Uprooted

by Naomi Novik

A dark enchantment blights the land in the award-winning Uprooted – a captivating fantasy inspired by fairy tales and steeped in Slavic folklore from Naomi Novik, author of the Scholomance trilogy and the Temeraire series.

'A great heroine, new takes on old myths and legends, and surprising twists and turns. A delight' – Cassandra Clare, author of The Mortal Instruments

Agnieszka loves her village, set deep in a peaceful valley. But the nearby enchanted forest casts a shadow over her home. Many have been lost to the Wood and none return unchanged. The villagers depend on an ageless wizard, the Dragon, to protect them from the forest's dark magic. However, his help comes at a terrible price. One young village woman must serve him for ten years, leaving all they love and value behind.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka fears her dearest friend Kasia will be picked next, for she's everything Agnieszka is not – beautiful, graceful and brave. Yet when the Dragon comes, it's not Kasia he takes . . .

Uprooted is a stunning romantic fantasy filled with unexpected twists, beautiful friendships and fierce battles against dark forces.

Winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel
Winner of the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel
Winner of the British Fantasy Society Award for Best Novel
Shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel
Shortlisted for the Hugo Award for Best Novel

• ISBN10: 1447294149
• ISBN13: 9781447294146
• Publish Date: 5 May 2016 (first published 1 January 2015)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Imprint: Pan Books
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 448
• Language: English

Reviews

[Briana @ Pages Unbound]

Uprooted is a masterfully-crafted fantasy novel that will have readers putting roots of their own down into Novik's beautifully-imagined world.

The novel follows sixteen-year-old Agnieszka after she is chosen to be the local wizard's newest female companion. Distraught, terrified, and naturally a bit clumsy, Agnieszka can be hard to like at first as she bumbles around her new home, contriving to turn everything into a mess only half-intentionally. However, as she grows into her role and acquires confidence, she quickly becomes someone to admire, all while retaining just enough of her awkwardness to ground her personality. She develops but she never transforms into someone unrecognizable. This complexity and attention to detail in building character is one of Novik's strengths and is apparent in even characters who make only minor appearances.

Novik puts the same attention into her world-building. Uprooted has hints of folktales, incorporating such figures as Baba Jaga, but the setting still seems entirely Novik's own. She deftly paints pictures of diverse regions of her invented country, drawing readers into court intrigue at the castle as deftly as she draws them into the dangers of the Wood. Though different characters profess love for different parts of Polyna, Novik makes it hard for readers not to love it all.

The system of magic, the national history, and the social customs are vividly imagined, as well. Novik hints at a deep, dark past even as protagonist Agnieszka and her mentor fight for a brighter future. The stakes of this novel are alarmingly high, as the characters struggle to save themselves from the corruption of the Wood and fates worse than death. The action builds to a sharp crescendo as Novik throws greater and greater obstacles into her characters' path, making the novel hard to put down.

Tied through all of this is a subtle romance. Some readers may wish for more, but I found it just about right. As readers, don't we always wonder why characters don't focus on their whole "end of the world" issues instead of pursuing ridiculous love affairs in the face of imminent dangers? Novik's characters are smart, and also complicated, and I like that there was enough of a romance for interest but enough left out that I can imagine how the rest of the story might go.

With action, adventure, magic, and romance, Uprooted invites readers into a wildly compelling fantasy world and will have readers clamoring for more from Novik.

[wyvernfriend]

satisfying

[lizarodz]

Reading With ABC http://readingwithabc.com http://readingwithabc.com/audiobook-review-uprooted-naomi-novik/If you have been wondering about Uprooted, I’m here to put your questions to rest. Let’s see how I can explain it to you in an accurate way: there is magic, an original story, wondrous lyrical writing, a fantastic world building, and great characters. I’m so glad that I saw so many great reviews in Goodreads or I wouldn’t have even notice this book and what a loss that would be!

Uprooted is a story about magic, a girl, a dragon and a wood (forest). The Dragon is a wizard that protects the villages close to the evil Wood. Once every ten years he goes into the village and chooses a young woman that must serve him. Everyone believes that the Dragon will choose the beautiful Kasia and thus she’s raised with that purpose in mind, but on the day of the choosing, it’s Agnieszka who goes into the tower with him. No one knows what happens to the girls in those ten years, only that at the end, they end up wealthy and they leave for the city.

Agnieszka is a hot mess. She’s always dirty and doesn’t seem to be able to do anything right. At the beginning, she’s timid, terrified of the Dragon, unsure of herself and her new role. She has been uprooted from all she’d known before. Agnieszka grows a lot as a character. She discovers that her Dragon doesn’t bite. She discovers power in knowledge and in magic. She discovers that there are different ways to achieve a goal. She has an instinctual understanding of the Wood and how magic works. She’s good and wants to love and be loved and do what’s right. Such a complex, strong character. I love Agnieszka.

