detailed explanation of other characters also, including the Keepers, with detailed back stories enough to feel their pain, their struggles, and what they have also overcome on their journeys that led them to becoming Keepers.

You embrace the journey and it's a ride you don't want to get off. I pretty much read this in one sitting. It made a 3.25 hour long flight feel like less than 1. it's constantly moving with the action kicking in from the start. I was really hoping for a certain storyline to come about and when it did I was soo happy!

This book made me:
Smile
Cry (in public) - I don’t actually think this was the intention, I just did.
Angry
Happy
Excited

Ughhhh to ending on a bit of a cliff-hanger! I am on tenterhooks!

I am so excited to see what is going to happen next with Maria and the rest of the Keepers!

[greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read goddess of filth by this author before, and I definitely preferred this book. it still wasn't my favourite, but I had a better time reading this one than goddess of filth.

I loved the fact that the fmc maria was so protective over other people and helped them in times of need, actually using her new ability for good actions.
I didn't quite connect with the rest of the characters. I loved seeing maria interacting with them, but they didn't stand out for me.

the writing style was one of the issues for me. it's told in a way that didn't completely grip me, I did find myself being distracted a lot of times, and the amount of "nada" word being used was a little annoying lmao.

I liked the first half of the book much better than the 2nd. it got significantly more boring towards the second half, and nothing really happened throughout the book. given it's a vampire book, I wanted more action and more stuff going on!

I would still recommend this if you love vampire stories, but this one is on the mild side, I believe it's more of a character type story than plot.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A blind read, I think this book could've been two books. The story of Maria and her origin story was great and felt somber. However, once we introduced and exploded to the end-of-the-world situation with bigger characters at palay, this could have been another book, it felt way too rushed and was such a larger adventure than Maria's. The religious connotations were enjoyable to mix in with vampires and how human lore ties in. More vampire adventures at the end of the world!

[LottiesLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘His expression was that of a man who had seen the Devil, or a ghost, or a woman scorned’. 💥

Thank you to the publisher, Titan Books, for sending me an ARC of this book. And Happy Pub Day to Maria the Wanted! 🖤

I’m truly blown away by this wonderful story. Firstly, it’s a refreshing take on the vampire trope - vigilante vamps? Sign me up! 😍 You can really feel V. Castro’s heart and soul in this book. The writing style is so beautiful and engaging; a great balance of character and plot-driven prose. This is definitely a horror with heart, which is my favourite kind 🥰. And it’s fairly light on the gore, with more of a mystery/thriller vibe, so would be a great read for someone new to the genre. Don’t let that fool you though, this doesn’t shy away from discussing difficult but important topics (see TW at end of review). Such a beautiful story and celebration of Mexican culture too ♥️. But also an examination of the hardships faced by working class Mexican people, particularly women. I adore Maria with all my heart; she’s a total bad ass and a beautiful soul, and I want to be her 💅. Loved all of the song references too. The friendship and found family component is one of my favourite things in literature, and it’s so well done here. This book really does have everything. The only thing I will say is that the very ending felt a bit abrupt (although I really loved the overall direction of the story), BUT I’m really hoping that means there will be a second book 👀🙏🤞. I wanted to stay in this world forever. If you love the idea of a fresh take on vampire lore, a story of female empowerment, sexuality, morality and friendship, with a host of loveable and interesting characters, then pick this book up. It was such a joy to read, and reminded me why I fell in love with reading in the first place! (It’s the latest addition to my all-time favourite books list 😁) This was my first time reading V. Castro, but now I need to read everything she’s ever written! 😍

Also, Horace Kilburn can eat shit 😏 (if you know, you know).

⚠️ TW: domestic abuse, miscarriage, child abuse. ⚠️

[Alicia Ceasar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria The Wanted follows Maria, a young woman who faces a huge tragedy that leads her onto a path for revenge.

This author is one that I have loved in the last so I was excited to pick up this vampire book. I thought the lore and the premise at the beginning were really interesting and I was looking forward to listening to more. Somewhere around the middle it starts to feel muddled. Like there are too many things going on in the story and I wasn’t as interested in those things.

The vampire lore was really fun and a bit unique which I always like. I just wish there weren’t so many things happening in the plot because it felt a little convoluted.

The narration is fantastic. It was one narrator but I was easy to follow between characters very easily.

[Sonora Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a ton of fun. I loved getting to know Maria and reading about her adventures and growth. Castro does a great job of getting into Maria’s head. I like that Maria had a conscious but also enjoyed being a vamp in every sense. I also liked her sense of justice. Give this a read — it’s perfect for a macabre summer day.

