[Review] Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Format: HC

Rating: 4 stars

Published: May 19th 2015

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.
Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.
The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.
But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

A lovely, enthralling Rapunzel-esque tale. I've heard so many good things about Uprooted, and I'm really happy that it lived up to my expectations!

Uprooted begins in the village of Dvernik, one of the many villages in the valley. At the edge of the valley is the Wood, which is deadly for anyone who dares enter. However, the Dragon, a powerful wizard, guards the valley from the Wood in his Tower. All that he asks is for a young woman to serve him for ten years. Once the ten years are up, the women are no longer interested in returning to the valley, and leave. Agnieszka believes that her best friend Kasia will be chosen, for she has been groomed to be the perfect choice. Instead, Agnieszka is chosen, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and a journey into the Wood, in order to save the valley and everyone she loves.


What I particularly loved about Uprooted was its character development and friendship - especially in our main character Agnieszka and her best friend Kasia. Agnieszka starts off very unsure and insecure about herself but comes into power and acceptance of who she is once she starts standing up to others - like the Dragon and the other wizards. She uses a magic that is different from all the others, and warps it to her advantage, making her a very strong and respected witch in her own right. Watching her grow, and watching her devotion towards Kasia made me think that she was very admirable. Her friendship with Kasia was not one of jealousy, but one of sisterhood. Agnieszka always knew that her best friend would be chosen, but was never malicious towards her. Both were fierce and independent, letting no man take control of them.

Speaking of, Agnieszka's relationship with the Dragon is also something to note. The romance was gradual and never forced. It felt very natural and I honestly wish more books were like this with romance. Because so much was happening at the same time their romance was blossoming, and I'm glad that the plot didn't have to take a back seat to it.

The story itself was full of intricacies and wonderful lore - especially the Wood, with all its Polish influence. The tale of the Wood's creation is a beautifully tragic tale, and the price of Agnieszka and all the wizards'/witches' magic serves as metaphor to life.

To sum it up -

"We're meant to go," I said softly, answering for the both of us. "We're not meant to stay forever."

Can't wait to read Novik's upcoming release - Spinning Silver!