I originally bought this book because it was considered “problematic”. It was one of a handful of books where readers on social media sites like goodreads and twitter were calling for this book to be banned or canceled. Unlike some other books at the time, the author and the publisher “stood up” for this work saying the reasons some find it problematic is the entire purpose of the book. Having read it, I now understand.

Ellorean and her two brothers were raised in a small town by her uncle. Her parents died years ago. All Ellorean has known is what was taught to her by her uncle and what her community and religion believe to be true. These are things such as wandfasting (marriage equivalent) is not only accepted but preferred when younger, such as age 13. That her race is the master race, the one that god put on the land to rule. After All they are the pure race. They are the race with magic. You see these beliefs heavily in this book, but more so when Ellorean spends time with her aunt, who is a very high political figure in their land. Her dear uncle tried to hide her away from things, but her aunt wants her in the middle of the intrigue.

Ellorean is seen as important because she is the spitting image of her grandmother the Black Witch. It was the Black Witch that freed her people and brought the prosperity they now have. There is a prophecy that a new Black Witch will rise and bring even better and brighter things to her people. However, Ellorean has no magic. Her wand-testing is failed, and most are disappointed, but that does not keep them from trying to use her for their own political purposes.

Ellorean is on her way to the university. There she would have every creature comfort if she obeys her aunt and marries the handsome Lucas, the catch of the school. But she has promised her uncle, who is now sick and not able to communicate, that she would wait til she graduated. And so, she must work for her tuition. And live in what she considers hell, with races inferior to her own. She could have everything she ever wanted, be the queen of the school, if she wandfasts.

Ellorean’s uncle taught her to somewhat think for herself. It will take some dastardly deeds, and a bit of hazing for Ellorean to lean that what she grew up believing is only part of the story. Her history and beliefs are the Disney movie of actual history.

This book is a bit long, but most good fantasy is. It takes time to build the world and set everything in place. And for the first time in a long time of this readers history, there are no major gaps in world building. Yes there are cliffhangers and stories untold, but there are also more books to come. I have my suspicions, but no spoilers in this review.

As for the “problematic” parts. I do see the “white savior” narrative. It is definitely there. Ellorean is the pale skinned woman with the long black hair. The rest of the races are every color under the sun, pink, purple, blue, brown, black. Some have wings, some are a bit furry, etc. As myself a white woman, I draw a parallel to what modern culture needs to learn and see. The world I currently live in has a growing white supremist faction, which is echoed in this story. The “right” race is building power to take over and destroy, but it will be those who can see beyond skin and race, to actual people and actions who will move a land forward. It’s the children and the young adults who will help abolish the beliefs of the past.

This is a story about growth. That books, even history and holy books, are prejudiced by the writers. That nothing is black and white, and that even the best of enemies can become the best of friends. When closing this book, the reader needs the next one.

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