Bones at the crossroads

In this strong sequel, Malik finds his freshman year at Caiman University, the magical HBCU, as packed with drama, revelations, enemies, and new magics as his ordeal in Blood at the Root (2024). Though still processing the summer's devastating truths and losses, Malik is hoping for a fresh start. Nevertheless, he can't forget the Bokor threat, particularly as he now secretly possesses the coveted Scroll of Idan, which his mother has already killed for. In this turbulent semester, Malik meets another legendary family member, eases into a slow romance with Dominique, runs for homecoming court against two best friends, and joins the secret society Divine Elam. When the Bokors attack, it leads to a cinematic showdown where Malik faces a life-altering choice. Williams emphasizes heartfelt messages about the importance of Black men's mental health and fostering a queer-inclusive community, though sometimes his characters slip into a too-adult voice when discussing them. Along with the fascinating lore Williams continues to develop, Malik's growth as a character is rewarding. A cliff-hanger ending ensures that readers will return to Caiman University in a heartbeat.

In this follow-up toBlood at the Root (2024), magic itself may be in danger as Malik struggles to hone his powers while embracing some form of normal life. After the tumultuous events of the summer term, fall semester at Caiman University, which educates Black conjurers, brings more supernatural threats--including the lingering consequences of Malik's mother's deadly power grab. But Malik may be struggling most with the more grounded aspects of college: declaring a major, getting to know his new crush, Dominique, and just trying to be a good friend while healing from childhood trauma. The Louisiana campus, which is rich in Black culture and fantastical powers, also has its fair share of fraternities, sororities, and clubs. When Malik gets tapped to join a secretive group, his involvement ties back to his mother's wrongdoings, his clouded family history, and the trust issues and anxieties from his less-than-stable upbringing. As a narrator, Malik's introspection is organic and accessible in its considerations of belonging, guilt, and grief, but with the recurring element of his visions--or scrying--the well-paced story guides Malik and readers alike toward several new questions (as well as enticing answers) about his past, his ancestors, and the Afrocentric history of magic in this world. An intense love triangle and explosive action sequences add to this well-rounded second outing. A story as magically cool as it is emotionally heated.(Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.