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Maria the Wanted
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.
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.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2018
31 people are currently reading
2010 people want to read
About the author
V. Castro
71 books1,202 followersHi ! Thank you so very much for picking up my books. You can also check out www.lamuertemarket.com
Wishing you Blessings and Abundance!
Wishing you Blessings and Abundance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 18, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this eARC! All opinions are my own.
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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).
______________
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).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
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.
December 18, 2025
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.
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.
May 31, 2019
*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!
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!
February 10, 2026
‘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. ⚠️
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. ⚠️
February 3, 2026
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.
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.
April 29, 2019
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.
January 19, 2020
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!
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!
February 10, 2026
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.
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.
February 10, 2026
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.
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.
November 21, 2019
** 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!
“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!
June 12, 2020
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.
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.
December 15, 2018
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$$ latina heroine with a BIG heart who takes no prisoners battling for justice and against the cartels? Check. Vampires from cultures all around the world? Check. An excellent grasp of history? Check check!
Maybe also cue up some "Sympathy for the Devil" because it's not the cartels or ancient Aztec vampires who will prove Maria's greatest challenge. Everyone wants a piece of Maria, including Lucifer himself...
I really loved Maria. She is tough but also loving, and very honest about life in her narration. She's a breath of fresh air and a shot of tequila all in one.
I really can't recommend this indie read enough!
This book had a little bit of everything I love and want to read in an urban fantasy romp. A kick-a$$ 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!
February 11, 2026
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!
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!
February 8, 2026
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⭐️
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⭐️
February 15, 2020
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.
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.
June 3, 2020
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 :)
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 :)
October 9, 2019
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!).
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!).
January 2, 2020
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.
April 25, 2021
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.
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.
February 19, 2026
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!
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!
May 23, 2019
3.5 stars. Review soon!
Read
February 20, 2019The 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.
I hope this is only the beginning of a trilogy. This would make a fantastic series on TV.
Congratulations!! Job well done.
July 2, 2019
They do say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and this is definitely the case in the vampire action-horror book Maria the Wanted. With a bright comic book style front cover and a lengthy extended Indiana Jones title, you would be forgiven for thinking that there would be a playful tone to the story. Such as a fun Buffy the Vampire Slayer style character with a unique Mexican twist. Yet once the story starts to unfold it soon becomes clear that Maria the Wanted has a lot more to offer.
Following the initial events of carnage which holds a familiar a theme with the blood and violence that you would expect (this is after all a horror book about vampires), the story takes a more meaningful emotional journey. Enveloping a deeper understanding of Maria’s struggle as she continues to wrestle with her conscience regarding her loss, new abilities and needs as a vampire and a desire to find her true purpose.
The more personal approach to Maria’s character works well for the book, although we soon learn this is only the part of the story overall . As pieces of Maria’s past begin to come together the book suddenly takes an unexpected turn, events begin to occur on a much larger scale intertwining various characters and stories which I wasn’t expecting. It is a huge contrast in the way the initial events unfold, but with so much going on in the later stages of the book you can understand why V. Castro has taken so much time to develop the character. Seeing the journey from the woman she was before, to the woman she becomes plays an important role in portraying her characters decisions.
Despite taking a more emotional character driven story, the book is not short of action and even includes an unexpected eroticism between the characters which confirms that this book is intended for a younger audience. Maria is portrayed as strong female character and becomes the anti-hero you would expect, but despite her strengths and abilities she is also not without her weaknesses.Although it is these human attributes that make Maria so relate-able, as she remains conflicted between her conscience and desires.
With the story initially based in Mexico Writer V.Castro enthuses her ethnic background, incorporating cultural references and embraces her Latinx heritage in the story. This includes a strong Latino lead with Maria which like so many elements of the story that look to adduce a wider perspective than the usual stereotypes. In addition to incorporating a very visual description, several Mexican words and phrases are used throughout the book without transaction. This may annoy some reader who like myself will have to look up some of the words to clarify what they mean, (Día de Muertos being one of the few phrases I managed to recognised). This however did not effect my personal enjoyment of the book and as they only appeared sporadically it felt as though they actually add a unique stylisation to the book.
As the book goes on, we are introduced to several characters whose backstories are incorporated into historical moments in history which have shaped them into who they are today. With the men it is often the violence of war, which has left them haunted. Whilst for several of the women it is the atrocities of persecution which is one of the books most powerful underlining themes. There are scenario that stands out, such as the atrocities associated with the torturous maltreatment by a Nazi doctor on a Jewish women during world war two. Although it is the events regarding the abduction of a woman for the American slave trade which was the most effective and memorable. It is the most harrowing part of the book and a backstory which really stays with you.
