Thanks you to NetGalley, Random House, and the incomparable LaDarrion Williams for this ARC copy in return for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Malik finds himself back at Caiman University expected to go about his every day life pretending as if his true love didn’t betray him, his mama didn’t come back from the dead, and the magical community isn’t on the brink of war. Feeling helpless and hopeless the best Malik can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst while still trying to maintain the life he deserves of your average and every day magical 17 year old. Thankfully he has the celebrations of homecoming and the prospect of a new love to keep him grounded. Just when he feels like normalcy might have seeped in, his worst nightmare strikes on what should have been the best night of his life and his world is swept into upheaval again. But can Malik take all of the healing and work he has done and create a better outcome than those that made the mistakes before him?

I have never been so excited for an ARC read in my life! BatR was one of my top reads of 2024! As someone from the suburbs of Birmingham the content resonated with me far before I even read a word in it. We have so many fantastic artists in Alabama and it is so refreshing to see one get the attention they deserve. Then BatC hit me with the queer acceptance in a community that is resistant to change.

LaDarrion Williams has a way of introducing polarizing topics of conversation in such a story telling way that makes it impossible not to side with him. He shows you the good, bad, and ugly of every situation because he writes these topics in the stories to set up a better support system than what black individuals have previously had. He shows the back and forth of a young black man choosing to heal in therapy over toxic masculinity. He shows you the resilience of a black queer person choosing to be loud and heard instead of quiet and walked over. He shows you a friend group who choose to continually uplift each other in support and hold each other accountable instead of being hateful of success and encouraging bad decisions because it is the easy way.

He doesn’t just talk to young black people about breaking generational curses, he shows them how to do it. And he does it in such a way that it doesn’t feel preachy and flows effortlessly into the story. He speaks to these kids on their level, because he speaks from experience and it is such an incredible thing to witness.

Now let’s talk storyline!

I was utterly obsessed with this book from the beginning. And when they got into the Homecoming portion? I got so excited. Homecoming football games are HUGE in the south and are entire affairs, To see that translated into the magick community was so much fun.

I love Williams combinational use of all different kinds of ancestral magick. Instead of focusing on just one type he chose to incorporate all of them in a very cohesive way that allows each type its time to shine. We as readers get to learn about all types of Black and African magic beliefs.

The characters are absolutely incredible. Not only do we get to see exponential growth in Malik, but each character learns their own lessons and has their own “fixing” to do on issues. Except D-Low who is a precious angel and deserves everything good in this world. Also Taye, my sweet angel baby.

I love love LOVED Malik and Dom’s relationship. So many mistakes were made and so many opportunities for it to go wrong but they always found themselves back together. I loved the focus on the music and I discovered so many incredible songs. And her playing a song every time he smiled? Ugh, dead. Dom is just so precious and I love her and Malik so much.

Now, Mr. Williams. We gotta talk about that ending. Because how DARE you leave me on that! Where is the last book? I need it right now but I’m also not ready for it to be over!

It's Homecoming season at Caiman University, and all 17-year-old Malik Baron wants to do is be a regular college student…or as regular as he can get at a magical HBCU for young, Black Conjurers. He’s ready to go to parties, hang out with his new friends, choose a major, and talk to girls. Instead, he's reeling from a summer of revelations, heartbreak and betrayal, and still uncovering the truth about his powers and his legacy.

The family he only just discovered is already fractured beyond repair, and a new relative who shows up on his doorstep brings even more questions. Then there’s the mother he risked everything to find, who might be the biggest threat to the life he's trying to build. To protect his new community, Malik joins an elite secret society with roots in ancient magic.

His journey takes him even deeper into his own heritage and the history of the magical world, while bringing him closer to a classmate whose friendship might mean something more, if Malik is ready to let her in. But how can he use powers he can’t even control to defend a world he’s not sure will ever fully accept him? And as the pressure and danger builds, will he be able to confront the deepening cracks within the magical society, and those building within himself?

My Take:
Lately, I have been waiting to rate book covers until I have read the book. This cover is striking and after reading it, I notice how well detailed it is- it is certainly a win in all fronts. Also, recently, the movie "Sinners" was released in theaters and is wildly discussed on social media. I noticed that LaDarrion Williams kept this book in conversation with the movie and I thought that he was utilizing the momentum of the movie to market his upcoming book because they shared baseline similarities- a Black boy from the American South coming of age from who he was told he was to discovering who is meant to be. That is true, but the similarities go deeper than that. I will not spoil the movie, nor the book, but just know that if you enjoyed one, you would enjoy the other. I enjoyed both, and highly recommend this sequel for multigenerational reading groups, teens, scholars of Black American studies and more. It is not a book that I recommend reading as a standalone: it is a true continuation of Blood at the Root (BATR), so please read that first. Williams not only continues the BATR story, but he spends much time to address some of the critiques of book one-to varied success. This book also ends on a cliffhanger but does a great job enticing the reader to want to know what happens in the last book of this planned trilogy.

I had such a great time reading this book! I was so happy to see Malik’s growth as he faced even bigger challenges and worked to carve out his place at Caiman University. The author’s thoughtful inclusion of LGBTQ representation and the honest exploration of mental health made the story feel even richer and more powerful. The writing was superb, and the world-building was so vivid that I felt like I was right there alongside Malik, experiencing every twist and triumph. As a follow-up, this book exceeded all my expectations, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next installment!

