Uprooted by Naomi Novik
4.5 stars. I really got into this one — it reminded me a lot of the kinds of fantasy books I'd read as a teen. In particular I liked the characters of Agnieszka and the Dragon; Agnieszka was one of those relatable, sometimes self-deprecating protagonists who comes into her own as the story progresses, and the Dragon reminded me of Howl from Howl's Moving Castle and North from Brightly Woven — a crotchety wizard who doesn't like anyone to know how he really feels.
I also enjoyed the use of magic in this one — it was confusing at times, but creative, and I thought it was rather funny how ticked off the Dragon got that Agnieszka had such a different, and more intuitive, approach to magic than he did. Their connection was a very slow-burn, and to be honest, I could have used a little more of the romantic side of things (since the Dragon was SO prickly and unwilling to reveal his emotions).
I did find portions of the plot repetitive, and for a while there it seemed like they just kept fighting problem after problem and never catching a break (and I kept thinking, okay this is the climax, and then it wasn't, because something even bigger was happening).
So glad you loved this one, Danya! The Wood was just so creepy!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this one. I've read nothing but rave reviews for it. I'll have to read it sometime.
ReplyDeleteI've heard nothing but amazing things about this book Danya! I'm late to the party (as is usually the case), but I can't wait to read this for myself. So glad to see you loved it, I have little doubt I will too!
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