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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
A grand story, a wonderful fairy tale/fantasy, and all the better for not being rooted in the overdone variations of Anglo-Saxon history that are so prolific as to be common in this genre.
I'll start with the good: This book transported me. At the end of the day, this is the thing I really want when I read a book. I want to get swept up into a story - to have the voracious feeling that I must find out what's next. This book did that for me. To some extent, I echo complaints of others who have reviewed this book negatively - there's really no chemistry between the love interests and it annoys me to no end that he is verbally abusive, emotionally unavailable, and condescending pretty much at every turn. The main character does indeed display some aspects of "special snowflake syndrome". The pacing is jarringly uneven. However, as I said, I was swept up and transported by the story and into the world of Agnieszka and the Dragon. So there you have it - a deeply flawed book that I still thoroughly enjoyed and recommend to those willing to overlook some of its problems.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
This is a brilliantly written book! I loved it from start to finish and didn't want it to end. I could happily live in the descriptions of the woods and valley and I adored Agnieszka and the mysterious, ornery Dragon. I can't wait to read more of Novik's works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
4.5. I devoured this. Uprooted doesn't subvert tropes, really, but enhances them, fleshing out every possible part and reminding us why those tropes exist in the first place.
I expected, rather half-heartedly, a romance-centric novel with exactly two characters: clumsy, ~ordinary~ girl who is actually super special, and dark, brooding, ancient, mysterious, powerful etc boyfriend whom we are expected to swoon over for the entirety of the story. A little over fifty pages into the book, I suddenly realized I got a real & likable protagonist, an endearingly grumpy wizard who often takes a backseat to the main plot of the book (!), an incredible and powerful female friendship (!!!), and a really creepy, engrossing antagonist/story.
Quite pleased. :) That is not to say that there was nothing I didn't like, of course, but it's been a long time since I enjoyed a good old fantasy book
I expected, rather half-heartedly, a romance-centric novel with exactly two characters: clumsy, ~ordinary~ girl who is actually super special, and dark, brooding, ancient, mysterious, powerful etc boyfriend whom we are expected to swoon over for the entirety of the story. A little over fifty pages into the book, I suddenly realized I got a real & likable protagonist, an endearingly grumpy wizard who often takes a backseat to the main plot of the book (!), an incredible and powerful female friendship (!!!), and a really creepy, engrossing antagonist/story.
Quite pleased. :) That is not to say that there was nothing I didn't like, of course, but it's been a long time since I enjoyed a good old fantasy book
I listened this one and the reader was wonderful. Her voice brought atmosphere to the world.
Parts of this were good and parts were mediocre and that’s my review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
i really enjoyed this book although the romantic subplot was questionable i will let it slide i thought agniezka was a compelling and vibrant character and i loved her relationship with kasia and how rich their history and their future was and that kasia had always wanted out and she got it !!!! i thought the world building was splendid and so visceral - i truly felt like i was reading an old fairytale. i also was interested in the magical lore and the context surrounding that. i thought the dragon was an interesting character and i loved watching him unfold through the course of the book!!! i savored this book - im a fast reader but found myself not wanting to finish too fast! i’m sure i will come back ro agniezka and the dragon soon!!!!
This book is some extremely impressive storytelling, with gorgeous prose, fresh ideas, and continuous tension throughout all the plot twists and changes in tone. Like the other Naomi Novik books, I have read this one has a lot to say about classism and has strong supportive female friendships that drive the novel.
I see criticism that the 'romance' is verbally abusive, although I saw this as social awkwardness, misunderstanding, and misinterpretation of the actions of each other that were only corrected through communication and leveling of power imbalance (a general theme throughout the story). Is it healthy? I think so, because while they have each other's back neither are emotionally dependent on the other. The heroine has much stronger relationships with her family and her best friend, which is rare in a story.
I see criticism that the 'romance' is verbally abusive, although I saw this as social awkwardness, misunderstanding, and misinterpretation of the actions of each other that were only corrected through communication and leveling of power imbalance (a general theme throughout the story). Is it healthy? I think so, because while they have each other's back neither are emotionally dependent on the other. The heroine has much stronger relationships with her family and her best friend, which is rare in a story.
Quite enjoyed this one! Engaging from start to finish, really enjoyed the concept of The Wood as an antagonist, if I had any criticism, she should have cut the romance angle, but even then I think it was fine, if a bit tacked on.