THE BLACK WITCH Black Witch Chronicles, Book 1

This debut fantasy introduces listeners to Elloren Gardener, granddaughter and spitting image of the powerful, celebrated Black Witch. This ambitious story is impressively narrated by the talented Julia Whelan, who creatively details its world of intricate magical practices and diverse inhabitants. Studying at cosmopolitan Verpax University, naïve Elloren must question the divisive beliefs she absorbed while growing up when she finds herself learning alongside those she's been taught to hate. 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. Listeners witness Elloren learning to question her assumptions and see the world--and herself--more clearly. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2017]