This book has a really long lead in without a lot of good twists. We spend so much time being introduced to the inner workings of this magical world, the types of magic and gender roles, pack dynamics and cultural history, that very little actual plot development happens.

Thank you the Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.

When I saw so many people raving about this book I knew that I had to read this book even if I hadn't given magical realism a try. I knew that I loved fantasy and magical realism was more so people reacting to the magical things as if they were ordinary day things. The idea of magical realism fascinated me and I love the idea that it mixes reality and magic.

Phase one: Right from the start of this book there is so much to love, from the writing style of this book all the way to the characters. I love how this opens with Manu being on her period and how that is connected to the changes that are happening to her body. I like that this ties in well to the superstition of the Lobizon and the stories that Perla has told Manu growing up.

I also really enjoyed how Manu isn't really putting everything together and even when she tries to put things together it is far fetched from what is happening. I like her curiosity towards things and how that curiosity fuels her to find answers which are similar to her mother.

This book starts with the complexity of Manu being different and the complexity of those differences due to not only her immigration status but her eyes. She struggles with what her differences mean for her but is more concerned about what those differences mean for the people that she loves. This book starts out being about trust being developed, lost, and ultimately maintained because her mother and Perla are all Manu has.

Phase two: This section introduces you to Manu amongst a new setting where she's surrounded by those like her. She's trying to figure out where her place is in this world and is finding that she doesn't quite fit here either.

I love the discussion of the gender binary and the explanation of what Manu's dad stood for. I want to know more about this man and what he was trying to do. This makes me wonder if Manu is a part of him trying to break what's been established.

The world-building is minimal which I actually enjoy as it leaves a lot to the imagination. The other reason I enjoy the minimal world-building is that this book straddles the line between reality and magic quite well. I enjoyed that this place Manu is now in is a part of our world but with magical elements that keep it out of sight for others.

Phase three: This is the portion of the book where Manu begins to discover the truth about what she is and who she is. This is where the majority of the story takes place as things are revealed. I'll be brief in the last phases as I don't want to reveal any spoilers to you all.

Phase four: There is not much to say about this section besides that it really wraps up the story nicely. I do really enjoy the way things play out between Manu and the others. A lot is revealed about Manu and the other characters in the story.

Overall: Something that I really enjoyed throughout this book was the way the Spanish language was included. There were moments that it was translated and other moments you just had to understand based on context. I really enjoy books that include another language in them and don't always explain themselves because there are some things that just don't translate directly.

I enjoyed how it was based on Argentinian culture as I got to learn about that culture and it made me want to know more about this particular superstition. I found it fascinating to research more about this and learn the background behind this and how that research helped me understand the book even more. Once I read the full story and background to this superstition it helped me understand what was happening to Manu and why certain actions were taken at the beginning of the book.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how it was about challenging the rules and what it means to deserve to live. I liked the way that it handled that topic both in our world and in the world built by the book. I think this book did a great job bringing the issue of what it means to belong somewhere to the surface.

I can not wait for the sequel of this book to come out and find out what is next for Manu and her friends.

This book just became one of my all-time favorites list. If you liked Labyrinth Lost, this will be right up your alley. We follow Manu, being hunted down by her father's family and by ICE. Her mother is an immigrant as well as Latinx, and so this does get very political at some points, and I love how Manu is right at the epicenter of it all trying to fight for her mom, her family, and for herself.

This book has the most luscious and vivid magical realism I've ever seen, with a lot of Argentinian folklore and cultural roots interspersed into every page. It's a lot about coming-of-age and finding yourself within a world who rejects you and also being stuck on the outside in between two worlds. I really appreciated the character development and the growth that Manu goes through from page 1 until the end, it was such a rollercoaster ride that made me laugh until my belly hurt and cry my eyes out. I don't even know how to put this into words, except to beg everyone to preorder it and read this when it comes out. If they doesn't incentive you enough, there are lesbians!!

At first, I thought this book would take the route of pure urban fantasy, wherein the "normal" world and the "magical" world existed parallel to one another but did not touch. Then, I expected a "magical school" story, especially with the frequent mentions of Harry Potter, wherein our heroine discovered her latent abilities alongside a cast of quirky side characters. Even later, I thought, "oh, I guess this is a portal fantasy after all." Reader: this book was none of those things - and that's what makes it so difficult to review.