So many elements of the story incorporate real life events with fiction, but the line becomes ever more burred when it comes to the political figure heads. The sentiments of the story which reflect true events would seem more fictitious than reality, but as it deliberately highlights there is an unbalanced danger which in the reality of current political turmoil it seems all too real.
On a more lighter note it is unusual to comment on a soundtrack for a book, but in Maria the Wanted it is definitely worth mentioning. The songs to create a track list soundtrack which works as part to capture part of the story and if brought together would make a brilliant mix tape.
Author V. Castro does acknowledges some elements of the classic vampire mythology in the book, but like so many elements of the story she also looks to create her own rules which allows Maria to walk her own path with a unique and create an original take.
Maria the Wanted is a surprisingly in-depth book which continues to evolve with the story. Moving between an emotional drama and full action horror, it continues to change and as the spectrum of the story continues to expand you are never sure how the story will unfold.
After reading the book I was surprised at how much is incorporated into the story, especially when you consider how much time is spent developing the characters. It creates a memorable anti-hero with Maria and sets a up a backdrop for the next chapter. I am not sure what V. Castro can do to improve on the first book with the story, but I am looking forward to seeing where she decides to take eh characters next.
Following the initial events of carnage which holds a familiar a theme with the blood and violence that you would expect (this is after all a horror book about vampires), the story takes a more meaningful emotional journey. Enveloping a deeper understanding of Maria’s struggle as she continues to wrestle with her conscience regarding her loss, new abilities and needs as a vampire and a desire to find her true purpose.
The more personal approach to Maria’s character works well for the book, although we soon learn this is only the part of the story overall . As pieces of Maria’s past begin to come together the book suddenly takes an unexpected turn, events begin to occur on a much larger scale intertwining various characters and stories which I wasn’t expecting. It is a huge contrast in the way the initial events unfold, but with so much going on in the later stages of the book you can understand why V. Castro has taken so much time to develop the character. Seeing the journey from the woman she was before, to the woman she becomes plays an important role in portraying her characters decisions.
Despite taking a more emotional character driven story, the book is not short of action and even includes an unexpected eroticism between the characters which confirms that this book is intended for a younger audience. Maria is portrayed as strong female character and becomes the anti-hero you would expect, but despite her strengths and abilities she is also not without her weaknesses.Although it is these human attributes that make Maria so relate-able, as she remains conflicted between her conscience and desires.
With the story initially based in Mexico Writer V.Castro enthuses her ethnic background, incorporating cultural references and embraces her Latinx heritage in the story. This includes a strong Latino lead with Maria which like so many elements of the story that look to adduce a wider perspective than the usual stereotypes. In addition to incorporating a very visual description, several Mexican words and phrases are used throughout the book without transaction. This may annoy some reader who like myself will have to look up some of the words to clarify what they mean, (Día de Muertos being one of the few phrases I managed to recognised). This however did not effect my personal enjoyment of the book and as they only appeared sporadically it felt as though they actually add a unique stylisation to the book.
As the book goes on, we are introduced to several characters whose backstories are incorporated into historical moments in history which have shaped them into who they are today. With the men it is often the violence of war, which has left them haunted. Whilst for several of the women it is the atrocities of persecution which is one of the books most powerful underlining themes. There are scenario that stands out, such as the atrocities associated with the torturous maltreatment by a Nazi doctor on a Jewish women during world war two. Although it is the events regarding the abduction of a woman for the American slave trade which was the most effective and memorable. It is the most harrowing part of the book and a backstory which really stays with you.
So many elements of the story incorporate real life events with fiction, but the line becomes ever more burred when it comes to the political figure heads. The sentiments of the story which reflect true events would seem more fictitious than reality, but as it deliberately highlights there is an unbalanced danger which in the reality of current political turmoil it seems all too real.
On a more lighter note it is unusual to comment on a soundtrack for a book, but in Maria the Wanted it is definitely worth mentioning. The songs to create a track list soundtrack which works as part to capture part of the story and if brought together would make a brilliant mix tape.
Author V. Castro does acknowledges some elements of the classic vampire mythology in the book, but like so many elements of the story she also looks to create her own rules which allows Maria to walk her own path with a unique and create an original take.
Maria the Wanted is a surprisingly in-depth book which continues to evolve with the story. Moving between an emotional drama and full action horror, it continues to change and as the spectrum of the story continues to expand you are never sure how the story will unfold.
After reading the book I was surprised at how much is incorporated into the story, especially when you consider how much time is spent developing the characters. It creates a memorable anti-hero with Maria and sets a up a backdrop for the next chapter. I am not sure what V. Castro can do to improve on the first book with the story, but I am looking forward to seeing where she decides to take eh characters next.
