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Black Witch (Original)
Black Witch (Original) | Laurie Forest
"Maximum suspense, unusual magic--a whole new, thrilling approach to fantasy!"--Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author "A refreshing, powerful young adult fantasy."--Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author Powerful magic. A deadly legacy. A world at the edge of war.Prepare to be spellbound by The Black Witch.Evil looms on the horizon, and for Elloren Gardner, granddaughter of the last Black Witch, pressure to live up to her magical heritage is building. Elloren's people, the Gardnerians, believe she will follow in her grandmother's footsteps. But Elloren is utterly devoid of power--in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.Granted the opportunity to study at the prestigious Verpax University, Elloren sets out to embrace a destiny of her own, free from the shadow of her grandmother's legacy. But the university may be the most treacherous place of all for the granddaughter of the Black Witch, and Elloren soon realizes that the world she knows is not what it seems. If she is to survive the coming danger, she'll have to free her mind from the assumptions she was raised with, and learn to trust the very people she's been taught to hate and fear. Critics are raving about Laurie Forest's incredible debut, The Black Witch "We fell under the spell of this rich, diverse, Potter-worthy university world!"--Justine magazine "A captivating and stimulating fantasy novel with a whole world of excitement and danger. I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in this world of magic and intrigue."--TeenReads.com "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"Briskly paced, tightly plotted...set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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StellarDoc
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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I have once again been left unattended at the bookstore.

TEArificbooks Dangerous thing doing that 😆 4mo
StellarDoc @TEArificbooks Especially right after pay day! 4mo
14 likes2 comments
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JuliaTheBookNerd
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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#Black 🖤 #CoverLove 🎆🇺🇸🎇🌭🍔🍉🕶️☀️🩱

#BookNerd 🤓📚💙

Eggs Gorgeous 🖤🪶 🖤 5mo
38 likes1 comment
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SaraHasClass
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

Excellent story with great characters! Fantasy, YA. In a divided world ruled by Gardernerians, Elloren doesn't fit. She looks like her famous grandmother, who is both loved and despised. Yet Elloren isn't powerful like the Black Witch. Pressured to be someone she isn't, Elloren discovers who she really is.

3 likes1 stack add
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Gissy
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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#AutumnPlease Day18
#witch
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Need to start this series, when???😬

TheBookHippie Oooo that looks good! 13mo
Eggs Pretty cover 🪶 13mo
29 likes2 comments
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TheSpineView
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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48 likes1 stack add
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Read4life
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Mehso-so

Too long! This book has so much filler. The 601 page #AlmostAChunkster could easily have been under 250 pages. All that filler really took away from some good characters and storylines.

#BookSpinBingo #readyourTBR #Roll100

Amiable Ugh, that‘s disappointing! 1y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 1y
PuddleJumper Ooft, that's a lot of dead weight 1y
53 likes3 comments
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Cazxxx
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

Overall I enjoyed this. Good world building and a strong female MC who learns that everything she‘s been told growing up isn‘t correct. It was unnecessarily long which lead to me zoning out a few times but still a pick

35 likes1 stack add
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JuliaTheBookNerd
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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#Black 🖤🪄 #OminousOctober 🐈‍⬛👻🎃🖤🤍🧡

#BookNerd 🤓💙📚

Eggs Perfect 🖤🧡🖤 2y
41 likes2 comments
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Laughterhp
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Missed day 1 of #scarathlondailyprompts

“Black” in the title

#TeamMonsterMash #Scarathlon2022 +6pts

I‘ve had this book for a while, hoping to get to it this month!

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KristiAhlers
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Mehso-so

For publishing year 2017 I decided this would be a good choice. I did like the characters, I liked the world building what I didn‘t love was the filler used to make this a ridiculously long book. Seriously it could‘ve been 200 pages shorter. Which is sad as I felt those extra pages took away from the story. #19822022 @Librarybelle

Librarybelle I actually bailed on this one - I agree, it seemed a bit too long! 3y
KristiAhlers @Librarybelle I really probably should‘ve bailed as well. Oh well it‘s done and I won‘t be reading the sequel! 3y
Librarybelle Way to go for sticking with it! 3y
43 likes3 comments
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Laughterhp
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Here is my giant TBR for #Scarathlon2021 #TeamHendrix

I‘m going to take both team books out from the library and see which one I can read. I‘ve never read Hendrix and I‘m not a big zombie person.

I only own 6 of these books, so I‘ll be taking out lots from the library!

Let‘s hope I‘m in the mood for reading in October 🎃

This could also basically be my #BookSpin #BookSpinBingo list, with my 2 #LMPBC books being # 24 and 25

StayCurious Some great choices there! +50 early bird points! (edited) 3y
Scurvygirl Grady is fun horror, if that‘s a thing 😜 3y
Laughterhp @Scurvygirl That‘s good to know. Because I‘m not a horror person. 3y
See All 6 Comments
brittanyreads I have 4-5 of these lined up for my Oct #bookspinbingo too! 🍂🎃🍁 3y
night_shift Great list! Goosebumps is the way to go haha 3y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
51 likes6 comments
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Laughterhp
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Here is my physical book stack of books I hope to read this fall. Not sure if I‘ll get to all of them because there are also a bunch I want to request from the library.

