This book puts a large focus on injustice. Whether it be racial injustice, in terms of ICE imprisoning immigrants and stealing children from their parents. Or, a misogynistic patriarchal society, in that the bruja's are considered second class citizens to their male counterparts, the lobizons. They are meant to protect the men, to serve the men, to give children to the men. Manu creates friction because she battles both these cruel realities simply by existing. In this secret world, Manu has the power to enact real and lasting change. She can fight for the rights of women, to their own lives, their own bodies, the right to love whomever they want. That is the power of this book. It places the reader in a fantasy world that must deal with the same prejudices in our own world, asking the reader to consider our own reality as we battle with Manu for her right to exist, to love, to thrive, to find family and be content. We fight along with her to break down barriers, not just for herself, but for her friends and all those to come after her. This book also focuses on found family and Manu's search for a place for herself in a world where she has always been labelled an outsider. She yearns for a family, for people to understand and accept her for who she is. You can feel in the writing how Manu's life of isolation has kept her so separate and alone that she has a hard time trusting others and realizing true friendship when she has it. But, Manu is also always conscious of the decisions she makes and how they affect all those around her, especially those she cares for. Her upbringing made her hyper aware and empathetic to the plight of others, making it hard for her to accept help when offered. She would rather suffer on her own than risk anyone else being subjected to hate or banishment on her behalf. I did feel parts of the book dragged and there were so many side characters it was hard to keep track of who was who. But, the plot pushes forward and Manu's core group rally around to support and uplift her. It was a good book for seeing that not all fantasy worlds are better, oftentimes they face the same bigotry and need radical change.
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