(Published 6/2/2026)
“I let myself imagine those two ghouls, shivering from a chill that grows worse every second, coughing and desperately piling every blanket onto themselves. Ringing for a doctor who will never be able to save them, who will never think to check the freezer for a photograph wrapped in herbs and clouded with thickening ice.” - Natalia Fuentes
"Muñeca" takes place in the Spring of 1868 in Oakland, as Natalia Fuentes, a queer working class (inexperienced) witch, overhears a rumor about a young heiress to Spanish colonial wealth who has been paralyzed by a mysterious illness. Nati quickly realizes that the heiress is from the Miramontes family, the same family for whom her mother worked long ago, and suspects that poor Violeta Miramontes has actually been cursed by dark magic. And as Violeta’s new caregiver, what better chance would Nati have to uncover the true horrors of the spell, its caster, and why, exactly, the heiress was cursed.
Violeta has secrets of her own, ones she is desperate to share with Natalia. As their friendship slips into romance, they become more reckless in their attempts to break the spell. Nati’s attempts to give Violeta what little tastes of freedom she can quickly turn dangerous, and Nati is forced to confront her past and, most terrifyingly, her grandmother. Nati has to decide how far she’s willing to go to save Violeta. Can she maintain control of her powers and her heart in the process?
This is Gomez’s debut novel that features the Miramontes family, whose family history was inspired by the land theft and land loss after the Mexican American War 1846 - 1848 and the injustice of land grants’ changing ownership. I loved the influence of Spanish culture, the realistic social structures, and the resulting dissonant headspaces that particular characters exist in. Gomez’s writing style is approachable, yet incredibly beautiful and sharp, addressing topics like colonialism, oppression, why it’s important to choose which voices to listen to, and to stay curious. Natalia’s strength comes from connection, shared experience, and acknowledging that all life is valuable, rather than money or class or doing something, simply, because she can. The magic system was intricate and original, and the mystery of who cursed Violeta was truly suspenseful! This is the perfect read for the Halloween season and for anyone who wants to get into the spooky mood but doesn’t know where to start. It simultaneously warms your heart and makes you want to double check that you haven’t lost any loose threads or handkerchiefs lately.
reviewed by Hannah Harris
