Until the following items are met by the SMP team, I will be withholding any promotion or review of any St. Martin's Press titles (including SMP Romance and Wednesday Book titles):

1. Address and denounce the Islamophobia/racism from your employee.
2. Offer tangible steps for how you're going to mitigate the harm this employee caused.
3. Address how moving forward, you will support and protect your Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab readers, influencers, and authors in addition to your BIPOC readers, influencers, and authors.

While I really enjoyed Lobizona, I unfortunately did not feel the same magic while reading Cazadora. While the world and characters I loved from the first book were consistent, something in the writing was lacking the thrill that drew me into the first book. I will absolutely be reading more of Romina Garber's books in the future, but this one was just not for me.

I did, however, quite enjoy the narrator's work! Her voice was just right to guide the story forward, and was very engaging to me.

Excellent continuation. The book picks up where book 1 ended and Manu and her friends are running for their lives. With all the groundwork established in the first book, Garber was able to really feed off of that and let this fantasy book about witches and werewolves flourish.

The underlying theme of being illegal, undocumented, and unaccepted by "normal" society is a powerful message in this book.

This is not a book I could have read without having read the last one- some series’ can be read out of order… but this one cannot. Cazadora started almost precisely where Lobinoza left off. I loved exploring more about the world Garber created, and the Coven was an amazing place/unit. The relationships between characters felt real and interesting, each character growing a little more with the story. Manu drove me nuts at times, but I loved her and her desire to live her life- no more hiding. It seemed very true to her age group, and very relatable.

The story had pretty good pacing for the most part, though the beginning seemed to drag a tiny bit. I still loved the descriptions and the addition of Argentinian culture. For me, this was a fun, fast read and will spark an interest in YA adventure readers along with fantasy. The ending is left open to interpretation as to whether there will be more books or not- we are at a point where it could wrap up, more isn’t necessary… at the same time there is room for more from Tiago and the group, as well as seeing Manu in her new role. While the author hasn’t stated there will be a third book, it would be interesting to see how she spins the new dynamics.

It was good, and the 13-17 year old group are going to like it… but maybe it wasn’t for me. I would give it three stars- I liked it, but it wasn’t one that will be memorable for me.

I loved the first one so much, but this just one focuses too much on the romance. What drew me to Lobizona were the gender issues explored there. I needed that to be developed more in this book. Don't get me wrong, it is addressed, but the first book did it in a more novel way.

This is not something I would honestly go for, however folklore is just so fascinating and I wanted to give it a shot. I would definitely recommend it to others, but I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. Still a fun and inspiring read!

I enjoyed Lobizona, it wasn't a favourite but it was good and I was looking forward to Cazadora. It took me a while to get into this one, i'm not sure I ever fully did. It just wasn't pulling me in enough. It may just be me and I might have to give it another read sometime, maybe a reread of both books one after the other will help.

The book has a great message but it's really heavy handed. It felt like it was bring drilled into you rather than part of the experience of reading (if that makes sense?).

I liked the characters and the world, the magical world was more fully introduced and developed.. There's some twists and some excitement but it's missing something that I can't quite put my finger on. It didn't feel like there was enough substance to the plot.

I thought this was a duology, and I found a Q&A with the author from August that says it is, so i'm confused with the ending. So I assume it's now a series with an undetermined length which i'm not sure how I feel about that.

The narrator was great, her voice fit the story perfectly.

Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher and author for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. While I loved the narrator, I found I was a little lost with all of the Spanish in the book. If I were reading the book I think I wouldn't have been as lost , because I could reread. But I did like the narrator. I think the author vividly expanded the world building for this story. I liked the characters and how supportive they were. I do wish it moved a little faster. I think the topics of finding your place are important and Manu being undocumented .

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.
Where many middle books in a trilogy lose energy, Cazadora builds on the world created in Lobozona and keeps the action rolling. The stakes are high, and there are real consequences to the main characters' actions. The romances are still there and reach new levels, but they don't feel like they take up the whole plot line. A perfect sequel!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

Cazadora, thankfully, picks up right where Lobizona left off. We miss nothing as Manu and her friends enter a different world in search of a better future and safety. The Cazadores are trying to lock Manu up for the crime of existing as a hybrid and falling prey to the legend of la ladrona, a half-human folktale that the Suptimus are terrified of. Manu, Tiago, Cata, and Saysa have to keep themselves alive and convince everyone else that Manu isn't dangerous for being born who she is.

Lobizona was so rich with culture and imagery, and Cazadora gives us more of that with the foray into the Septimus' world. It's vibrant and colorful, and it makes the book a joy to read. Garber takes us deeper into the themes of found family and fighting for what's right. Why does a person's birth status mean they shouldn't exist? Why do we call people 'illegal'? They're human beings, not crimes being committed.

