A DARK ENCHANTMENT BLIGHTS THE LAND
Agnieszka loves her village, set deep in a peaceful valley. But the nearby enchanted forest casts a shadow over her home. Many have been lost to the Wood and none return unchanged. The villagers depend on an ageless wizard, the Dragon, to protect them from the forest's dark magic. However, his help comes at a terrible price. One young village woman must serve him for ten years, leaving all they value behind.
Agnieszka fears her dearest friend Kasia will be picked at the next choosing, for she's everything Agnieszka is not - beautiful, graceful and brave. Yet when the Dragon comes, it's not Kasia he takes.
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Uprooted feels like a modernized retelling of a Brothers Grimm Tale set in an alternate Russian Village. The Wizard who watches over their town is complex and has many struggles alongside the impact his actions have on those he controls. Deeply rooted in nature and symbolism with the flora and fauna, it's an interesting reading experience which you won't soon forget. - Benjamin (QBD)
Guest, 06/02/2020
Great take on the classic fairy-tale
I picked up this book because on the cover it had 'Enchanting in every sense' - Robin Hobb. As Robin Hobb is my favourite author I knew I had to read anything she said was good. Uprooted by Naomi Novik has all the key things I look for in a fantasy book; magic, an evil forest and a strong female character. I finished it in two days.
I really enjoyed Novik's take on the classic fairy tale and the way she morphed the usual fairy tale villains and heroes. The characters are always a bit unexpected, and the storyline was always keeping me guessing. This was not a perfect book as it had some questionable romantic aspects and was not as polished as most fantasy epics are, however it was still a really good read.
You would enjoy this book if you like Polish fairy tales, reading about forests or books by Isobelle Carmody. I would also recommend the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik for a completely new take on dragons.
-Sarah, QBD Canberra Centre
Canberra Centre, 19/01/2017
