“Maximum suspense, unusual magic—a whole new, thrilling approach to fantasy!”—Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling authorPowerful magic. A deadly legacy. A world at the edge of war. Prepare to be spellbound by The Black Witch.Elloren Gardner is the spitting image of her grandmother, who drove back the enemy forces in the last Realm War. But while her people believe she will follow in her … in the last Realm War. But while her people believe she will follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and become the next Black Witch of prophecy, Elloren is devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.
When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren joins her brothers at Verpax University. But she soon realizes that the university may be the most treacherous place of all for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.
As evil looms and the pressure to live up to her heritage builds, Elloren’s best hope of survival may be among a secret band of rebels…if only she can find the courage to trust those she’s been taught to fear.
Critics are raving about Laurie Forest’s incredible debut, The Black Witch:
“We fell under the spell of this rich, diverse, Potter-worthy university world!”
—Justine magazine
“Forest uses a richly imagined magical world to offer an uncompromising condemnation of prejudice and injustice.”
—Booklist, starred review
“Exquisite character work, an elaborate mythology, and a spectacularly rendered universe make this a noteworthy debut, which argues passionately against fascism and xenophobia.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Briskly paced, tightly plotted…set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Books in The Black Witch Chronicles:
The Black Witch
The Iron Flower
The Shadow Wand
The Demon Tide
Wandfasted (ebook novella)
Light Mage (ebook novella)
* Also available in print in The Rebel Mages anthology
more
It was a slow start for me first 50 pages was thinking of giving up on this book, but thanks goodness I didn’t. It is a great book and now I can’t stop reading or thinking about all the characters. Bought the second one without hesitation and love it from the start. If you are the Harry Potter nerd like me you will enjoy these books a lot.
This was a fast past, don’t put it down or you’ll miss something book. The second book was great until the ending (left you hanging with no part 2 insight). If you love fantasy you’ll love this. It takes place in a what we call a college setting with very unique characters – no two are alike. Is he a good guy or not… is always on your mind.
The characters are so engaging and the world so fascinating, I will probably pay full price to read the rest of the series. The fantasy setting addresses gender and diversity issues in our world without being didactic. I especially recommend this series for teenage fantasy fans.
Very good!
Okay, it is standard YA trope stuff. Young girl, reared in obscurity, suddenly finds she is beautiful, has incredible magical power, has several handsome powerful young men lusting after her, has a beautiful and apparently stronger girl bullying her (and who is theoretically involved with one of the young men) who gets away with all sorts of rule-breaking. And of course, a prophecy that she alone can save the world …. What sets these books apart is how the authors handle the stereotype.
Black Witch is easy to read, and well enough written. But, honestly, it’s chock-full of flashing neon signs. “Look here! This is an important irony!” “Over here! Notice this, now!” Amid all the flashing arrows there’s not a few being-hit-over-the-head-with-a-hammer moments, too. Subtle, it is not.
Despite this heavy-handedness, the main character’s development feels real. No blinding moment that somehow changes her mindset and patterns (this happens so often – how many times in real life is one insight enough to change an entire way of believing/acting?) So big kudos to the author for believably here!
There is complexity, and the main character is reasonably compelling. But about half way through I felt like I already knew what was going to happen. Just too much heavy-handed writing not to make it clear. She will learn this. The pawn will become a queen. She will stand up to that. She will triumph here. She will save the world. Yes, of course. That’s the point of this genre. But the author is trying too hard. Too many oppressed, too many bad guys.
I’m not inspired to read the sequel, but for fans of this genre, go for it!
it moves a little slow at first but then it build, wild people in the story, some funny , some sad thanks for the read
Loved this book and it’s sequel (and prequel). The characters were interesting and I enjoyed their evolution. The heroine was not what I expected…she was weak but possessed strength in unexpected ways. She was not always perfect and that was refreshing. The Black Witch is set in a diverse world where the good guys and bad guys aren’t so clear cut and it forces you to ask good questions….can you look past appearance to the person? Do we “do unto others as they have done to us”? Where does mercy, grace and forgiveness intersect with our enemies. Very good!
A delightful read… watching for the second book in this new series!
A MAGNIFICENT read!!!
This was such an incredible story! Not only does the author transport the reader to the amazing world of Etheria as Elloren Gardner leaves her small village to attend University amongst other beings and races amidst a growing tyrannical ruling by her people, but she manages to spin the story in a way that sends an ever important message of how different cultures are cultivated, religions formed and how those beliefs can ultimately shape the minds of those that blindly follow.
Elloren learns this lesson from the start. Highly revered for her resemblance to her grandmother, the former Black Witch, it’s expected she follow in her footsteps to be just as powerful, but when she doesn’t appear to be who they’d hoped, she easily overlooked by her people. But her grandmothers infamy is just as great among the other races and their feelings are much different toward her and her people. She learns to question the behavior and beliefs she grew up with and begins to take the time to get to know these others, sometimes to her own detriment, but quickly learns not all is what it appears to be.
This story was beyond beautiful. They say it was told, the lessons that could be learned about prejudice, blind hatred and blind belief…it was stunning. The imagery and characters were colorful and vibrant and lively.
This was truly a magnificent tale!!
I couldn’t put this down. Absolutely addicting!
