From the moment I started Uprooted, I was hooked. The story immediately draws you in with an engaging plot that, while treading some familiar ground, kept me entertained throughout. There’s a lot of action in the novel, making it hard to put down.

What I didn’t expect was how much darker and more tragic the story would become. The Wood, which plays a central role, is both terrifying and mysterious. The eerie atmosphere surrounding it adds a sense of urgency to Agnieszka’s quest, and the lore behind the Wood, its villain, and the trauma it brings to the people around it truly captivated me. The deeper I got into the story, the more invested I became in uncovering its secrets.

One of the highlights of the book is the bond between Agnieszka and her best friend, Kasia. I loved their friendship and wished there were more moments showcasing their connection. It would have been great to see more memorable conversations and interactions between them, as their bond had so much potential.

The romance, however, left me with mixed feelings. The dynamic between Agnieszka and Sarkan felt harsh from the start—especially on Sarkan’s end, as he often belittled and downplayed Agnieszka, making it hard to buy into their connection. I also felt that the romance was rushed, and while there was emotional growth between them, it didn’t fully convince me. Sarkan’s personality, especially in the beginning, was another issue. He came off as cold, harsh, and often unlikable. Although he softens (but still harsh) by the end, his early treatment of Agnieszka was difficult to overlook. The backstory provided to explain his behavior didn’t quite make him sympathetic to me.

I also found the sex scene to be unnecessary. The slow build-up of their attraction was compelling enough, and the story didn’t need to rely on that added layer for validation. The emotional growth between the characters would have been more than enough to carry their relationship forward without it.

Another drawback for me was the pacing. While the story starts strong, there were sections that felt dragged out and flat, disrupting the otherwise engaging narrative. These slower parts made it harder to stay fully immersed, and a more streamlined approach would have kept the story tighter and more engaging throughout.

Despite these flaws, Uprooted is still a captivating fantasy that blends action, dark fairy-tale elements, and emotional depth. The world-building, particularly the lore of The Wood, is exceptional, and the focus on friendship adds a heartfelt layer to the story. While the romance and pacing didn’t fully work for me, the book’s unique atmosphere and compelling themes make it worth reading.