Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted

Extended Synopsis

Agnieszka loves her peaceful valley home, her quiet village, and the bright, shining river that defines her world. But the corrupted Wood stands directly on the border, filled with a malicious and creeping power whose shadow looms constantly over her life. To keep this malevolent force at bay, her people rely on a cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon. However, his vital protection comes at a devastating cost: every ten years, one young woman must be handed over to serve him in his tower, a fate feared almost as much as falling prey to the Wood itself.

With the next choosing fast approaching, Agnieszka is consumed by fear. Everyone in the valley expects the Dragon to take Kasia—beautiful, graceful, and brave, she is everything Agnieszka is not, as well as her dearest friend. There seems to be no way to save her. But when the Dragon arrives, the valley is shocked to its core. Agnieszka has feared the wrong things, for it is not Kasia the wizard selects, but her. Thrust into a harsh world of high magic and ancient dangers, she must discover her own hidden strengths to survive the tower and defend her homeland from the encroaching darkness. This edition also includes the bonus short story, "The Lake Witch."

Intended Audience

This spellbinding novel is a perfect match for readers of high fantasy, dark folklore, and complex, character-driven narratives. Fans of classic fairy tales with a modern, subversive twist and those who appreciate rich, atmospheric world-building will find themselves fully immersed in Agnieszka's perilous journey.

Author Biography

Naomi Novik is an acclaimed, award-winning author best known for her sweeping historical fantasy series, Temeraire, and the bestselling Scholomance trilogy. Deeply influenced by her heritage and traditional Slavic folklore, Novik specializes in creating vivid, immersive landscapes and intricate magic systems that have earned her a dedicated global following and widespread critical acclaim.

Accolades & Recognition

• Nebula Award Winner for Best Novel.
• Hugo Award Finalist for Best Novel.
• Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR, BuzzFeed, Tordotcom, BookPage, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly.
• "If you want a fantasy with strong characters and brilliantly original variations on ancient stories, try Uprooted!" — Rick Riordan
• "Breathtaking . . . a tale that is both elegantly grand and earthily humble." — Publishers Weekly

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