A review by kims_books
Uprooted by Naomi Novik

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Overall: 3.75/5
 
Tropes:
Fantasy
Magic Student
Forced Proximity
 
Agnieszka lives in a quiet village surrounded by a dark magical forest that imposes its way into the lives of the people there. However, there is a wizard called “the Dragon” who protects this village from afar, only coming to visit on rare occasion. Although the villagers are grateful for him, they abhor the price they must pay for the help. Every 10 years, he comes and chooses one young woman to serve him in his castle for the next decade. Adnieszka, and her whole village, know that it will be her best friend, Kasia who will be chosen next. She is the most beautiful and special of all the girls and she has been spending her life training and preparing for this moment. However, come choosing day, Agnieszka finds out that it’s her own life that will be forever changed instead.
 
Naomi Novik has an incredible talent for developing intriguing and unique fantasy worlds. I know that if I pick up one of her books, I won’t be stuck feeling like I’m reading the same story over and over again. Although there is romance in this book, it plays a more minor role as a slow burn. The story is paced consistently and leaves you thinking about what could possibly happen next. The plot is complex without being confusing or overwhelming. I enjoyed this book and its beautiful prose.
 
Pros:
Exceptionally Original and Unique
Beautiful Writing
Consistent Pacing and Angst
Complex
Fast Paced
 
Cons:
Wish there was more to the romance
Chemistry between characters was meh
Ending seemed very abrupt
Magic System was not fleshed out much
 
Recommended for:
·       People who are looking for a unique fantasy world to get swept away in
·       People who want to read a beautifully written YA book

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