Uprooted

By: Naomi Novik

Narrated by: Katy Sobey

Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A dark enchantment blights the land in the award-winning Uprooted – a captivating fantasy inspired by fairy tales and steeped in Slavic folklore from Naomi Novik, author of the Scholomance trilogy and the Temeraire series.

'A great heroine, new takes on old myths and legends, and surprising twists and turns. A delight' – Cassandra Clare, author of The Mortal Instruments

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 love and value behind.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka fears her dearest friend Kasia will be picked next, for she's everything Agnieszka is not – beautiful, graceful and brave. Yet when the Dragon comes, it's not Kasia he takes . . .

Uprooted is a stunning romantic fantasy filled with unexpected twists, beautiful friendships and fierce battles against dark forces.

Winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel
Winner of the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel
Winner of the British Fantasy Society Award for Best Novel
Shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel
Shortlisted for the Hugo Award for Best Novel

©2016 Naomi Novik (P)2016 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic reviews

Uprooted by Naomi Novik is enchanting, in every sense of that fine old word. A charming and inviting story that looks unflinchingly at the strangling roots of hurt and revenge. (ROBIN HOBB)

The magic in Uprooted, with its realistic moral dimension, is so vividly believable that it almost seems you could work the spells. But the book will do that for you. (URSULA K. LE GUIN)

Wild, thrilling, and deeply, darkly magical. An instant classic. (LEV GROSSMAN)

Magical and practical, otherworldly and planted in the real, I could NOT stop reading this book and neither will you! (TAMORA PIERCE)

Uprooted is one of those tales you come back to over and over again because it's just that enchanting. The adventure builds with such tension that you are peeking through your hands at the end, hoping it will all be okay, and Novik delivers a conclusion that's deeply satisfying, earning a permanent space on my bookshelf that I'll revisit often. (KEVIN HEARN)

Naomi Novik's Uprooted is a marvelous fantasy reminiscent of Howl's Moving Castle and vastly superior to The Hobbit. Her characters, setting, and the magic they use are all brilliant. I devoured the book in one reading. Well done! I want more! (TODD MCCAFFREY)

The roots of Uprooted are planted deep in fairy tale lore, but the story that Naomi Novik has coaxed forth is fresh and compelling. It reads like a previously undiscovered origin myth in the best possible way! (JACQUELINE CAREY)

Every so often you come upon a story that seems like a lost tale of Grimm newly come to light. Uprooted is such a novel. Its narrative spell is confidently wrought and sympathetically cast. I might even call it bewitching. (GREGORY MAGUIRE)

Wonderful

As I get older I get more jaded, and lose some of the sense of wonderment that was so essential a part of reading tales and fantasy when I was younger. This book managed to transport me back decades! It is wonderfully narrated, and beautifully crafted. I loved the main character, and the lesser-known setting of Poland and Russia for this powerful fantasy. It kept me interested and invested, and I was so sorry when it was over, though I found the ending satisfying.

confused about the hugely varied reviews? read thi

Ok so the first 5 chapters she is a bit whiney and whinge repetitively about her predicament. he's a miserable negative pratt but do stick with it. the book totally redeems itself soon after and it's a great book. The narrator is perfect for the character, at once whimsical and aloof and real too so you feel you know agnieshka. I'm sure I spelt that wrong, ah well. The wood is fascinating and the magic gets better and better. a highly engaging book.

Thoroughly enjoyed!

Brilliant Narration, and a story that resembles a dark fairy tale, enjoyed this thoroughly. Highly recommend.

Great fantasy book!

The story was great, thrilling and exciting. The narration is also wonderful, I've listened to a sample of the other narration and was so glad to listen to Katy Sobey's.

Haunting and poetic

I truly loved this audio book. The narration was perfect in pitch, pace and emotional interpretation. The tale engrossing. I was riveted to my iPod until the end. A perfect fantasy for mature young adults and older.
The blurb is a little misleading, but it drew me in as I love dragons. I forgave the absence of a fire breathing dragon as the story unfolds steadily and inexorably in the fight of good against evil. The world building is detailed and the magic so believable.
This is an amazing stand alone adult fantasy with genuine characters. It is a testament to love, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice and redemption. Such a complex plot. No spoilers. Just be assured that if you enjoy fantasy, this is a must listen.

So Addictive!

This story had me so addicted i feel like i'm in withdrawal now, finished it some hours ago and i cant's stop crying over the fact that it's over. Don't let the first few chapters fool you, it quickly becomes an amazing fairytail full of empowerment and wonder <3
I've never ever felt like this after finishing a book

A beautiful telling

This is a gem of a story, gracefully presented and told with the language to match. Some stories are a pleasure to listen to purely because they are beautifully written, but this has all three; Great story, well written, and perfectly narrated.
Highly recommend!

Magical Story

A mystical world that sweeps you away in a unique story of magic and adventure (and just a hint of romance).

Ok

I generally liked the book and story, and the performance was good, but the awkward sex portions was extremely annoying.

be aware of evil forrests

great voice actor, and a lovely fantasy story, with a captivating world.
interesting Villan👍

(the review was too short, or as I like to call it "concise", so throwing some more words here, they are not important tho': pink elefants wearing batlle armor in a kiddie pool fighting an army of angry bees.)