January 9, 2021
Review to come!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maria The Wanted is a tale that deconstructs Catholicism with Vampiric seductive law. V. Castro’s register with Spanglish and eloquent prose elevates this narrative to a higher level than the average paranormal tale. Vampire tales are older than Dracula and it is refreshing to have a modern non-Eurocentric perspective within Vampiric lore. I found myself really empathizing with the protagonist, Maria and feeling the emotional rollercoaster of an experience with her. Readers who look for anti-colonialism, unique diction, and seductive bloody imagery are going to fall in love with Maria the Wanted.
Let’s expand on V. Castro’s register and how much I truly appreciated the way she weaves in the Spanglish and makes it so that every part of the language is understood through context and diction. I love a vampire story that expands beyond the confines of colonial language and expectations. What does it mean to be thrown into the world of vampires and fear what you were told were monsters? Is the devil the worst person you can encounter or has Catholicism twisted the protagonist’s understanding the of world’s biggest evil. That is the play with language here and how narratives are used to construct a perspective of someone before you are introduced to them.
Absolutely loved the way the character’s are introduced. Furthermore, I felt like the epilogue really expanded on that and helped satisfy the ending to truly understanding the whole facet of the character we are introduced to. What are monsters if not the devil’s we are told to stay away from growing up? The intricacy of humanity is that monster’s are among us in various forms. It is understanding what it means to be a monster and how the choices we make are what separate the line between monster and human. A novel that works on deconstructing instead of forcing you how to think.
Maria is a fighter and she is not going down without a fight. Everything we get from Maria is organic and genuine. And of course, from page 1 we are reminded we will do anything for Selenas. There is themes of experiencing grief, immersing yourself in music, and a Frankenstein sort of idea of what it means to break from the monstrosity of humanity. A vampire novel that’s not too cozy for your shelves this winter! Thank you V. Castro, Titan Books, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews, recommendations, and tarot readings, visit my blog, https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Let’s expand on V. Castro’s register and how much I truly appreciated the way she weaves in the Spanglish and makes it so that every part of the language is understood through context and diction. I love a vampire story that expands beyond the confines of colonial language and expectations. What does it mean to be thrown into the world of vampires and fear what you were told were monsters? Is the devil the worst person you can encounter or has Catholicism twisted the protagonist’s understanding the of world’s biggest evil. That is the play with language here and how narratives are used to construct a perspective of someone before you are introduced to them.
Absolutely loved the way the character’s are introduced. Furthermore, I felt like the epilogue really expanded on that and helped satisfy the ending to truly understanding the whole facet of the character we are introduced to. What are monsters if not the devil’s we are told to stay away from growing up? The intricacy of humanity is that monster’s are among us in various forms. It is understanding what it means to be a monster and how the choices we make are what separate the line between monster and human. A novel that works on deconstructing instead of forcing you how to think.
Maria is a fighter and she is not going down without a fight. Everything we get from Maria is organic and genuine. And of course, from page 1 we are reminded we will do anything for Selenas. There is themes of experiencing grief, immersing yourself in music, and a Frankenstein sort of idea of what it means to break from the monstrosity of humanity. A vampire novel that’s not too cozy for your shelves this winter! Thank you V. Castro, Titan Books, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews, recommendations, and tarot readings, visit my blog, https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Maria works as a factory worker, one of countless women getting paid under the table by a boss who touches them inappropriately and has pornography all over his office. The work is demanding and pays little, but the knowledge that she is pregnant with her first child and that her husband, Diego, knows someone who will smuggle them into the United States for a better life. When the factory is attacked by vampires, the mysterious European vampire spares Maria and turns her into a vampire, causing her to lose her unborn child and run away from her husband. While her faith keeps her from killing for blood, Maria finds willing donors in the battered women who come to her for help.
This was originally published in 2018, and I'm not sure what was added for the 2026 release, but I think it could have used more time in the oven. The vampires are all hot immortals with no weaknesses, with the ethical vampires all getting people to willingly donate blood to them so they don't have to worry about killing for food. There's a not even thinly veiled Trump stand in which, especially this year, feels like salt in a wound. I really can't laugh at him being stupid when he's sending secret police to kill people in Minneapolis, sorry.
The writing just isn't good. Every character talks the same, from children to thousand year old vampires to the kids, and the characters just sit around waiting for plot events to happen. There are so many exposition dumps through dialogue. I skimmed through part two, but it did include one of the worst written sex scenes I've ever read. There are so many lists of songs and musical artists characters like! I don't mind things like the main character listening to Selena (and I'm genuinely surprised that we didn't get a 'Selena is a secret vampire' reveal), but there are parts that are just lists of artists.
