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katasaurus 's review for:
Uprooted
by Naomi Novik
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5 stars for the lovely world building and magic system, 0 for the romance.
I love the “evil forest spreading its contagion” trope, and the main character’s magic was beautiful. Unfortunately, the romance was disturbing and icky. I understand what the author was trying to do with the kind-of fairy tale retelling, but really the relationship was just majorly predatory. Additionally, the plot lagged a lot in the latter half of the book. A lot of content (including all the sexual content) could have been cut with no effect on the story. In fact, it would be vastly improved.
Sadly, despite the beauty I found in Agniezska’s world, I just can’t recommend the book.
I love the “evil forest spreading its contagion” trope, and the main character’s magic was beautiful. Unfortunately, the romance was disturbing and icky. I understand what the author was trying to do with the kind-of fairy tale retelling, but really the relationship was just majorly predatory. Additionally, the plot lagged a lot in the latter half of the book. A lot of content (including all the sexual content) could have been cut with no effect on the story. In fact, it would be vastly improved.
Sadly, despite the beauty I found in Agniezska’s world, I just can’t recommend the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content