Blood at the Root
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams, published by Random House Children’s Books on May 7, 2024, is a young adult fantasy novel that follows a teenager named Malik as he navigates a world filled with magic and self-discovery. After a traumatic past marked by the mysterious disappearance of his mother and the burden of hidden powers, Malik embarks on a journey to find his long-lost family and a sense of belonging at Caiman University, a hidden magical institution for young Black individuals.
In this debut installment of a fresh fantasy series, readers will encounter Malik’s quest for answers about his heritage and the reawakening of an ancient evil linked to the Haitian Revolution. As he reconnects with his first love, Alexis, and uncovers the complexities of magical politics and community dynamics, Malik must confront the challenges of his past while embracing his legacy. This 432-page edition offers a rich exploration of family, history, and the bonds that unite us, set against the backdrop of a contemporary magical landscape.
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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