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bookishmillennial's review against another edition
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
This was such a fantastic sequel & I don’t know when the third book is coming but *I NEED IT ASAP* !!!! (Who am I kidding, I have plenty of books on my TBR to keep me busy in the meantime but truly, this continues to be such an incredible series!)
This book spends a lot of time in the magical world of the Argentinian folklore, while Manu and her friends are on the run from the authorities and trying to protect Manu at all costs. Manu continues to struggle with her identity, misnomers, worrying over her parents’ statuses, and navigating a new romantic relation with Tiago. Manu also continues to contend with her new reality of her period being so violently horrible, and I really appreciated this representation. So many of us do struggle with reproductive system issues, and it’s almost an invisible illness that no one else understands.
I felt this book focused a lot on the friendship and relationship dynamics, and character building, which was done so delicately and with such great care! I especially appreciated the sex positivity we see with Manu and Tiago’s relationship. We need more of that in teen stories!
The commentary on what language they should use for Lobizonas and every other paranormal identity marker was fascinating, and it reminded me of the conversation the Latine community is having about whether to use Latino or Latine when describing entire communities. Romina Garber has such a special talent in illustrating intergroup and interpersonal conflicts in this fantastical world that can easily translate into real-world discourses we are having!
cw: sexism, postpartum depression, panic attack, self harm, miscarriage, menstrual cycle issues and pain, figures of authority abusing their power, racism, xenophobia/strong anti-immigrant sentiments, colorism, homophobia, death of a friend, stress and high tension that comes with being labeled as “wanted” by authorities and on the run, mentions of deportation and ICE, body horror (werewolf shifting), mentions of teen pregnancy as a result of rape (rape does not happen, but is threatened)
This was such a fantastic sequel & I don’t know when the third book is coming but *I NEED IT ASAP* !!!! (Who am I kidding, I have plenty of books on my TBR to keep me busy in the meantime but truly, this continues to be such an incredible series!)
This book spends a lot of time in the magical world of the Argentinian folklore, while Manu and her friends are on the run from the authorities and trying to protect Manu at all costs. Manu continues to struggle with her identity, misnomers, worrying over her parents’ statuses, and navigating a new romantic relation with Tiago. Manu also continues to contend with her new reality of her period being so violently horrible, and I really appreciated this representation. So many of us do struggle with reproductive system issues, and it’s almost an invisible illness that no one else understands.
I felt this book focused a lot on the friendship and relationship dynamics, and character building, which was done so delicately and with such great care! I especially appreciated the sex positivity we see with Manu and Tiago’s relationship. We need more of that in teen stories!
The commentary on what language they should use for Lobizonas and every other paranormal identity marker was fascinating, and it reminded me of the conversation the Latine community is having about whether to use Latino or Latine when describing entire communities. Romina Garber has such a special talent in illustrating intergroup and interpersonal conflicts in this fantastical world that can easily translate into real-world discourses we are having!
cw: sexism, postpartum depression, panic attack, self harm, miscarriage, menstrual cycle issues and pain, figures of authority abusing their power, racism, xenophobia/strong anti-immigrant sentiments, colorism, homophobia, death of a friend, stress and high tension that comes with being labeled as “wanted” by authorities and on the run, mentions of deportation and ICE, body horror (werewolf shifting), mentions of teen pregnancy as a result of rape (rape does not happen, but is threatened)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Death, Mental illness, Body horror, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexism, and Violence
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.5
Finished reading: August 24th 2023
“We are the narratives we tell ourselves. But do we shape language, or does language shape us? Do we define words, or do words define us? If everyone keeps insisting I'm this monster, how soon before I become her?”
