A review by ashleyreads88
Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious tense medium-paced

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

This is the first book by Justina Ireland that I have read but it won't be the last.  First, Rust In The Root has photographs, journal entries, and newspaper articles that add to the story uniquely and help tell the story.  Rust In The Root follows

Laura leaving her home to go to New York to become a licensed Mage so she can eventually open a bakery.

. The thing is, licenses are required to legally practice magic, a system that favors "white, rich people," and Mages can't get licenses without sponsorships.  At first, the magic system was confusing but as the story progressed things were explained and explained well.  There was also quite a bit of terminology that was introduced and that terminology was well-defined.  Rust In The Root is an action-packed book with twists, turns, diverse characters, power and racial imbalances, adventure, discovering who you are, and history.  I loved the photos, journal entries, and newspaper articles.  I also love how the story ended, and how there were no loose ends.  Rust In The Root was a fresh, unique historical-fiction novel that I enjoyed reading.