Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

In Cazadora, Romina Garber weaves together Argentine folklore and what it means to be illegal in a timely, intimate, and emotionally powerful narrative.

Werewolves. Witches. Romance. Resistance.

Enter a world straight out of Argentine folklore...

Following the events of Lobizona, Manu and her friends cross the mystical border into Kerana--a cursed realm in Argentina--searching for allies and a hiding place. As they chase down leads about the Coven--a mythical resistance manada that might not even exist--the Cazadores chase down leads about Manu, setting up traps to capture and arrest her.

Just as it seems the Cazadores have Manu and her friends cornered, the Coven answers their call for help. As Manu catches her breath among these non-conforming Septimus, she discovers they need a revolution as much as she does.

But is she the right one to lead them? After all, hybrids aren't just outlawed. They're feared and reviled. What happens when the Coven learns of Manu's dual heritage? Will they still protect her? Or will they betray her?

And after running this far, for this long--how much farther can Manu go before her feet get tired, and she stops to take a stand?

Review:

In the first book of the series, Lobizona, author Romina Garber introduces the reader to a world not unlike Harry Potter.  There are witches, werewolves, and even a school of magic.  But that is where the similarities end.  This series really explores Latin American culture, and addresses issues of gender, and gender roles, that is gaining in importance.  Hispanics (and I myself am one) have been raised to believe in two genders with very rigid roles for each.  Those beliefs and roles are being challenged now, and the author cleverly uses the YA fantasy genre to explore what this means.  

I loved Cazadora.  Besides the very important themes, the world-building is creative and whimsical, and the characters and story had me completely hooked.  I can't wait for the conclusion in this trilogy.

What I Liked:

Themes:

In the world of this novel, all magical people are wither men, who are werewolves (lobizones), or women, who are witches (brujas).  There are no grey areas .  Each role, male or female, has a rigid set of roles in the society.  When Manu arrives in this world (after being in hiding in the human world), she shows that she is a female werewolf.  How can this be?  Her existence is illegal and challenges the whole society's social order.

Although Manu does not identify as LGBTQ+, the parallels are obvious.  There are also female characters who do identify as lesbians, and must hide themselves.  Since there are so few of the brujas and lobizones, there is intense pressure for women to have children.  One reason that the society doesn't tolerate homosexuality.  But this pressure to reproduce is also very troubling for anyone who doesn't wish to become a parent.

Manu meets several characters who see an opportunity to change long-held norms when it comes to gender, and gender roles. It's an uphill battle, as this is so ingrained in this culture.  As with Spanish, where there is no gender neutral word for a person, there is no word for a female werewolf, so Manu is known as a Lobizona.  What will it take to make such profound changes in this culture?

World-Building:

We learn much more in Cazadora about this world's society and it's gender roles.  Brujas take on tranditional roles of healing and caretaking, while werewolves have leadership roles such as in the military and the police.   We also learn of other ways in which the society functions.  There are public confessions, as well as public mourning when someone dies.  It's a society that is strongly rooted in the traditional family.  This can be great, if that is what you want.  But for anyone who wants to walk a different path, there is no support.

The various places where the action takes place are really inventive and whimsical.  The Coven is actually an underwater sea vessel, and looks like a giant seashell.  It reminded me of a magical submarine.  The different places each have a magical twist that creates a dreamlike feel to the book, complete with creative flora and fauna.

Characters:

Manu continues to take risks in order to fight for her right to exist.  She runs away from the magic school, along with several other students, to try and find a way to get the government to recognize her as not being illegal.  While she is really brave, she also begins to understand the sacrifices that others are making for her.  Can she live with herself when her friends may possibly be throwing away their futures?  It's a constant tug of war, between wanting to assert herself, and not being selfish.

Manu's friends, Cata and Sasya are a same sex couple who must hide who they are.  Homosexuality is not just frowned upon, it's not even acknowledged in this culture.  They have learned to hide who they are by pretending to like boys, and by trying to be perfect daughters.  It has mostly works, but they are constantly threatened with exposure.  This puts a huge strain on their relationship, with Sasya wanting to be more open about showing the world who they are, and Cata trying desperately to keep her parents approval.  Basically, one is ready to come out, while the other isn't.  This plays out with Sasya (who is a witch who can manipulate plants and life forces) becoming more and more aggressive.  When she nearly kills someone with her anger, she and Cata have to reach some kind of peace with their situation.

Story:

I appreciated the story's many layers.  Besides the fast-paced action, Manu begins to understand that several different factions want to use her notoriety for their own means.  Th only female Cazadora (police woman), wants to trap her so she will gain fame and credibility.  Her female friends hope that she can change things enough to allow them more choice over lives.  And the Coven (a group of revolutionaries) wants her to overthrow the government!  Manu really has a lot to navigate.  She needs to decide who she can trust, and what it is that she really wants.  

There are plenty of people who are neither good or bad.  They simply have their own agenda and wish to use Manu to further it.  But Manu can't be the only person sticking her neck out to enact change.  This is something that's going to take many people, and several years, to do.  

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 17th, 2021

Author:  Romina Garber

Publisher:  Wednesday Books

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Page Length:  400 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  A solid second book in a wonderful series.  This book explores themes of gender and traditional gender roles that are thought-provoking, as well as entertaining.  I highly recommend this book.