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They Called Us Wicked
Four budding bruja BFFs face off against an anti-magic regime in this witchy, weird-girl YA dystopia for fans of Tehlor Kay Mejia and Anna-Marie McLemore.
They're a coven of Lucy, who can hear a whisper in a crowded room. Clara, who can read your innermost thoughts. Fabiola, who can see the future. And Sirena, who can manipulate your every emotion. They've been best friends since they met on the astral plane as kids, each of them hiding their gifts from a world that insists magic and witchcraft are a threat to humanity.
But they've never met in the real world … until now.
As a new student at the prestigious Fletcher University, Lucy is looking forward to a perfect freshman year full of in-person coven hangs and covert witchy fun. But something is off with Lucy's roommate, Retta, almost like she might have latent magic powers she's unaware of (not possible … right?). So, when Retta disappears, Lucy knows it's up to her and her coven to investigate—that is, if they can make time for occult recon amid college classes, flirty crushes, and friendship group growing pains.
As the search for Retta leads to an enchanted forest hidden under Fletcher's campus, Lucy uncovers a chilling maybe Fletcher is just another arm of the anti-magic regime. But are supernatural powers and ride-or-die friends enough to take down an oppressive authority that thinks you shouldn't exist?
Equal parts coming-of-age friendship story and supernatural dystopia, this dazzling novel finds resistance to oppression in the extraordinary and the ordinary, from magic and spellcraft to friendship, heritage, and love.
"Muñoz succeeds in weaving a tale of engaging witches and cool magic feats."—Kirkus Reviews
They're a coven of Lucy, who can hear a whisper in a crowded room. Clara, who can read your innermost thoughts. Fabiola, who can see the future. And Sirena, who can manipulate your every emotion. They've been best friends since they met on the astral plane as kids, each of them hiding their gifts from a world that insists magic and witchcraft are a threat to humanity.
But they've never met in the real world … until now.
As a new student at the prestigious Fletcher University, Lucy is looking forward to a perfect freshman year full of in-person coven hangs and covert witchy fun. But something is off with Lucy's roommate, Retta, almost like she might have latent magic powers she's unaware of (not possible … right?). So, when Retta disappears, Lucy knows it's up to her and her coven to investigate—that is, if they can make time for occult recon amid college classes, flirty crushes, and friendship group growing pains.
As the search for Retta leads to an enchanted forest hidden under Fletcher's campus, Lucy uncovers a chilling maybe Fletcher is just another arm of the anti-magic regime. But are supernatural powers and ride-or-die friends enough to take down an oppressive authority that thinks you shouldn't exist?
Equal parts coming-of-age friendship story and supernatural dystopia, this dazzling novel finds resistance to oppression in the extraordinary and the ordinary, from magic and spellcraft to friendship, heritage, and love.
"Muñoz succeeds in weaving a tale of engaging witches and cool magic feats."—Kirkus Reviews
Audible Audio
Published November 3, 2026
About the author
Gloria Muñoz
13 books47 followersGloria Muñoz is the author of the poetry collections Your Biome Has Found You and Danzirly, which won the Ambroggio Prize and the Florida Book Award Gold Medal for Poetry. She is an Academy of American Poets Poet Laureate Fellow, a Hedgebrook Fellow, an Esperimento Sul Respiro Fellow, a Macondista, a Highlights Foundation Diverse Verse Fellow, and a part of Las Musas. Her debut novel, This Is the Year, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults title and winner of the International Literacy Association’s Young Adult Book Award, was hailed as “brilliantly layered” by Booklist in a starred review.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was fine… okay, that’s not particularly descriptive, but it really was just meh.
I received a complimentary ALC from RB Media via NetGalley ahead of publication.
The narration was done by Elena Rey, who was actually what attracted me to this book in the first place. She did a fabulous job, as I have come to expect from her. She handles YA material so well, sounding age appropriate while making engaging choices with her character portrayals.
As for the story itself, I liked the found family that the FMC and her fellow witches create. The book explores a number of different themes, which I appreciated, but I did feel that some of the subplots were left feeling a bit unfinished. Readers who love the dystopian genre will eat this up, especially with the author’s beautiful imagery and descriptions of the magical world.
