Naomi Novik’s Uprooted was one of my favorite reads this year. A rich, atmospheric, wonderfully written fantasy for adults with warlocks and witches and kings and court and an enchanted wood.
A 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, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling 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 Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.
The characters in Uprooted are clear, complex, and compelling. So much passion and deep thought, crafted into a satisfying three-act drama.
There is one blush-worthy bedroom scene, mentioned as a matter of disclosure for readers who would prefer to skip through.
I was excited and surprised by this wonderful book and could hardly put it down while reading.
BOOK:30 