Let me start by saying: YOU ALL NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. It exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. From the captivating characters like Baron Samedi, Brigette, and Mama Aya to the incredible lead, Malik, this novel had me hooked from the start. The intertwining storylines and unexpected twists kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

A magical HBCU setting? Count me in! The magic elements were brilliantly executed, with epic scenes that left me guessing every step of the way. Even the side characters were wonderfully developed, each with their own lovable quirks and complex motivations, including some unforgettable villains.

Without delving into spoilers, I’ll just say that the journey Malik embarks on, spurred by a childhood encounter with magic, is nothing short of mesmerizing. As he navigates his newfound powers and uncovers his heritage at the HBCU, the depth of world-building and character development shines through. The vividly detailed writing, particularly in the exploration of memories, was a standout for me.

If you’re a fan of YA and fantasy, this book is an absolute must-read. I, for one, am already clamoring for more. And can we take a moment to appreciate the stunning cover? Its beautiful blue hues perfectly complement the enchanting story within. I simply can’t find a single fault in this flawless novel.

LaDarrion gave us a story so heavily steeped in Black culture. I mean if it was tea, that tea bag sat in that water for 10 years and you forgot what color the water was to begin with because the hue at the end was so deeply rich. I absolutely loved how he wrote in his authentic voice and infused the story with references that many of us in the Black community are very familiar with. The AAVE…it just read so natural to me. Like I was listening to a friend talk and I applaud LaDarrion for making the decision to fully lean into AAVE and the publisher for not watering it down.

I also really enjoyed the writing. It’s very sensory and detailed in a way that I could see the scenes playing out in my mind and I felt like I was put into Malik’s shoes; making the movements he made and feeling what he felt. This story is a great foundation to be adapted to screen. I really hope we get to see this story on screen one day.

Overall, I enjoyed the mystery of the plot. I was fully invested in finding out about Malik’s mother and following his journey of discovery. The beginning 25% and ending 25% had me fully engaged. I do think some of the primary focus was lost in the middle at times. I still really enjoyed because of the secrets, lies, betrayals, and revelations. Towards the end when secrets really start coming to the light, I was literally screaming.
Can’t wait for book 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced eARC.

The cover art and synopsis drew me into the story but it was not what I expected. I found it confusing and often had to turn back pages to figure out what I had just read. The base story was good but it seemed to be over done with all of the different story lines included. I'm sure there is a segment of reader for this series, it's just not to my taste.

First let me say, I've been looking forward to this book. I've heard so much about it and the author has been on my FYP for months. In addition, I am Haitian, so I was very proud and happy to read aspects of my culture being represented. The premise of the book was also very interesting, an HBCU for magic practitioners! A black Harry Potter, a book about black boy joy!, no racial trauma! I couldn't wait. You can't imagine my disappointment.

There were so many things that pulled me out of the story that I don't know where to start. I guess we can start with the book being marketed as "no trauma", and black boy joy," There is nothing joyful about Malik. The book literally starts with trauma. Then we have the KAAVE as his magical root, Really? K (king?) African American Vernacular English, and I'm assuming the K stands for king since Malik means king. That is so lazy!

Let's deal with the language. This book read like a white person wrote it. A white person who thought they were speaking "black". I expected to read "jive turkey" at some point. It was that bad. So many "ain't, finna, fasho!" etc it was ridiculous! The way words were continually being dragged out "cuuute, gooood, dayuuuum" I HAAAATED it. No one talks like that. Then Mama Aya would say "baybeh" in one place, then back to saying "baby" which is it?

Now let's talk about the kreyol. I am a native speaker and my feelings were hurt. The way the language was spoken in the book, it was clear the author didn't check with a native speaker. The words were translated word for word, and any linguist will tell you that is not always the best way. I was so disappointed.

Here's the thing, this story has potential. A rewrite and a better editor will save it. An editor who takes the time to research the culture that is being represented. Someone who respects the culture. Because it felt like cosplay to me. The author did not display a love or respect for the folklore he is borrowing from. I hate the fact that I couldn't finish the book, but I felt so insulted, I simply couldn't go on. If a re-write is done, I would love to read the final version, but I'm sure at this point, it wouldn't be possible. Sadly this book will not have done much to provide the diaspora with a story that I think they are ready for.

This was fine but overall not really for me. I think I’m mostly growing out of YA books because I usually find teenage characters a little annoying, but I think I would’ve like this when I was in middle/high school.

This book may be difficult for some - possibly many - people to read. Malik is an orphan; his mother died when he was 7, and he doesn't know who his father is. For the last 10 years, he's been shuffled from orphanage to foster home to foster home, with no roots and no family other than a 12 year-old foster brother he had to leave behind when he was moved to another foster home and his foster brother Taye was left behind with their abusive foster father. There's a lot of sadness and grief in Malik's life, and this novel shows a side of life that many people have no experience with, and which may seem unreal. Malik has a clear voice that reflects his life and his culture, and his use of language may be unfamiliar to some; there is slang that is not always clear from context, as well as references to pop culture that may not be familiar to all readers, which can make the story hard to follow in some places.

