The Shadow Wand (Black Witch Chronicles 3)

[A quick note: I put off reading the third book in anticipation of the release of The Demon Tide this year. And then, when it came out, I put it off longer. I have a tendency to dread books I know will break me. This was no exception. But I finally mustered the courage to tackle this one. And I’m hoping to read The Demon Tide in June. I’m sure that one will break me too!]

“𝐀 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬.” —Laurie Forest

You want a book hangover? Awesome. You’ve come to the right book. This was my favorite in the series thus far! It was AMAZING! I loved the introduction of POVs. Whereas before, every chapter followed Elloren, now that her friends are split up, we got to follow them too. I thought it would annoy me, but I found myself invested in every single story. It also helped enhance the world building. Getting to see different factions, different facets of the rebellion, was eye-opening.

These books are best described as intense, and this installment was no exception. “Intense” is almost too mild. Literally heart pounding, edge-of-your-seat suspense at every corner. The stakes are so high, and the author does an amazing job of making you feel that. There are tons serious themes woven into the story. All of them are harrowing, disturbing, and relevant. I’ve never read a fantasy that does such an excellent job of tying so many relevant themes into a story while making it feel like real life. Genocide, racism, brainwashing, mis-information, bullying, it’s crazy.

One thing that ALSO impresses me is the politics and political intrigue. It’s really heavy. And there are a number of factions, each with their own unique politics and culture.

Okay, my favorite part of this book?? I loved the dynamic between Lukas and Elloren. Honestly, I’ve been #TeamLukas since day one. So…I was thrilled to see more of him. Sooooo much more. I’m also SHOOK. That ending?! Seriously? WTF. I was literally losing my mind. I’m still shaking after that. Like, I don’t even know what to think. Should I be angry at the author? Should I thank her? I don’t know!! I’m so lost.

This series continues to WOW me. It’s so underrated. More people need to read it. But I can understand the reluctance given how intense it is. Still, it’s phenomenal. A definite five star series. I think next to SJM, these books would fall in second for me. And that’s saying something! 𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝟓/𝟓⭐️