In the end, I’m glad I read it, and I can see others really enjoying it. It just wasn’t one that’s going to have me shouting from the rooftops.
I received a complimentary ALC from RB Media via NetGalley ahead of publication.
The narration was done by Elena Rey, who was actually what attracted me to this book in the first place. She did a fabulous job, as I have come to expect from her. She handles YA material so well, sounding age appropriate while making engaging choices with her character portrayals.
As for the story itself, I liked the found family that the FMC and her fellow witches create. The book explores a number of different themes, which I appreciated, but I did feel that some of the subplots were left feeling a bit unfinished. Readers who love the dystopian genre will eat this up, especially with the author’s beautiful imagery and descriptions of the magical world.
In the end, I’m glad I read it, and I can see others really enjoying it. It just wasn’t one that’s going to have me shouting from the rooftops.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
They Called Us Wicked by Gloria Muñoz is the kind of book that makes you want to rush through every page to find out what happens—and then wish you’d slowed down so you could stay in its world a little longer.
The story follows four young brujas—Lucy, Clara, Fabiola, and Sirena—whose friendship began on the astral plane, long before they met in person. Each has a different gift: Lucy hears what others miss, Clara reads thoughts, Fabiola sees the future, and Sirena can shape emotions. In a world where magic is forbidden and feared, they’ve learned to keep those abilities hidden. But when they arrive at Fletcher University hoping to build a future on their own terms, a fellow student’s disappearance draws them into a mystery that reaches far beyond campus.
Muñoz’s dystopia feels frighteningly close to reality. “The Path” controls nearly every part of life, enforcing conformity and treating difference as a threat. English is the only permitted language; diversity, nature, and the world beyond the dome have been erased, hidden, or reserved for the powerful. Beneath the story’s witchy atmosphere is a sharp critique of racism, classism, sexuality, eugenics, and the dangers of allowing technology and authority to dictate who gets to exist. The world is chilling precisely because its injustices feel recognizable.
Fletcher initially seems like a rare chance for the girls to claim more than the futures society has assigned them—as wives or laborers. But the university has secrets of its own, and the deeper the coven investigates Retta’s disappearance, the more sinister those secrets become. The twists kept me turning pages, while the magic, hidden forest, and growing sense of danger gave the story a wonderfully eerie, suspenseful edge.
What I loved most was the balance between the larger fight against oppression and the intimate story of friendship. These girls are powerful, but they’re also young people figuring out how to live together, trust one another, and make room for change. Their bond is the heart of the book: a reminder that resistance can be found not only in magic and spellcraft, but also in heritage, love, and showing up for one another.
The writing is engaging and the pacing flows so naturally that I finished much faster than I intended. I was completely swept along. The world-building is vivid and full of intriguing possibilities, though it also left me wanting to learn more about the world outside Fletcher and what lies beyond the boundaries of the regime.
My one small wish is that the ending had been clearer and more fully explored. It left me with questions—but also with the strong feeling that this story has room to grow. I’d happily follow these characters into a second and third book.
A compelling, witchy YA dystopia with a fierce friendship at its center, They Called Us Wicked is thrilling, thoughtful, and unsettling in all the right ways. I loved it, and I’m already hoping for more.
The story follows four young brujas—Lucy, Clara, Fabiola, and Sirena—whose friendship began on the astral plane, long before they met in person. Each has a different gift: Lucy hears what others miss, Clara reads thoughts, Fabiola sees the future, and Sirena can shape emotions. In a world where magic is forbidden and feared, they’ve learned to keep those abilities hidden. But when they arrive at Fletcher University hoping to build a future on their own terms, a fellow student’s disappearance draws them into a mystery that reaches far beyond campus.
Muñoz’s dystopia feels frighteningly close to reality. “The Path” controls nearly every part of life, enforcing conformity and treating difference as a threat. English is the only permitted language; diversity, nature, and the world beyond the dome have been erased, hidden, or reserved for the powerful. Beneath the story’s witchy atmosphere is a sharp critique of racism, classism, sexuality, eugenics, and the dangers of allowing technology and authority to dictate who gets to exist. The world is chilling precisely because its injustices feel recognizable.