On the one hand, we have Manu, a genuinely likable character, and her friends, Cata and Sasya (my personal favorites), Tiago (more on him later), and others. On the other hand, we have relatively bland villains, a hyper-patriarchal society that feels genuinely surreal and unsettling, and eldritch demon gods who are Sirs-Not-Appearing-In-This-Story. We have magical witches (yay!) and magical football (nay!) We have revolutionaries who we're told (but not shown) are Important, and parents we're shown and told are loving (Manu's relationship with her mother, in particular, is touching.) This is also a book that succumbs to some of my least favorite YA tropes - instalove being the first among many. Manu's "love story" with Tiago felt so out of place and confusing that I really wished it'd been left out altogether.

This is a book that wants to be SO many things that it refuses to choose. I suppose also, in a way, this is a book that very clearly wasn't for me - there are large portions of untranslated Spanish that I could generally parse from context clues, but enough confusion that I felt at a distance from the story (it's hard to understand two characters' relationship when the development of it comes in a language you don't speak.) There's also a large amount of time spent on developing a football-adjacent sport which, as someone who has zero interest in sports, bored me to tears. I don't know, y'all. Maybe some books just aren't for me. If you're intrigued by the premise, I'd still recommend picking it up.

Wow!! I love Romina Garber's writing. She combined magical realism with real life issues for undocumented immigrants so flawlessly. Manu was so relatable. I love the idea of a YA novel being used to open peoples eyes to seeing what an immigrants life is really like. The scares they go through. And then adding the magical worlds of brujas and lobizons gives you a little escape from the heavy. I loved being able to picture Lunaris and all the fantastic places they explore. I can't wait to read the next book!

Wow, this is one of my favorite books of 2020 so far! This story is an adventure in magic, identity, and Argentinian folklore. Lobizona is the story of Manuela Azul, a girl who has never quite fit in anywhere. Not only does she have otherworldly eyes, Manu and her mother are illegal immigrants. When ICE captures her mother in a raid, Manu is forced to flee. While looking for answers, Manu uncovers secrets that her mother has been hiding from her.

With strong roots in Argentinian folklore, Manu discovers a magical school: a school for witches and werewolves. But the school has never seen someone quite like her and soon Manu is once again trying her best to hide in plain sight. Lobizona is a gripping and timely read: with commentary on gender identity, binary language, sexism, societal roles, and immigration. There is a clear emphasis and exploration of the power of language, labels, and identity.

Lobizona’s stunning descriptions and intricate details captivated me. The memorable side characters, the twists and turns, and how original this story feels made this book hard to put down. This is the story of a fierce heroine who is determined to find her way back to her mom, learn more about her mysterious powers, and finds friendship (and maybe more?) along the way. Lobizona releases on August 4, 2020! Thank you to Romina Garber, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. P.S. The cover is SO gorgeous!

Not really my cup of tea so I wasn’t able to finish it. So I DNF around 25% sorry! I will day thought I was able to point some people I know would love this book that way. Even if I didn’t like it I know others will!!

Manuela, or Manu, is an illegal immigrant whose mother moved her from Argentina to escape her father's dangerous and influential family. Her undocumented status and the strange eyes she inherited from her father are enough for her mother to keep Manu at home at fear of discovery, either by ICE or her father's family, but as Manu becomes older, she dreams of a life for herself, outside of her cramped apartment. As events unfold, Manu discovers that her life and the story about her Argentinian origins aren't anything like what she has been told or could have ever imagined.

This young adult fantasy gave me a lot of Harry Potter vibes; there's a girl sequestered from the world who one day discovers she's magical and happens upon a school for other teens just like her. However, the magic in this story relies heavily on Argentinian myth about lobizonos (werewolves) and brujas (witches.) The novel starts off at a fast pace, which completely sucked me in, but lags a bit in the middle. The end ramps up the speed again as Manu's true identity and that of her father are revealed.

