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Synopsis
At a hidden magical HBCU a teen boy must confront evil spirits, family secrets and tested loyalties. In this haunting finale to the New York Times bestselling Blood at the Root trilogy, bloodlines, betrayal, and legacy collide in a battle that may cost everything. Malik Baron has learned a lot since he first came to Caiman University: History is power. Family is more than just blood. You can't escape your past. And magic always comes with a price. But nothing he's been taught could have prepared him for what this semester will bring. Even after he risked it all to trap the evil spirit Marinette that has been possessing his mother, her power continues to grow. And with her and the Bokors still at large, the cracks in the magical community have reached a breaking point. Just as Malik begins to get to know his father's family, the Bonclairs' power is challenged, leaving him to decide where his loyalties lie. And it's not just the future of Caiman at stake, but the very magic that runs in his veins. In the propulsive and emotional conclusion to this powerful trilogy, the future and the family Malik has fought so hard to build and protect is in greater danger than ever. But with the power of ancestors and the strength of his loved ones behind him, can he fight for what the world has always said is impossible for a Black boy like him—a happy ending?
Is Ashes at the Altar appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
The finale features spirit possession, magical battles, and family secrets with moderate supernatural violence. Themes of legacy, loyalty, and generational trauma are handled thoughtfully with an emphasis on Black identity and ancestral power.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death of parent, possession, and betrayal (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be riveted by Malik's struggle to save his possessed mother and protect his magical community while discovering his true heritage and power.