Thanks to Netgalley Random House Children's | Labyrinth Road for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

Bones at the Crossroads was a great sequel to Blood at the Root. It continued the story of Malik and his time at Caiman U. He discovers more about his family and their legacy. We're introduced to more "mythological" figures from Black history and culture/religious traditions. Malik continues to grow as he learns more about himself and faces off in a battle against his mother. I will admit that some of the language was difficult for me because those are terms, that as a white woman, I would never use. But I appreciate has the author wanted to be authentic to the way black college kids, especially boys, address their friends and each other..

It was a delight to have access to the ARC of Blood at the Crossroads.
This sequel did not disappoint. LaDarrion Williams has once again returned us to this magical story filled with solid magical world building, steeped in real themes of grief, trauma, generational chaos, love, therapy and so much more while creating a fast-paced story. This book felt like an honest love letter to the young black experience. The only thing that left me mad was that the next book isnt ready yet. If you are thinking about reading it...do it!

In the sequel to the explosive, instant New York Times bestseller Blood at the Root, Malik returns to Caiman University, the HBCU for the young, Black, and magical, only to find new dangers and new secrets.

It's his freshman year at Caiman University, and all 17-year-old Malik wants to do is be a normal college student. Go to parties, choose a major, talk to girls, and learn some new magic.

But instead, he's reeling from a summer of discovery, loss and betrayal, and still uncovering the truth about his powers and his legacy as the descendant of a powerful magical lineage. The family he only just discovered is already fractured beyond repair, and the mother he thought he knew—and risked everything to find—might be the biggest danger to the new life he's building. Malik is trying to find his footing in a world threatened by intertribal tension and the rising power of the Bokors. But how he can he use his power to protect a world he's not sure he'll ever fully belong to...

In a wholly unique and electric saga of magic, heritage, and community, Malik confronts the dark cracks of the magical world, and the darkness in himself. Exploring the roots and secrets that connect us in an unforgettable contemporary setting, this heart-pounding fantasy series is a rich tapestry of atmosphere, intrigue, and emotion.

wow just wow and I know you, the author, didn't just leave us on a cliffhanger like that. like I got to read this before it's fully out (thank you netgalley) and all I can say is wow. when I first started Blood at the Root I didn't know what to think but I'm glad I decided to pick it up and read it and that I'm supporting my black authors out there.

Thank you Labyrinth Road and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Still reeling from betrayal and loss it’s time for Malik and his friends to start another semester at Caiman University. The magical tribes are at war, people he thought he knew might not be who he thought. And worse they may just be his biggest threat. On top of all that Malik finds a new romantic interest and he’s got even more magic that he has to learn to use. As that magical society is in disarray he will have to determine who to trust if he wants to save the family he just found and his friends. Can he do it? I really enjoy this series! I love Malik’s strength, determination, and vulnerability! LaDarrion Williams does an excellent job of discussing grief and mental health especially relating to black men and the black community! Full of grief, betrayal, family drama, secrets, magic, and love! A fast paced thrilling story that I couldn’t put down! Highly recommend!

“A war is coming to Caiman University and there will be blood to pay.”

Special thanks to the author & @penguinrandomhouse #LabyrinthRoad for my gifted copy‼️

Centered around Black experiences it feels so good to be back at Caiman University the magical HBCU for young, Black Conjurers. This book was everything and to know we’re getting a book 3 I’m so here for it!!! I love LaDarrion’s writing because it’s so Black and relatable. If we had a magical HBCU in modern times this book is exactly how I would want it to be. Not gonna lie I can’t wait for this to release on audio because I knoooooow it’s gonna be fire. If you listened to book 1 then you know exactly why I can’t wait.

Now what can I say about this book without spoiling it for anyone . . . . It’s still giving Black boy magic, we have a new love interest, some new friends, of course there’s family drama, an ancient magical society, uncovered secrets (ish got real), a little forgiveness, and some legendary family ties. Act 3 did it for me! My only downside was some of the lingo used and a few situations kind of felt random. But other than that the author delivered in every aspect. The character development was AMAZING you can see the growth in Malik and the depth the author put into the other characters.

The book was simply perfection it’s filled with Black culture, adventure, danger, stronger magic, and poignant themes of friendship and found family. I highly recommend ya’ll pre-order this one ASAP‼️ The book ends on a cliffhanger which has me super excited for the next book. I know for a fact readers are gonna love this even if you’re not into fantasy.

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

Rating: ALLLLLLLL the stars.

Y'all. I loved this book. I savored every single morsel like a home-cooked meal. LaDarrion Williams delivered a powerful, magical, and deeply relevant story that put Black youth front and center. Their joy, their pain, their power. From themes of identity and sexuality to mental health and legacy, everything was woven so authentically into the HBCU experience (and no, a PWI could never).

This book felt like a love letter to Black students, to the ancestors, and to the future. I'm foaming at the mouth for book three, and that's not an exaggeration.

Thank you NetGalley, Randomhouse children and Ledarion Willams for this ARC. This book at me at the Authors note. The first line in the book was one that really touched me at the time. Malik is still trying to figure things out with his new magic that he’s inherited from mama Aya so he takes on a new training. I enjoyed the inclusion in this story for Malik’s friend D-low and Savion. While reading this books I saw a lot of real life issues incorporated into the story that many people face today. The action scenes were good, the emotional scenes were good as well. Although Act 2 was a little slow for me I still enjoyed Homecoming and all that went on. Act 3 is where the magic happend for me! Decision’s were made, truth’s came out, things were exposed and people were annihilated. Great book over all it wrapped up a lot of loose ends from Blood at the root and I appreciate that. I will be purchasing a physical copy.

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!