The novel begins with Malik returning to that foster home to retrieve Taye, with a plan of driving to California and starting a new life together. But things go awry, and not just the normal issues that plague such a plan, because Malik has magic, that sometimes helps him and sometimes doesn't, because he doesn't really know how to use it. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Malik's powers conjure up a stranger, who sends Malik to Mama Aya - his long-forgotten grandmother, who has been searching for him since his mother's death.

From here, much of the novel involves Malik's classes at Caiman University, a college for students with magical potential - and not just any college, but an HBCU (historically Black college or university), full of young adults like Malik, learning not just the usual college subjects, but a variety of magical skills and applications, as well as learning about their cultural history. But there's something wrong - very wrong - in the community, as well as at Caiman University, as indicated by the disappearance of young, magical children, who not only vanish, but are stripped of their magic.

Through it all, Malik continues to learn about his heritage, and to begin to learn about the societal forces that drive the magical community, including types of magic that revolve around the darker sides of humanity - the types that require human sacrifice, and which may be behind the disappearance of so many children and young adults within the Black community. There are as many opinions about who, and what, is right, as there are people involved, and the rationales and threads of involvement snake through the novel. There's a point where there are multiple people seeking revenge against Malik personally or, more generally, his family, which can be somewhat confusing - but that's life; a wide variety of motives lead to people aligning in strange and unexpected ways.

This book is recommended for older teens and adults; some of the content is rather violent, and the language may be unacceptable for younger readers. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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 this fresh fantasy debut with the emotional power of Legendborn and the redefined ancestral magic of Lovecraft Country .

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 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 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.

This one didn't work for me, as I'm not much of a young adult fan. Main story is about our MC who is a teenager looking to rescue his brother when he meets his supposed maternal grandmother and gets pulled into a world of magic. Some of the magic systems were interesting, I just couldn't relate to the characters at all and really was not invested in their story. Even though this wasn't really to my tastes, younger readers would probably find plenty to like here, especially if you're into fantasy/science fiction coming of age stories:)

I had really high hopes for this book. The description I have been reading for months had me immediately interested. But once I started reading the story just did not come together for me. I have mo problem with AAVE, considering that I use it myself. However, it was done in such a strange manner in the book that it took me out of the story. I had really hoped I could look past this as well as some other sentence structuring issue but between that and the story not holding my attention, i had to DNF.

Williams, Ladarrion, Blood at the Root. Pgs. 432. Penguin Random House, 2024.
When Mailk was 7 years old, he accidentally killed a bunch a group of people in black robes, while trying to save his mother. She disappeared he went into foster care. Now 17, Malik doesn’t know how to use his magic. When he attempts to save his foster brother, Taye, away from his abusive foster family, things don’t go so well. This leads to him finding an unexpected connection to his grandmother, a legendary conjurer. She gets him into Caiman University, a hidden magic school. There his eyes are opened to a future he never dreamed of. As he searches for answers to his mom’s disappearance, the cracks in the magical community begin to surface and an evil from the Haitian Revolution is reawakened. What really happened that fateful night? Can Malik learn to control his magic?
The plot is well-developed and engaging. The action is well mixed throughout the story. The world building is well done and draws the reader into Malik’s world. This book does contain some stereotypes, trauma, and a mostly off page sex scene, that may turn some readers off. Fans of fantasy, magic, adventure, mystery, schools of magic, and good vs evil books will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most high school and public library collections. 4 stars, Grades 9 and up

My library is already set to order this for our YA section. I’ve been following LaDarrions journey for a bit now and was so excited to see this arc! I knew I was going to love this, and I’m so honored to be able to bring this book to the young boys who patron my public library.

All I have to say is that this book is truly amazing, inspiring and highly entertaining. I cannot wait for the rest!

This book was excellent. Thank you for the advanced copy. The action in this book drew me in from the very beginning. I was 100% invested in the entire story. The progression of the story really pulls you in and makes you feel as if you can’t stop reading. In the beginning the first 75 pages moved slow and I assumed that was the writer’s way of building up to the drama. However I must say, it definitely worked. I absolutely loved it and I’m patiently waiting for the audible version. Some of the words I couldn’t pronounce and look forward to hearing them. I can’t thank NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this incredible book. I can not wait for the second part!!!