[Brennan LaFaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve made it no secret that the indie horror community has changed the way I read. That said, I still tend to avoid vampire books most of the time. The ones I’ve read in the past tend to go one of two ways. Vampires are either romanticized, making them feel dated even in more recently written books, or vampires are brutal, mindless killing machines, more like zombies, but usually controlled by a master who is romanticized.

After reading Hairspray and Switchblades by V Castro, I didn’t know exactly what to expect from a vampire novel, but I knew it wouldn’t be the same. The vampire mythos here has more in common with Marvel’s Blade series than most vampire literature. We ditch some of the more well-known tropes in order to establish a unique mythos. The titular character is layered, but at heart she’s a kick-ass female heroine. While the story’s focus is on Maria, the characters that surround her are lovingly crafted to be just as deep and interesting. I would happily read more stories that centered around just Vlad and Jorge.

A big part of Maria’s appeal is that despite the youth and the power bestowed on her when she became a vampire, she is a flawed character who deals with moral and ethical conundrums. It wouldn’t be a V Castro book without a healthy dose of sex, and Maria the Wanted has got it in spades. While one scene in particular made me glad I wasn’t reading the book in a public place, it doesn’t feel gratuitous. Rather it adds a strength and honesty to Maria’s character.

I enjoyed Castro’s inclusion of a soundtrack. As you read the book, you gain insight into characters by what they’re listening to or even band t-shirts they choose. It ends up being a pretty sizable variety of music and if a reader were so inclined, they might find that having a playlist while reading enhances the experience. 

There is a theme presented, revisited several times throughout the book, related to working for what you have and not taking handouts. It’s not hammered over the reader’s head, but it does catch your eye if you’re paying attention. It gives the story an almost autobiographical element, as the way it’s handled makes it seem as though this is a quality that the author values.

As of this writing there is no release date or plan for book two in the Keepers series, but Violet Castro has set up a story, or series of stories, with globe-hopping, time-spanning potential, and I’ll eagerly pick up whatever comes next in the world of Maria.

[Matt (TeamRedmon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria the Wanted was my choice for the #ladiesfirst20 challenge by Ladies of Horror Fiction. It's not the first book that I've finished this year, but it was the first that I started. Sadly, I had to read the first 100 pages in starts and stops because of other obligations and deadlines, but when I picked it back up yesterday, I didn't put it down until I finished. It was one of those classic situations where I was telling myself just one more chapter, ok, just one more, really this time only one more, until I finished. Maria is not a technically perfect book; I noticed some errors, and the cover is off-centered, which will both some people. They bothered me at first. But as I got into Maria's story, I didn't care.

Maria is a badass heroine in one of the most original vampire stories I've read. Based on the cover, I expected the Latina version of Blade or Buffy, but what I got was much more than that. There's plenty of action throughout the book, but the events and themes explored in this story are much grander than those movies/shows. This book is not a slash em up bite em up adventure, but a story told on a grand scale over decades. There is so much in here that I didn't expect, including some phenomenal music references (I need a link to the playlist!). The ending is quite the cliffhanger, and I legitimately want to read more in this world with these characters and will be anxiously awaiting The Keepers #2.

There are some stumbles and some flaws, but based on the strength of the character and story, I just let go and rode the ride that V. Castro wrote. It's a beautiful story of revenge, justice, family and friends, good and evil, compassion, violence, sex, gore, and death, all centered around the wonderful character of Maria. This book is definitely worth your time!

[Escapereality4now · Rating 5 out of 5]

MARIA THE WANTED, by V. Castro was phenomenal. I devoured the audio book in two days. Maria is a badass. She is a strong and determined character. V. Castro wrote an original vampire story. I am a werewolf girl but I can't pass up a V Castro

story. What a great story it is. One that really takes you into the mind of the character. You hear her thoughts, feelings, regrets and ambitions.

MARIA THE VAMPIRE is full of action and gore. It is also a story about revenge and friendship. The story touches on Mexican culture and the hardships of the working class. Castro highlights the struggles of Mexican women.

The story starts out strong and keeps its pace. There are a lot of references to music. I literally up when she mentioned DEVIL INSIDE, by INXS. That's one of my favorite 80's bands. I stopped the story to listen to the song. but I digress
… Back to thebook.... The way that Maria handles loss is inspiring. V. Castro always talks about her ambition, drive and struggles to succeed.

I sat back and thought how much of the author drove the creation of Maria.

There is so much in this book. I loved listening to it. I NEED. physical copy.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Ennamora · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 60%?