I‘m trying really hard to not start reading all of these already!

#LittensDressedinBlood

MidnightBookGirl That‘s why I start my Fall reading in August! lol 3y
TiredLibrarian Loved this & The Historian. 3y
AmyK1 The Thirteenth Tale is really good 3y
55 likes3 comments
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CorLostForWords
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Reading this one. Haven‘t gotten too far into it yet, but love the premise so far!

4 likes1 comment
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BayouGirl85
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Mehso-so

I enjoyed Elloren. The story felt new. The biggest downfall is the length. I felt like plenty was just unnecessary. I understand given a new world you need info but it drug a lot for me.

May Book 17/25 #LitsyLove

25 likes1 stack add
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Kimberlone
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Mehso-so

Book review catch up time:

A booktuber I stumbled across did a review of this series, which piqued my interest, so I thought I‘d give it a chance. Again, pretty generic YA fantasy; all the tropes are there - love triangle, way too much plot in a very short amount of time, implausibly fast travel, genocide, etc. Alas, none of my digital library options offer the 3rd book, and I also just discovered there‘s going to be a 4th. Won‘t be continuing.

Kimberlone Note: apparently there was a lot of controversy about how race was dealt with in the first book. I didn‘t even find that too problematic since the races in the book are witches vs. elves vs. dragons (all are sentient), and the main character pretty quickly evolves and recognizes the prejudice she was raised with and fights it. I had a way bigger problem with how casually genocide just happens multiple times without much explanation or buildup. 4y
radesilets Oof. The more I hear about these books, the less I want to read them. I haven‘t known someone who really likes them. 4y
44 likes1 stack add2 comments
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CrazeeMomma4
Black Witch | Laurie Forest
Pickpick

Absolutely incredible!! Stayed up very late to finish it because I couldn‘t put it down! Love romance? Love magic and fantasy? This is the book for you!

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WriterAtHeart
Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Mehso-so

It took a while for me to get into this one, but now that I have finished the first book, I can say I enjoyed the story a lot more. I am just so happy to see the growth of the main character and I believe Forest does a good job having someone navigate racism in a fantasy world. Moving onto book 2.

37 likes1 stack add
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BayouGirl85
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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I feel horrible. I don't think I ever thanked @AprilMae for my amazing #litsylovefallswap #llfs goodies. I hope you enjoyed yours as well.

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MoonWitch94
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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I refused to open my own #sfs box until my match‘s arrived, which unfortunately was very late due to Covid. I totally forgot to open mine. So sorry Sharon! Thank you so very much @sharread for this above & beyond box of goodies. 🖤💜💚

sharread Nice pictures! You're welcome. 4y
42 likes1 comment
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Tdupg84
Pickpick

I am loving this series, it is quick to fall into the world and well done! The issues are reflective of certain issues in real life but set against a whole other kind of society. There are many exciting moments that keep you reading or listening to the book. Its nice to have another series to fall into, but having just finished the 3rd book, I'm struggling g to wait for the official 4th book and am now moving on to the prequels while I wait.

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Sam_D
Black Witch (Original) | Laurie Forest
Pickpick

I love Laurie Forests worlds! I know there are some white savior tendencies here, acknowledging this is important.

4 likes1 stack add
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JeniReadABook
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
Mehso-so

🌟🌟

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Inkblotsandcoffeestains
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

I‘ve seen this book get a lot bad publicity for what is in my opinion, no good reason. Yes, there is a lot of racism in this book. However, I do not believe the author is condoning this, and the MC grows and realizes a lot of things may not be as she was raised to see them! I believe everyone should read this to judge it for themselves! I enjoyed this, and will eventually read the next books in the series!

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Court7
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
Panpan

This was...not good.

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Twainy
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

🎧 I had a love/hate relationship with this book. It felt a little too much like The Red Witch with the angsty fake teen love. If that had been drawn out or more realistic I might have liked it more. The story was predictable but fun enough to keep me interested. I think I‘ve had enough of these two series for awhile but I‘ll return to them. I think a young adult would enjoy this book a lot more than I did!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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cwarnier
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
Mehso-so

#controversialbookclub
@collegecatlady @LibrarianRyan
Finished this up this morning. It was defintaly outside if my normal read. I dont know that I would have finished it if it would be on my own. I can see why people think of this as a controversial book.

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WriterAtHeart
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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@Chrissyreadit - Thank you so much for the #allhallowsreadswap - it was such a nice gift to open after my long Wednesday! ❤❤❤

Chrissyreadit Hope you enjoy everything! 5y
Avanders 😍😍 5y
Gissy Black witch, wow! Let us know how you like those books. I want to read too😍👌 5y
38 likes3 comments
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IheartYA
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Midlife_nerd_girl
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Pickpick

Ok this was most definitely a 5⭐️ read for me. In fact...I‘m just going to put it out there that this was probably the very best book I‘ve read ALL YEAR. Great character development and an intriguing storyline, and all mixed up with highly relevant real world social, moral and ethical issues. I couldn‘t put it down and immediately bought the next book in the series.

