Synopsis:
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.
Review:
The Black Witch is going straight to my I-will-never-get-tired-of-reading shelf. It is the kind of book that makes you feel every emotion, anxiously go through the pages, wishing it never ends, and think about it when you go to sleep. I could write a detailed and full of spoilers review, but I don't want you to miss the opportunity to experience it all by yourself.
The world-building is magnificent, perfectly described along the chapters without dragging the story down. The descriptions of the places and the people are so vivid you can see everything, which is perfect because you don't want to miss one bit of this magical new world.
Elloren is a 17-year-old Gardnerian, the ruling “superior” race of mages. A descendant of a long line of powerful mages, including the most powerful of them all: The Black Witch, her grandmother. She lives with her uncle Edwyn and 2 brothers, Rafe and Trystan, in a small village. Her life is quiet and calm until her aunt Vyvian, a powerful mage, shows up deciding is time for Elloren to get Wandfasted (married). But Elloren has other plans, (thanks Ancient One). She wants to make a life for herself before becoming tied to someone, something her uncle supports, so she decides to go to college first. Her aunt Vyvian has her own plans for Elloren, and she’s willing to enforce those plans whether Elloren agrees or not. Vyvian's habit of getting her way uncovers her true self.
The characters have a wide spectrum. From the ones you know are going to be a headache for Elloren. To those that are very difficult to figure out until the moment is right. It's one of the first times I've found myself loving so many characters at once but is just impossible to pick a favorite, there's a fierce wolf girl, beautiful and powerful Elves, interesting "demons", and of course Elloren.
I liked Elloren, she's intelligent and brave. Despite having so many prejudices being fed up to her, she's able to make her own opinion. She rises up to bullies and has a conscience. Her journey to uncovering the truth is a long and painful one, both for her and those around her, but is well worth it.
The character development is exquisite. Not only Elloren's but everyone else's. Just as she had to fight her prejudice, so do those around her. They have to learn to trust her, a difficult task given her resemblance to the Black Witch. But, soon they have to learn to see beyond as she did, that actions speak of someone's true self more than anything else. We see Elloren gain nerve, protecting her friends, and doing what’s right becomes her first priority.
Danger abounds, moments where you just can’t take your eyes off the pages. Once enemies become friends and allies, the horrid acts of the governing class more obvious, the charade of perfection falls. And the end, the end is perfect, leaving you anxious to know what’s next and with new questions burning.
What I liked the most about The Black Witch is how relatable it is to our world. The segregation of the higher social classes, the religious prudeness, the prejudice that stops people of different cultures to know each other better. Laurie does a great job presenting all the points of view of the conflict.
Overall, an emotional and philosophical rollercoaster, full of magic, action, and powerful messages. A must-read for those who know how to keep an open mind and are hungry for something refreshing.
My favorite lines:
"People see what they expect to see. Through a filter of their own hatred and prejudice."
"My apologies. I forgot that your religion is the only one correct."
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