We see more of the magical side of things in this book and the world-building is expanding upon beautifully. The overall magic system and social nuances of it feels more well-rounded having read this book.

The friendships are given more depth and the character development shines. There's so much action and not all of it is bad for our friends! I think the only complaint I have for this book is the pacing was a bit off for me. It took me longer to read and longer to really get into it than it did Lobinzona, but it's still a great read regardless.

The ending is a total cliff-hanger and I have no idea if there will be a book 3, but here's hoping

I really enjoyed listening to this advance audio copy of Cazadora. I think the book has an interesting magic system, I was instantly drawn into the story and invested in the plot and characters. The audiobook is beautifully narrated.

Cazadora was brought to life by narrator Sol Madariaga whose narration lent well to its characters. Their narration of Romina Garber's story added to the depth and drama experienced by Manu and her companions. The narrator assisted in bringing me closer to the story and held my attention as I was able to complete the novel after starting it nearly two days earlier. I enjoyed this audiobook and highly recommend it to those continuing this series, or picking them up as they narrated the first. Overall I give this audiobook a 5 out of 5 ratings and the book as well. Thank you to NetGalley and the audiobook recording company for an audiobook review copy of Romina Garber's Cazadora.

As a fan of fantasy and supernatural series, I’ve run into plenty of werewolves in my numerous fictional journeys. Yet, it is Romina Garber’s handling of this species within her Wolves of No World series that I’ve enjoyed the most since watching them depicted in the UK’s Being Human. Her latest release, Cazadora, turns up my connection to the characters and interest in this world.

Cazadora continues the tumultuous experience that is Manuela “Manu” Azul’s literal undocumented life. Manu and her mother have had to hide their existence since Manu was born, so when they are separated during an ICE raid in the first book of this series, Lobizona, we have no idea if they will ever be reunited. We begin Cazadora with Manu reeling from the consequences of the final act of book one, on the run with some of the new, but close, friends she made at the magic school and society she had no idea she belonged to. Feeling guilty about leaving her mother in ICE custody, as her nemesis rubbed in her face during their last confrontation, Manu is torn between enjoying the burgeoning relationship she’s found with the Septimus world’s golden boy and the multi-continent and realm adventures they navigate and figuring out how to protect everyone around her. For she and her small circle of friends are not on an adventure for adventure’s sake: if Manu is caught by the U.S. government she’d be deported to a land she’s never known, but if she is found by the Septimus’ governing council she’ll be killed. Because the Septimus society made human to bruja or lobizón relations illegal long ago and killed any violators of this brutal law, Manu finds herself triply in the council’s crosshairs. One, she is the daughter of a human and lobizón; two, that lobizón just happens to be the most hunted revolutionary leader of Septimus history; three, she is the first recorded surviving lobizóna—female werewolf—and the prophecy for her entrance into Septimus kind spells doom.

For these very dire reasons, Manu spends much of Cazadora seeking a safe haven for her small group and evaluating how to best bear responsibility for the disastrous fallouts that come from their discovery in each temporary haven. While contemplating her survival, she also learns what family besides her mother and adoptive grandmother feels like and is able to use one family connection to get in contact with her mother. In fact, some of the strongest portions of the book come from Manu’s examination of her role in a society that doesn’t think she should exist and seeing how the problems that she faces are universal to so many other situations, including those of her loved ones.

I had an inkling that I’d enjoy this series and planned to wait until the second book was released to give it a chance just so that I wouldn’t have to anticipate the release of the next book. Well, that backfired for all the right reasons! Yes, Cazadora could be a perfectly good conclusion to the series but there is so much left to wrap up by the time the book reaches its end that I cannot conceive of not returning to this world once more to knot the threads. I’m begging people I know to read this series because I can’t stay in this place of unknowing alone! Crossing my fingers that this duology mysteriously turns into at least a trilogy.

As much as I enjoyed 'Lobizona,' I didn't find that same love in 'Cazadora.' I often have a hard time getting into fantasy and I really loved that Lobizona blended contemporary with fantasy elements. It was magical and atmospheric but also felt like a very real story about a real girl. Cazadora feels much more solidly in the fantasy genre and just didn't capture that same magic for me.

I did really like the audiobook narrator and felt that she was well suited to the story! I originally started reading a physical copy and really struggled to get into it, but once I switched to the audio, I felt way more immersed in the story.

While it wasn't the right mix for me, I know many readers will absolutely adore this whole series. I'm not too sure if I'll be continuing with the series, but I will absolutely still recommend it to teens at my library.

So I would rate this more of a 4.5. Or maybe a 2. Or 5 stars.

Ahhhhhh!

