Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC. What a wild ride. I want to say, in my opinion the writing is much better in this book. It did not suffer the book 2 syndrome. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and what a roller coaster. So much happened and it was an intense time. I’m excited to se what this author does next.

LaDarrion Williams followup to Blood at the Root is an absolutely beautiful, stunning, heartfelt, and joyful celebration of black joy.
The magical world that Malik is in is in absolute turmoil and still he and his friends manage to find ways to come together and celebrate the most normal of rites of passage in the most awesome of ways - Homecoming. Halloween parties, and Greek rush.
As they go through the school year and every twist and turn in their magical world unfolds the emotional journey we go on with Mailk is just incredible.
The writing is brilliant, the characters unforgettable, and the story gripping. I am absolutely gobsmacked.

Another phenomenal story by Ladarrion! This was a thrilling story weaved with passion, rage, healing, and culture. I enjoyed how he emphasized the importance of Black men's mental health and the struggles of Black men that don't fit the social and sexual identity norms. There was a new twist at every turn and, BTW, the playlist is FYE! I also thoroughly enjoyed the realistic romantic plot and loved how Malik didn't just rush into something new. Im not sure if there is another book coming but i'm absolutely looking forward to it!

This book picks up where book 1 left off and engages more in Malik’s family complexity and grief. His journey is complex along with his friends you really get attached to them and their stories. Cannot wait to read book 3!!!

I am officially speechless!!!!! I never thought that I would be a fantasy girlie but I can say without a doubt that I AM!!!!! I don't know if I will ever have the words to convey how strongly I feel about Blood at the crossroads! This book is fast-paced, action packed, it was real and the fact that the author wrote so passionately about life, death and finding yourself!!! This book is amazing and I'm so thankful that I was selected to read this book. Thank you LaDarrion Williams and NetGallery for this most amazing opportunity. I'm looking forward to July 29th. I'm definitely buying this book! Run don't walk to pick this one up!!!! Easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!! And I just have one question is book 3 coming soon? Like next year....

I enjoyed this so much and I’m mad I have no one to process this with. This book picks up where part one left off. I won’t give spoilers but I will say that I enjoyed watching Malik process his trauma of due to the relationship with his mother, not knowing his father, and losing his grandmother. Can’t wait for part 3

Wow! Continued strength in the sequel although Malik is a bit whiny but then again he is 17 with an evil mother. Easily pulled me in and it was hard to stop and feed the cats but they are insistent.

Thank you, #NetGalley, for allowing me to read Bones at the Crossroads in exchange for my honest review. #BonesattheCrossroads #NetGalley.

The story picks up right where the first book leaves off. Malik Baron is back at Caiman University, and over the summer, the events involving the Bokors and the death of Mama Aya are secrets that only Malik and his friends know. Although Alexis is gone, Malik quickly moves on and develops feelings for a girl named Dominque. Malik and Dom start as friends who have both been invited to join the Divine Elam, and eventually, they are nominated as Homecoming Royalty. All of this seems normal to Malik, as everyone encourages him to be a typical kid, but something feels off as he witnesses many people dying at the hands of his mother. To find out what Malik does next, read the second book in the series, Bones at the Crossroads.

Overall thoughts: This was an okay story. I felt that Malik, as a character, has grown to be more reflective in his actions, which is wonderful to see, but at the same time, the story's plotline felt predictable. I'm unsure if I will check out the third book. I have to say I love when author LaDarrion Williams reads this novel, but while reading, it took me a while to get through. I also felt that this book could have delved deeper into magic in specific moments as Malik was learning.

Disclaimer: Heavy use of profanity.

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025. I am a HUGE fan of the first book, Blood at the Roots and I was very much waiting for this one and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait for the third book!

As a librarian, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for young readers to see themselves in a book, and I am honored to be able to have this series for the kids who come into this library.

I was pleased when I was granted the ARC of Bones at the Crossroads. I was granted access on a Friday and I knew that I was going to spend my weekend reading I could not wait to hear more from Malik the main character. Blood at the Root let me with a cliff hanger that I could not wait to see how it was resolved. I have grown to love all of the characters, Malik, Dom, D-Low, Savon and Elijah and was truly vested into their character development. I attend an HBCU so the atmosphere on the Caiman campus was reminiscent of the times that was had and I could envision myself emersed into the HBCU life. This book had me in a chokehold from the first page to the last. And again with the cliffhanger. Way to keep me engaged and anticipating the next book. I can not wait until this book is on the big screen. I loved the new characters introduced and how they relate to folklore tales and characters from my childhood. I loved the down home Louisiana flare, I can just smell the gumbo. All in all I loved the series and I cant wait to continue onto the next.. I follow the author on social media so I know that he is busy with book #3.. Hurry up will you!