Review: Uprooted

Discussion

1. Let’s talk characters: The liking of this book hinges upon one major, debated factor … liking the Dragon. This is a cantankerous, ornery, pessimistic character and you have to get a kick out of his curmudgeon status, or the book will be an uphill battle. I enjoyed this downright grumpy, incredibly brilliant, centuries old wizard. I found his biting comments to Agneiszka quite funny…wouldn’t you be a bit sore after battling an evil, man consuming wooded forest for centuries alone?

Angeiska displayed a lot of character growth and I really enjoyed where she ends up. I struggled at first to fully connect to her but she definitely grew on me and I enjoyed her loyalty, bravery, intelligence, fierceness, and the biting banter with the Dragon.

Her best friend Kasia is another powerful, brave woman and overall unique, stand out character. I loved their friendship. I love the relationships overall in this story as they were honest, never perfect, and therefore more believable.

2. Let’s talk plot & pacing: For a 400-odd page book this reads like a much longer tome, and I can’t explain why that is. It can be a bit dense and descriptive. A little confusing and slowly paced at the beginning … but once you give into that and allow it some time it is an incredibly immersive world. I think it’s important to remember this is an Adult Fantasy and as a genre in general they are more descriptive, they are more dense, and they require a bit more work and time. But they are worth it, because they bring such a complete experience.

3. Let’s talk world: Immersive, unique, gritty, violent and fully realized. Naomi Novik weaves a complicated, riveting, unique world.

4. Let’s talk romance: Is it insta-love? No. Is it the main focus of the novel? No. It is quiet, it is slow, it takes a back seat to the main plot (evil, murderous woods) and it forms first from respect, bonded intelligence (my favourite), and friendship. I thought it was fabulous.

5. Overall Take: While there are definite Beauty and the Beast nods/themes throughout the story, Uprooted takes on a whole new identity and is all the better for it. A thoroughly plotted, at times slow, completely enveloping, story for fans of stories that take their time, develop a world, and break formulas. Those looking to move away from formulaic, trope-laden fantasy will be fully enchanted here. I know I was.

6. TBR Ranking: Top

For Fans Of:

The Lost Queen

Written by Signe Pike

Published by Atria Books

Full review HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org