Blood at the Root
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams is a young adult fantasy novel published by Random House Children’s Books on May 7, 2024. This edition spans 432 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Malik, a teenager who has been hiding his magical abilities since his mother mysteriously vanished a decade ago. As he embarks on a journey to start anew with his younger foster brother, Taye, Malik discovers a connection to his long-lost grandmother and a hidden magical university, Caiman, which his mother attended.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines themes of family, heritage, and community within a contemporary fantasy setting. At Caiman University, Malik encounters not only the reappearance of his first love, Alexis, but also the complexities of a magical community facing a reawakened evil linked to historical events. As he navigates feuding covens and unearths buried mysteries, Malik must confront his past and embrace his legacy to protect both his old and new families. This debut marks the beginning of a unique saga that explores the roots and secrets that connect individuals in a richly woven tale.
Official synopsis Publisher
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A COSMOPOLITAN BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE YEAR
A teenager on the run from his past finds the family he never knew existed and the community he never knew he needed at an HBCU for the young, Black, and magical. Enroll in the debut of a fresh fantasy series unlike anything you’ve seen before.
“Brings magical living to an HBCU in an unforgettable young adult adventure.”—People
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.
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