I can't listen to this anymore. It is so boring... I expected so much from this book, seeing what it's about. But it's just a boring mess. It started out pretty well but it went downhill so fast.
The listing of artists was also a bit much. I don't need a paragraph long list of the artists that are on a CD, or whatever. Listing a few is fine, but come on?!
Maria became very boring, very quickly. I also didn't care for any of the characters in this book.

[Steve Stred · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **

“She needed to harden to survive.”

This is one of those books that I never, ever thought in a million years that I’d read and enjoy. I’ve pretty much stopped reading any vampire based books. I can’t quite place it, but sometime during that last few years, I’ve begun to avoid vampire and zombie books like they’d avoid sunlight and gunshots to the head.

So why did I read it then?

100% to support the author and help a hard-working indie author get another review.

And guess what – I really did enjoy this book.

Maria at times feels almost autobiographical. From what I’ve seen on V’s various social media pages (and through some interactions with her via DM), V’s had to work hard to get to where she is in life and still continues to struggle with things related to her heritage, being a woman and writing horror.

This story blasts out of the gates with an opening that would make any action movie lover proud. It gave me shades of The Strain TV show from Guillermo del Toro and as we hear Maria’s motivation for working so hard to provide a better life for her and her family, Castro sucks you in.

From there, the beauty of this book is that it is immense in scope and reimagines certain vampiric characters, before introducing some unique antagonists along the way.

All the while Castro is writing her rear end off, delivering scene after scene that had me riveted.

This is a book that I truly regret not getting to sooner. I snagged it some time ago and it languished in my TBR. Then I saw either a tweet or an Instagram story where V mentioned the difficulties of getting her book reviewed and I realized I was being a jerk by having it still sitting there unread. So I fixed that and I’m glad I did.

If you’re looking for fun, gore, action, revenge, an amazing female lead character, look no further. This was a brutally, goreriffic time and now we wait to see when The Keepers Series #2 will arrive!

[Julia DeBarrioz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so FUN! Action packed, poetic, and sexy. Cue up some Selena and get reading!

This book had a little bit of everything I love and want to read in an urban fantasy romp. A kick-a$$ latina heroine with a BIG heart who takes no prisoners battling for justice and against the cartels? Check. Vampires from cultures all around the world? Check. An excellent grasp of history? Check check!

Maybe also cue up some "Sympathy for the Devil" because it's not the cartels or ancient Aztec vampires who will prove Maria's greatest challenge. Everyone wants a piece of Maria, including Lucifer himself...

I really loved Maria. She is tough but also loving, and very honest about life in her narration. She's a breath of fresh air and a shot of tequila all in one.

I really can't recommend this indie read enough!

[I'mogén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Black Crow PR for a spot on the book tour and a copy sent to review. All opinions remain 100% genuine.

Well, what an opener!! What a way to start a book!

The first scene really threw us into the craziness already. I was left initially lost at what was going on in the seamstress room, but I think it was to mimick the confusion, fear and uncertainty that Maria must have been feeling, knowing that all she had to do was try to keep herself alive. Whittling down to the basic instinct of survival. This made for a much more integrated reading experience for that first chapter! So many feelings were flashing through me. 
 I was so distraught with how quickly Maria let go of the life she knew. I think I'm a sucker for goodbyes and explanations, so to not get that really hurt! However, as the story progressed and Maria came into her own sense of self and reflected more so on her earlier life, it actually made sense to me and put things into perspective.

I liked how the feelings of Maria being unwanted by her parents and the mixture of villains being after her for her later vigilante ways and the community appreciating her, played a part in how she became known as Maria the Wanted and also I feel like the mention of Heartbreak Hotel may have been a subtle nod to the Pink Agave Motel, but I'm probably just reading into that too much.

I loved that we got Maria's story from the start of her vampire journey. It felt like a more connected story in that way. 

A big theme I appreciated was time and how a supernatural entity has a relationship with it. There are many vampires and other supernatural beings in this story and it was really cool to see how their values and what felt important to them molded over their extended lifetime. Not always for the best.

I did feel like the conversations often felt stilted and formal even in the more modern period, which did make it a little bit awkward in terms of conversational flow at times. However, I also think this showed a little more of Maria's personality, and the fact that she often protected and guarded her heart from strong personal connections, sometimes to her detriment.

It took me until part 2 to properly clock the biblical undertones and use of names; Maria = Mary?, Adam and of course Lucifer. When we got to this, the story felt like it flipped course and it was so fascinating to hear more of a biblical spin and a new look at certain key characters and their origins. I'm a sucker for any religious lore, myth and legends and really loved that turn of events.

