urban_reads 's review for:

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

4.0

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

 Angela Montoya’s A Cruel Thirst is a fresh, creative spin on the vampire genre that had me hooked from start to finish! 

The banter in this book is chef’s kiss—sharp, relatable, and at times hilariously used as a coping mechanism for the chaos of life. Other moments? It’s downright endearing, making the characters feel like real people you’d want to befriend (or occasionally hug through the pages). 

Lalo, our reluctant vampire, is such a unique and compelling character. Turned against his will in a quest for revenge after losing his parents, his internal struggle is both heartbreaking and captivating. Enter Carolina, a fierce, independent young woman from a family of vampire hunters. She’s fighting to protect her land and people while wrestling with the crushing expectations of being a “proper young lady.” Watching her refuse to conform and blaze her own path was inspiring—she’s the type of heroine you cheer for out loud. 

When Lalo and Carolina’s worlds collide, the sparks fly, and the tension builds beautifully. Carolina learns that Lalo despises his existence as much as her family does, creating an unexpected but deeply satisfying bond between them. Their journey of trust, discovery, and resistance against familial and societal norms is as emotional as it is thrilling. 

The side characters shine just as brightly, with arcs that are well-crafted and memorable. Angela Montoya’s humor weaves seamlessly through the story, making even the darkest moments bearable and adding layers to an already intricate narrative. 

One of my favorite aspects was Lalo’s quest to uncover the origin of these monsters and his desperate search for a way to reverse his transformation. It’s creative, suspenseful, and adds so much depth to the story. 

Overall, A Cruel Thirst is fun, heartfelt, and refreshingly inventive—a perfect read for fans of vampire tales with a twist. Angela Montoya’s writing continues to impress, blending humor, emotion, and action in all the best ways. Highly recommend!