LaDarrion Williams' captivating debut novel Blood at the Root is a thrilling, modern, magical adventure deeply rooted in Black culture. The story follows Malik, a teenager with extraordinary hidden powers. Fleeing his past, Malik stumbles upon a magical university and discovers his long-lost family. The plot unfolds in a vibrant, contemporary setting at a magical HBCU brimming with pop culture references. The magic system in "Blood at the Root" draws inspiration from African, Caribbean, and Black American sources, offering a fresh perspective on urban fantasy fiction. This story not only shines for its portrayal of young Black characters but also in its representation of Queer characters, providing visibility and understanding often lacking in the genre. The narrative, mainly driven by dialogue, maintains a thrilling blend of intrigue, mystery, and suspense, leaving me eager for a second installment to unravel more of the unresolved story.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC this one was one of my most hyped books of this year and i am so glad i got the chance to read it... Before my review i need to say YALL NEED TO READ THIS ONE. This book was so good what really sucked me in was Baron samedi, Brigette, And of course mama aya. Malik was such a great lead in this novel and the amount of storylines and twist and turns this book had was everything.. The HBCIU with MAGIC? This novel had such great magic elements and the magic scenes were EPIC you just didnt know what someone was going to do even the side characters were so lovable and i love that each person had such great personality and villains of course. I dont want to say too much about the storylines becuase i dont want to spoil for anyone so i wont go too much in detail.. Following a situation that happens when Malik is a young boy regarding magic and then he decides its time to get away from the people who are not good for him and bringing Taye along with him he sees someone that happens to give him a piece of information making him start to learn more about himself and join an HBCIU and meets alot of interesting people there.. people who have super strong magic and he learns alot about his history and why he has the magic he has etc.. This novel had so many beautiful moments and the writing was super detailed and amazing. My favorite part of this novel was the memory aspect and the details in these memories. Im telling yall if you love YA and fantasy this novel is for you. I NEED MORE! Also lets talk about how beautiful this cover is with all the blue ugh i just cant say anything negative about this perfect novel. STRONG 5 ⭐️ LaDarrion be so proud of you this novel it was EPIC.

Not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, this book isn’t going to work for me. I agree with several of the reviews stating that it is poorly written and has way too many pop culture references.
I will not be featuring this book on any of my social media.

I received a free digital ARC from Netgalley.
This was excellent. Malik is 17, emancipated so he could get out of foster care. His mom is gone, dead maybe. He remembers the night she disappeared, his magic manifesting. Then the ten years of foster care, his little brother Taye, family, if not by blood. Things happen and he and Taye wind up at his grandma’s. He starts a summer program at an HBCU, a magic one. Meets other young Black magical students. Learns more about his magic and his ancestors. Good things happen and bad things too. There is Black Joy and Black Magic. Highly recommended for older teens. (Lesbian, White, cisgender YA Librarian).

Blood at the Root is a promising start to a young adult fantasy style I want to see more of. I adored the use of Ebonics and Slang within the dialogue of the writing as it made the speech feel more natural and called back to the immersive dialect experience I had reading classics like Mark Twain's work. I would have liked to see more of the actual hoodoo faith and practice represented in the narrative but understand that by the nature of fiction and fantasy some liberties needed to be taken. I will certainly be reading more by this author in the future.

The slang and language in this book made it almost impossible to read. I honestly think this book would've been better served if it had been written in 3rd person. The world building was okay, but it never really felt fully fleshed out. The ending and plot twist was cliche and predictable. I really wanted this book to be good because we need books like this, but this one just doesn't work.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really did want to like this book, but it just wasn't for me- which is not to say that it won't be for anyone else, it just wasn't to my taste. Beware, there will be some SPOILERS below.

Things I Liked:
*The premise - a magical HBCU? Yes! Amazing!
*The magic system - based on vodun and hoodoo
*Mama Aya
*In the end, where Malik is referred to a therapist and considers going to therapy (mental health is so important!).

Things I Had Issues With:
*All the slang and pop culture references. In a few years, this book will feel very dated because of them.
*The characters, besides Malik, lacked depth and interior lives and motivation
*It felt, at times, an awful lot like a copy-paste of Harry Potter (also, the Harry Potter references. Ew)? Orphan goes to magical school. There's a rich kid there that doesn't like him. SPOILER: The adversarial authority figure was in love with his mother at one point, etc.)

When I learned the author came from a playwriting background, the way the book is written started to make sense, because it definitely reads more like dialogue with stage directions rather than a narrative. Overall, again, this wasn't my personal favorite, but I loved the idea.

Absolutely loved this book! Can’t wait to get the physical copy. I enjoyed this the whole way through. Amazing job.

I really enjoyed the way this was written--I found Williams' writing style super well suited for a story with such a fast-paced plot idea. As a person of color, I love seeing books with black joy and magic, especially magical schools. I loved it. You especially don't see a lot of boys of color in YA, or in this magical capacity so that was really awesome to read--I think my younger brother will really love this, getting to see himself reflected in a book like that. The story flowed so well and I loved the characters, and the way they interacted with the setting/world-building. Overall, I absolutely cannot wait to get physical copies of this in my branch and I am pre-ordering a physical copy for myself right now. I need more in this world and with these characters pronto!