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.
While this may be a fantasy novel, it deals with very real topics prevalent in today’s society. And just look at that stunning cover!
Manu has never felt like she belonged anywhere. She has no friends and very little family. She’s rarely permitted to leave home, and you’ll empathize with her immediately. Thrust into a frightening situation and fearing for the lives of her loved ones, Manu discovers she’s stronger than she knew, and you’ll root for her as she begins her journey. The story parallels Harry Potter in some ways, and as an ardent fan of the books, Nau mentions them often.
Argentenian folklore is entwined with the world-building, which is fabulous and one of the things I enjoyed most. One of the other positives is the supporting cast. It’s rather extensive and can seem overwhelming at first, but the focus narrows by the middle of the book.
It’s difficult to give much of a review without revealing spoilers, but I’ll say this is a powerful story with several layers and a series I absolutely plan to continue. Recommended for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong and struggled to find their path.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
That cover is phenomenal! It reminds me of the psychedelic art of the 1960s.
I love that the book includes folklore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can just see it on black velvet, right? The folklore was so interesting – things I’d never read before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has such an interesting mix of things in it – HP, Argentinian folklore, and social issues. Sounds like a great read! Wonderful review ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tessa! It really did include a great mix – something I wasn’t expecting going into the book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds amazing. I love the start–“crammed into an existence that feels too small for her.”. The imagery from that phrase is powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it? It really gets the imagination churning with that phrase.
LikeLike
I would love to read this one. I haven’t read any book based on Argentinian folklore. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d highly recommend it, Yesha – loved the blend of folklore and fantasy along with such relevant topics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teri. I agree the cover is amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The designer did a fabulous job – really catches your attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The folklore aspect of this story sounds FABULOUS. Pretty cool cover, too.:-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? How could you not pick up this book with a cover like that.
LikeLike
The folklore would draw me in, as well. This sounds like a great read, Teri, thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was one of my favorite parts of the story. Have a great week, Jacquie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that blurb sounded amazing, Teri. I’ll be on the lookout for this one.
Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jina! I hadn’t read werewolves for a while, but it was so much more than that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmm, this one sound slike a good one. LOVE that cover. Lately I’ve been taken by covers that are ‘different’. Makes me wish I did something different with my debut. *shrugs* there’s always the next series 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No – I love your cover! I haven’t read it yet (it’s waiting for me), but based on the reviews I’ve read, it’s perfect for your book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks Teri. I do really love it – I’ve just been drawn in by these weird unique covers lately 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’d like this one! I’m a sucker for international folklore besides the Irish/English/Scottish we’re all so familiar with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like this one’s for you, Deby! You should check into it – it was released this week.
LikeLike