The Black Witch

A new Black Witch will rise…her powers vast beyond imagining.

Elloren Gardner is the granddaughter of the last prophesied Black Witch, Carnissa Gardner, who drove back the enemy forces and saved the Gardnerian people during the Realm War. But while she is the absolute spitting image of her famous grandmother, Elloren is utterly devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.

When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren joins her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University to embrace a destiny of her own, free from the shadow of her grandmother's legacy. But she soon realizes that the university, which admits all manner of people—including the fire-wielding, winged Icarals, the sworn enemies of all Gardnerians—is a treacherous place for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.

As evil looms on the horizon and the pressure to live up to her heritage builds, everything Elloren thought she knew will be challenged and torn away. Her best hope of survival may be among the most unlikely band of misfits…if only she can find the courage to trust those she's been taught to hate and fear.

Readers love The Black Witch:

'If you like fantasy at all – you’ ll love this book. A real treat' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A whole host of fascinating characters, plenty of pulse-racing moments and a really clever way of looking at prejudice, especially racial, and how we are all guilty of it… I can't wait to read the next book' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Impossible to put down!… Truly lovable, vulnerable characters whom I already miss. I can't wait for the sequel' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The world and the characters pulled me in, the storyline with the right amount of action and romance made it very hard to put it away, and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews

"This briskly paced, tightly plotted novel enacts the transformative power of education, creating engaging characters set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own. A massive page-turner that leaves readers longing for more."
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"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

"I absolutely loved The Black Witch and will have a very hard time waiting for the second book! Maximum suspense, unusual magic–a whole new, thrilling approach to fantasy!"
Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"The Black Witch is a refreshing, powerful young adult fantasy. This strong debut offers an uncompromising glimpse of world-altering politics amplified by a magical setting in which prejudice and discrimination cut both ways."
Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author

"We fell under the spell of this rich, diverse, Potter-worthy university world! Characters that come alive off the page, tangled relationships, swoonworthy romance! Love the fresh way this also tackles prejudice. Prepare to fangirl!"
Justine magazine