Review: Lobizona by Romina Garber Russel
The first thing that intrigued me was the beautiful cover of this book. Yes, I know, don’t judge a book buy its cover but we all do it at least a few times. This for me was one of those times and I am glad I did. This novel beautifully covered what it is like to be in a country illegally but also made the story of looking for a place to live life and be accepted something positive and attainable despite its fantasy thread throughout which is unlike most novels on the same theme. With that I will provide the synopsis and then go into my own personal review. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Lobizona (Book 1 of the Wolves of No World Series) by Romina Garber
Blurb: “Some people ARE illegal.
Lobizonas do NOT exist.
Both of these statements are false.
Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who's on the run from her father's Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida.
Until Manu's protective bubble is shattered.
Her surrogate grandmother is attacked, lifelong lies are exposed, and her mother is arrested by ICE. Without a home, without answers, and finally without shackles, Manu investigates the only clue she has about her past--a mysterious "Z" emblem—which leads her to a secret world buried within our own. A world connected to her dead father and his criminal past. A world straight out of Argentine folklore, where the seventh consecutive daughter is born a bruja and the seventh consecutive son is a lobizón, a werewolf. A world where her unusual eyes allow her to belong.
As Manu uncovers her own story and traces her real heritage all the way back to a cursed city in Argentina, she learns it's not just her U.S. residency that's illegal. . . .it's her entire existence.”
I definitely enjoyed this book especially the creativity of it. Manu, a girl who has been kept hidden by her mother and longs to fit in as well as find out who she is, is an interesting character to read. The imagery that surround what she sees makes you feel as though you are in the world with her, coming into your lobizona powers. I also liked the underlying message of breaking the black and white norm. There is discussion on sexuality and the role women fill in the world and for both aspect to break out of what is considered normal. This aspect combined with the fantastical elements of the fantasy made a good combination and a very enjoyable read.
The magic system is also something I enjoyed and will be discussing a bit. The magic is broken in two with the girls being the witches and the boys being the lobizon’s or werewolves. That is until Manu makes her appearance. The eyes are the tell for what power you have as well when it comes to witches. Everyone has eye that are suns with stars in the middle and turn that way during the full moon. They also drink this thing called mate which helps them get in touch with their powers. This was also something I found unique especially since not many book include this element.
The characters, besides Manu, were also very interesting to read and I can’t wait to find out more about them in the second book. Manu’s love interest Tiago as well as her friend Saysa, Cata, Javier, and the others on the team are all good characters though I will say the interactions they have are predictable but good to read none the less.
The last point I want to bring up is the vibrant Argentina culture that runs throughout the novel. From the food to the folklore you can tell and feel Argentina running through the blood of the book making it all the more beautiful and captivating. I did like this touch immensely and cannot wait to read more of it in the next book which is set in the country itself. Until then I leave you with this review and hope you pick up this book as well. Happy Reading and see you on the next page!
