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

A Great Winged One will soon arise and cast his fearsome shadow upon the land. And just as Night slays Day, and Day slays Night, so also shall another Black Witch rise to meet him, her powers vast beyond imagining.

So foretells the greatest prophecy of the Gardnerian mages. Carnissa Gardner, the last prophesied Black Witch, drove back the enemy forces and saved her people during the Realm War. Now a new evil is on the horizon, and her granddaughter, Elloren, is believed to be Carnissa's heir—but while she is the absolute image of her famous grandmother, Elloren is utterly devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above nearly all else.

When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren is eager to join her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University and finally 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 an even more treacherous place for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.

©2017 Laurie Forest (P)2017 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited. Epic Fantasy Fantasy Science Fiction & Fantasy Fiction Magic Users Young Adult Witchcraft

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Critic reviews

"This ambitious story is impressively narrated by the talented Julia Whelan, who creatively details its world of intricate magical practices and diverse inhabitants.... Whelan ably creates and sustains a wide cast of characters with intriguing and faithfully distinguished voices. Most importantly, she cultivates listeners' connection with flawed but ultimately good-hearted Elloren, whose first-person story portrays her fumbling attempts at understanding a wider world." (AudioFile)
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amazing book love how it is written. it is read perfectly as well x

loved it

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I’m glad I randomly found this book. It offers a unique and interesting story that I haven’t read before and is a breath of fresh air in the genre.

Interesting characters and you really go through the process of learning more about this world with the protagonist.

I love the political and social issues shown to us via the story and lived experience.

So happy that there are more books in the series that are available immediately so I don’t have to wait.

Enthralling Storytelling. This series has been flying under the radar.

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Absolutely loved this book, written and narrated so well. There is so much to the story, I love how the author gradually builds relationships, you can't help but fall in love with the characters and their backgrounds!

Couldn't stop listening!

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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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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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Impressive debut novel by Laurie Forest.
Masterfully written, the story is unique, beautiful and heart wrenching. The Black Witch has everything I love in a good novel series - from a fantasy world, witches, fae, elves, lupines, wyverns and other intriguing supernatural beings; as well as magic, mature romance, friendship and conflict between good & evil. It has a Harry Potter at university feel to it but wondrously different too. .
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This is an absolutely riveting book that both adults and teens can enjoy. The plot structure is excellent. The characters grow and become well fleshed out throughout the book. The writer tackles very dark themes such as racism, bullying, sexism, religious intolerance, love, sexuality and friendship - beautifully woven into a fascinating narrative.
I can not wait to start the next book, The Iron Flower (book two of the trilogy) and the other novels set within this world.
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.5 out of 5 stars 🌟 ✨
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The start of a wonderful and fascinating trilogy

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It's well written. It's well narred. The story is interesting, the characters are not too much in this or that. All is well balanced.

So long since I heard a good fantasy book

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Very easy to listen to, goes along at a nice pace. Seems to have mixed reviews but i will be getting the next book in the series as i enjoyed it.

Cant wait to read the rest

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Loved listening to this book the narration is captivating and definitely adds a new dimension to this story. The book itself takes the reader on a wonderful journey into a supernatural world. Definitely worth listening to.

Amazing

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Such a fantastic book. I couldn’t stop listening! Great characters and story, I’ve already downloaded the next one!

Amazing

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