Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by ampersandinc
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
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
3.75
Dani:
I enjoyed this highly immersive and lyrical novella. With familiar folktale beats, It felt like a fairy tale forgotten and re-remembered: a sisterly bond, an otherworldly fae lover, a spurned suitor turned murderer, transformation, and truth revealed via riddles and magic. I only wish the end was given a bit more room to breathe as it felt a tad rushed, even for a novella. I appreciate that El-Mohtar created something that felt fresh, despite the fact that roots of this particular story come from well-traveled folkloric traditions.
The bonus short story from the author's upcoming collection was similar in its vibes of "fairy tale reworked anew" and I also liked it, but slightly less than the main story.
I read this as an ARC and am excited to see the finished package as the planned art was not included in the pre-pub edition. I could see it being enjoyed by fans of Gaiman's Stardust and V.E. Schwab's The Near Witch.
I enjoyed this highly immersive and lyrical novella. With familiar folktale beats, It felt like a fairy tale forgotten and re-remembered: a sisterly bond, an otherworldly fae lover, a spurned suitor turned murderer, transformation, and truth revealed via riddles and magic. I only wish the end was given a bit more room to breathe as it felt a tad rushed, even for a novella. I appreciate that El-Mohtar created something that felt fresh, despite the fact that roots of this particular story come from well-traveled folkloric traditions.
The bonus short story from the author's upcoming collection was similar in its vibes of "fairy tale reworked anew" and I also liked it, but slightly less than the main story.
I read this as an ARC and am excited to see the finished package as the planned art was not included in the pre-pub edition. I could see it being enjoyed by fans of Gaiman's Stardust and V.E. Schwab's The Near Witch.