The Black Witch

The Black Witch Chronicles, Book 1

By: Laurie Forest

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

A Great Winged One will soon arise and cast his fearsome shadow upon the land. And just as Night slays Day, and Day slays Night, so also shall another Black Witch rise to meet him, her powers vast beyond imagining.

So foretells the greatest prophecy of the Gardnerian mages. Carnissa Gardner, the last prophesied Black Witch, drove back the enemy forces and saved her people during the Realm War. Now a new evil is on the horizon, and her granddaughter, Elloren, is believed to be Carnissa's heir—but while she is the absolute image of her famous grandmother, Elloren is utterly devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above nearly all else.

When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren is eager to join her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University and finally embrace a destiny of her own, free from the shadow of her grandmother's legacy. But she soon realizes that the University, which admits all manner of people—including the fire-wielding, winged Icarals, the sworn enemies of all Gardnerians—is an even more treacherous place for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.

©2017 Laurie Forest (P)2017 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited.

Critic reviews

"This ambitious story is impressively narrated by the talented Julia Whelan, who creatively details its world of intricate magical practices and diverse inhabitants.... 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." (AudioFile)

Good, but...

Actually really liked the story and premise, however why do writers insist on making the heroine so whiny and meek. How about a young lady growing in confidence and has a backbone, much better role model for young ladies nowadays. Overall good book for the beginning of a series. I will listen to book two and see where it goes.

Wow!

I don’t think I can say anything that will do this book justice! The story was amazing and the performance was just spectacular!

Highly recommend for adults and teens

I was going to write a very long review detailing the wonderful aspects of this book but I feel that it's better than I can actually articulate. It's fun and deep and doesn't preach so much as lure you into it. Wonderfully feminist and heart warming. Just read. You won't regret it for any other reason than the next book doesn't come out till September.

Amazing

Absolutely amazing! And, an excellent reader to boot.

Lot of unique characters all well thought out with major character development throughout. Can't wait for the next installment.

My new favorite series!

I am in love with this series. It has everything I love in a book. The story keeps you captivated with ever chapter. I can't wait for more books to come out!!

Very entertaining and well written.

Both my daughter and I loved this book. It’s a timeless theme and the characters are well developed. Can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out in audible.

good, but it took some patience

I like the story, I do feel like it took a long time to get into any real story though. I also did not even really like the main charger until late in the book. but I do like the book overall.

Loved This Book!

Narration was perfect, story riveting, characters engaging, and even though it was long I was gripped by the story the entire time.

AMAZING!!! When is the next?

The next best UF since True Blood!
Cannot wait for the next book. Could not stop listening!

Reminiscent of YA

This heavily reminded me of Harry Potter with the setting and the way it’s told. Fun, light read.