It's true that I don't read a lot of YA fantasy anymore, but I couldn't resist joining the blog tour for the first book back in 2020 and I instantly fell in love with this Argentine folklore inspired high fantasy world. I've been meaning to read Cazadora ever since it was first published, but somehow it took me TWO years to actually do so. I'm definitely kicking myself now, because I ended up having another fantastic experience with this sequel! Cazadora offered all the things I loved in the first book, with the added bonus that you already know and care for Manu and her manada. The fantasy world itself is fantastic, and very much inspired by Argentina; the incorporation of both local folklore and customs brilliantly done. The Spanish phrases only add more authenticity to this story, and it definitely made my inner philologist happy. Most of the phrases are translated though, so it is still easy to understand what is happening even though you don't speak Spanish. The plot itself picks up where the first book ended; this is why I would highly suggest reading the books in order both to avoid spoilers and confusion about what is happening and how the high fantasy world works. There is plenty of new territory to explore in Cazadora though, and the story incorporates a lot of important topics along the way. The writing itself is simply fantastic, and I loved every single minute that I spent with this story. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed there will be another book in the future considering how things ended...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation, Police brutality, Racism, Misogyny, Sexism, Homophobia, Transphobia, Death, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Xenophobia, Bullying, Confinement, and Violence
ashlightgrayson's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
I was looking forward to going back to this world. Manu has an amazing amount of character growth in this installment. There is more of a focus on her romantic relationship rather than her more platonic relationships. However, I think it balances out with the first book since that one was mostly about Manu finding her place among friends. In this one she has to camaflouge herself once again in order to survive. She feels more secure with herself and it really shows through her willingness to take initiative.
There is a lot of continued commentary on how damaging strictly enforced gender roles can be to members of a society. Manu and the girls in the pack have to consistently push against social norms in order to accomplish their goals. I like that even the characters we have come to like have to be challenged sometimes. It shows that they are flawed and shows a realistic view of how change happens in a society. Even those that have great intentions have to continously learn and course correct.
The ending is open ended and feels perfect for a sequel. For now this has been published as a duology. I'm hoping that in the future Romina Garber is allowed to revisit this world. The epilogue left me wanting more and I feel like there is still so much more that can be explored in this world. It's also just amazing to have Latinx urban fantasy represented in a demographic as significant as YA.
There is a lot of continued commentary on how damaging strictly enforced gender roles can be to members of a society. Manu and the girls in the pack have to consistently push against social norms in order to accomplish their goals. I like that even the characters we have come to like have to be challenged sometimes. It shows that they are flawed and shows a realistic view of how change happens in a society. Even those that have great intentions have to continously learn and course correct.
The ending is open ended and feels perfect for a sequel. For now this has been published as a duology. I'm hoping that in the future Romina Garber is allowed to revisit this world. The epilogue left me wanting more and I feel like there is still so much more that can be explored in this world. It's also just amazing to have Latinx urban fantasy represented in a demographic as significant as YA.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
ashleyreads88's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
I loved this and felt that it tied the duology together very nicely. The ending was something that I didn't see coming and I loved the shocking twist. I loved how much Manu and the other characters grew. The message that I got from this amazing duology is that there is always something to fight for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Homophobia, and Misogyny
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Death, and Xenophobia
Minor: Racism, Violence, and Transphobia
readandfindout's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Death
Minor: Racism, Transphobia, Violence, and Rape
ehmannky's review
emotional
tense
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
4.5
I love everything about this series. I think that Garber interweaves fantasy elements so seamlessly with real world concerns like immigration, binary thinking, racism, homophobia, etc. And it never feels heavy-handed, it just feels integral and natural to the story. I love Manu, and I love that she stays true to herself and damn the consequences to her life. It's just...a stellar series. And it sounds like the next book is going to be all about Manu and Gael doing some daughter-father bonding and that is a trope I am weak for and I just know that I am going to cry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexism
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Racism and Violence
plumpaperbacks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
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
5.0
[second read, August 2022]
All I feel is pain. Lots and lots of pain. I genuinely don’t think I’ll reread these books again until a third book has been confirmed; I don’t think I can handle the feels otherwise. I’m manifesting that we’ll get one. I’ll beg if I have to, I don’t even care. When Romina was asked about it, she didn’t say no, she said “not yet,” and that has to mean SOMETHING, right??? I’M DESPERATE HERE PLS GIVE ME SOMETHING. 😩😩😩
I finished reading two hours ago and all I’ve done since is listen to my Miago playlist and think about that very, very mean epilogue. So that’s how my evening is going. :’)))
“He’s spent every night in my room, tangled in the sheets of Manu’s cot.”
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO READ THAT AND BE OKAY???? I ACTUALLY WANNA CRY. [SCREECHES] 😭😭😭
[first read, August 2021]
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. From the start, it was an exciting and intriguing story I could never predict the direction of. That, combined with the cast of complex characters, ever-changing character dynamics, and extremely relevant social commentary, kept me hooked for the entirety of the book. It was a quick read, as I always wanted to know what happened next and make sure my favorite characters were okay.