Fletcher initially seems like a rare chance for the girls to claim more than the futures society has assigned them—as wives or laborers. But the university has secrets of its own, and the deeper the coven investigates Retta’s disappearance, the more sinister those secrets become. The twists kept me turning pages, while the magic, hidden forest, and growing sense of danger gave the story a wonderfully eerie, suspenseful edge.
What I loved most was the balance between the larger fight against oppression and the intimate story of friendship. These girls are powerful, but they’re also young people figuring out how to live together, trust one another, and make room for change. Their bond is the heart of the book: a reminder that resistance can be found not only in magic and spellcraft, but also in heritage, love, and showing up for one another.
The writing is engaging and the pacing flows so naturally that I finished much faster than I intended. I was completely swept along. The world-building is vivid and full of intriguing possibilities, though it also left me wanting to learn more about the world outside Fletcher and what lies beyond the boundaries of the regime.
My one small wish is that the ending had been clearer and more fully explored. It left me with questions—but also with the strong feeling that this story has room to grow. I’d happily follow these characters into a second and third book.
A compelling, witchy YA dystopia with a fierce friendship at its center, They Called Us Wicked is thrilling, thoughtful, and unsettling in all the right ways. I loved it, and I’m already hoping for more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Despite some flaws, I found this to be a gorgeous and unique debut novel. One does not typically see witchy fantasies set in a dystopian future. This makes for an interesting set up for possibilities one does not usually see in the separate lanes of fantasy and dystopia. This also felt like the opposite of something like "The Craft." Four girls in a coven, but they are sensible, reasonably skilled, have some minimum of training from their parents, and act out of love for one another rather than spite or dysfunction. I was also surprised at how dark this was for a YA novel. There might be an argument to classify it as horror as well as fantasy/dystopian. There's definitely some moderately intense body horror in here - multiple times.
I found the writing to be lush and beautiful, full of heart, yearning, and vivid metaphor. There is a compassionate, sensitive tone to the story that provides a comforting counterbalance to the cold, harsh reality these girls are living in. I also felt that the parallels to present day were very poignant. It holds an effective mirror to the cruelty and heartlessness inherent in today's reality. And the narration was just gorgeous.
So here are my notes. Lucy felt pretty like a pretty full person, but some of the other coven members could have been more developed. I didn't have a deep sense of who Clara and Fab were. And the antagonist turned out to be such a cartoon villain that this plot development felt like a stark tone shift to me. And honestly, this wasn't the only issue I had with the ending. I'm glad the plot didn't go a predictable direction, but I personally feel that if you're going to parallel our present reality this closely in fiction, even through metaphor, you should probably have something useful to tell your readers about hope. Even coping would be fine. I could deeply relate to the powerlessness these girls felt (the mark of good writing) but the metaphors to present day all fell apart with the solution at the end of the book because there was little to nothing that I could take hope from. Maybe I'm missing something, but I felt like the ending promoted escaping reality. The ending also felt too rushed compared to the lovely, measured pace and tone of the rest of the book. I just felt like she was rushing to finish the book.
But despite its flaws, I do think this is a promising debut novel. Gloria Munoz is clearly a talented writer. I could see her creating something brilliant in the future and I'll be keeping my eye on her future work.
I found the writing to be lush and beautiful, full of heart, yearning, and vivid metaphor. There is a compassionate, sensitive tone to the story that provides a comforting counterbalance to the cold, harsh reality these girls are living in. I also felt that the parallels to present day were very poignant. It holds an effective mirror to the cruelty and heartlessness inherent in today's reality. And the narration was just gorgeous.
So here are my notes. Lucy felt pretty like a pretty full person, but some of the other coven members could have been more developed. I didn't have a deep sense of who Clara and Fab were. And the antagonist turned out to be such a cartoon villain that this plot development felt like a stark tone shift to me. And honestly, this wasn't the only issue I had with the ending. I'm glad the plot didn't go a predictable direction, but I personally feel that if you're going to parallel our present reality this closely in fiction, even through metaphor, you should probably have something useful to tell your readers about hope. Even coping would be fine. I could deeply relate to the powerlessness these girls felt (the mark of good writing) but the metaphors to present day all fell apart with the solution at the end of the book because there was little to nothing that I could take hope from. Maybe I'm missing something, but I felt like the ending promoted escaping reality. The ending also felt too rushed compared to the lovely, measured pace and tone of the rest of the book. I just felt like she was rushing to finish the book.
