Uprooted: Fantasy and Folklore
The first thing that intrigued me about this book was the fact that it is a standalone fantasy book. I must confess, today you don’t see fantasy stand alones that much. It is more often that, if you choose to read a fantasy book, it’s probably going to be a part of series. Sometimes that is a good thing. And sometimes, it really isn’t.
I was interested to see how Naomi Novik executed the world building in her fantasy book. It is not easy to successfully “pack” the entire fantasy world into one book. This was the main reason why I picked Uprooted for reading.
STORY
The story follows 17-year-old Agnieszka who has been living in a village with her family all her life. Things can be difficult however, because there is a dangerous Wood nearby that corrupts people if they come into contact with it. In order to keep the Wood at bay, the villagers rely on the help of the Dragon, a powerful wizard. As compensation for his efforts, the Dragon demands a tribute: every ten years he picks a girl and takes her to his castle where she will serve him for the following ten years.
CHARACTERS
Agnieszka, as a protagonist, isn’t your typical, strong, confident fantasy heroine. She is quite clumsy and always creates a mess around her. She constantly gets herself into trouble. But she is also kind. The main problem some will have with this character is that this kind of characterization (clumsy, messy, but very special and, ultimately, savior of the world) became wide spread in YA fantasy genre.
Then we have the Dragon, centuries old wizard, incredibly powerful, who lives alone in a castle and watches over the Wood and nearby villages. Aloof and ambitious, meticulous and uptight. The perfect counter-balance to Agnieszka. Having those two together in one room screams conflict. And conflicts they had.
And let us not forget Kasia, Agnieszka’s best friend. The relationship between these two was heart-warming. Kasia is beautiful, graceful and brave, everyone loves her and yet, Nieshka doesn’t feel bitter. She loves Kasia and wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice herself to save her and vice versa. Their relationship was beautiful but also realistic.
WRITING
This novel creates incredible atmosphere that makes the story even more captivating. Novik based the world on Polish culture and folklore, which added another layer of originality and authenticity to the whole. The world was dark and whimsical and coupled with Novik’s beautiful writing.
When reading fantasy novels, you can easily see the same (or very similar) prototypes of villains over and over again. There is always an evil king or queen who wants to rule the world and has no conscience. But here we have something completely new: A villain that isn’t a human but a wood, The Wood.
My overall impression? I feel like the first part of Uprooted is quite slow paced and it was hard to stay interested in the story. I had some problems with the main character, mostly because sometimes she was way too clumsy to appear believable. The first half of the book was a struggle, but the second half was much more interesting, full of unexpected events, plot developments and betrayals. Characters do grow in the end and you get to see them in different light. But still, I feel like I was reading this book for forever, and if I wasn’t an extremely stubborn reader who can’t NOT finish a book, I would most likely leave Uprooted unread. However, many people seem to like it, so you might give it a chance. The fact that is a fantasy stand alone book gives you one reason more to give it a go.
FAVORITE QUOTES
And I wasn’t old enough to be wise, so I loved her more, not less, because I knew she would be taken from me soon.
Magic was singing in me, through me; I felt the murmur of his power singing back that same song.
There was a song in this forest, too, but it was a savage song, whispering of madness and tearing and rage.
Katarina Kovcin
Writer, Photographer, Videographer. Founder & Editor of LITHÉ. Always looking for art in everything. Proud Slytherin.
20 Comments
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I have not read a book like this in ages. I think it's fun to explore all genres of books. I will definitely check into this one and see if I like it. Thanks for the review.
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Gosh it has been ages since I read anything not sure why I haven't this year, but this sounds like something I would really enjoy when I got my reading cap on.
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I haven't read this book yet and I do mean yet. Sound like something I won't put down once getting started.
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Pam
My daughter has been looking for a good standalone fantasy book. Sometimes you just don't want to read a series.
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Sounds like a great book to enjoy this holiday times of the year. I haven't had much time to read books lately but this one sounds really interesting.
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This sounds like a very intriguing book. I love fiction but haven't read a fantasy book in years.
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This sounds like a book I would enjoy. I don't get to spend as much time reading as I would like to.
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Am not such a fantasy book reader, but reading your review I might have to buy the book and read it.
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Rebecca Swenor
I actually love reading fantasy stories. They can have you escape from the real world for a while. Anyway this sounds like a great read that I will have to check out for sure. Thanks for sharing the awesome review.
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Bonnie @wemake7
I'm always up for a new and good book. This sounds like something I may like.
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i miss reading. i havent read much since i started blogging. but i would love a good read like this.
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"Uprooted" sounds like a page turner. I'm so glad that winter is here...it is my favorite time to cuddle under the blankets with a great book. DOn't you agree?
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One of my goals is to have more time to read. I've not read this type of book since I was a kid; it sounds interesting.
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I haven't read books for years. But I like to read fantasy ones so I am sure I will like this book.
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I love reading! I'll have to read this book! Gonna grab a copy at Chapters!
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i like this serial and role of kokila modi real she is very good sas i pry to god muge b aisi sas mile and gopi isy to can u marrige with me beacuse i want your like wife who manage the family and do aal work and respect my parent
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Looking forward to a photo of the little flower girl.I like your blue cardi with the 3/4 sleeves but really like the shorter sleeve in the black version. I think it suits the pattern better, although I would probably have done the longer sleeves myself.
Alli
I haven't read a fantasy book in ages. Maybe I need to pick this one up to read whenever I have some downtime - maybe after Christmas. :) Sounds like an interesting read. I like that it's a standalone.