First published 2024
Malik has spent ten years hiding his powers since his mother vanished without explanation. At seventeen, he focuses on protecting his younger foster brother Taye and planning their escape from their troubled past. When Malik uses his abilities to save Taye, the rescue reveals a shocking truth about his family. His mother attended Caiman University, a secret magical school for young Black conjurers, and his ancestry connects him to legendary practitioners. At Caiman, Malik reunites with Alexis, his first love, and begins learning about his magical community. But the university harbors dark secrets. Ancient evil from the Haitian Revolution stirs again, threatening everything Malik has found. Feuding covens clash over forbidden knowledge while magical politics divide the campus. Malik must navigate these dangers while searching for answers about his mother's disappearance and his own growing powers. The investigation forces him to confront buried mysteries that could destroy both his newfound family at Caiman and the foster brother he left behind.
Genres: african-american, mystery, fantasy, magic, young-adult
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Caiman University, Haiti
Period: Haitian Revolution
432 pages · Hardcover · Labyrinth Road
Content warnings: abuse, violence