I love Manu, Tiago, Cata, and Saysa with my whole entire heart. They’d go to the ends of the earth for each other and I love to see it. They grow closer as the story progresses, and stay together even when they don’t see eye to eye. Their friendship is brilliant, they’re brilliant, and honestly, they’re just completely iconic. 🥹❤️
One of my favorite parts of the book was the progression of Manu and Tiago’s relationship. They’re absolutely adorable!! They read each other’s favorite books and quote books to express their love, and they’re so passionate. I don’t know if I believe in soulmates, but I think these two are as close to that as anyone can be. They just fit. I love them so much. Miago forever!!! 🥹❤️
And on that note…. what the HELL was that ending?! Romina Garber said there are no plans for a third book, even though before this came out I thought there were such plans. This book certainly doesn’t feel like a conclusion; it feels like there should be another book. And I’m not just saying that because I want more cute romantic moments. Genuinely, based on the plot, it feels unfinished. A book with a cliffhanger and a sequel on the horizon is bad enough, but this is the first time I’ve read a book with a cliffhanger and no resolution or continuation in sight. I’m stressed and a little bit upset and more than a little bit desperate for more. I need to know if my faves are okay!! I need my ship to sail across the sea, not just profess their love and then go down like the freaking Titanic!!! Please, publishing gods, whoever is in control of this stuff, GIVE ME ONE MORE BOOK. PLEASE. 😩🙏🏻
I need to say this somewhere so I’ll say it here. Some of the scenes in the last 50-100 pages really packed a fudging PUNCH. Tiago catching Manu and Cata as they leave to turn Manu in, at her insistence, and her hearing Tiago break down sobbing after they leave. The group’s last scene together after Manu’s trial was over, before her ruling was carried out, and Tiago, Cata, and Saysa wanted to see her one more time. Manu and Tiago’s telepathic conversation before she was sent through a portal back to Earth. The epilogue from Cata’s perspective where it’s revealed that she and Tiago are joining the Cazadores and getting married so they can get close to Manu again. Their friends figuring out what the plan is and pledging their support, because they’ve all grown to love Manu and she inspired them by persisting, even when it damned her. Like, who let Romina Garber just stomp on my heart like that?? Ma’am, with all due respect, STOP IT. I’M A MESS OF EMOTIONS AND I DON’T LIKE IT. 😭
I think I’ve ranted most of my feels. The less coherent ones will most likely end up on Twitter. If it wasn’t already obvious, I loved Cazadora, and I love the Wolves of No World series. I highly recommend it, even if this emotional state and all the uncertainty that comes with it isn’t a very fun time. Now time to plead with the universe and hopefully manifest a third book.
Representation
All I feel is pain. Lots and lots of pain. I genuinely don’t think I’ll reread these books again until a third book has been confirmed; I don’t think I can handle the feels otherwise. I’m manifesting that we’ll get one. I’ll beg if I have to, I don’t even care. When Romina was asked about it, she didn’t say no, she said “not yet,” and that has to mean SOMETHING, right??? I’M DESPERATE HERE PLS GIVE ME SOMETHING. 😩😩😩
I finished reading two hours ago and all I’ve done since is listen to my Miago playlist and think about that very, very mean epilogue. So that’s how my evening is going. :’)))
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO READ THAT AND BE OKAY???? I ACTUALLY WANNA CRY. [SCREECHES] 😭😭😭
[first read, August 2021]
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. From the start, it was an exciting and intriguing story I could never predict the direction of. That, combined with the cast of complex characters, ever-changing character dynamics, and extremely relevant social commentary, kept me hooked for the entirety of the book. It was a quick read, as I always wanted to know what happened next and make sure my favorite characters were okay.
