Publisher: Labyrinth Road
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Library: Already on it's way!
Synopsis
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, and emotion
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, and emotion
Review
I've been waiting for Blood at the Root for so long. The idea of a magical HBCU is long overdue so I was glad to get an ARC and read this book so early in it's publishing life. For me as a reader there were parts of the book that were a little slow but I think that's because I had so many questions and there was so much I wanted to know. I wanted to see Malik uncover more of his moms past and learn more about why she left school. I knew his family knew more than they were telling him and it killed me that they wouldn't just come out with it. That being said, I wish we'd spent more time with the family. Uncle Sam (although I'm not sure if he was an uncle or great uncle??) Brigitte, what was their story???!!! I started wondering very early in the book who Malik's father might be, and I'm almost positive I know who it is! I felt like there could have been a million side quests in the book and I wish he had seen more of them, but that's alright.
I have to say, I really love seeing male friendships. Malik and Taye were wonderful, but I also really like the relationship between Malik and his roommate. We don't see enough male friendships that viewers or readers don't start shipping (I really hope that doesn't happen here), seeing a boy and his friends doing their best is one of my favorite things!
The end of this book took off! A million things happened all at once and I loved it. I wish we had seen a few more battle scenes to balance the introspection in the book and learning about the the magical world, but I thought this was a great book and I can't wait for the second on.
I have to say, I really love seeing male friendships. Malik and Taye were wonderful, but I also really like the relationship between Malik and his roommate. We don't see enough male friendships that viewers or readers don't start shipping (I really hope that doesn't happen here), seeing a boy and his friends doing their best is one of my favorite things!
The end of this book took off! A million things happened all at once and I loved it. I wish we had seen a few more battle scenes to balance the introspection in the book and learning about the the magical world, but I thought this was a great book and I can't wait for the second on.
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