But despite its flaws, I do think this is a promising debut novel. Gloria Munoz is clearly a talented writer. I could see her creating something brilliant in the future and I'll be keeping my eye on her future work.
August 21, 2026
3.5 stars
They Called Us Wicked by Gloria Muñoz is a beautifully written YA dystopian/mystery novel about a coven of four young witches who are trying to navigate their first year at a college filled with secrets and conspiracy and where practicing magic is a death sentence. Muñoz’s prose is filled with beautiful imagery that pulled me into her dystopian, magical world. She explores grief, loss, resistance, and rebellion. I love the plot and setting of this story and I especially love the themes of friendship/sisterhood. That said, I think that the story fell short in certain chapters and many scenes ended rather abruptly and without resolution or suspense. Because of this I had a hard time believing they were in any danger. I also think that the romance fell short and was not developed as much as it could’ve been. Overall, it was a good story, worth the read.
Thank you to Holiday House Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
They Called Us Wicked by Gloria Muñoz is a beautifully written YA dystopian/mystery novel about a coven of four young witches who are trying to navigate their first year at a college filled with secrets and conspiracy and where practicing magic is a death sentence. Muñoz’s prose is filled with beautiful imagery that pulled me into her dystopian, magical world. She explores grief, loss, resistance, and rebellion. I love the plot and setting of this story and I especially love the themes of friendship/sisterhood. That said, I think that the story fell short in certain chapters and many scenes ended rather abruptly and without resolution or suspense. Because of this I had a hard time believing they were in any danger. I also think that the romance fell short and was not developed as much as it could’ve been. Overall, it was a good story, worth the read.
Thank you to Holiday House Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
November 4, 2026
ALC from Netgalley/RBmedia
The writing style in this is beautiful. I also loved the themes of collonialism and how it parallels practices the US has done and continues to do. The reason for my rating is because I think that this wraps up to fast and felt incomplete.
The narrators cadence was absolutely perfect for this audiobook. I wish there was some ambience/music added through it.
The writing style in this is beautiful. I also loved the themes of collonialism and how it parallels practices the US has done and continues to do. The reason for my rating is because I think that this wraps up to fast and felt incomplete.
The narrators cadence was absolutely perfect for this audiobook. I wish there was some ambience/music added through it.
November 5, 2026
A beautiful debut. Dystopian witchy novel about found family & choosing to stand out when society forces you to assimilate. I’d love to read more from this universe. Thank you rb media for this gifted alc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for access to this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
They Called Us Wicked follows four young brujas who have been best friends since childhood, despite never having met in person. Lucy can hear what others cannot, Clara can read thoughts, Fabiola can see the future, and Sirena can manipulate emotions. In a society where magic is treated as dangerous and difference is something to be controlled, the girls have learned to hide who they are. When they finally come together at Fletcher University, they expect college, friendship, and a little freedom. Instead, the disappearance of Lucy’s roommate pulls them into a mystery that exposes just how deeply the anti-magic regime reaches.
This book is definitely multi-genre in the best way. It is dystopian, dark academia, paranormal fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age all at once, and somehow those pieces work together really well.
What stood out most to me was how much this story is actually saying underneath the magic. It explores oppression, assimilation, privilege, the Latine diaspora, prejudice, and what happens when systems of power decide which identities are acceptable and which ones need to be erased. The world feels frightening because so much of it is recognizable.
The friendship between the girls is also such a strong part of the story. Their powers are interesting, but their relationships, their differences, and the way they learn to trust and support one another are really the heart of the book.
The narration was perfection. The audiobook made the characters feel distinct and alive, and the pacing is incredibly fast. I flew through this.
