Alex is not looking to become the most powerful bruja (the Spanish word for ‘witch’) in her family. In fact, she’ll do anything to avoid magic. But what Alex doesn’t realise is that trying to rid herself of magic also means banishing her entire family to Los Lagos, an underworld ruled by the Devourer, a power-hungry creature. Realising her mistakes, she ventures on an epic fantasy quest to rescue her family before the Devourer absorbs the power of her ancestral line and Alex loses her family for good.

Influenced by Latin American culture, Greek mythology and her own Ecuadorian roots, Zoraida Córdova has created a believable fantasy world unlike any other.

Alex is not only Latina but also bisexual; Córdova, however, treats her sexuality as just a small part of her character instead of a defining feature, which is rare. For years I have longed to read about an LGBT character doing something other than coming out of the closet and, at last, Labyrinth Lost satisfies those needs. Writers of all genres, not just fantasy, should take note.

But something stopped me really getting into this book. At the beginning of the quest, Alex is told about all the obstacles she must overcome to rescue her family. The plot consequently seemed predictable, and I couldn’t find the motivation to read on.

But I did eventually get immersed in the story. As the first book in a series, it promises great things. The uniqueness of the world that Córdova has created made me want to keep reading. I can’t wait for the sequel.

Reviewed by Emma Stubley

Age guide 14+