You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black

I immediately wanted to read this when I saw that it was about immigrants. It’s such a hot topic in real life. It actually really hits close to home. Thank goodness, my mom got her American citizenship years ago.

This book did an amazing job shining a light on the fear and hardships for people who are hiding from ICE. All Manu wants is to fit in and stop hiding. She’s been hiding all her life and she’s tired of it. One day, things come to light and she’s on the run. She ends up finding more people like herself and joins this magical academy. As soon as, she’s finding her rhythm and feeling like she’s fitting in, she’s forced to make another choice.

I really loved Manu and her band of friends. Not only does this put a spotlight on immigration, it puts a spot light on great friendships. There’s also a love interest and I wasn’t completely sold on it. I’m not the biggest fan of insta-love. I had a hard time not judging Manu for being so naive at times. I know she’s been sheltered but there’s a lot of things that could have been avoided with some communication and not running away. I actually really enjoyed the f/f relationship more than the Manu + Tiago relationship.

I wish we would have gotten more world building. What Garber is trying to create here is so fascinating and I really was wishing for more. I had so many questions. The magic was really cool and is another place I wanted more.

One of my favorite things about this is the feminism in it. They question the boundaries and gender rules that are enforced between the brujas and Lobizon. Sonya is definitely an activist and I can’t wait to see what she does in the next book. She’s a great influence to push changes. Manu has an opportunity since she’s the first female Lobizon(a).

Overall, this was such an interesting read and really shines a light on important issues. I enjoyed my time in this world and can’t wait to come back. I hope that we get a lot more of the magical world in the next book.

Thank you, Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for providing me a copy to review. Also, for reaching out to join the blog tour!