Home Culture Books The Obsessive Bookseller Reviews: “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik

The Obsessive Bookseller Reviews: “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik

September 22, 2016

Book Review: “Uprooted” by Naomi Noviok. Teen Fantasy. Del Ray, 2015. 448 pages.

“Uprooted” was such a cool book! I picked it up on a total whim. I mean, I didn’t even know what it was about, only that the blogosphere was going nuts over it and that it had something to do with a dragon (Newsflash! The Dragon is actually a person, go figure). Anyway, I was prepared to commit to only a few chapters, but before I knew it I was halfway through it and completely enamored. I’m so used to reading series (in fact, I couldn’t tell you the last time I read a standalone) that the pure awesomeness of experiencing a complete start-to-finish story in one well-woven little package caught me off guard. I really liked it!

This is my first visit into Naomi Novik’s work, and I can tell you that after my experience with “Uprooted,” it definitely won’t be the last. Because the book was a standalone, it made it easier for me to appreciate how well the story was constructed. It had a lot of layers and dynamics, which kept me glued to the pages the whole way through. Novik has a beautiful writing voice that is sophisticated without taking itself too seriously. I especially appreciated the bits of humor throughout.

And the characters! They really were the main reason I kept reading with such gusto. The story essentially revolves around an apprentice (a girl named Agnieszka) and her master (The Dragon). The two had an interesting dynamic, and both had great character arcs throughout the story. Agnieszka was one of the most endearing characters I’ve come across. Far from perfect (and having those imperfections thrown in her face constantly), she still somehow managed to grab hold of her inner confidence and stay unapologetically true to herself, even going so far as to use those flaws to her advantage. I adored her and wish the book actually were a series so I could spend more time with her.

Overall, “Uprooted” was a breath of fresh air and one of the best books I’ve read this year. I find it very easy to recommend with one disclaimer: The book has some sexual content.