It's... really not good, but I hope that it being an older book just means that the author has improved over time. I do think the original cover and title was more fitting, though--the more cartoony looking cast fits more than the quiet, gothic cover.
This was originally published in 2018, and I'm not sure what was added for the 2026 release, but I think it could have used more time in the oven. The vampires are all hot immortals with no weaknesses, with the ethical vampires all getting people to willingly donate blood to them so they don't have to worry about killing for food. There's a not even thinly veiled Trump stand in which, especially this year, feels like salt in a wound. I really can't laugh at him being stupid when he's sending secret police to kill people in Minneapolis, sorry.
The writing just isn't good. Every character talks the same, from children to thousand year old vampires to the kids, and the characters just sit around waiting for plot events to happen. There are so many exposition dumps through dialogue. I skimmed through part two, but it did include one of the worst written sex scenes I've ever read. There are so many lists of songs and musical artists characters like! I don't mind things like the main character listening to Selena (and I'm genuinely surprised that we didn't get a 'Selena is a secret vampire' reveal), but there are parts that are just lists of artists.
It's... really not good, but I hope that it being an older book just means that the author has improved over time. I do think the original cover and title was more fitting, though--the more cartoony looking cast fits more than the quiet, gothic cover.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3 stars
I really enjoyed the variation on vampire lore here, and Maria is a compelling character. That noted, I have mixed feelings about this one.
This novel opens with a very intense scene that may shock and horrify some readers in a not-good way. I am a disturbed individual, apparently, and this scene hooked me quite effectively. I was also instantly on board with the narrator of this audiobook, whose haunting delivery had me feeling even more connected to Maria. Maria's starting point is tough, and she's the kind of character whom it's easy to WANT to have power. Strong start.
As the novel progresses, two things happen that yucked my yum a little. The first is that there's a deep, running motif of religious connections that in general I just find offputting. Yes, these are in a vampire novel, so we're not entering preachy territory, but I am generally just not a fan of this content. The other issue is what I found to be a hokey political connection. Let me make clear that I have no question about who and what I think are evil in our current society, and I fully agree with the sentiment here on a personal level: FULLY. However, the way this is presented in the novel doesn't feel referrential or smart or new in some way. It's just...goofy. Like I have a children's picture book about that individual that handles this in a more creative way. The sentiments? On board. The presentation? Well...
This is a different approach to your usual vampire event, and while there are aspects of it I really enjoyed - certainly enough for me to want to read more from this author - I also can really see some opportunities for minor tweaks and big impacts.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoyed the variation on vampire lore here, and Maria is a compelling character. That noted, I have mixed feelings about this one.
This novel opens with a very intense scene that may shock and horrify some readers in a not-good way. I am a disturbed individual, apparently, and this scene hooked me quite effectively. I was also instantly on board with the narrator of this audiobook, whose haunting delivery had me feeling even more connected to Maria. Maria's starting point is tough, and she's the kind of character whom it's easy to WANT to have power. Strong start.
As the novel progresses, two things happen that yucked my yum a little. The first is that there's a deep, running motif of religious connections that in general I just find offputting. Yes, these are in a vampire novel, so we're not entering preachy territory, but I am generally just not a fan of this content. The other issue is what I found to be a hokey political connection. Let me make clear that I have no question about who and what I think are evil in our current society, and I fully agree with the sentiment here on a personal level: FULLY. However, the way this is presented in the novel doesn't feel referrential or smart or new in some way. It's just...goofy. Like I have a children's picture book about that individual that handles this in a more creative way. The sentiments? On board. The presentation? Well...
This is a different approach to your usual vampire event, and while there are aspects of it I really enjoyed - certainly enough for me to want to read more from this author - I also can really see some opportunities for minor tweaks and big impacts.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Maria the Wanted is feral, angry, sexy, brutal, and unapologetically political. It’s not here to be pretty or comforting…it’s here to burn.
From the first pages, I knew this wasn’t going to be a “vampires sipping blood in velvet parlours” kind of story. This is a blood on the street, fists up, survival at any cost vampire book.
Maria is newly turned, undocumented, hunted, furious, and hungry….not just for blood, but for answers. And honestly? Watching her claw her way through a world that keeps trying to chew her up was deeply satisfying. Her rage feels earned. Her violence feels justified. Her confusion about what she’s becoming…monster, saint, goddess, devil’s favourite?…is one of the most compelling parts of the story.
