Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Cazadora by Romina Garber

1 review

allisonwonderlandreads's review

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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.

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