The writing in this novel is decent, I particularly enjoyed how the author injected plenty of Spanish into the dialogue, but in such a way that English readers understand without a direct translation. I also really connected to Manu; she is a very normal teenage girl just with capital "P" problems. Garber's exploration of how it must feel to be "illegal" in a country that would love to cage you through Manu's eyes is impactful, especially when her status among the people most like her is also in question.

Overall, an enjoyable YA Urban Fantasy with an interesting POV that I think Latinx teens would relate to and teens from other cultures would benefit from.

Wow! Just....wow. Manu is an illegal immigrant from Argentina. Her mother is keeping her hidden and she isn’t allowed to leave her apartment building for any reason. She is homeschooled, has no friends, and as a teenage girl she is itching to get outside. She has been told her father was killed and that they are on the run from the bad men who killed him. She also knows she inherited her unusual eyes from him...eyes she must hide behind sunglasses around the clock. When tragedy strikes and her mom is detained by ICE, she has to venture out in the world to find help but stumbles upon a group of people with eyes just like hers. Can they help her, or are they the reason her mom has been on the run? This book is so incredible and there is a twist at the end I didn’t see coming! I can’t wait to read the next one! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I will no doubt be buying copies for all my friends!

If Lobizona is not yet on your radar, it absolutely should be! One of the best YA fantasy novels I've read this year, it combines magical realism, portal fantasy, Latinx werewolf mythology, and a decidedly progressive vision of the world into a smart, engrossing tale that you won't want to put down. Vivid imagery, a cool magic system, fantastic world-building, important themes, interesting characters, and unexpected twists all contribute to making this something truly special.

I can't tell you too much about the plot without spoiling things, but the story follows Manuela (Manu) Azul, a sixteen-year old girl from Argentina living illegally in Miami with her mother. Manu's existence is a constricted one, not only because of her immigration status, but also because of her unusual eyes that she must hide behind mirrored glasses. She also has extremely difficult periods each month and her mother gives her pills that keep her unconscious for the first three days of her cycle, during which she dreams vividly of a dangerous and magical world. Things begin strange and quickly get even stranger as Manu tries to uncover the secrets of her identity and her estranged father's past, and gets sucked into a dangerous yet magical world she never knew existed.

Without getting into details, we also end up getting a great friend group, forbidden love, and queer representation (not the MC). But things don't go the way you might expect in this kind of story and the author has thoughtfully woven in big issues that are well worth your time and consideration. Obviously this addresses immigration, legal status, and the problems with ICE, but it also addresses misogyny, the problems with a binary system of gender and gendered expectations, privilege, and even, (in a truly brilliant scene) the problems with awarding a privileged status to only "special" or talented outsiders when every life has value. It's such a smart and important book, but also a fun and thrilling one. Not to mention, if a certain book announcement has you excited for vampires and werewolves, Lobizona just might scratch part of that itch. (to be clear, this does not have vampires, but it DOES have werewolves and witches!)

Clearly I was a fan of this and I'm very excited to see people talking about it once it's widely available. There is a lot that could be said, but spoilers! So I'll just say, please read this one. I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book is so beautifully crafted that it's hard to put it into words. It has a dozen alluring subtleties and yet so bold. It is such a poignant reflection of so much bigotry that plagues our society - xenophobia, racism, sexism, misogyny. At every point in the story where it can be conventional, it chooses to defy norm and continues to amaze readers. It has the most perfect pace even though the entire storyline happens in a short period of time, nothing feels rushed or slowed. With amazing worldbuilding and tantalising characters, this book is a winner through and through.


I give this book 4.75 stars, only because the romance that the main character finds herself in seems a little thin to me. But, in every other way, this book is a triumph and I eagerly await its sequel.

5 STARS


If you pick up one book this August, let it be Lobizona.


Originally meant to release yesterday, Lobizona has been moved to early August. And in a twist that worries me, it has the same publication date as the new Stephanie Meyer book, which means I have one request of you: do not let Lobizona flop.

I picked it up on a whim from NetGalley during the brief period where it was available as a "Read Now" title. It sounded incredible, and had a cover that drew me in with its beauty and intricacy.

Reader, what you get on the surface is nothing compared to the outstanding story inside. Lobizona follows Manu, an illegal immigrant from Argentina, as she begins to unlock the secrets of her family and search for belonging in a world that is against her every step of the way. From the streets of Miami to the enchanting bruja and lobizón stronghold hidden in the Everglades, she aims to find her place, or better yet, to carve it out exactly as she deserves, on her terms.


