The Black Witch cover art

The Black Witch

The Black Witch Chronicles, Book 1

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The Black Witch

By: Laurie Forest
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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About this listen

 The New York Times bestselling series!

“Maximum suspense, unusual magic—a whole new, thrilling approach to fantasy!”
—Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Powerful magic. A deadly legacy. A world at the edge of war. Prepare to be spellbound by fantasy series, The Black Witch Chronicles.

Elloren Gardner is the spitting image of her grandmother, who drove back the enemy forces in the last Realm War. But while her people believe she will follow in her grandmother's footsteps and become the next Black Witch of prophecy, Elloren is devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.

When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren joins her brothers at Verpax University. But she soon realizes that the university may be the most treacherous place of all for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.

As evil looms and the pressure to live up to her heritage builds, Elloren's best hope of survival may be among a secret band of rebels…if only she can find the courage to trust those she’s been taught to fear.

Critics are raving about Laurie Forest’s incredible debut, The Black Witch:

“Forest uses a richly imagined magical world to offer an uncompromising condemnation of prejudice and injustice.”
—Booklist, starred review

“A noteworthy debut.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Briskly paced, tightly plotted.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Books in The Black Witch Chronicles:
The Black Witch
The Iron Flower
The Shadow Wand
The Demon Tide
The Dryad Storm
Wandfasted (ebook novella)*
Light Mage (ebook novella)*

* Also available in print in The Rebel Mages anthology Coming of Age Epic Fantasy Fantasy Literature & Fiction Paranormal Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Fiction Magic Magic Users Witchcraft Social justice

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All stars
Most relevant
Totally addictive book. Great story, wonderful characters and very well read. I think this is classed as being for young adults. Well I'm over 70 and I loved it and have bought the sequel.

Great audio book

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I'm older than the age demographic this genre is typically aimed at but still got a lot of enjoyment out of this book and The Iron Flower.

The world politics and events are believable and pulled from recent history, main characters are likable and well rounded and for once there's a love triangle that isn't superficial (revealed more in TIF). There's a bit of that "will they won't they" tension and the holding back of true feelings but that's to be expected with YA.

I'm picky when it comes to storytelling but so far I haven't had any major complaints with character actions or motivation. The story moves at a nice pace and the plot has a good amount of moving parts to keep things interesting.

Narrator performance was wonderful. Character voices are mostly distinct and consistent. Some of the male voices sound similar but it wasn't an immersion breaker for me.

Overall a great listen and I can't wait for the release of book 3.

More than your average YA

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It's a good story, at times grating and I understand the division can be upsetting but the point of the story is that. Bringing unlikely allies together to fight the injustice of racism and class.
The narration is ok.

No idea what all the contraversary is about

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I loved this book and the narration. Can’t bear that it’s finished. The characters are new and dynamic and it goes along at a great pace.
Fabulous!! More please.

Best book in a very long time

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I am drawn in to the very different lives of the characters such detail pictures form in my mind friendships are formed based on common goals untruths uncovered about the history of each race powerful bonds forged secrets shared. I can't wait for the next book

Love this book

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