Uprooted
by Naomi Novik
Narrated by Julia Emelin
Why Listen to This Audiobook?
Ignore the Beauty-and-the-Beast comparisons — the real tension here is between a girl and a forest that wants everyone dead.
- Great if you want: dark fairy tale atmosphere with literary, character-driven fantasy
- Listening experience: lush and immersive; slow-burn with sudden violent intensity
- Narration: Emelin's Eastern European lilt perfectly fits the Slavic folk tale setting
- Skip if: you need consistent pacing — the middle loses momentum
About This Audiobook
Deep in a Polish-inspired valley, seventeen-year-old Agnieszka lives in the shadow of both an ancient, malevolent Wood and the immortal wizard who protects her village from its corruption. Known only as the Dragon, this powerful sorcerer demands a steep price for his protection: every decade, he selects a young woman to serve in his tower for ten years. When the choosing arrives, Agnieszka expects her graceful best friend Kasia to be taken, but the Dragon surprises everyone by selecting clumsy, unremarkable Agnieszka instead. As she discovers her own unexpected magical abilities, Agnieszka must navigate her complicated relationship with the Dragon while confronting the growing threat of the Wood's dark influence.
Julia Emelin delivers a captivating performance that brings both intimacy and grandeur to Novik's richly woven tale. Her narration captures Agnieszka's initial uncertainty and growing confidence with subtle vocal evolution, while her portrayal of the Dragon balances his intimidating power with hidden vulnerability. Emelin's handling of the magical elements feels naturally mystical rather than theatrical, allowing listeners to become fully immersed in the story's folklore atmosphere. The audio format particularly enhances the novel's lyrical prose and intricate world-building, with Emelin's pacing drawing listeners deeper into the mysterious, enchanted landscape.