The tropes may feel familiar, especially to fantasy readers, but it's a comfort.


From the summary alone, you know that Manu is no ordinary girl, not by mundane standards, nor by the standards of the magical world she finds herself thrust into. It's hardly a spoiler to say that she is the title lobizona, a female werewolf, and an impossibility even in this freeing world of Argentine magic. Because of this, Lobizona can feel familiar for most fantasy readers. With a dash of chosen one tropes, questions of parentage, unusual and highly emphasized eye colors, and rebellion brewing on the horizon, it's building blocks are nothing unfamiliar.

But the power is in the execution, and Romina Garber has gone above and beyond.

While the building blocks of the story are familiar, the stunning setting and the sheer strength of character Manu exhibits are a solid hook. It's a case where a degree of predictability works, because you're not worried about where the story will go. Instead, you're worried about how it will get there. More than that, you're worried about where it will go once it leaves familiar territory behind.

I adored every minute of this book, I truly did. It was only a matter of time before Manu's world blew wide open, and I was desperate to know which match was set to light the fuse. And now, having finished the book, I can't wait to know where she and her friends go next. They have enemies now, powerful ones, but they also have the drive to change everything.

Maybe I'm just a sap, but how can I say no to a story about teens shaking off the traditions of older generations in order to build something better? Especially since in this case, we're talking about teens angling to dismantle huge systems. Rampant sexism? It's out. Homophobia? We're done with that. The notion that anyone's existence can be illegal? Our protagonists have had it up to here with that.

Even though Lobizona doesn't yet dismantle these structures, it's preparing to do so. Whatever comes next for the Wolves of No World series is bound to center on the hard work of radical change in the same way that Lobizona centers on Manu discovering herself.


And of course, Lobizona is unapologetically Latinx.


While I can't comment on the precise quality of the rep, since I'm not Latinx, let alone Argentine, I can say that this is not a book that sprinkles a dash of culture on top in an effort to appear diverse. It's an OwnVoices story by an Argentine immigrant, and it makes no apology for the untranslated Spanish, nor the cultural superstitions, nor the food and drink.

Moreover, it deals with incredibly real contemporary issues. Though most of the novel is fantasy through and through, the early chapters are more contemporary. They focus on Manu's life in Miami, always keeping an eye out for ICE, always keeping her head down. Going unnoticed is the best way to survive, and her existence as an illegal immigrant defines how she and her family move through Miami. Sure, her magical heritage affects that, too, but her immigration status is never far from mind.

No matter where she is in the world, Manu must contend with the powers that be claiming that she doesn't belong. It makes me love her even more, how she fights against it even as she wavers in the face of it.


"May you be blessed by the moonlight."


I could probably go on for another thousand words about this book if you let me. It's packed with gorgeous imagery, a lovely group cast, and hope for a different, better future. Not only that, but it's Latinx, it's queer, it talks frankly about menstruation, it condemns ICE for the brutal organization that it is, and it's the first in a series. I can't wait to explore more of this world. Better yet, I can't wait to see Manu make the rules. Her existence is not illegal. It's simply new, and she has the power to write her own story. That no longer belongs to anyone else.

If you're interested in Lobizona, be sure to place a pre-order before August 4th! Those of you who do will receive a set of five pins in the mail, plus the satisfaction of a brilliant new werewolf book. I can't recommend it enough that you take advantage of this. Really.

Lobizona is one of my favorite books this year. Hopefully, it's one of yours, too. ❤️


CW: loss of a loved one, sexual harassment and rape mentions, violence, ICE raids, graphic injury, gore

[This review will go live on Hail & Well Read at 12:30 PM EST on 5/6/20.]

Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for providing me with this ARC. Lobizona hit my radar thanks to Book Riot late last year (I've already pre-ordered, which I rarely do). When I saw that this was available for review, I jumped on the opportunity. Several of my students and I have discussed using this book as our "book club" selection. Garber has a pretty cool voice with a new narrative in this book. I really enjoyed brushing up on my high school Spanish and trying to figure out conversations between the MC and her mother. I wasn't always right, but gosh it was fun. The story in Lobizona is critical at this time in our society. Garber is not shy in tackling the fear and sensitivity that occur with ICE raids and how a community continues on. Lobizona is a multi-storied story, which makes the reader work for their dinner, which I appreciated. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and its different nuances of being Other in the US.

