Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted
By Naomi Novik
Published by Pan Macmillan (May 2015)
ISBN: 978-1447294139

Publisher's description
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, ambitious wizard, known only as the Dragon, to keep the wood's powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman must be handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as being lost 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 no one can predict how or why the Dragon chooses a girl. And when he comes, it is not Kasia he will take with him.

My verdict
Uprooted is an amazing book with a gorgeous cover. This enchanting tale whirled me away from my family for a whole evening into a land of wizards and magic.

Agnieszka is unexpectedly taken away from her home by Dragon, a mysterious wizard, whose role is to keep her village safe from the dark powers of the Wood. Every ten years, he chooses a young woman from the village to become his new companion - and when the young woman finally leaves his tower, she always leaves the village for good too (yet no one knows why).

Up until now, Agnieszka (and her fellow villagers) had believed that it would be her best friend Kasia who would be taken away at the Wizard's next visit. When Agnieszka is chosen instead, she is exposed to a whole new world and way of life.

This fantasy novel kept me hooked all the way through, with its vivid descriptions and fairytale prose. It's beautifully written and such a comfortable yet compelling read that I couldn't put it down. I urge all fans of fantasy/fairytale novels to read it - it's completely bewitching and a great way to escape for a few hours.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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