Review

Agnieszka lives in a valley in Polska, not far from the Wood, full of supernatural terror and corruption. The valley is guarded by its lord, the Dragon – an aloof and terrifying human wizard – who uses his magic to protect the valley from the Wood and works to prevent it taking more territory. In return, the valley pays him tribute, which, once every ten years, includes a seventeen year old girl, selected by the Dragon himself. The girl then is shut up in the tower and serves the Dragon for ten years, not seeing her family, before being let go with a generous dowry. But the girls always go on then to leave the valley, go to the city to university or to travel.

Agnieszka is afraid that her beautiful, brave and clever friend Kasia will be chosen. But for some strange reason, the Dragon chooses Agnieszka instead, and she is swept up in a wider world of terror, magic, politics, revenge and death.

*

Hugely enjoyable. I’m on a Naomi Novik kick at the moment, and she is a quality writer. This book won a stack of fantasy awards, for good reason. It’s a dark gothic fairy tale/ folk lore-inspired book with Polish roots. Lots of adventure and a tiny touch of romance, plus a slew of magic. Agnieszka finds her identity and power as she comes of age. It also has plenty of lessons about love, integrity, courage and being yourself… which makes it sound insufferable, but it’s subtly done.

I will, however, have to re-read a particular section of the book to check if it’s suitable for the school library. It is also fairly dark at times, so would be better for Year 10 & up. Utterly fabulous book. I was so sad when it ended! I listened to the audiobook and can recommend it.

448 pp. – not short.

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Lots of fantasy violence; attempted sexual assault (foiled); a brief sex scene, which I’m going to have to double check – is it vague enough to pass? Complex negative feelings, e.g. grief and resentment. Themes of female empowerment, courage, true friendship. Main & minor relationships mlw.

*

Novik, N. (2024). Uprooted (K. Sobey, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Macmillan Digital Audio.