Reviews

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

carolina_naim's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious

4.25

rachd24's review against another edition

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4.0

From the start, Uprooted was a very unique and curious read – and while it was slow initially, it was still very gripping, particularly the magic system, and I really struggled to put it down.

This book is one of the darkest fantasies I’ve read yet. The “evil” for much of the story doesn’t have a physical identity as such, and there is an overarching Gothic feeling to the story. The evil is ominous and creepy. The story very intricate and detailed, with very descriptive imagery, which while beautiful, also made for a complex, and at times, difficult to comprehend setting.

This novel is a standalone, and part of me applauds the author for being able to tell such an intricate Fantasy tale in one book, but part of me also wonders would I have enjoyed it more as a series to allow for more detailed world-building and character back-story? It’s difficult to tell.

Initially, I really disliked the Dragon, but he went on to become one of my favourite characters. His sarcasm and dour mood kept me highly entertained, and as for that hint of romance – it thankfully isn’t the main plot-line, but it’s done so very well, especially a surprisingly raunchy scene that had me fully appreciating Novik’s writing ability.

Check out the full review here: http://confessionsofabookgeek.com/2015/12/01/review-uprooted/

sunshineandhoney's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

pattvv's review against another edition

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

4.0

karrama's review against another edition

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5.0

Turns the Dragon stealing women from the Valley story on its head with a Howl's Moving Castle feel.

baileythebeagle04's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional lighthearted reflective

5.0

There’s something about tree people that I love. The second that “walkers” were mentioned, I was like, “Agnieszka nooooo don’t hurt them :( they’re just misunderstooooood!”

l_d_star's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

4.5

pupcake's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-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? Yes

4.5

 I loved this and felt like I should have heard of it earlier! Incredible and moving in all the right ways. 
New favorite quote: 
"I closed my eyes and held her close, and for a moment we were children again, girls again, under a distant shadow but happy anyway."
To be loved in so many ways, friends, family, lovers, is such a joy and blessing. To sacrifice for them is as well. 

jackpep's review against another edition

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5.0

In the mould of dark old-world fairy tales, Novik uproots stale classic fantasy tropes and freshens good ones. The magic system itself is nothing new but it doesn't need to be. At the very least, it doesn't get in the way. Character and setting take precedence instead, which is how I prefer the genre to operate. It was sometimes difficult to follow the plot, especially because the plot relies heavily on lore. But it's an excellent read for escapists like me.

redkvica's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5