I went into this story expecting a chill vampire thriller and came out with something much more having been woven and untangled through the plot. This was such a fantastic read. I can't wait for the sequel.


Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 2 out of 5]

In all honesty, I'm really excited for this book and the other one on my tbr from the same author that I've been planning to read as well. Anyway, for this book, the premise and concep is has me hooked, and there's no way I would let this pass without having the arc or the alc for this matter.

The vampire premise fused with biblical lore was really intriguing, I must admit. Not to mention connecting these concepts to what's happening now in politics– most especially to the USA elections in general - was quite mind-boggling to me because I believe this was already written years ago as what the other reviewers mentioned and to think those parts here were so TIMELY like of last elections and everything that I believed was really suited in here. Idk, I may not be really that well versed in that country's issue, but I've seen and read a few, so yeah.

Going back now, I'm really sceptical, and I think disappointed because the concept of the plot and the elements at play here was so good, like it was so dense in my opinion and I really see the vision the author might have made up in their mind and was hoping that the readers would see it and yes, I have, in my experience and opinion, it's just that the execution was just not it.

The way it was condensely packed and wrapped up, let along wrapped up, was just not the way it should have, considering what the presented premise was here. IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. IT COULD HAVE MADE A PHENOMENAL DUOLOGY OR A TRILOGY to really well execute the supposed romance and biblical route going on here with Maria & Lucifer and the other characters but nope, all of these was poorly packed and wrapped in a single book.

Not to mention, the many, many subplots here, especially with Adam and Maria, were just so underwhelming for me, like what is happening? It feels like this was just put here to have this more layered without really putting a well touched of focus. I'm not even going to go on with Maria's character because the first arc of her vampire life was going well, and the rest was just so awfully developed for me.

Mortakai, or whatever the correct spelling was, was another missed part here. Like I don't know, this character was so interesting and had a very pivotal role only to be given that. I'm not even going to mention the epilogue because WHAT WAS THAT??

Long story short, it was disappointing, plot and premise wasted. Like the developments here were so chaotic to me and all over the place. It's just so disappointing because, AGAIN, THIS NOVEL COULD HAVE BEEN AMAZING.

Thank you, Dreamscape Media, for the ALC. 2⭐️

[She’s Stranger Than Fiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rating was rounded up from 2.5 stars.

Maria the Wanted is the fierce tale of a young factory worker who finds herself turned into a vampire. She is independent and strong, with a heart for the victims of ruthless men. I really really wanted to love it. The concept is fantastic. The execution is disappointing. I was pleased with the character development, though it was more “tell” than “show.” I was not pleased with the way the novel abruptly jumped back in time to build on it. It took me a few seconds to orient myself in some places: a problem that could have easily been solved with a heading indicating the transition. The prose is clunky and amateurish and some of the wording is cringy - especially when it comes to dialogue. The action scenes really move the plot along and could have been a real strength of the book but often felt rushed or stunted. The bad guys seem to be too easily defeated. There are lots of tiny plot holes, and the book felt like a first or second draft overall. I know lots of readers really loved this novel, and I get that. Maria is a spunky badass, great characteristics for a strong FMC, and the story is fresh and exciting. Sadly, I struggled with the writing and the structure, and these flaws ruined the book for me.
I do not recommend.

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

A generous 2.5 stars rounded up, because this clumsy book is the definition of "compels me, though." First of all, it's two entirely different books: a compelling, character-driven first half about Maria's personal journey from ordinary maquiladora to self-actualized vampire vigilante, and then a completely ridiculous second half about um. "Doomsday sex" with the devil? The first half is a cheesy Tarantino movie for the booktok "good for her" crowd, and the second half is Fox's Lucifer if it was a CW show instead. Oh, and then there's an "epilogue" which is actually a completely unnecessary backstory for a side character that adds nothing to the story, but in the words of John Mulaney, it may as well happen.

Yet I'm giving Maria the Wanted 2.5 stars because of recency bias a) there's something so sincere about this type of self-indulgent "my heroine is so cool the Devil is obsessed with her" kind of writing, b) I genuinely enjoyed the character of Maria and her personal arc, and c) the writing is such an interesting mix of amateurish (short, choppy repetitive sentences, too much telling, California Scene dialogue) with glints of raw talent (well-rendered emotional states and sensory details, the occasional simile or metaphor that really hits.) Its style is so simple and easy to read that it's like, may as well keep reading. Sure, yeah, the Devil eats ass. Why not?

[Yolanda Sfetsos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a vampire story, so I was definitely interested in checking this out.

