Black Witch is a young adult fantasy novel written by Laurie Forest. The story takes place in a realm called Erthia, where witches and non-magical people called "landers" coexist. The main character is Elloren Gardner, who comes from a powerful and influential family of witches. Elloren is the granddaughter of the infamous Black Witch, a dark and powerful sorcerer who terrorized the land years ago. She is considered to be the last Gardner, a family known for their exceptional magical abilities. However, Elloren does not possess any magical powers, which makes her an outcast among her peers.
"Briskly paced, tightly plotted. set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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. 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.
However, Elloren does not possess any magical powers, which makes her an outcast among her peers. Despite her lack of magical abilities, Elloren is determined to find her place in the magical community. She enrolls in Verpax University, a prestigious school for witches, where she has to navigate through a world filled with prejudice and discrimination.
The Black Witch - (Black Witch Chronicles) by Laurie Forest
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.
Book Synopsis
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
- The Black Witch
- The Iron Flower
- The Shadow Wand
- The Demon Tide
- The Dryad Storm
- Wandfasted (ebook novella)*
- Light Mage (ebook novella)*
Review Quotes
"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
"Briskly paced, tightly plotted. set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"We fell under the spell of this rich, diverse, Potter-worthy university world!"
--Justine magazine
"Maximum suspense, unusual magic--a whole new, thrilling approach to fantasy!"
--Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author
The society in Erthia is divided into different races, each with their own magical abilities, and Elloren finds herself in the middle of a dangerous political landscape. As Elloren attends Verpax University, she discovers the truth about her family's dark past and the role her grandmother played in the history of the Black Witch. She also uncovers a secret resistance group that fights against the oppression of non-magical people. Elloren becomes torn between loyalty to her family and her desire to create change in a society riddled with bigotry. The Black Witch explores themes of racism, discrimination, and the abuse of power. Laurie Forest creates a vivid and complex world that mirrors our own struggles with prejudice and inequality. The novel challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and biases, while also delivering an entertaining and action-packed story. Overall, Black Witch by Laurie Forest is a thought-provoking and compelling read that addresses important social issues within the context of a fantasy world. The main character, Elloren, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the power of empathy, tolerance, and standing up against injustice..
Reviews for "Witchcraft in Literature: Laurie Forest's Black Witch and Beyond"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars - "Black Witch" by Laurie Forest was a disappointing read for me. While the premise seemed intriguing, the execution fell flat. The characters lacked depth and felt one-dimensional, making it hard for me to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and the world-building felt underdeveloped. Overall, I found the book to be quite dull and lacking the excitement and engagement I was hoping for.
2. Robert - 1 star - Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to finish "Black Witch" by Laurie Forest. The writing style was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the plot. The constant shifting of perspectives and lack of clear storytelling made the reading experience a frustrating one. Furthermore, the romance elements felt forced and unnatural, contributing to my overall dissatisfaction with the book. I had high hopes for this novel, but it simply didn't meet my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Black Witch" by Laurie Forest was a letdown for me. I found the protagonist, Elloren, to be an unlikable and naive character. Her actions and decisions often seemed inconsistent and irrational. Additionally, the plot dragged on without any meaningful developments, and the climax felt rushed and unsatisfying. The book also lacked the diversity and inclusivity it promised, leaving me disappointed and disengaged. Overall, I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this novel.