Hey guys! Still on hiatus, currently in NYC attending BEA for the very first time, but I felt like the blog could do with a lil update since I feel bad for abandoning the blog and since it might be a longer hiatus that I had planned originally... things with the apartment are taking a long while enough and I might not be moved and settled till July itself!
This is the last ARC review that I needed to complete my For Review category for my 105 Challenge, woohooo!!
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another recommendation from bloggy friends that was an absolute success! A wonderful fantasy with wonderful characters, a plot that was never exactly what I expected and surprised me always for the best!
I started it an wasn't sure what to expect of it and very soon was enthralled with Agnieszka's voice and her story! I loved how she kept on being her own self, struggling with being told to change and finding her own way to do things despite it all. I loved how strong her love for her family and her amazing friendship with Kasia, that despite the ups and downs, is strong enough to brave the dangers of the Wood.
The Wood, oh boy, that's a whole character in itself, and probably my favourite part of the book, along with Agnierzka's journey of discovery of her own magic and her own worth. The Wood was all sorts of creepy and gruesome and simply fantasticly done! And when we get to learn about how it all started? Really NOT what I had expected and I loved how the climax was resolved!
I adored the relationship between Agnieszka and the Dragon, how it went from strong dislike, to reluctant respect & collaboration to explosive chemistry!
I really loved how things progressed with them, slowly and tentatively, but with plenty of spark and I loved that Agnieszka is not pasive about it, takes things into her own hands when the Dragon doesn't allow himself to, and when he runs away, she doesn't simply pine after him, she continues with her work and then doesn't take any of his nonsense.
I read this book in two big chunks, from start till about 56% then got into a slump once they got to court after the fight at the Wood and then went back to it and the court part that I wasn't too keen on was shorter than I expected and things started getting more interesting, dire and creepy very soon! In the end, I wanted the book to keep on going and be longer because I simply love the world too much! The ending is rather open and definitive at the same time, and although a sequel is not necessary, I wouldn't be adverse to getting more stories set in this world!
Very much deserved 4.5 stars to this one!
View all my reviews
This is the last ARC review that I needed to complete my For Review category for my 105 Challenge, woohooo!!
Uprooted by Naomi NovikMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another recommendation from bloggy friends that was an absolute success! A wonderful fantasy with wonderful characters, a plot that was never exactly what I expected and surprised me always for the best!
I started it an wasn't sure what to expect of it and very soon was enthralled with Agnieszka's voice and her story! I loved how she kept on being her own self, struggling with being told to change and finding her own way to do things despite it all. I loved how strong her love for her family and her amazing friendship with Kasia, that despite the ups and downs, is strong enough to brave the dangers of the Wood.
The Wood, oh boy, that's a whole character in itself, and probably my favourite part of the book, along with Agnierzka's journey of discovery of her own magic and her own worth. The Wood was all sorts of creepy and gruesome and simply fantasticly done! And when we get to learn about how it all started? Really NOT what I had expected and I loved how the climax was resolved!
I adored the relationship between Agnieszka and the Dragon, how it went from strong dislike, to reluctant respect & collaboration to explosive chemistry!
I really loved how things progressed with them, slowly and tentatively, but with plenty of spark and I loved that Agnieszka is not pasive about it, takes things into her own hands when the Dragon doesn't allow himself to, and when he runs away, she doesn't simply pine after him, she continues with her work and then doesn't take any of his nonsense.
I read this book in two big chunks, from start till about 56% then got into a slump once they got to court after the fight at the Wood and then went back to it and the court part that I wasn't too keen on was shorter than I expected and things started getting more interesting, dire and creepy very soon! In the end, I wanted the book to keep on going and be longer because I simply love the world too much! The ending is rather open and definitive at the same time, and although a sequel is not necessary, I wouldn't be adverse to getting more stories set in this world!
Very much deserved 4.5 stars to this one!
View all my reviews
Gorgeous review Pili :D I'm thrilled you loved this book so much. <3 I do agree about some things, but yeah, I was very, very disappointed with this one :( A 2 star from me. Ugh. Just.. not good enough, lol. But I would also like a sequel :) Thank you for sharing your awesome thoughts sweetie. <3 Hope you are having an AMAZING time at BEA and in America :D
ReplyDeleteAweee... I'm so sorry to hear it really didn't work for you, Carina! And YES I had an amazing time at BEA, thank you so much sweetie!
DeleteWas this on Netgalley at one time? I can't remember where I saw it before. I hope I am not going to be adding this to my list of great books that I never requested an eARC of. Lol. I love both creepy woods and dragons! Oh well, maybe it will be a Kindle ebook special at some time. I hope you are having tje best trip ever. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was on EW and I was quite surprised to be approved for it! I do hope you'll find it on offer soon!
DeleteThank you, La, I did have a blast!
It makes me happy to see that you ended up loving this one, Pili! Remember when we both had to stop at the same time because it felt too long? Haha. I still haven't picked up where I left off but I will soon because you loved it so much :D
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato
Yep, it felt so slow... because of how the court things slowed down, but trust me, it picks up shortly after that and things get on point fast!! I do hope you'll get back to it soon, Faye!
DeleteI've been hearing great things about this one Pili! I definitely need to put it on my TBR! I'm so glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteYep, it was a fantastic book, even if it had a bit of a slow patch around the middle!
DeleteOooh I've heard fantastic things about this one, the way you described the slow building romance sounds so fantastic, and to have the love interest as a dragon would definitely be interesting. So glad to hear you loved this one Pili! Wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteThe romance was fantastic and the love interest is not a dragon, but a wizard called the Dragon though!
DeleteI do hope you'll check this one out Jeann!
AH! I NEED TO READ THIS PILI! I've been hearing such good things, and if you loved it then I'm confident I will too:) I'm a touch nervous about the open/definitive ending, I'm hoping it leans more toward the definitive, but it doesn't seem like it was a big issue for you so I'm sure I'll be fine:)
ReplyDeleteAlso, SO GLAD I GOT TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU AT BEA!!! You are the absolute cutest:)
Nah, you ARE the cutest!! I was so happy to meet you and hang out with you!!
DeleteAnd yep, you need to read this one!
Oh wow, you too? There really is no choice but to read this, is there? I'd already made my decision after reading Keertana's review, but you just confirmed it's the right one. Luckily, i have a copy on the way. :)
ReplyDeleteYep, the peer pressure is telling you to READ IT MAJA, READ IIIIT!! ;) I cannot wait to hear what you think of it!
DeleteThis is the first review I've seen for this book, and I love the sound of it! I love the progression of the relationship between the MC and the dragon. It sounds fab! Lovely review, Pili :)
ReplyDeleteHafsah @ IceyBooks
Thank you so much, Hafsah!! The romance was slow and great!!
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this one!! Kim was raving about this, and I can't wait to read it after both of your stunning praises for it :D
ReplyDeleteYes, Rachel! This is one amazing fantasy book!!
DeleteSO glad you loved this, Pili! It's chunky, but I adore the friendships in here AND the Wood--so creepy. I'm at that slump point in the court right now, but I really hope I can finish and love this soon. <3
ReplyDeletePush through it Aimee, I know it's slumpy but if you push through it the action picks up very fast and it's very much worth it!
DeleteTheoretically, this is a book for me! I remember seeing it on NetGalley and deciding against getting it (a lot of review novels on my plate at the time - and still!). I'm very happy to see that you enjoyed it! I saw Carina's review too so that may or may not have deterred me? I'll save it for when I have more time and can visit the library :D
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, Pili!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I do think you'll need to check this one soon, hopefully a visit to the library so I can Pili Pushed this one, depending on your schedule!!
Delete