My only real struggle is that this world is so well developed and has so much potential that the book almost feels too short. There were pieces of the society, the magic, and the larger political structure that I wanted to spend much more time exploring. The ending also felt intentionally ambiguous, which left me with a lot of questions.
I really hope this does not remain a standalone, because this world feels like it has so much more story left in it. I would absolutely come back for another book.
They Called Us Wicked follows four young brujas who have been best friends since childhood, despite never having met in person. Lucy can hear what others cannot, Clara can read thoughts, Fabiola can see the future, and Sirena can manipulate emotions. In a society where magic is treated as dangerous and difference is something to be controlled, the girls have learned to hide who they are. When they finally come together at Fletcher University, they expect college, friendship, and a little freedom. Instead, the disappearance of Lucy’s roommate pulls them into a mystery that exposes just how deeply the anti-magic regime reaches.
This book is definitely multi-genre in the best way. It is dystopian, dark academia, paranormal fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age all at once, and somehow those pieces work together really well.
What stood out most to me was how much this story is actually saying underneath the magic. It explores oppression, assimilation, privilege, the Latine diaspora, prejudice, and what happens when systems of power decide which identities are acceptable and which ones need to be erased. The world feels frightening because so much of it is recognizable.
The friendship between the girls is also such a strong part of the story. Their powers are interesting, but their relationships, their differences, and the way they learn to trust and support one another are really the heart of the book.
The narration was perfection. The audiobook made the characters feel distinct and alive, and the pacing is incredibly fast. I flew through this.
My only real struggle is that this world is so well developed and has so much potential that the book almost feels too short. There were pieces of the society, the magic, and the larger political structure that I wanted to spend much more time exploring. The ending also felt intentionally ambiguous, which left me with a lot of questions.
I really hope this does not remain a standalone, because this world feels like it has so much more story left in it. I would absolutely come back for another book.
November 3, 2026
Title: They Called us Wicked
Author: Gloria Muñoz
Genre: Sci/Fantasy, YA/Teen
Format: 🎧
Performed by Elena Rey
Publisher: RB Media
Pub Date: November 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 288
The story follows —Lucy, Clara, Fabiola, and Sirena—whose friendship began on the astral plane, before they met in person.
They each have a different gift:
Lucy hears what others miss,
Clara reads thoughts,
Fabiola sees the future, and
Sirena can shape emotions.
They live in a world where magic is forbidden and feared, so they have learned to keep their gifts hidden.
Story is told from Lucy’s POV
When they enrolled in the prestigious Fletcher University they are excited and look forward to a great freshman year. Only negative is they cannot be roommates; the University likes to mix things up and Freshmen must room with someone they don’t know. Lucy’s roommate is Retta who is an early riser and goes to bed early, Lucy is the opposite. One night when Lucy is out late and of course, Retta is sleeping however when Lucy enters the room Retta started shouting –“I don’t have it- please leave me alone”. Lucy wakes her. Retta tells her that shadows are chasing her, but she doesn’t have what they want. As Lucy continues to talk to her, it seems she may have magic powers and is not aware? Is that possible?
But when Retta disappearance, Lucy and her best friends went into investigation mode. They find there is a mystery connected to Fletcher
that may reach beyond the campus.
I was drawn to this as I am in a witchy mood. I recently read Freida McFadden’s “The Witch” as well as Nora Roberts “The Birth of a Witch”.
Since I like thrillers on a college campus or boarding school I was in!
However, I am sure Ms. Munoz had no idea she would be competing with two outstanding authors. However, not to worry as this story was not like the others.
The ending was a wild ride!
I want to thank NetGalley and RB Media for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Author: Gloria Muñoz
Genre: Sci/Fantasy, YA/Teen
Format: 🎧
Performed by Elena Rey
Publisher: RB Media
Pub Date: November 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 288
The story follows —Lucy, Clara, Fabiola, and Sirena—whose friendship began on the astral plane, before they met in person.
They each have a different gift:
Lucy hears what others miss,
Clara reads thoughts,
Fabiola sees the future, and
Sirena can shape emotions.
They live in a world where magic is forbidden and feared, so they have learned to keep their gifts hidden.
