Labyrinth Lost

A Latin American mythology-infused portal fantasy where Alex, a bruja who rejects her power, accidentally banishes her entire family during her Deathday celebration. The journey through Los Lagos—a dark in-between realm—draws from Santeria, Dominican, and Afro-Cuban traditions in ways that feel genuinely lived-in rather than decorative. The love triangle resolves in favor of Rishi (F/F), though Nova gets more page time. Zero spice—this is YA through and through—but the family bonds and cultural identity themes hit hard. The all-POC cast and bisexual protagonist were groundbreaking for 2016 YA fantasy.