I love Manu, Tiago, Cata, and Saysa with my whole entire heart. They’d go to the ends of the earth for each other and I love to see it. They grow closer as the story progresses, and stay together even when they don’t see eye to eye. Their friendship is brilliant, they’re brilliant, and honestly, they’re just completely iconic. 🥹❤️
One of my favorite parts of the book was the progression of Manu and Tiago’s relationship. They’re absolutely adorable!! They read each other’s favorite books and quote books to express their love, and they’re so passionate. I don’t know if I believe in soulmates, but I think these two are as close to that as anyone can be. They just fit. I love them so much. Miago forever!!! 🥹❤️
And on that note…. what the HELL was that ending?! Romina Garber said there are no plans for a third book, even though before this came out I thought there were such plans. This book certainly doesn’t feel like a conclusion; it feels like there should be another book. And I’m not just saying that because I want more cute romantic moments. Genuinely, based on the plot, it feels unfinished. A book with a cliffhanger and a sequel on the horizon is bad enough, but this is the first time I’ve read a book with a cliffhanger and no resolution or continuation in sight. I’m stressed and a little bit upset and more than a little bit desperate for more. I need to know if my faves are okay!! I need my ship to sail across the sea, not just profess their love and then go down like the freaking Titanic!!! Please, publishing gods, whoever is in control of this stuff, GIVE ME ONE MORE BOOK. PLEASE. 😩🙏🏻
I think I’ve ranted most of my feels. The less coherent ones will most likely end up on Twitter. If it wasn’t already obvious, I loved Cazadora, and I love the Wolves of No World series. I highly recommend it, even if this emotional state and all the uncertainty that comes with it isn’t a very fun time. Now time to plead with the universe and hopefully manifest a third book.
Representation
- Argentinian protagonist
- majority Argentinian or otherwise Latine cast
- Black side characters
- sapphic side couple (f/f)
- queer (minor) side characters (includes gay, sapphic, and trans rep)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual assault, Blood, Death, Pregnancy, Transphobia, and Violence
Homophobia & transphobia: mentioned as commentary on the Septimus world and societal beliefs. Sexual assault & pregnancy: mentioned in a brief scene where a minor side character tells Manu her story. Additional warning here for stillbirth. Also, at a few points throughout the story, there’s discussion of menstruation.allisonwonderlandreads's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
While Lobizona offered up a dazzling magical school and sport combo, its sequel spreads its wings and takes us to all kinds of new locales. Strap in for arboreal cities with secret passageways and a fungal information network, enchanted oceans with a giant shell of a submersible ship and a secret rebel base, and volcanic hideaways, midnight garden pocket dimensions, and hot air balloon rides.
I like a plot that doesn't stall out, and this one definitely keeps things moving. However, I think it offered fewer opportunities to feel connected to the characters than in the first book, where there were frequent moments of bonding, of internal struggle, of unfettered joy -- all requiring pauses from the action that were well worth it. In Cazadora, while the plot is undeniably punchy, it's ultimately a generic ya fantasy vehicle (chosen one against all odds, insta-love, revolution) for the spectacular world-building and meaningful messaging it attempts to carry.
The messages against false binaries and labels are far from generic for a ya fantasy universe. Also, the always relevant questioning of arbitrary borders and the concept of a person somehow being "illegal" through their mere existence are powerful. The author further drives home the non-fantasy importance of her story in the acknowledgments, referencing the many horrors the US has perpetrated against immigrants. I hope this book is successful with a young adult audience and that protagonist Manu helps some feel seen and helps others open their eyes to the experiences of their peers and the inequities of our laws and institutions.
Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, out 8/17.
I like a plot that doesn't stall out, and this one definitely keeps things moving. However, I think it offered fewer opportunities to feel connected to the characters than in the first book, where there were frequent moments of bonding, of internal struggle, of unfettered joy -- all requiring pauses from the action that were well worth it. In Cazadora, while the plot is undeniably punchy, it's ultimately a generic ya fantasy vehicle (chosen one against all odds, insta-love, revolution) for the spectacular world-building and meaningful messaging it attempts to carry.
The messages against false binaries and labels are far from generic for a ya fantasy universe. Also, the always relevant questioning of arbitrary borders and the concept of a person somehow being "illegal" through their mere existence are powerful. The author further drives home the non-fantasy importance of her story in the acknowledgments, referencing the many horrors the US has perpetrated against immigrants. I hope this book is successful with a young adult audience and that protagonist Manu helps some feel seen and helps others open their eyes to the experiences of their peers and the inequities of our laws and institutions.
Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, out 8/17.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Sexism
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: Abortion, Colonisation, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Racism, Sexual content, and Violence
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