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wellreadredhead
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Hey #controversialbookclub buds! This is just a check-in to see where each book is. Please comment what book or books you are in possession of please!

I currently have no book in my possession.

LibrarianRyan I have never received any of them. and I believe @cwarnier has the Black Witch because we were talking about the Book Hugger it was sent in. (edited) 5y
wellreadredhead @LibrarianRyan I‘ll check in with Jamie and see what‘s up! 5y
cwarnier I do have The Black Witch. I have read 3 of them, and yet to read Satanic Verse. 5y
See All 6 Comments
wellreadredhead @LibrarianRyan @cwarnier Jamie had some personal issues and will be getting the three books in his possession sent off to Ryan as soon as possible. 5y
cwarnier Awesome 5y
46 likes6 comments
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cwarnier
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Reading during lunch today.
#controversialbookclub

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TheHungryBookworms
Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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My two favorite witch books. Spooky picture👻🎃💕

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Laughterhp
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Ahhh absolutely loved everything in the package! I can‘t wait to read all of these books! And I can‘t wait to wear these socks! They look so cozy and awesome!

Thanks so much for the books and all the goodies!

#ScreamathonSwap #Screamathon

bullbunny Jealous of those socks and that coloring book!! 5y
alisiakae Nightmare Before Christmas socks!! 😍 5y
Catsandbooks So glad you like everything!! 😊I had so much fun picking stuff out and was super excited when I found those socks!! Happy October! 🧡🖤 5y
50 likes3 comments
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paulareadsallthetime
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

Such a good book and something our world needs to understand right now.

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IheartYA
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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The Black Witch discussion with the author is this Saturday! @MonthlyBookClub
https://www.facebook.com/groups/693260370883251/
Follow me on IG: Iheartya311

46 likes1 stack add
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DaniRey
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

I saw the controversy on this on after finishing the book. I commented to myself, while reading, that there were a lot of racial overtones through. I don‘t, however, find that this book is racist though. Merely, it highlights the racial injustice in the world and shows a girl who was brought up learning flawed logic, but is learning how wrong it all is. #bookclubpick

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kellyann28
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

This was the best magical book I have read in quite awhile! I immediately bought the next book (The Iron Flower) upon completion of this one. The character and world building is great. It has characters you love and characters you love to hate. I would recommend this to anyone who loves magic and fantasy books!
I need more information and chapters with Yven, pronto.

34 likes2 stack adds
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TheHungryBookworms
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

I loved this book! I got so hooked in the story almost immediately. Loved the characters especially Yvon😍I had so many mixed feelings, I cried, I laughed I scream in frustration which makes this one of the top books of this year.
5 out of 5 bookstacks📚📚📚📚📚

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IheartYA
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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dizie_lizie Beautiful photo! 5y
IheartYA @dizie_lizie Thank you. It took a long time to get right. ❤ 5y
MommaReads I loved this book! Devoured it ❤️❤️ 5y
56 likes3 comments
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TamTracy
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

This book started off slow and took me a lot longer to read than normal. Once I got halfway through I started to like it a lot more and looked forward to continuing to read it. Will definitely read the next in the series. So many unanswered questions! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

LibrarianRyan And the ending. It doesn‘t end. You like WHAT?? 5y
TamTracy @LibrarianRyan Right! I was like hold up we were just getting good!!! 5y
54 likes2 comments
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IheartYA
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Cathyloves2read I just won a copy!! So excited!! (edited) 5y
40 likes1 comment
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xxjenadanxx
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

SO GOOD.

Not going to lie, it took me a little while to get into this one after reading the prequel and finding that this was a whole new generation of characters and not my beloved Vale and Tessla. However the world building and story line is so good in this series it was hard to resist long and I've found myself loving Ren and the gang just as much. This is the kind of series you obsess over!

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xxjenadanxx
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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I just finished my 200th book of the year!! Woohoo!!

candority Incredible! 👏 5y
Dawnrod1970 Wow Awesome! 5y
Redwritinghood 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 5y
CouronneDhiver Holy cow - that‘s unreal! Good job 5y
55 likes5 comments
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MonthlyBookClub
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Pickpick

Ahhh we are so excited to announce that Laurie Forest will be joining us for our discussion this month!!!!!🤯😍
If you haven't read The Black Witch you NEED to!! It was such an amazing book with a deep message! We hope to see you there! 💚🐸💚
https://www.facebook.com/groups/693260370883251

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elyseh
The Black Witch | Laurie Forest
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Ahhh we are so excited to announce that Laurie Forest will be joining us for our discussion this month!!!!!🤯😍
If you haven't read The Black Witch you NEED to!! It was such an amazing book with a deep message! We hope to see you there! 💚🐸💚https://www.facebook.com/groups/693260370883251

LibrarianRyan Loved this book 5y
43 likes1 comment