One day I hope that the apparent need to constantly reference Harry Potter in middle grade and YA contemporary fantasies fades away quickly and relentlessly. Come on y'all, I think we're ready to move on as a society.

That petty gripe aside, Lobizona stands as a strong introduction to a magical world on the brink of rebellion. The concepts feel fresh and original, with the need for individual freedoms and a challenging of gender norms/expectations at the forefront of the conflict. Manu's struggle to fit into this world of brujas and lobizones as someone whose very existence is a crime parallels that of her living undocumented in America. It certainly gives off a "danger on all sides" weight as well as layers a very real experience and representation onto the more fantastical ones. 

While the ideas and overall groundwork of the book was engaging, there were moments in the writing that sort of lost me. There was a sort of uneven pacing at times, with certain events speeding past or grinding to a standstill. The writing style was also a bit hit or miss with me, but I can't deny that Manu does have a strong voice at times.

I think I'm more interested in seeing the fallout of the events of this book, of how Manu and her friends will try to change a society built on century old customs and beliefs. I love a good "upset the status quo" story featuring a ragtag found family willing to do whatever it takes to live as themselves. Here's hoping the sequel will expand more on this magical world as they try to reshape it for the better.