The setting absolutely shines. The streets of Mexico feel alive, dangerous, spiritual, and raw. There’s a constant sense of movement. Maria never gets to rest for long, and neither do we. I loved how the story blends vampirism with mythology, cartel violence, immigration trauma, and ancient power. It’s messy in a way that feels intentional, like Maria herself is still being forged in fire.
And the DEVIL. Listen. I am weak. The devilish presence in this book is seductive, unsettling, and dripping with temptation. Every interaction crackles with danger and desire, and I never once felt safe which is exactly the point.
This isn’t a gentle read. It’s sharp. It’s angry. It confronts injustice head on and doesn’t ask permission. Sometimes it felt overwhelming, but honestly? That mirrors Maria’s experience. This is not a story about fitting in, it’s about claiming space and refusing to be erased.
Maria doesn’t ask to be saved. She becomes something dangerous instead. And I loved her for it.
From the first pages, I knew this wasn’t going to be a “vampires sipping blood in velvet parlours” kind of story. This is a blood on the street, fists up, survival at any cost vampire book.
Maria is newly turned, undocumented, hunted, furious, and hungry….not just for blood, but for answers. And honestly? Watching her claw her way through a world that keeps trying to chew her up was deeply satisfying. Her rage feels earned. Her violence feels justified. Her confusion about what she’s becoming…monster, saint, goddess, devil’s favourite?…is one of the most compelling parts of the story.
The setting absolutely shines. The streets of Mexico feel alive, dangerous, spiritual, and raw. There’s a constant sense of movement. Maria never gets to rest for long, and neither do we. I loved how the story blends vampirism with mythology, cartel violence, immigration trauma, and ancient power. It’s messy in a way that feels intentional, like Maria herself is still being forged in fire.
And the DEVIL. Listen. I am weak. The devilish presence in this book is seductive, unsettling, and dripping with temptation. Every interaction crackles with danger and desire, and I never once felt safe which is exactly the point.
This isn’t a gentle read. It’s sharp. It’s angry. It confronts injustice head on and doesn’t ask permission. Sometimes it felt overwhelming, but honestly? That mirrors Maria’s experience. This is not a story about fitting in, it’s about claiming space and refusing to be erased.
Maria doesn’t ask to be saved. She becomes something dangerous instead. And I loved her for it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good vampire tale, so naturally Maria the Wanted caught my attention. One of its greatest strengths is that it isn’t your typical vampire story. Blending traditional Armageddon lore with vampire mystique, V. Castro introduces Maria, who is turned in the opening chapter and left to navigate her new existence alone.
Maria becomes our classic hero—though the narrative occasionally flirts with the antihero archetype, she remains fundamentally good. That tension between her humanity and her vampirism makes her compelling. The novel features a large cast, and many characters are developed beyond stock roles, giving the story a layered, complex cast.
The plot is engaging and well-paced, even if it leans a bit too heavily on coincidence. Around the 60% mark, the story shifts from its establishing arc toward the endgame. This transition is somewhat clunky, juggling a wide cast, multiple locations, and references to characters we haven’t yet met. Fortunately, that awkward stretch is brief, and the narrative quickly regains momentum. The ending, however, arrives too abruptly—I found myself wishing for another 25 pages to fully resolve the character relationships.
The Hispanic cultural elements are vibrant and beautifully rendered, showcasing both the richness of the community and the weight of its struggles. While Maria the Wanted isn’t a book I would reread—placing it in the three‑star range for me—it contains enough depth, thematic nuance, and cultural resonance to push it closer to four.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
I love a good vampire tale, so naturally Maria the Wanted caught my attention. One of its greatest strengths is that it isn’t your typical vampire story. Blending traditional Armageddon lore with vampire mystique, V. Castro introduces Maria, who is turned in the opening chapter and left to navigate her new existence alone.
Maria becomes our classic hero—though the narrative occasionally flirts with the antihero archetype, she remains fundamentally good. That tension between her humanity and her vampirism makes her compelling. The novel features a large cast, and many characters are developed beyond stock roles, giving the story a layered, complex cast.
The plot is engaging and well-paced, even if it leans a bit too heavily on coincidence. Around the 60% mark, the story shifts from its establishing arc toward the endgame. This transition is somewhat clunky, juggling a wide cast, multiple locations, and references to characters we haven’t yet met. Fortunately, that awkward stretch is brief, and the narrative quickly regains momentum. The ending, however, arrives too abruptly—I found myself wishing for another 25 pages to fully resolve the character relationships.
The Hispanic cultural elements are vibrant and beautifully rendered, showcasing both the richness of the community and the weight of its struggles. While Maria the Wanted isn’t a book I would reread—placing it in the three‑star range for me—it contains enough depth, thematic nuance, and cultural resonance to push it closer to four.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
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