Maria is a young factory worker who gets caught up in the middle of a brutal attack and is turned into a vampire.

Lost and alone, she's forced to abandon her old life and focuses on searching for her maker because she wants answers. What she finds, sends her on an adventure across the world...

This book starts out with a heartbreaking scene that echoes through the whole book. It's also an interesting story about a Mexican vampire trying to do the right thing, while fighting her thirst for blood.

I liked that along the way, she delves into the vigilante life and helps young girls in desperate need of rescue. It's great to see real-life bad guys get what they deserve.

The vampire world is intriguing and uses historical events and familiar figures/situations to enhance the narrative. The unstable political climate of today is woven very well into everything that happens.

I really liked Maria's style, attitude and morals. Not to mention the cool music mentioned throughout.

Although I found the many backstories a little distracting at times, it didn't get in the way of Maria's story. Reading stories featuring strong women is always fun.

[Daniplx · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars to this fantastic vampire novel by one of my new favourite horror authors. It’s a vampire novel that weaves history, religion, current events and some horror in a really fun way!

What I loved most about this book were the characters-especially Maria. They were well rounded and made me root for (or against) them. There is a thread of hope that runs through it, and it really resonated with me. I loved the twist on the typical vampire tale it took and the way it wove in aspects of Mexican history.

Let’s talk steam for a minute-this book has got a couple of steamier scenes and they are great. Castro knows how to write sexier scenes and they do not disappoint. I like that she throws some sex into her horror books without making it seem out of place!

I hope there are more Maria books in the works because I want to spend more time in this universe, with these characters and I have some questions I need answered :)

[C.J. Bow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick thoughts:

I love the author's ability to intertwine today's political climate with a horror twist (even though it's all horror out there anyway).

The book contains a strong female Latina character bent on cleaning the necrotic streets of filth and crime, and spreading a message of hope. One that permeates the community. You can't help but to love Maria's commitment to making things right, regardless of where she was throughout the story.

Another thing the author does that I love is explains the history of evil (bad guys doing bad things) in a fictional way. If only it was that way, we'd have a hell of a lot easier time coming to terms with the travesty from times long ago.

She ends with you wanting more, only knowing that more is to come (at least I'm hoping for it!).

[Oliver Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of 2020 was this entertaining vampire novel from Latina author V Castro. It’s a wild ride, with a globe-trotting plot spanning multiple time periods, a kick ass heroine and a refreshing take on vampire lore. It’s great fun from first page to last, with effective scenes of horror, enough sex to raise the pulse rate a little and a great sense of melodrama. Best of all, it champions the underprivileged, with heroine Maria fighting oppression as well as demons.

[J.M. Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to the book by the cover and the characters kept me locked in until the last page.

Castro does a good job painting a scene for the reader but she shines when it comes to creating characters you can become invested in. She is able to accomplish this by showing what makes them who they are.

An added bonus was the music she weaved through the story.

If you are looking for an entertaining read by a promising author, this one is for you.

[Giselle ☪︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this. Since I listened to the audiobook 🎧 I feel like I didn’t absorb everything. I feel like I missed some details therefore it didn’t feel right giving it a full 5⭐️. I fully intend on rereading this as soon as I can get my hands on a physical copy to confidently give it the 5⭐️ rating I believe it deserves.

I enjoyed Castros style of storytelling so much I immediately stated (and am currently reading) Goddess of Filth by her.

[Alexis Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW (2/10/26): maria the wanted by v. castro 🧛🏻 a newly turned mexican vampire who, after being forced from her home, traverses mexico as an unlikely enforcer of justice against cartel bosses and ancient vampires.

it PAINS me to say this but the concept was better than the execution! I love me a horror with an action subplot but it felt like this author was trying to check off too many boxes at once. the first half of the book, prior to maria getting whisked away into the underworld, was definitely the highlight! I loved hearing about the boxing club and the found family maria made whilst there!

but once she met up with certain men (no spoilers) & biblical stories started becoming real, it started to go downhill. the stakes should've been growing with the plot but there was no real tension to be found! there were also a slew of current day/political references that didn't quite fit in with the overall tone of the story.

perhaps this world could’ve benefited from being a duology?? thank you dreamscape media for the early copy ❤️‍🩹 2.5 stars!

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Review soon!

[Patty Goodwin]

The book was Fantastic. All the characters threw me in from the beginning. Most books have three different explosions by the writer to keep the reader interested. Your book seemed to have hundreds of explosions throughout. I did not want the book to finish.

I hope this is only the beginning of a trilogy. This would make a fantastic series on TV.

Congratulations!! Job well done.