“His name tasted of fire and wings, of curling smoke, of subtlety and strength and the rasping whisper of scales. He eyed me and said stiffly, "Don't land yourself into a boiling-pot, and as difficult as you may find it, try and present a respectable appearance.”

The Dragon is a great wizard and he tries to pick a girl every ten years to help them better themselves, teach them a bit of magic and keep him in comfort. He’s not what you would call a ‘people person’ and is feared and respected by the same measure. Eventually, he comes to care for Agnieszka. He’s brave, smart, ruthless, fair and just. This is not a book with a great, hot romance, but there is romance. I was perfectly content with this aspect because Uprooted is not a love story.

“I shut my eyes and felt out the shape of his magic: as full of thorns as his illusion, prickly and guarded. I started to murmur my own spell, but I found myself thinking not of roses but of water, and thirsty ground; building underneath his magic instead of trying to overlay it. I heard him draw a sharp breath, and the sharp edifice of his spell began grudgingly to let mine in. The rose between us put out long roots all over the table, and new branches began to grow.”

The writing is beautiful. Honestly, I’m not sure how to describe it better, but I hope the quotes that I included help you form your own opinion about it. Oh the word building! Magic becomes a living thing, with feelings and a will of its own. The Wood is the villain and it’s a living entity that changes the lives of all that come in contact with it. It shapes the lives of the villagers, it threatens, is lures, it terrifies, it thinks, it pulses, it takes revenge. Although the plot might be described as a Beauty and the Beast retelling – which is my favorite fairytale – to me it is a lot more than that. As I said, the book is not about the romance, but we do have a ‘beastly’ main character.

"Those the walkers carried into the Wood were less lucky. We didn't know what happened to them, but they came back out sometimes, corrupted in the worst way: smiling and cheerful, unharmed. They seemed almost themselves to anyone who didn't know them well, and you might spend half a day talking with one of them and never realize anything was wrong, until you found yourself taking up a knife and cutting off your own hand, putting out your own eyes, your own tongue, while they kept talking all the while, smiling, horrible. And then they would take the knife and go inside your house, to your children, while you lay outside blind and choking and helpless even to scream."

Overall, Uprooted is an outstanding addition to the YA fantasy world. It’s my first book by Novik and I hope it will not be the last. An entirely original novel, with an amazing cast of characters, an intricate plot, and world building. Stunning.
This review was originally posted on Reading With ABC

[nannah]

I keep hearing this book was a type of fairy tale with a Polish twist, but

honestly?

It seems much more like a Slavic twist. Very few words were actually Polish, and very few aspects were Polish except the location (Dwernik, SE Poland--which is spelled Dvernik in the book).

While I'm on the topic . . . here are some of the names: Kyeva, Janos, Kasimir, Charovnikov, Ragostok, Boguslava, tsoglav, Olshanka. This is so very not Polish (plus, some names could have easily been Polish with alternate spellings: Kasimir --> Kazimierz; Janos --> Janosz; Nieshka --> Aga or Agusia (the diminutive of Agnieszka); mamusha --> mamusia. I'm not sure why the majority of the words/names weren't Polish (or misspelled)? Especially if the book is marketed as supposedly having a Polish flair.

The word "penny" was also used as a comparison in the book twice, . . . "like watching a penny falling away down a deep well." I'm pretty sure Poland didn't have pennies back in the 1600s (about when this book takes place). Poland uses złoty for currency. All of this shows a lack of care for research and for the setting. Or just laziness.

Okay, I'm done ranting about that . . . for now. On to the story itself--which is incredibly convoluted. There were so many sideplots, and the plot itself was not well defined. 150 pages in (and ok, I have the advanced readers copy, so maybe things were corrected later?) and I'm still not sure what the plot is. Sure, there's lots of mini climaxes here and there, but I'm not sure what the overall plot arc could possibly be. I was fairly sure after page 150 that the plot was about the MC Agnieszka and her "mentor" the Dragon vs the evil, corrupted Wood, but then it abruptly changes later, mentioning a long-lost queen. Everything takes abrupt turns, and there's nothing holding everything together.

The book is also incredibly distasteful Agnieszka's relationship with the Dragon is so ABUSIVE. He's much older than her, and he makes her feel fall and scared. She has to make his meals like a good woman, and everything about them together just reeks of an abusive relationship. At one point he literally pins her down against the bed and tries to kiss her?? Not to mention almost every time he sees her he calls her "useless" or a "lunatic" or even a "witless muttonheaded spawn of pig farmers." She has much more chemistry with her friend Kasia, but I guess the author really just wanted to romanticize abuse.

