Uprooted by Naomi Novik, published May 2015 by Macmillan.
Read: August 2015
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Romance
Source: Gifted
#Pages: 437
Get It Now: Wordery
Goodreads Synopsis: Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, ambitious wizard, known only as the Dragon, to keep the wood’s powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman must be handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as being lost to the wood.
The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows – everyone knows – that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia – all the things Agnieszka isn’t – and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her. But no one can predict how or why the Dragon chooses a girl. And when he comes, it is not Kasia he will take with him.
The Story
I was sent a beautiful hardback copy of this book from my #otspsecretsister, who informed me that she had to get me a copy when she saw it on my wishlist, because it was her favourite book of the year. *Gulp*. No pressure. I’m still pretty new to the Fantasy genre, which means I approach it tentatively at best, but I’ve definitely discovered that I need to be braver in 2016, because Fantasy and me get on much better than I tend to think. From the start, Uprooted was a very unique and curious read – and while it was slow initially, it was still very gripping, particularly the magic system, and I really struggled to put it down.
The Review
Much of my exposure to Fantasy has been Sarah J Maas and Cassandra Clare, and while their stories do have magic systems, demons and dark elements, this book was the darkest I’ve read yet. The “evil” in this book, for much of the story, doesn’t have a physical identity as such… I know, it sounds complicated, and it is. There is an overarching Gothic feeling to the story. The evil is ominous and creepy. The story is very intricate and detailed, with very descriptive imagery, which while beautiful, also made for a complex, and at times, difficult to comprehend setting. If I’m being honest, I’m probably still not 100% sure what went down towards the end of the book, and a reread is in order to fully appreciate the depth of the storytelling.
Uprooted gets off to a slow start, but I still struggled to put it down. The story was very unique to me, so even though the storytelling could be slow, I was intrigued enough to want to continue. Once the action hits in the second half of the book, the pace really picks up and you do get that sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat feeling. This novel is a standalone, and part of me applauds the author for being able to tell such an intricate Fantasy tale in one book, but part of me also wonders would I have enjoyed it more as a series to allow for more detailed world-building and character back-story? It’s difficult to tell.
The magic system is well-crafted, unique and beautifully written, and considering I usually prefer much more structure and explanation, it was obviously well-done for me to enjoy its organic and original nature. Initially, I really disliked the Dragon, but he went on to become one of my favourite characters. His sarcasm and dour mood kept me highly entertained, and as for that hint of romance – it thankfully isn’t the main plot-line, but it’s done so very well, especially a surprisingly raunchy scene that had me fully appreciating Novik’s writing ability.
Quotables
“You intolerable lunatic,” he snarled at me, and then he caught my face between his hands and kissed me.”
“I don’t want more sense!” I said loudly, beating against the silence of the room. “Not if sense means I’ll stop loving anyone. What is there besides people that’s worth holding on to?”
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, ambitious wizard, known only as the Dragon, to keep the wood’s powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman must be handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as being lost to the wood.
The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows – everyone knows – that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia – all the things Agnieszka isn’t – and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her. But no one can predict how or why the Dragon chooses a girl. And when he comes, it is not Kasia he will take with him.
Have you read Uprooted? Did you love it, or have issues with it? Let me know in the comments!
Ok, that’s it. I have to read this book. I’ve had it on my Kindle for awhile, and have been hesitant, even though it’s getting great reviews. I need something different to read. Great review, Rachel. I’m glad you tried it and ended up enjoying it!
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LOL I didn’t know you had this one! Quite different for you! Not sure how you’ll get on with it, but you’ll love the romance scene when you get to it!! Read it!! R xx
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What a stunning cover!
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It has a mint hardcover, and aubergine end pages. I’m in love! R xx
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I actually have heard of this (good things) but I think the cover I saw was different. I need to check it out!
Kate @ Ex Libris
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There was quite a lot of hype about it and it is well loved – the majority of good opinions I agree with, but I did have one or two issues, but I think those are personal issues as opposed to any problem with the actual book. YES, this is the UK cover, it is beautiful! R xx
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I haven’t read this one yet, but the overwhelming hype is hard to ignore. 😀 Glad you loved it!
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The hype IS hard to ignore. Luckily I read this right before it exploded. I do think I’d have been more disappointed had I read it post-hype. It is unique and pretty original (as far as I can tell), and sometimes that makes liking it harder because it’s so new, and not something we’re used to. Do you own a copy yet? I recommend the UK hardcover, it is beautiful! R xx
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[…] yet myself. I just decided approximately 5 minutes ago, to go for it! I already have a review of Uprooted up for December 1st, and my discussion post for yesterday, so now I just need to get super […]
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Lovely review! I really enjoyed this one, especially the well-developed world building and the fact that the antagonist is so very evil, even when it doesn’t have a physical form.
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Thanks! I loved the creepy factor to the book, and the originality of the story. I did have a few minor issues with it, but I feel some of them may be resolved with a reread. I also think because it is so new to me, that I struggled to sink my teeth into it. When something is familiar, or a trope, we’re more comfortable with it, whereas when it’s new you really have to work at figuring it out, you know? R xx
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I know exactly what you mean. I also think in terms of the fantasy books out there, Uprooted is probably one of the most intricate. It took me a while to get into it too and I love fantasy.
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Intricate!! That’s SUCH a good word to describe Uprooted!! R xx
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