Scan barcode
ashlightgrayson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This story demonstrates an incredible use of mythology to comment on themes of xenophobia, sexism, misogyny, and abandonment. Manuela is a compelling character that does not have a home. She is rejected both in the human and supernatural world. Despite this, Manu is able to find a family no matter where she is and is able to eventually find her own identity. There is a mingling of folklore with Latinx culture that still incorporates strong criticisms against sexism and traditionalist values that prevent social progress within a society. We are introduced to a diverse and strong cast of characters that contribute to making the story compelling as well. I m looking forward to reading the sequel in the future and getting to know more about this wonderful world created by Romina Garber.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
Minor: Homophobia
lock_and_key's review against another edition
A really strong start, but unfortunately, about a quarter of the way into the book, there was an over abundance of tropes seen in YA fantasy and the way they were utilized really frustrated me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Sexism
sealbrecht's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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? No
4.0
This was such a solid read! While the book relied on a lot of YA cliches, Garber did a great job of putting a little twist on each one, and Lobizona ended up being a completely immersive fantasy story with a lot of heart and a lot to say about important topics like immigration and dismantling systems of oppression. This call to action is voiced through our strong protagonist, Manu, who is so compelling to follow as she navigates finding her place in both the real world and the fantasy world. Also, it has a magic academy, so what's not to love?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Misogyny
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Police brutality
meaghanelizabook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Xenophobia, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Homophobia, and Kidnapping
Minor: Police brutality, Sexual assault, and Grief
luckykosmos's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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? No
4.25
This one is complex, contrasting citizenship with magic, talking about the gender roles of each society. This set the stage for something deeply fascinating, that I hope lives on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I listened to the audiobook version of this one, and while it was a bit hard to follow at times, I really liked having a narrator tell me the correct pronunciation of all the fantasy terms! This is a really immersive fantasy, and I think the audiobook helped with that, as well. It was lovely being able to add another #OwnVoices fantasy to my collection, and Garber skillfully weaves Argentine folklore elements with modern-day machismo. Garber was also able to come and talk during our Bad Bitch Book Club meeting, and hearing her explain this story's journey to publication and why she wrote it made it all the more meaningful.
This book had a lot of heart, action, and some mystery elements, as well. The reader learns about the magical world alongside Manu, while feeling her pain over the family who can't join her in Septimus. It took some time for Manu's character to grow on me; she has a really witty inner dialogue that had me laughing out loud at times, but she doesn't often use that wit to stand up for herself. As the story progressed, I realized the extent to which Manu had been forced to render herself invisible, to keep a low profile her entire life, and now I appreciate the accuracy of that side of her character. She also really grows as a character towards the end of the book, and I look forward to seeing what she does in the sequel!
This book had a lot of heart, action, and some mystery elements, as well. The reader learns about the magical world alongside Manu, while feeling her pain over the family who can't join her in Septimus. It took some time for Manu's character to grow on me; she has a really witty inner dialogue that had me laughing out loud at times, but she doesn't often use that wit to stand up for herself. As the story progressed, I realized the extent to which Manu had been forced to render herself invisible, to keep a low profile her entire life, and now I appreciate the accuracy of that side of her character. She also really grows as a character towards the end of the book, and I look forward to seeing what she does in the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Violence
margotnelson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was SO good. It took me a little while to get into it but boy howdy, once it's got you, you're in. I loved all the characters (I'm just a sucker for slightly chaotic groups of friends) and how they all evolve, even the secondary and tertiary characters. The underlying themes were all really interesting to explore and pull apart (immigration, belonging, gender equality, LGBTQ+ relationships in traditional cultures, etc.) and see how they all helped grow the characters and move the narrative forward, while also including real and relatable exchanges among the characters. So good, highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Body horror, Grief, and Mental illness
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
Where this book excels is its themes. Manu's journey is parallel to an immigrant's story in the US, with a little fantasy twist. Prejudice, racism, and illegal immigration all work their way into this fantasy story. The beginning of the book is strong, setting the stage for the rest of the book.
However, the second half of the book has its bumps along the way, re-centered when it ties back to its main themes and plot points, specifically Manu and the mystery of her family. I did love Manu and her new friends, and I can't wait to see where they go next in the sequel!
However, the second half of the book has its bumps along the way, re-centered when it ties back to its main themes and plot points, specifically Manu and the mystery of her family. I did love Manu and her new friends, and I can't wait to see where they go next in the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, and Misogyny
Moderate: Police brutality, Xenophobia, and Homophobia
Frequent mentions of Harry Potter throughout.mfieldshalva's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Grief, Misogyny, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
psistillreadyou's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia, Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Sexism
Minor: Rape
ICE raids involving police brutality, descriptions of heavy menstruation and intense menstrual pain, drugging of a minor