Uprooted

by Naomi Novik

First - OMG look at that cover. It's gorgeous. Second this was perfect. I LOVED Agnieszka. I think she might actually be one of my favourite heroines. She was such a klutz and a walking disaster and she didn't change as such but she did grow into herself, gaining confidence and her voice. The friendship between her and Kasia was without a doubt one of the best I've ever seen in literature. They had their faults and the human moments with fear and envy and hate but they were also overwhelmingly supportive of one another. I really enjoyed that there was this focus on their friendship rather than just the trials Agnieszka faces or romance. On the other hand the relationship between her and Sarkan had me swooning. It wasn't overwhelmingly in your face and it wasn't love at first sight but it progressed into something better - a realistic relationship. I liked that he picked on her and it was awesome when she started to get him back. My husband and I have that relationship teasing and bickering and calling each other idiots so I guess that really resonated with me. Their relationship is best because she doesn't let him consume her - they do spend time apart, there's a huge focus on her friendship with Kasia and she still makes a point to seek out her family. She doesn't gloss over his faults, she just falls for him anyway. I loved that Agnieszka was close with her parents. I just loved her. She was great. Kasia was pretty awesome too. I liked that she was beautiful but she was also a fighter. She's not afraid to pick up a sword and get her hands dirty. I enjoyed that Kasia and Agnieszka share the spotlight.

I did have a few issues. I found towards the end it started to seem rather long. It felt a little drawn out with all the deaths - and seriously they wiped out like the entire world - I would've liked maybe more soldiers left or less amounts of them dead. And I hated the whole Court. I would've preferred it to be cut a lot shorter. I liked Alosha but the rest of it made me impatient. I think that was partly to do with wanting to see more of Sarkan and her working magic. So maybe not perfect perfect. But it was still pretty perfect.