From the Publisher
"A fitting duology closer.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This Jamaican-inspired fantasy is unique in the YA space.” — School Library Journal
Praise for Witches Steeped in Gold: "Aglow with detail, Witches Steeped in Gold is a thundering waterfall of magic, vengeance and intrigue. Smart spirits the reader straight to the heart of a vivid and perilous world, where power rests in the hands of women and fate turns on the bonds they break and forge." — Samantha Shannon, New York Times & Sunday Times bestselling author of THE BONE SEASON & THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE
“A bloody and deadly delight, Witches Steeped In Gold puts power into the hands of Black girls — the true, beating heart of magic!” — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series
“This delightfully delicious tale of witches and magical intrigue will have you reading late into the night.” — Rena Barron, author of Kingdom of Souls
“A richly realized tale.” — Kirkus Reviews
Samantha Shannon
Praise for Witches Steeped in Gold: "Aglow with detail, Witches Steeped in Gold is a thundering waterfall of magic, vengeance and intrigue. Smart spirits the reader straight to the heart of a vivid and perilous world, where power rests in the hands of women and fate turns on the bonds they break and forge."
Dhonielle Clayton
A bloody and deadly delight, Witches Steeped In Gold puts power into the hands of Black girls — the true, beating heart of magic!”
Rena Barron
This delightfully delicious tale of witches and magical intrigue will have you reading late into the night.”
Rena Barron
This delightfully delicious tale of witches and magical intrigue will have you reading late into the night.”
School Library Journal
11/01/2022
Gr 9 Up—Jazmyne has taken the throne of Aiyca, but the magic she should have inherited from her deceased mother has not yet come. Her position is tenuous until she can get the approval of her people. Iraya has taken her revenge and now seeks to free Aiyca for her people, but a new enemy is on the horizon. She and Jazmyne will have to become temporary allies once again—better the enemy you know—to stop the nightmare army. The Machiavellian machinations create a lot of plot threads to keep track of, which rewards a careful reader. Smart's prose is occasionally burdensome, but overall, the story proceeds apace. VERDICT This Jamaican-inspired fantasy is unique in the YA space, but given its length, it'll likely appeal only to dedicated fantasy readers. An additional purchase.
Kirkus Reviews
2022-06-08
Two young witches continue their efforts to rule their beloved matriarchal society of Aiyca in this follow-up to Witches Steeped in Gold (2021).
Jazmyne assumes the throne previously held by her now-dead mother, but having not yet inherited her magic, she is not officially granted the title of doyenne. Jazmyne perceives the underlying message of lack of faith from her citizens, and though it stings, she must endure it and try to earn their confidence. Iraya still has her sights on vengeance and taking back Aiyca for her people, the Obeah. Once again, the young women find that they must put aside their mutual personal grudges and become allies, if only temporarily, in order to have a chance of achieving their individual goals. With a new foe arising and bringing many twists and turns—both foreseen and unpredictable—it’s crucial that Jazmyne and Iraya keep their wits about them as they try to navigate a world in which deception and betrayal run rampant. As before, Smart’s style is rather wordy, and the voices of the two protagonists are at times too similar. But those who were drawn in by the previous volume and readers looking for a complex story that demands careful focus will be taken with this novel set in a world infused with Jamaican influences.
A fitting duology closer that maintains the flow of its predecessor. (Fantasy. 14-adult)