Already at page 40, there's an attempted rape scene (that does NOTHING for any of the characters, plot, etc.). And when Agnieszka attempts to defend herself and protect herself, she gets insulted by this oh-so-romantic Dragon. I don't understand the appeal.

Okay. I'll move on.
The main feature of the book, the magic is completely without rules and system. I'm almost rolling my eyes every time magic is used. There's no limit to what magic can and can't do, and things conveniently change when needed. Along the same line, there's no real-world consequences for anything or anyone. The main characters can carry three grown adults over miles, they can literally have an arrow through their chest, put magic potion on it, and BAM! they're ready for more action. I just didn't care anymore by the end of it.

And so, yeah, I really didn't care for this book.

[nitzan_schwarz]

JUST POSTED ON THE BLOG :)

Initially, Uprooted caught my eyes when pictures of its beautiful cover surfaced tumblr (with very favorable reviews). So just like that, it was bumped to the top of my list. Sometimes, this method of book-chosing yields unfortunate results. And sometimes, it doesn't. Sometimes, it turns out to be the best of choices.

I wasn't even two pages in when I knew I would adore this book. I was absolutely correct. 

Every ten years, a 17 years old girl is chosen to live with the valley's wizard, the Dragon. And when her 10 years end, she leaves - never to come back. Agnieszka, our protagonist, is such a girl. But neither she nor her family are really worried, because the Dragon always takes the most beautiful and talented girl, and Agnieszka's best friend Kasia is the sure choice.

So everyone are shocked when she is chosen. Now she has to deal with being uprooted (see what I did there??) and worse -- living with a surly, neat-freak, perfectionist wizard who won't even try to make the transition somewhat bearable. 

From that point on, things get real interesting.

First of all, let me say this - the bromance (is there a female term for bromance??) between Nieshka and Kasia is life. I was worried that Uprooted will follow in Cruel Beauty's steps with more hate than friendship, but it totally didn't. Nieshka and Kasia are real, honest to god, best friends. They're practically sisters. It was beautiful, seriously. 

Then there is the Dragon. I was shipping him and Nieshka from pretty much the first time they met. They just clashed so beautifully - she with her spontaneous, outdoorsy, clumsy manner and him with his straight laced, dignified order. It made for some hilarious interactions, and you could see from the get-go that those interaction rattled both of them. In the best way possible.

I mean, it's sort of a hate to love relationship, and it is executed perfectly. You fall in love together with these two characters, and the best part is that neither of them need to voice their feelings to know they are there. 

Oh, and they are hot. Sometimes in an explicit sort of way. However, don't expect a NA level of things. The mature content in Uprooted is very tasteful and doesn't go overboard, staying true to the mood, story and characters. Novik isn't afraid to go past PG-13, because it's right for her story. And not for any other reason. 

Now lets talk a little about the world because it was beautiful and horrifying and magical. Novik did a wonderful job flashing out the world without info-dumping it on you, letting you learn the ins and outs through the characters and their experiences. In this world, some rare people have magic. And the biggest threat to all the kingdom's people is not the war always brewing on the horizon, it is the Wood.

Yes. When was the last time you read a book where a Wood was the main antagonist? And not just any antagonist - a manipulative, cruel, mind controlling one who will do anything in his power to devour all the land and kill everyone in it. 

What, you're scared now? You should be. 

Alongside Nieshka, Dragon and Kasia, there are many side characters, such as the other magicians, the (kind of hateful) prince, the king, and the villagers. They were all, even when they were kind of awful, charming in their own ways. Mostly because no one in this book is really evil. 

Oh, and you should know - this book doesn't pull any punches. There are deaths. From a certain point there is a death almost every page. And some of it is hella gory. But even so, it's still so damn charming.

GAH, I don't know. This book does stuff to me. 

Uprooted is everything. I just want more of this world and characters so damned much that I can't deal with this being the end!

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Tumblr 

I had a couple small issues but honestly, I couldn't care less. It was wonderful. So rich and beautiful and utterly terrifying. The Dragon's rude, witty, and biting comebacks never failed to put a smile on my face. Agnieszka was a wonderfully endearing mess with a heart to match her determination. And I can't forget the quiet strength and dedication that is Kasia. It was a wonderful throwback to fairytales of old with a heavy dose of magic and terrifying creepiness. So good.
Full review to come.

[Liz (Bent Bookworm)]

This was one of those books where after reading it, you give a great big sigh of satisfaction, enjoyment, and longing. Wonderful story, satisfying ending, wish there was more.

[ellieroth]

DNF 51%



Es mucho para mi maltratado cerebro. Siento que a quienes les guste el señor de los anillos o libros así de largos pueda gustarle Uprooted. No leí LOTR, pero siempre me imaginé que sería algo así como este libro.

No eres tú soy yo, querido libro. No esta vez.