Story is told from Lucy’s POV
When they enrolled in the prestigious Fletcher University they are excited and look forward to a great freshman year. Only negative is they cannot be roommates; the University likes to mix things up and Freshmen must room with someone they don’t know. Lucy’s roommate is Retta who is an early riser and goes to bed early, Lucy is the opposite. One night when Lucy is out late and of course, Retta is sleeping however when Lucy enters the room Retta started shouting –“I don’t have it- please leave me alone”. Lucy wakes her. Retta tells her that shadows are chasing her, but she doesn’t have what they want. As Lucy continues to talk to her, it seems she may have magic powers and is not aware? Is that possible?
But when Retta disappearance, Lucy and her best friends went into investigation mode. They find there is a mystery connected to Fletcher
that may reach beyond the campus.
I was drawn to this as I am in a witchy mood. I recently read Freida McFadden’s “The Witch” as well as Nora Roberts “The Birth of a Witch”.
Since I like thrillers on a college campus or boarding school I was in!
However, I am sure Ms. Munoz had no idea she would be competing with two outstanding authors. However, not to worry as this story was not like the others.
The ending was a wild ride!
I want to thank NetGalley and RB Media for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
They Called Us Wicked was a unique blend of YA dystopian fantasy, magic, and coming-of-age that really pulled me in. I loved the concept of four brujas who had been connected through the astral plane finally coming together in the real world. Their friendship was easily the heart of the story, and I appreciated how much emphasis was placed on loyalty, identity, and standing up against oppression.
The worldbuilding was imaginative, especially the hidden magic and enchanted forest beneath the university, and I enjoyed the way the story explored themes of heritage, belonging, and resistance. The characters felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for the entire coven as they uncovered the truth behind the anti-magic regime.
At times, I wished the pacing had been a little tighter, particularly in the middle, but once the mystery picked up, I was fully invested. The blend of magic, mystery, romance, and friendship made for a compelling read, and the ending left me excited to see what comes next.
Overall, this was an engaging and thoughtful YA fantasy with a powerful message and a cast of characters I won't forget.
The worldbuilding was imaginative, especially the hidden magic and enchanted forest beneath the university, and I enjoyed the way the story explored themes of heritage, belonging, and resistance. The characters felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for the entire coven as they uncovered the truth behind the anti-magic regime.
At times, I wished the pacing had been a little tighter, particularly in the middle, but once the mystery picked up, I was fully invested. The blend of magic, mystery, romance, and friendship made for a compelling read, and the ending left me excited to see what comes next.
Overall, this was an engaging and thoughtful YA fantasy with a powerful message and a cast of characters I won't forget.
November 4, 2026
What a cool freaking book.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to RBMedia for the alc!
First and foremost, I grew up in the YA dystopian heyday, so I was obviously going to want to read this, but the added witchy aspect of this was something I haven't seen much. I definitely enjoyed it!
This is one of those sort of amorphous magic systems, and Lucy's power is manipulating sound waves, which sort of works in a lot of different ways. It's a pretty standard dystopian society, only in this version of the US, magic was existent and subsequently outlawed to create a "true meritocracy". The twist is pretty dang twisted, too.
Lucy is our POV character, and she meets 3 other magical girls in the astral plane. They decide to go to college together to meet irl for the first time. There, as "potentials" they must constantly prove themselves and their commitment to the Path (somewhere between a religion and a regime). When Lucy's roommate disappears, she investigates and find that things are a whole lot weirder than she thought.
Narration was excellent.
4.25/5
I received an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to RBMedia for the alc!
First and foremost, I grew up in the YA dystopian heyday, so I was obviously going to want to read this, but the added witchy aspect of this was something I haven't seen much. I definitely enjoyed it!
This is one of those sort of amorphous magic systems, and Lucy's power is manipulating sound waves, which sort of works in a lot of different ways. It's a pretty standard dystopian society, only in this version of the US, magic was existent and subsequently outlawed to create a "true meritocracy". The twist is pretty dang twisted, too.
Lucy is our POV character, and she meets 3 other magical girls in the astral plane. They decide to go to college together to meet irl for the first time. There, as "potentials" they must constantly prove themselves and their commitment to the Path (somewhere between a religion and a regime). When Lucy's roommate disappears, she investigates and find that things are a whole lot weirder than she thought.
