Reviews

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar

almas's review against another edition

emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

youraveragedave's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This is a fairy tale, about the bonds between sisters.  Ester and Ysabel live in the town of Thistleford, which borders the faerie land of Arcadia.  Ester is being pursued by two suitors, Sam a human, and Rin from faerie.  

The writing is very flowery and ethereal.  There's a whole magical element that is brought up but not explained, grammar is the driving force behind the magic of faerie.  The ending also felt a bit rushed when though it's quite satisfying.  

This audiobook was a great way to take in this book.  The production is layered with sound effects and music which added to the experience.  The narrator, Gem Carmella, gives a fine performance and brings these sisters to life.

There is also a short story included from an upcoming collection, John Hollowback and The Which.  It's also like a fairy tale, looking at revenge and trying to atone for past wrongs.  

karli_has_readgret's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

neuroupsurgent's review against another edition

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Murder

porcupine_girl's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

sarahyjackson's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

An incredible story about sisters and transformation and who and what belongs to us. 

manders104's review

slow-paced

3.0

A story about sisters, magic, and love. A sweet but prolix story.

katisebeth's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

schlinkles's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jesssbookshelf's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

A beautiful, lyrical fairytale that deserves to be read again and again. Amal el-Mohtar’s writing is absolutely gorgeous. She has this way of playing with words and creating stunning atmosphere that blows me away every single time. I loved all the riddling turns of phrase, the bond between the sisters, and the quiet romance. Truly breathtaking, and only 99 pages.