Debra Klevens

During a break from class, freshman Lilly Bucher reads “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik on a Fatboy chair.

The one thing that was wrong with Uprooted by Naomi Novik, was that there was nothing wrong at all. Even though fantasy is my go-to genre, this novel exceeded all my requirements for a good fairy tale. It has magic, family, friendship and if you look close enough, even a little bit of love.

In the small, quiet village of Dvernik, main character Agnieszka has lived with her family all her life. Nestled in the valley, Dvernik is on the edge of a dangerous forest called the Wood. More than trees and wildlife, the Wood infects whoever dares get close enough to wander in, or worse get taken by  the creatures that reside in the corrupted woodland. Agnieszka’s village is protected by the fearsome, infamous wizard, called the Dragon, but his protection comes with a price.

Every 10 years, the Dragon demands a village girl in return for his magic, and the 10 years is going by fast. Everyone knows who will be taken this decade, Agnieszka’s dearest friend Kasia. Beautiful, talented and confident, no one doubts she is the one who will be taken. So when the day comes, you can guess the villagers and Agnieszka’s surprise when the Dragon does not take Kasia, but Agnieszka.

This book delves right into action the minute you start reading. In over 400 pages, Novik creates a world that is realistic and relatable, but with a little bit of the magic. Readers will easily be able to identify with Agnieszka due to her quick wit and her clumsiness. Novik’s ability to keep Agnieszka the same ungainly teenage girl she was throughout the entire book, even with all she has went through and all the people she has met and lost, impresses me more than if she had undergone serious change in character.

Though people might not be able to relate to the struggle of obtaining magic, like Agnieszka in this fantasy tale, the themes in the novel are universal for all people . You can relate to the struggle of being different in a group of people that want you to be the same as them, or the conflict of wanting to be selfish and wanting to focus on yourself.

Agnieszka may be a relatable character, but that does not mean she is perfect. She can be self-interested at times, like all humans— or witches—she feels too much and she isn’t willing to give up her family or anyone she cares about for the power of magic. That’s what I like most about her. Her resolve to do what is right as a human being is strong, but so is the temptation of saving herself and her village from corruption. Agnieszka is defiant and stubborn, but that is what helps her survive.

Uprooted is more than your average fairytale. With the character’s twisted humor and the thrilling adventure that races throughout the story, this book will grip you tight and not let go until you’ve finished.

The Pathfinder gives Uprooted by Naomi Novik a 10/10.