Narration was excellent.
4.25/5
November 7, 2026
They Called Us Wicked is my second book I’ve read by Gloria Muñoz, and at this point, I'll be reading anything she writes. Gloria has a unique voice and a beautiful way of telling stories about young adults, blending important themes with compelling characters and imaginative world-building.
I especially enjoyed the rich world-building, strong character development, and fascinating magic system. The mystery woven throughout the story kept me engaged and eager to learn the truth alongside the characters.
The story follows four teens, Lucy, Clara, Fabiola, and Sirena, who became friends as children after discovering they were all hiding extraordinary powers. Their bond, as well as the challenges they face as they uncover secrets about themselves and their world, was one of my favorite aspects of the novel.
What stood out most was how the story explored friendship, identity, family, and belonging while maintaining a sense of wonder and suspense. Each character felt distinct, and I found myself invested in their journeys.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I especially enjoyed the rich world-building, strong character development, and fascinating magic system. The mystery woven throughout the story kept me engaged and eager to learn the truth alongside the characters.
The story follows four teens, Lucy, Clara, Fabiola, and Sirena, who became friends as children after discovering they were all hiding extraordinary powers. Their bond, as well as the challenges they face as they uncover secrets about themselves and their world, was one of my favorite aspects of the novel.
What stood out most was how the story explored friendship, identity, family, and belonging while maintaining a sense of wonder and suspense. Each character felt distinct, and I found myself invested in their journeys.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2026
A magical ya sci-fi slash urban dystopian fantasy with lgbtq+ and bipoc rep (if I had to put this in a category there’s no way I could niche this down to 1 genre).
While there are dropped storyline and plot holes, I really enjoyed this book! It is an ambitious debut novel that hits hard on topics relevant to today and how if politics were to continue the maga/heritage foundation trajectory could be a reality, minus the witches with magic part. One of the things I love most about YA novels is how they delve into deep and meaningful topics in an intelligent/academic way that’s still easily accessible and understood by the majority, and I feel like Gloria Munoz did it justice. I am hopeful this story will get a sequel (or more) as there really was and is so much more to explore in this world.
Elena Ray is a wonderful YA narrator. Her voice has depth, keeps the characters sounding age appropriate, and emotes so believably. In fact listening to a sample of this book it was her narration that convinced me to listen.
Thank you RBMedia for the ALC
While there are dropped storyline and plot holes, I really enjoyed this book! It is an ambitious debut novel that hits hard on topics relevant to today and how if politics were to continue the maga/heritage foundation trajectory could be a reality, minus the witches with magic part. One of the things I love most about YA novels is how they delve into deep and meaningful topics in an intelligent/academic way that’s still easily accessible and understood by the majority, and I feel like Gloria Munoz did it justice. I am hopeful this story will get a sequel (or more) as there really was and is so much more to explore in this world.
Elena Ray is a wonderful YA narrator. Her voice has depth, keeps the characters sounding age appropriate, and emotes so believably. In fact listening to a sample of this book it was her narration that convinced me to listen.
Thank you RBMedia for the ALC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a wonderfully delightful book. I love the contrast of the world in the book and the parallels that can be taken in the world now. The main characters are witches who lost their parent or parents and are at a college, Fletcher, that is trying to make them conform. They can't speak any language except English, they need to find ways to make workers more efficient, and they need to hide their magic. Fletcher is trying to take away their individuality and their magic. Something isn't right, things are different, there's something that is just wrong.
The narrator is great. I felt completely consumed by the book while listening. I enjoyed the audiobook.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC!
The narrator is great. I felt completely consumed by the book while listening. I enjoyed the audiobook.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this is a great book for middle schoolers/HS. It was a bit too YA for me(and I love YA), but I thought the messaging was strong(very obvious). Four best friend witches enter into college and everything is stacked against them. They are fighting against racism, unlawful treatment, and so much more.
I thought their friend group was fun and I love how they supported each other. We are watching two of the girls realize their feelings for each other(adorable). We also are having conversations around consent-loved that.
