Ashes at the Altar

By LaDarrion Williams

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES - At a hidden magical HBCU a teen boy must confront evil spirits, family secrets and tested loyalties. In this haunting finale to the New York Times bestselling Blood at the Root trilogy, bloodlines, betrayal, and legacy collide in a battle that may cost everything.

"Brings magical living to an HBCU in an unforgettable young adult adventure."--People, on Blood at the Root

Malik Baron has learned a lot since he first came to Caiman University: History is power. Family is more than just blood. You can't escape your past. And magic always comes with a price.

But nothing he's been taught could have prepared him for what this semester will bring. Even after he risked it all to trap the evil spirit Marinette that has been possessing his mother, her power continues to grow. And with her and the Bokors still at large, the cracks in the magical community have reached a breaking point. Just as Malik begins to get to know his father's family, the Bonclairs' power is challenged, leaving him to decide where his loyalties lie. And it's not just the future of Caiman at stake, but the very magic that runs in his veins.

In the propulsive and emotional conclusion to this powerful trilogy, the future and the family Malik has fought so hard to build and protect is in greater danger than ever. But with the power of ancestors and the strength of his loved ones behind him, can he fight for what the world has always said is impossible for a Black boy like him--a happy ending?

Look for all the books in this unforgettable fantasy trilogy:
BLOOD AT THE ROOT
BONES AT THE CROSSROADS
ASHES AT THE ALTAR

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593712005
• ISBN13: 9780593712009
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Labyrinth Road
• Length: 528 Pages
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher