BONES AT THE CROSSROADS

In this follow-up to Blood at the Root (2024), magic itself may be in danger as Malik struggles to hone his powers while embracing some form of normal life.

After the tumultuous events of the summer term, fall semester at Caiman University, which educates Black conjurers, brings more supernatural threats—including the lingering consequences of Malik’s mother’s deadly power grab. But Malik may be struggling most with the more grounded aspects of college: declaring a major, getting to know his new crush, Dominique, and just trying to be a good friend while healing from childhood trauma. The Louisiana campus, which is rich in Black culture and fantastical powers, also has its fair share of fraternities, sororities, and clubs. When Malik gets tapped to join a secretive group, his involvement ties back to his mother’s wrongdoings, his clouded family history, and the trust issues and anxieties from his less-than-stable upbringing. As a narrator, Malik’s introspection is organic and accessible in its considerations of belonging, guilt, and grief, but with the recurring element of his visions—or scrying—the well-paced story guides Malik and readers alike toward several new questions (as well as enticing answers) about his past, his ancestors, and the Afrocentric history of magic in this world. An intense love triangle and explosive action sequences add to this well-rounded second outing.

A story as magically cool as it is emotionally heated.