Much like any typical teen, Alejandra (Alex) Mortiz has to deal with typical teen problems: school, fitting in at school, making friends and dating. Alex has the added complication of being in a family of magic users all of whom wonder why her powers haven't surfaced yet. Her older sister and younger sister have both had their abilities surface and everybody is looking forward to Alex's turn. Everybody with the exception of Alex. What secret does Alex keep that would explain her not wanting her powers?
In Labyrinth Lost, Zoraida Cordóva brings worlds both magical and mundane to life through the eyes of a young woman at a time when she is learning more and more about life and herself. Since this is written from Alex's view point, we get to see first hand how she begins to understand life. The story challenges all of her perceptions her family and the differences between their powers and her situation as well as how she sees her friends and acquaintances. Not only do we get a better understanding of her motivations but, we also start to understand a little better the one of the people she cares for.
Since this is the first book of what I'll guess to be a series, it is full of exposition without getting bogged down in over-explanation. I prefer first person narration for these types of books because, just as Zoraida Cordóva does here, we are taught through both dialogue and inner monolog in a way that is understandable and allows the story to flow. The scenes build well off each other without the feeling of being predictable. You may not be sure of where you are going next but, once you get there, it makes sense.
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordóva is a magical journey of a young woman's discovery of herself and the world around her. This is a Young Adult book that I would have to put a slight emphasis on the Adult part. The violence and intense emotional elements are probably a bit much for younger readers. That's why I would give it a mild PG13.
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