Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by strawberrymoonceci
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
4.5
I loved this book. It's some of the best high-fantasy I have read in a while.
My only real gripe with it is the pacing. It started off as fast, then became quite slow throughout the middle, and picked up again by the end.
I loved the characters! Agnieszka started off as a stereotypical clumsy girl, but I enjoyed her character arc. I liked her resistance, and how she grows into her power, while listening to herself and the natural world around her. I loved that she respected herself fully, and knew to walk away from Sarkan . I also enjoyed Sarkan and their banter. I would have liked to see more of an arc for him, instead of him being an asshole throughout the book, and having a turnaround at the end . I think the seed was planted, but I would have liked some more developement there.
I also loved Kasia. Her relationship with Agnieszka was one of my favourite parts of this story. How the trope of jealousy between two friends (especially when one is regarded as better), was confronted head on, was refrefreshing, and I really appreciated it. I was moved by their deep love for each other and how important it was for the plot.Which is why I think I don't mind Sarkan's flaws, or him and Agnieszka's imperfect romance . We need to give more importance to friendship as a society, and I'm glad to see it given the spotlight in an adult book.
Another aspect of this book that I loved was the magic. It felt so alive. It felt real. The way each witch and wizard's magic was different was fascinating, especially Agnieszka's. And how their different ways of being magical actually had a bearing on the plot, was genius on Novik's part. And her writing masterful, as well. It was vivid and immersive. And so fitting for this kind of book.
One of the most interesting takeaways for me, was the importance of indigenous communities and their wisdom. How being native to a place, should immediatley make your voice being heard on regards to what happens to the land, a necessity. It makes me think of indigenous communities in our world, and how they so fiercely advocate for sustainable practices, and an end to the rapid acceleration of anthropogenic climate change.
I honestly was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. Especially with this being recommended as a beauty and the beast retelling. But honestly, it barely is, if at all. It also stands out for having on of the best endings I have read in a while. Loved this, the characters, the forest, the writing, it was great all around.
My only real gripe with it is the pacing. It started off as fast, then became quite slow throughout the middle, and picked up again by the end.
I loved the characters! Agnieszka started off as a stereotypical clumsy girl, but I enjoyed her character arc. I liked her resistance, and how she grows into her power, while listening to herself and the natural world around her. I loved that she respected herself fully
I also loved Kasia. Her relationship with Agnieszka was one of my favourite parts of this story. How the trope of jealousy between two friends (especially when one is regarded as better), was confronted head on, was refrefreshing, and I really appreciated it. I was moved by their deep love for each other and how important it was for the plot.
Another aspect of this book that I loved was the magic. It felt so alive. It felt real.
One of the most interesting takeaways for me, was the importance of indigenous communities and their wisdom. How being native to a place, should immediatley make your voice being heard on regards to what happens to the land, a necessity. It makes me think of indigenous communities in our world, and how they so fiercely advocate for sustainable practices, and an end to the rapid acceleration of anthropogenic climate change.
I honestly was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. Especially with this being recommended as a beauty and the beast retelling. But honestly, it barely is, if at all. It also stands out for having on of the best endings I have read in a while. Loved this, the characters, the forest, the writing, it was great all around.