The Shadow Wand, the third book in The Black Witch Chronicles, takes up where The Iron Flower ends. Elloren Gardner now knows she is The Black Witch, which has been prophesized, but she must learn how to use her power in order to help the Resistance. She is sent to her Fastmate, Commander Lukas Grey, Head of the Mage Guard, for protection. They must work together so that High Mage Marcus Vogel and the Gardnerians under his control do not capture her and use her power for evil.
Not wanting to give too much away, Elloren finds out who are her allies and who are her foes. However, since many who would ally with her don’t realize she is fighting for the Resistance, she is in grave danger from both sides. She undergoes rigorous training and must learn alternative methods of using her power. Readers will also learn what has become of Elloren’s friends and family who have been scattered far and wide in Erthia.
As in the previous books, Laurie Forest has again managed to weave lush and gorgeous world-building into this edition. Not only that, but the characters and evil creatures are dynamic, and some are just terrifying! The love scenes are extremely intense and steamy, which will be swoon-worthy and satisfying for many fans.
The book is divided into six parts, starting with character backstories. The beginning of the book does start off rather slowly as the author works to catch readers up on what has happened to Elleron’s friends and family since the end of The Iron Flower. Viewpoints change across chapters as we learn what has transpired with each character. During the course of the book, the plot speeds up and becomes action-packed.
There is still discrimination and persecution among races, as in the earlier stories; this only adds to the shock and empathy one feels toward the victimized species. Much to my dismay, the Lupine siblings, Jarod and Diana, do not make an appearance in this book. They are my favorite characters, and I hope we will see them in the next installment. There is a shocking cliff-hanger ending! I can’t wait for the next book, The Demon Tide, which won’t come out until June of 2021. Yes, unfortunately, we must wait an entire year!
Hand this book to fantasy lovers and those who have enjoyed the series. I highly recommend it for high school and public libraries and give it 5 out of 5 fleur de lis!
Thank you to Edelweiss for giving me the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader’s copy of The Shadow Wand.
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