Just from the description, I felt this was going to be a good book. I can say with pride that I was correct! As a person with the Latinx community, this book is such a piece of connection and nostalgic in in writing for me. I love the use of the Spanish language in the writing. It takes a lot of precedence and it's used just right for certain scenes and certain characters. The Spanish is translated for the readers who don't understand it, but it just felt so right. I love the exploration of Argentine mythology and culture. It's so important to represent not just diversity, but also diversity within communities. It's great weaving of realities that people go through like immigration,safety anxiety and the transformation of a girl with the mix of the mythic, magic and folklore. I can't wait to read more of this world and explore it further.

Magic schools are making a comeback in young adult lit right now (THANK GOD), and Lobizona should be at the top of any magic enthusiast’s list. This story is both breathlessly, immediately real and ethereal, dealing with heavy topics like racism, patriarchal sexism, and the fear of “the other” while also juggling a fantasy-bent narrative that promises to enchant. Enlightening without being pedantic and introducing a fresh magical folklore onto the shelves of readers, this book (and its GORGEOUS cover) deserves a place on your nightstand.

Noticeably, we are merging into an era where references to a certain magical wizarding school is abundant and has become such a pinnacle piece of knowledge for determining characters. (and hey, I am not complaining! I love it). However, Romina Garber has given us more than just a silly pop-culture tidbit as so many authors have done before for simple humor. Instead, she has given readers a new home. A new place of magic where anyone can come in and find their new family and want to stay.

And it is gorgeous.

Lobizona takes such care to enrich readers with cultural details that only Garber with her own experiences can give. Those emotions and love for two homes bleeding out on to the pages here with true heart. But, just how our main character, Manu, must rise above her insecurities in believing herself unwanted, so to must the reader fight to get through the beginning of this book.

Despite understanding and knowing the message the author wanted to portray, without Manu having a real tangible personality until she arrives at the academy– it all fell flat in a way that had the narration just telling me what was happening emotionally instead of allowing me to have reason to invest in it. Making it a chore of trudging through the opening chapters of this book. Which is a shame since everything that comes after increasingly gets more exciting as we learn more about this new world and magic system.

On top of that, although I admire it, the spanish in the beginning however inclusive and centrally important to building Manu’s home life – wasn’t always translated. And despite Garber very cleverly translating or explaining most of it, there are still instances where the lines become skippable and unimportant. Additionally, as the story progresses the use of the language, outside of the vocab words the reader learns, lessens more and more regardless of there being even more of a reason to speak it. Essentially, it felt off-balanced from beginning to end. Though, I can’t say it was wholly a disappointing thing. Some of the lines Garber gives us once Manu gets to the academy are precious and beautiful in their rarity. But why build up such a multi-lingual world only to give and take the value?

Aside from that, Manu as a character was often clueless. I could forgive her for not knowing things because she was never told. Even if I had a very hard time believing that she just thought it normal to have stronger senses than those around her. Yet, she never once thought that maybe the myths and bedtime stories about witches and werewolves could be true to herself, and the lame excuses she gives for it pales in humor as we as readers obviously know what’s actually happening.

But, what I couldn’t forgive from this and what honestly drove me to pulling out my hair, is whenever we’re on the very cusp of finding out prevalent information to things– Manu quite literally changes the topic each time. Seemingly oblivious to the fact she just interrupted someone about to give her advice. Often leaving dialogue clunky in other areas as information is pushed out all out once or sometimes leaving key plot point revelations coming out too expectedly or with a choppy flow to them without room to expand in their predeposited point in the story.

Regardless, even with all that said, I really enjoyed this book. It covers so many themes from immigration to sexism without being too overly in your face about it. Additionally, I’m excited to read on into a second book for more reasons than just finding out what happens to Manu, but also for seeing more interactions between her and her pack of eccentric friends and new found family.