I think if I read this in middle school I would have learned ALOT and I’m going to definitely recommend this to my kids when they are older.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC.
I thought their friend group was fun and I love how they supported each other. We are watching two of the girls realize their feelings for each other(adorable). We also are having conversations around consent-loved that.
I think if I read this in middle school I would have learned ALOT and I’m going to definitely recommend this to my kids when they are older.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
They Called Us Wicked is a very unique YA dystopian witchy vibes with political intrigue book. I like it for a young adult because of the political intrigue. I also liked the time manipulation and the cultural changes. For a young adult book I feel like this one will trigger thought into young people to have an open mind and think about our political landscape and cultures while still providing a fun and intriguing story to keep people engaged. If you are looking for romance this isn’t really the book for you it’s more about friendships and bonds while getting through a difficult political academic landscape. It’s well written and certainly a quickly thoughtful read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise of this story is really interesting and unique. A dystopian future where everything is controlled by corrupt leaders who make everyone else prescribe to The Path.
A world where people don’t matter only money and things like books, music, and magic aren’t allowed.
But they still exist. And not everyone is trying to follow The Path.
Unfortunately as interesting as the premise is, the execution fell a bit flat. The characters come across a bit trite (heavy on the not like other girls) and one dimensional. So while this was interesting it ended up being just an okay read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
A world where people don’t matter only money and things like books, music, and magic aren’t allowed.
But they still exist. And not everyone is trying to follow The Path.
Unfortunately as interesting as the premise is, the execution fell a bit flat. The characters come across a bit trite (heavy on the not like other girls) and one dimensional. So while this was interesting it ended up being just an okay read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
November 7, 2026
ALC recieved from netgalley
This was a fun concept as it features witches in a dystopian world. The world building was interesting and it was scattered throughout the story as to how the world got to the point it's at now without being info dumping. The magic was well described and there are some beautiful scenes in the astral plane. The found family coven was well established and developed throughout the story. It has a good balance of rebellion against oppression and a story of friendship, coming of age and learning their powers. The narration was easy to follow and overall this was a fun blend of genres that was not too complex and had relevant social commentary woven in.
This was a fun concept as it features witches in a dystopian world. The world building was interesting and it was scattered throughout the story as to how the world got to the point it's at now without being info dumping. The magic was well described and there are some beautiful scenes in the astral plane. The found family coven was well established and developed throughout the story. It has a good balance of rebellion against oppression and a story of friendship, coming of age and learning their powers. The narration was easy to follow and overall this was a fun blend of genres that was not too complex and had relevant social commentary woven in.
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
This was SO MUCH FUN! I've yet to read a book with such a unique world that looks at the future and asks big questions while still moving at a page-turning pace. Honestly, I could not put this down! Big themes include friendship, mutual aid, gatekeeping of knowledge, stepping into your power, finding your own voice, speaking out. Hope to pitch it to my local bookstore's YA book club because this novel would be so fun to discuss with others. The twists (no spoilers) surprised me. Will likely read it again because this brilliant book was a ride and I want to spend more time in its world.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm incredibly grateful I got an early look at this one!! I fell hard for Muñoz’s writing after “This Is the Year” and she did not disappoint here.
“They Called Us Wicked” had me hooked from the jump! The coven friendships are everything and they feel so real. The whole anti-magic resistance/dark school secrets thing genuinely wild. If you love campus fantasy with found family vibes and a mystery that keeps unraveling, RUN to preorder this one. Gloria, you did it again 🖤
“They Called Us Wicked” had me hooked from the jump! The coven friendships are everything and they feel so real. The whole anti-magic resistance/dark school secrets thing genuinely wild. If you love campus fantasy with found family vibes and a mystery that keeps unraveling, RUN to preorder this one. Gloria, you did it again 🖤
Review of advance copy
The witchy read I've been waiting for! Smart, funny, and relatable (awkward and endearing) main character. The astral plane as a setting is brilliant. The future might be grim in dystopian fiction, but Muñoz makes sure that there is also a streak of hope running through it.
May 25, 2026
2.75/5 Full review later in SLJ.
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