[tweetybugshouse]

This is a very thrilling read that i love is wrapped all up in one delightful story. The descriptions in this book take me back to my child hold and the great classic fairy tells that do not shudder from being a gruesome tale in places, but very magical in others. I was gripped from the beginning right up to the end, it great work of fantasy and is a must read of 2015.

[jnikkir]

Brandon Sanderson recommended this at his signing tonight. That's all I need to know. (I mean, other than the fact that it sounds right up my alley anyway. NEED.)

-----------------------------

This review can also be found at my blog, There were books involved...

-----------------------------

I've been incredibly delinquent in writing this review, because this is one of those books that I just want to shove into people's hands and say, "Just read it, you'll thank me later." What else is there to say, other than that?! Nothing, that's what.

But I really need to try, becuase if you're not convinced you need it yet, then I'm not doing my job right. So, here goes.

First and foremost: Reading Uprooted was an awesome experience, for me. I love re-reading books, and I often fantasize about being able to read an amazing book again for the first time -- obviously, that's impossible... but I think Uprooted is the closest I've ever come to what that would feel like. Reading this book felt like re-reading an old favorite, but getting to do so for the first time again. I felt such an intense familiarity with the tone, with the story, with the world and the characters -- it reminded me of my favorite fantasy books, in the best way. But it never felt overly derivative -- there were so many new twists and unique characters and such a sense of newness to the book, coupled with that old familiarity... It was just amazing.

Uprooted is told from the main character Agnieszka's perspective. Agnieszka has grown up in a small town close to the Wood -- a malevolent, dark place (and a character in and of itself) whose influence over the lands on its borders is only held back by the "Dragon," a wizard who lives in a tower on the Wood's edge. (Yes, I'm sorry, but the Dragon in this book is not a real dragon. There are no dragons.) Every ten years, the Dragon chooses a girl from Agnieszka's village to serve as his servant, and this year, as the book begins, Agnieszka (along with her best friend, Kasia) is among the girls eligible to be chosen. But Agnieszka knows she won't be. She's clumsy and unskilled and not particularly beautiful -- the Dragon has only chosen the most exceptional, the smartest, the prettiest... until that day, when he chooses Nieszka.

Agnieszka might sound like a heroine that we've all seen too often -- the one who thinks she's not pretty, the one who's overly clumsy, and who's self-confidence is pretty much nonexistent... That is not Agnieszka. Agnieszka knows she's clumsy, and she doesn't care. She owns who she is, stands up for herself, takes joy from her life any way she can, and she knows she's strong and resilient. I loved this.

I was a glaring blot on the perfection. But I didn't care: I didn't feel I owed him beauty.

eARC, 8%

So when she gets chosen as the Dragon's servant, and her stubbornness and strength is matched against his own... well, let's just say he really didn't understand what he'd signed up for. :P The two of them end up clashing more often than not throughout the book; their personalities are just so different. But when they work together... UGH. I have so much love for them and their partnership. I can't say too many details because spoilers, but they just... they're fantastic.

One thing I loved about this book was not only the character development, but also the way the characters all stayed true to themselves. Agnieszka grows into someone who finally finds her place in the world, but she's always herself, if that makes sense. And the Dragon is irritable, set in his ways, and doesn't have much patience -- that's just him. It's always him. And as Agnieszka gets to know him, their relationship grows into something more. But it's not one of those situations where the love interest has these completely jerkish tendencies that magically seem to disappear once the girl gets to know and "understand" him, which I really appreciated.

Another thing that surprised me about Uprooted was Nieszka's best friend, Kasia. I can't say much (again, spoilers!!) but I was thrilled to see her play an actual, important role in this book. Kasia was fantastic.

In addition to the wonderful characters, I really loved the worldbuilding. It's not complex or sweeping, but you get the clear sense that this piece of the world you're seeing through the eyes of Agnieszka -- her small village, the Wood, the Dragon's tower -- is just one part of a much larger whole. And that's one of my favorite kinds, where you can feel the world around the story's setting, but in the periphery.

I also adored Naomi Novik's writing. It's beautiful, and so reminiscent of old fairy tales. It's a little bit dense -- Uprooted isn't YA -- but if you give it the time it deserves, it is so worth it.

 
In conclusion...

Uprooted is easily one of the best books I've read in 2015 so far, and I have no doubt that it will be in my top-ten list at the end of the year. The characters are amazing, the worldbuilding is wonderful... It's got a bit of romance (and it's marketed as an Adult title for a reason), but there's more to it than just a "fantasy book with romance". Uprooted is about love, but also about friendship and strength and courage, about holding on to your friends and not letting go, about having faith in people, and in yourself... and it's truly, truly deserving of all the hype that surrounds it.

If you're a fantasy fan, pick up this book. Just read it, you'll thank me later. ;)

--

There were books involved...