But also, can I just say that I want my own wolf shadow? Those things were honestly TOO cute! I don’t need bruja magic if I can get an adorable shadow.

A timely, well-written use of werewolf-as-analogy that was genuinely refreshing and unflinchingly political.

That said, at times, the plot (especially once Manu meets the other Septimuses) kinda drags and the world-building, while well-imagined, can be a little confusing and hard to keep up with, and I was bummed about what felt like a very abrupt ending. But I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series and from Romina Garber.

(Also, god, what a beautiful cover).

A Latinex Harry Potter, but rather than wizards they’re werewolves, Lobizona blends genre conventions to enchant readers with this Argentinian fused sultry magical drama.

Cecelia Beckman, Sheaf & Ink

My Thoughts
Before reading the synopsis I was drawn in by the cover. You’re instantly taken by the dark uncanny imagery. The design of the cover entails a young girl with hair that flows into wild untamed foliage. Her unusual eyes as gold as the sun. It’s a breathtaking image.

Once I read the synopsis I was hooked. My goal as a reader is to immerse myself into novels that have roots in more diverse soil. Where these novels are also written by diverse authors. And this novel is one of them. Written by an Argentinian, Garber infuses her story with rich details of Argentinian folklore. She includes Spanish speaking characters and the paralyzing reality of undocumented immigrants.

Lobizona captivated from the very first chapters. Manu’s anxiety, her alienation from the world. How she escaped her reality. Diving into the novels she read in droves and her awareness of her own body was refreshing. It isn’t often authors focus on what young girls go through on a monthly basis. Or how it affects their lives on a regular basis is something readers will identify and appreciate.

Garber also vividly depicts a stifling world where no one sees Manu for who she is, constantly having to hide herself in order to live a semi-normal life. She uses themes of gender identity, racial and gender inequality, and acceptance, weaving them into her story, magnified by the experiences Manu encounters throughout the novel.

Although Garber does not go into great detail of the magical school as J.K. Rowling does for Hogwarts in her Harry Potter series: the intricacies of the day-to-day life of a student and staff, you still have this vivid visual of Lobizona’s magical school itself along with the relatable teenage drama.

I did have a few concerns. The pacing of the plot at times seemed rushed or confusing. When the setting transitioned from Miami to the magical realm there seemed to be a disconnect, where I had to go back and read to ensure where I was within the story.

Where it felt most rushed was during transitional periods of the school weeks. I felt here there were missed opportunities. Garber had moments where she could have dove deeper into the mythology and founding of the school. While also exploring more of the classes preparing students to enter society as a werewolf or witch.

All in all I enjoyed reading this book. My hope is Lobizona will reach a larger audience. An audience who will appreciate the beauty and wonder Garber builds. Along with the fascinating cultural aspects imbued by the rich and sumptuous details that make this a satisfying read.

Happy Reading ̴ Cece

Lobizona is everything 15 year old me dreamed of -- and more. I wish I had this book back then, because I know I would become its number one fan and teen marketer.

Lobizona is inherently Latinx and filled with feminist analogy. I haven't read much YA written from a Argentinian MC's perspective so it was great to learn about Argentina and see all of the little quirks that make Manuela so great.The author does not shy away from "taboo" topics in YA like periods. I adored that the main character's power was in a way activated by this. There was something very primal and rooted in creation about it that i really loved. The descriptions throughout this novel are also so, so, great, I loved learning about the world alongside Manuela.

Undocumented. Unprotected. Unafraid.

It's been awhile since I picked up a fantasy novel, but this one was written by Romina Garber and it did not disappoint. Lobizona is based on Argentinian folklore with lobizones and brujas.

Manu and her mom are undocumented immigrants from Argentina living in Miami and are constantly in fear of deportation. Manu knows that she is different, but discovers that her mom has been hiding a secret from her about her own identity. Manu has been hiding who she is her entire life and finally has a chance to be herself in a place filled with magic.

This book centers strong POC characters and addresses misogyny, homophobia, the struggles that undocumented immigrants face and the idea of home. I loved this one and am really hoping there is a sequel.

Thanks so much @rominagarber
@netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for this ARC. Lobizona comes out on August 4, 2020. 🌙

Review can be found at https://instagram.com/p/B_lSajfgRSg/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51179882