LaDarrion Williams Shares Cover of New 'Unapologetic and Raw’ Fantasy Novel “Bones at the Crossroads” (Exclusive)

The new novel, publishing in 2025, is the sequel to Williams’ ‘Blood at the Root,’ about a Black teenager with magical powers

LaDarrion Williams has a new book arriving soon for fans of his magical HBCU.

The playwright and author of the bestselling fantasy novel Blood at the Root will publish its sequel, Bones at the Crossroads, in summer 2025 — and PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the cover.

Blood at the Root follows Malik, a teenager on the run who also has magical abilities. When Malik arrives at Caiman University, a historically Black university for students with magical powers, his world is changed forever.

Bones at the Crossroads catches up with Malik during his freshman year at Caiman, as he connects with his newfound family, his magical lineage and a new danger threatening his world.

For Williams, Bones at the Crossroads is a continuation of a vital story. The Alabama native was inspired to write Blood at the Root after a viral social media post, where he asked, “What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU in the South?”

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“Blood at the Root was the book of my heart and something I’ve wanted to write since I was a teen. I’m so honored to be the vessel for telling this young Black boy’s story and the many adventures he’s going to face,” Williams says.

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“In this epic continuation, readers will dive deeper into the magical fall semester at Caiman University,” the author adds.

“There’s more betrayal, more family secrets and new characters that will challenge Malik to make some tough decisions. Plus, it’s homecoming, bringing its own drama and excitement. Unapologetic and raw in its portrayal of the growing pains Malik experiences, this installment is where readers will see Mailk finally take ownership of his own story.”

Williams, who is the co-founder of the Black Creators Collective, previously spoke with PEOPLE about Blood at the Root, and shared that the novel was originally going to be a TV series.

"I thought it'd be really cool to follow this young kid not just through the regular college experience but at an HBCU where there's magic," he said. "A lot of people on social media asked where are our magical schools and I'm like, 'It's right here.'"

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Williams also says that he wants his work to elevate stories that need to be heard.

"I'm hoping publishers are more open to showcasing young Black boys as main characters," Williams says. "Not every story is the same. There are different experiences we need to showcase. Young boys should be able to see themselves in the aisles of bookstores. They need to see that they can be vulnerable and still be the heroes of their own stories. That's the message I'd love to get across."

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Bones at the Crossroads will be published on July 29, 2025 via Labyrinth Road Books and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.