A review by dragoncrystal
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I admit I was shocked at some of the choice words in the writing and the dialogue at the beginning.  I felt a bit uncomfortable and wasn't sure whether or not to DNF or continue.  This really had me self evaluate my exact reasoning, only to realize my discomfort was due to being close minded to different upbringings and holding on to what I was taught to believe from a young age.  I decided to keep going...

and I'm SOOOOO glad I did!!  I can't believe the amount of plot twists!  Each relationship (family and otherwise) had me emotionally invested and even tearing up with the simplest gestures.  The author had me believing I was surrounded by my own family as I watched the story unfold.  The magic system, the magic school, I absolutely loved every bit of it!  I learned so much with this book and can honestly say it left an unforgettable impact. 

"We all grow up in different environments, and not everybody can get certain types of life lessons at home.  So if kids meet a character who is like them and who’s going through the same things, they can follow that character. It shows them that a different outcome is possible." - LaDarrion Williams, 2024