Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
A Review By: KH
Ten years ago, Malik's life changed forever the night his mother mysteriously vanished and he discovered he had uncontrollable powers. Since then, he has kept his abilities hidden, looking out for himself and his younger foster brother, Taye. Now, at 17, Malik is finally ready to start a new life for both of them, far from the trauma of his past. However, a daring act to rescue Taye reveals an unexpected connection with his long-lost grandmother: a legendary conjurer with ties to a hidden magical university that Malik’s mother attended.
At Caiman University, Malik’s eyes are opened to a future he never could have envisioned for himself—one that includes the reappearance of his first love, Alexis. His search for answers about his heritage, his powers, and what really happened to his mother exposes the cracks in their magical community as it faces a reawakened evil dating back to the Haitian Revolution. Together with Alexis, Malik discovers a lot beneath the surface at Caiman: feuding covens and magical politics, forbidden knowledge and buried mysteries.
In a wholly unique saga of family, history and community, Malik must embrace his legacy to save what's left of his old family as well as his new one. Exploring the roots and secrets that connect us in an unforgettable contemporary setting, this heart-pounding fantasy series opener is a rich tapestry of atmosphere, intrigue, and emotion.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2024
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): LaDarrion Williams, Jaylyn Hall
Malik is an angry teen plagued with memories that haunt him. He just wants out of his small town with the only person he calls family, his foster brother, Tay.
This book gave everything I hoped for. A hidden magic school, Camden University. Which gives you all the resemblance of what we know HBCU's to be. They have sororities and fraternities, all centered around your type of magic. Classes to help students hone their skills.
But in the backdrop of that, we have a story about a boy who, not only hated his powers, he was scared of them. We're introduced to Malik at what could be considered his worst and see him discover himself, embrace what he can do. The narrator gives us all the emotion that comes with the angst, fear and anger that Malik has to navigate through. Learning things of his past that may dictate his future.
There are some unanswered questions when we come to the end of the story. But I suppose that's with a purpose.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 4 (It’s lit!)
Content Warnings? Physical abuse/violence, Human or animal loss