The story starts with an innocent girl raised in a very isolated area. Elloren comes from a powerful magical family but was born without magic. She is also unaware of what is going on in the real world because her small town lacks diversity.
Her world changes when she leaves to study at a large university. There are shapeshifters, mages, elves, and other different beings… but the diversity in the school isn’t what shocks her. She is surprised to discover that not everyone sees her ancestors as heros.
Throughout the book, Elloren is either harassed or praised due to her lineage. She feels hatred towards her tormentors, but her hate turns into confusion as she discovers the ugly truth.
I did find that certain parts should have been edited out. The author tries to explain all the unfair situations, and I just wanted to say ‘WE GET IT. MOVE ON WITH THE STORY.’ But overall, Laurie Forest creates a meaningful story by using strong characters, fantasy, adventure, and romance.
Loved it. I couldn’t put down. Great fantasy story.
I saw this book as a Tamora Pierce recommended. She has never let me down and I do not think she ever will. This book definitely had me guessing the whole time. I did not know what to aspect. I loved the fact that the heroine of the book is not your typical heroine. You see her grow and become stronger. The points Laura Forest brings up in this book are currently what we are dealing with in the real world. She wraps these points into a book based on fantasy.
Enjoyable.
A very “real” protagonist learns who she is and decides who she wants to be after learning the realities of what she’s been taught to believe about herself, her people, and those who are, “other.” I hope there’s a sequel. It ended much too abruptly.
Loved it! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
The Black Witch is going straight to my I-will-never-get-tired-or-reading shelve. Is the kind of book that makes you feel every emotion, anxiously go through the pages, wishing it never ends, and think about it when you go to sleep. I could write a detailed and full of spoilers review, but I don’t want you to miss the opportunity to experience it all by yourself.
The worldbuilding is magnificent, perfectly described along the chapters without dragging the story down. The descriptions of the places and the people are so vivid you can see everything, which is perfect because you don’t wanna miss one bit of this magical new world.
Elloren is a 17 year old Gardnerian, the ruling “superior” race of mages. Descendant of a long line of powerful mages, including the most powerful of them all: The Black Witch, her grandmother. She lives with her uncle Edwyn and 2 brothers, Rafe and Trystan, in a small village. Her life is quiet and calm until her aunt Vyvian, a powerful mage, shows up deciding is time for Elloren to get Wandfasted (married). But Elloren has other plans, (thanks Ancient One). She wants to make a life for herself before becoming tied to someone, something her uncle supports, so she decides to go to college first. Her aunt Vyvian has her own plans for Elloren, and she’s willing to enforce those plans weather Elloren agrees or not. Vyvian’s habit of getting her way uncovers her true self.
The characters have a wide spectrum. From the ones you know are gonna be a headache for Elloren. To those that are very difficult to figure out until the moment is right. It’s one of the first times I’ve found myself loving so many characters at once, but is just impossible to pick a favorite, there’s a fierce wolf girl, beautiful and powerful Elves, interesting “demons”, and of course Elloren.
I loved Elloren, she’s intelligent and brave. Despite having so many prejudices being fed up to her she’s able to make her own opinion. She rises up to bullies and has a conscience. Her journey to uncovering the truth is a long and painful one, both for her and those around her, but is well worth it.
The character development is exquisite. Not only Elloren’s but everyone else’s. Just as she had to fight her prejudice, so do those around her. They have to learn to trust her, a difficult task given her resemblance to the Black Witch. But, soon they have to learn to see beyond as she did, that actions speak of someone’s true self more than anything else. We see Elloren gain nerve, protecting her friends and doing what’s right becomes her first priority.
Danger abounds, moments were you just can’t take your eyes of the pages. Once enemies, become friends and allies, the horrid acts of the governing class more obvious, the charade of perfection falls. And the end, the end is perfect, leaving you anxious to know what’s next and with new questions burning.
What I liked the most about The Black Witch is how relatable it is to our world. The segregation of the higher social classes, the religious prudeness, the prejudice that stops people of different cultures to know each other better. Laurie does a great job presenting all the points of view of the conflict.
Overall, an emotional and philosophical rollercoaster, full of magic, action, and powerful messages. A must read for those who know how to keep an open mind and are hungry for something refreshing.
My favorite lines:
“People see what they expect to see. Through a filter of their own hatred and prejudice.”
“My apologies. I forgot that your religion is the only one correct.”
I was impressed with the characters and the timelessness of the book. There was a little of everything in just the right amount. Fantasy, romance, and lots of magic. And yes there were dragons. I won’t spoil the story but I will say, it made me get the prequel and am waiting for the next book. I have got to see where the romance goes as well as the next phase of fantasy and magic.
Ms. Woods also touches on many current themes; bullying, prejudice, and genocide. You feel for her characters. You even root for them.
This book was so good. I started it on Sunday and finished it this morning. To be honest I didn’t know what it was about but saw thumbnails of the book cover on Booktube and decided to pick it up. I also really liked the cover and it gave me chills. Chills in a good way. The book has a mixture of fantasy world building, magical elements and a female character that was easy to relate to.I like how regardless of Elloren’s struggles with fitting into the world she knew nothing about she kept true to herself. I also like the fact that the book touches topics of prejudice and discrimination.