Cazadora

In Garber's richly imagined world, women are brujas who must show their eyes, and men are lobizones who hold the greatest power within Septimus society. And they all must follow the same rule: never consort with humans. Manu, however, breaks all the rules: she's a lobizona, born of a union between Septimus and human, and she's on the run. In Garber's series opener, Lobizona (2020), Manu discovered her magic, forged friendships, and even found love. In this second volume in the World of No World series, she needs to figure out exactly where she belongs and decide what kind of future she wants. Many aspects of this action-packed sequel are quite sad, but Manu's tribulations are sure to fire up readers and make them feel ready to rebel against the cages society places around us. Themes of belonging, wanting to be seen and accepted, and finding the courage to speak truths out loud will ring true to any reader who struggles to meet society's exacting expectations. Garber has vividly expanded the universe of the series, giving readers an in-depth view of Septimus (and Argentinian) society, as well as a deeper context for the widespread cultural impact of Manu's very existence. No second-book slump here; this is a triumph.

The follow-up to Lobizona (2020) sees its protagonist's fight for equality and acceptance reach new heights. After the events of the first book, Manu and her friends flee their magical school and are on the run to avoid the Cazadores who aim to capture anyone who doesn't conform to the stringent gender binary laws of their world. Manu, as the first ever known female werewolf and a Septimus/human hybrid to boot, could lose her life if she's discovered. Illegal in both worlds, Manu's only chance is to find the Coven, a legendary underground movement of outcasts who she hopes will welcome them with open arms. Once she meets the people of the Coven, Manu encounters a world full of Septimus who are willing to risk anything for change. But how far is Manu willing to go? In this effervescent sequel full of magic and beautiful imagery, Manu learns to reclaim her own narrative and, together with her lovable found family, including misfits Saysa and Cata as well as boyfriend Tiago, stake out a place in the world where she belongs. Refreshingly, Manu and her friends are not presented as uniquely positioned to change the world: They join a multigenerational, ongoing fight against oppression that aims to give voice to the nonconforming voiceless. All characters are Argentine, with a variety of skin tones, gender identities, and sexualities. An inspiring, powerful tale of belonging. (Paranormal. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.