JUNE 2017 - AudioFile
This debut fantasy introduces listeners to Elloren Gardener, granddaughter and spitting image of the powerful, celebrated Black Witch. This ambitious story is impressively narrated by the talented Julia Whelan, who creatively details its world of intricate magical practices and diverse inhabitants. Studying at cosmopolitan Verpax University, naïve Elloren must question the divisive beliefs she absorbed while growing up when she finds herself learning alongside those she’s been taught to hate. 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. Listeners witness Elloren learning to question her assumptions and see the world—and herself—more clearly. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
ABA Indiebound – Summer 2017 Kids' Indie Next List Pick
"This briskly paced, tightly plotted novel enacts the transformative power of education, creating engaging characters set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own. A massive page-turner that leaves readers longing for more." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Forest uses a richly imagined magical world to offer an uncompromising condemnation of prejudice and injustice."
-Booklist, starred review
"Exquisite character work, an elaborate mythology, and a spectacularly rendered universe make this a noteworthy debut, which argues passionately against fascism and xenophobia.
-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"I absolutely loved The Black Witch and will have a very hard time waiting for the second book! Maximum suspense, unusual magic--a whole new, thrilling approach to fantasy!" -Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"The Black Witch is a refreshing, powerful young adult fantasy. This strong debut offers an uncompromising glimpse of world-altering politics amplified by a magical setting in which prejudice and discrimination cut both ways." -Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author
"We fell under the spell of this rich, diverse, Potter-worthy university world!
Characters that come alive off the page, tangled relationships, swoonworthy romance!
Love the fresh way this also tackles prejudice. Prepare to fangirl!"
-Justine magazine
"A powerful start to a new series, and a very impressive first novel." -Locus
JUNE 2017 - AudioFile
This debut fantasy introduces listeners to Elloren Gardener, granddaughter and spitting image of the powerful, celebrated Black Witch. This ambitious story is impressively narrated by the talented Julia Whelan, who creatively details its world of intricate magical practices and diverse inhabitants. Studying at cosmopolitan Verpax University, naïve Elloren must question the divisive beliefs she absorbed while growing up when she finds herself learning alongside those she’s been taught to hate. 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. Listeners witness Elloren learning to question her assumptions and see the world—and herself—more clearly. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