Romina Garber has built such a wonderful, sumptuous, colorful world in this duology (2 stars for only being a duology 🤬). The intricacies and beauty of the Argentinian folklore and the world she has built are in stock contrast to the variety of predjudices the many characters face. I think that stark contrast really drives home that it’s exactly the same thing people deal with every single day in the real world. These characters, who are really just teenagers, are taking on a society so they can live as their true selves. And damn if that doesn’t make you sad, mad, and oh so damn hopeful for the future.

Now, more on the 2 stars. I NEED TO KNOW MORE!!! I need to know that Manu & Tiago are ok!!

Sol Madariaga is an amazing narrator that adds so much to this story. Her voice is so enchanting that I would happily listen to her read the dictionary.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Boy howdy, this book is a LOT. It's about trying to carve out a space for yourself in two worlds where you don't fit neatly within the lines of established roles. And it's not easy, and sometimes it's not pleasant. The feeling of suspense and dread follows us, and Manu, throughout this duology but especially in this book. [The ending completely destroyed me and it's also why I docked a star off. But, maybe I'm also being unrealistic. Manu's story was never meant to end well. (hide spoiler)] All in all, this duology is absolutely 100% worth reading/listening to. Sol Madriaga is a rock star narrator and I hope to hear more from her.


Thank you to NetGalley for a preview audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I went into this book thinking that this series is a duology, and it is not. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you're expecting resolution and don't get it, it is a bit frustrating.

As far as the plot goes, I was interested in learning more about the Cazadores since they were a bit of a blur in book one. This story centers around Manu and her friends being on the run from the Cazadores and the sacrifices that they must make in order to stay hidden. That being said, I felt that so much of the story focused on the daily, mundane details that Manu and her friends experienced, which made the story feel slow and not really going anywhere.

The last 25% of the book is when we really kick into high gear, and of course, we end on another cliffhanger. So yeah, all of that was just rather frustrating.

One thing that I did really enjoy in this story was the conversation surrounding sex positivity when it comes to young people. I know this sounds like I overall didn't enjoy the story, but that's not true. I plan to continue with the series, but I definitely think this book fell into the second book syndrome category.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

Picking up where Lobizona left off, Cazadora finds Manu, Saysa, Cata and Tiago as they cross into Argentina and Kerana. There they are sheltered from danger by the Coven, a group of Septimus who don't want to be corralled by the restrictions that are put upon their kind. What will the future hold for Manu? Will she finally find a place where she belongs?

I think this is one of the rare cases where the second book is better than the first one. The major characters, even Manu, are given much more depth in Cazadora. There are also NO Harry Potter references (my main complaint with the first book). I appreciate that as Manu grew so did the books she referenced. As a Shakespeare teacher, I definitely loved those references most of all. The ending of this book was no my favorite, and sounds like there are going to be more than two books in this series.

As with Lobizona, Sol Madariaga was an amazing narrator. As someone who always had difficulty pronouncing Spainish words in school, it's such a blessing to have someone pronounce them flawlessly for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. I listened to Lobizona on audio, so I was super glad to get this ALC.

An amazing sequel to Lobizona! I loved it. There's so much to unpack in the story (pun intended since you know - werewolf packs and Manu's unpacking/packing in the story). This is my new favorite werewolf novel. Sure - there's no vampires, but the brujas more than make the novel exciting. This is an emotionally charged novel about chasing your dreams to be free to be yourself while others chase you for being divergent from the social norms. Manu is a folk hero/legend on so many levels. To put it mildly - she's a badass.

What I loved most about this novel: the figurative layers to this novel. You can read it on the superficial teen werewolf/witch fantasy novel and LOVE it. You can read it on the political level and REVEL in the statements this novel makes about being documented/undocumented, the broken justice system, about loving whom you love. You can read it on the Argentinian folklore level: it's so beautiful and the mingling of Spanish in the novel is DIVINE! You can read it on the allusion level: you can nerd out over all the literary allusions between Tiago and Manu.

This novel does leave off on a cliffhanger and I do want to know the rest of the story! The epilogue is told from the point of view of a different character which intrigues me - maybe it's possible that future novels will be in the point of view of the other characters in this world! I would love that!

Overall, a great listen. A folk hero who stands up for herself and her rights to be herself.

I wish more people would read this series, because it really has everything — the way Garber writes is so descriptive that you almost feel like you can touch what she’s describing. And the issues of power struggles, gender identity, found family and belonging are handled beautifully. The first book starts slowly, but this one drops you directly into the action, as our young revolutionaries are on the run from their version of the police, and encounter secret covens of witches, pirates and ships, and explore their powers. I can’t wait for the next book after the cliffhanger at the end. The narrator's voice absolutely added to the story!