I enjoyed this so much and I’m mad I have no one to process this with. This book picks up where part one left off. I won’t give spoilers but I will say that I enjoyed watching Malik process his trauma of due to the relationship with his mother, not knowing his father, and losing his grandmother. Can’t wait for part 3

Wow! Continued strength in the sequel although Malik is a bit whiny but then again he is 17 with an evil mother. Easily pulled me in and it was hard to stop and feed the cats but they are insistent.

Thank you, #NetGalley, for allowing me to read Bones at the Crossroads in exchange for my honest review. #BonesattheCrossroads #NetGalley.

The story picks up right where the first book leaves off. Malik Baron is back at Caiman University, and over the summer, the events involving the Bokors and the death of Mama Aya are secrets that only Malik and his friends know. Although Alexis is gone, Malik quickly moves on and develops feelings for a girl named Dominque. Malik and Dom start as friends who have both been invited to join the Divine Elam, and eventually, they are nominated as Homecoming Royalty. All of this seems normal to Malik, as everyone encourages him to be a typical kid, but something feels off as he witnesses many people dying at the hands of his mother. To find out what Malik does next, read the second book in the series, Bones at the Crossroads.

Overall thoughts: This was an okay story. I felt that Malik, as a character, has grown to be more reflective in his actions, which is wonderful to see, but at the same time, the story's plotline felt predictable. I'm unsure if I will check out the third book. I have to say I love when author LaDarrion Williams reads this novel, but while reading, it took me a while to get through. I also felt that this book could have delved deeper into magic in specific moments as Malik was learning.

Disclaimer: Heavy use of profanity.

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025. I am a HUGE fan of the first book, Blood at the Roots and I was very much waiting for this one and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait for the third book!

As a librarian, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for young readers to see themselves in a book, and I am honored to be able to have this series for the kids who come into this library.

I was pleased when I was granted the ARC of Bones at the Crossroads. I was granted access on a Friday and I knew that I was going to spend my weekend reading I could not wait to hear more from Malik the main character. Blood at the Root let me with a cliff hanger that I could not wait to see how it was resolved. I have grown to love all of the characters, Malik, Dom, D-Low, Savon and Elijah and was truly vested into their character development. I attend an HBCU so the atmosphere on the Caiman campus was reminiscent of the times that was had and I could envision myself emersed into the HBCU life. This book had me in a chokehold from the first page to the last. And again with the cliffhanger. Way to keep me engaged and anticipating the next book. I can not wait until this book is on the big screen. I loved the new characters introduced and how they relate to folklore tales and characters from my childhood. I loved the down home Louisiana flare, I can just smell the gumbo. All in all I loved the series and I cant wait to continue onto the next.. I follow the author on social media so I know that he is busy with book #3.. Hurry up will you!