Uprooted by Naomi Novik is a standalone novel, a tale of magic, mystery, hurt, love, and finding and honoring your roots. It feels like a modern fairytale—had it been simplified, it could be a bedtime story you would hear as a child. Yet as it stands, it is complex, captivating, and heartwrenching.

Plot: Centering around the main character, Agnieszka, this tale begins in a valley caught in a magical war between the encroaching and frighteningly sentient Wood, and the wizard protecting the valley called the Dragon. In return for his protection, every ten years, a girl is taken by the Dragon. No one quite knows what is done to them, but when they are released they don’t choose to stay in the valley. 

Agnieszka begins the story certain that her best friend Kasia will be taken by the Dragon, but instead, he chooses her. And so Agnieszka’s tutelage as a witch begins, launching a new battle against the Wood and changing the fate of her valley as she knows it. 

The Good: Creative and masterfully written with distinct characters, an unfathomable and terrifying antagonist, and supporting roles with shifting and realistic motivations, Uprooted caught me up in the web of the story from the start. Agnieszka is a likable protagonist, and her growth into womanhood and her magical powers is a compelling narrative. She is a strong female lead, choosing bravery over her fears, standing up for herself, her friends, and her community, and wielding her magic with simultaneous care and abandon. The Dragon is an interesting co-lead, tempering Agnieszka’s wild magic with structure and discipline, and the two work together like a vine seeking heights with the help of a trellis—Agnieszka could not grow so far without the Dragon, and the Dragon’s willingness to fight the Wood is a cold duty until his the battle is made more more meaningful by his new apprentice. The conclusion of the tale is bittersweet and beautiful, satisfying and inevitable. 

The Bad: I actually can’t think of anything negative to say about this book–if you’ve read my blog for a while you may remember that I read it again and again every year. 

Rating: This book gets a 5/5 stars from me, I highly recommend reading it if you’re into fantasy novels (and even if you aren’t!). It’s one of my favorites and well worth it. 

Are there any books off of my previous book lists that you would be interested in seeing reviewed? Let me know in the comments!

Happy reading!

– Ember