Scan barcode
nanashi's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
devinelybookish's review
4.0
This book is definitely for those who like incricate worlds in high fantasy books.
I enjoyed the multiple POV narrations and the small passages you got before the chapters actually starts (I don't know what they're called). I think they added a little something extra to the plot.
The writing is lovely and smooth. I enjoyed reading the descriptions, particularly the ones conveying emotions. The world the author has built is also original and you can tell they have put a lot of thought into the world building. It shines on the pages.
Another helpful part is the index at the beginning which helps break down the different places and people. I think it might be useful to have a pronunciation guide with that bit too for names and places (although I'm quite proud I was pronouncing nearly all of the names correctly ;). )
My main problem with reading this book was the largeness of the world and characters- even with the index I was confused.
I'm not the most experienced high fantasy reader, so maybe that's why, but I found myself getting confused with what was going on in the plot. I'm not sure if it is because theres not enough context for some things to make sense for me or because I'm not used to reading something with so much action and movement.
But if you like high fantasy with large, original worlds and lots of action and plot, then I think this book with be perfect for you.
I enjoyed the multiple POV narrations and the small passages you got before the chapters actually starts (I don't know what they're called). I think they added a little something extra to the plot.
The writing is lovely and smooth. I enjoyed reading the descriptions, particularly the ones conveying emotions. The world the author has built is also original and you can tell they have put a lot of thought into the world building. It shines on the pages.
Another helpful part is the index at the beginning which helps break down the different places and people. I think it might be useful to have a pronunciation guide with that bit too for names and places (although I'm quite proud I was pronouncing nearly all of the names correctly ;). )
My main problem with reading this book was the largeness of the world and characters- even with the index I was confused.
I'm not the most experienced high fantasy reader, so maybe that's why, but I found myself getting confused with what was going on in the plot. I'm not sure if it is because theres not enough context for some things to make sense for me or because I'm not used to reading something with so much action and movement.
But if you like high fantasy with large, original worlds and lots of action and plot, then I think this book with be perfect for you.
louisfullybooked's review
4.0
Full of intricate worldbuilding, complex characters and relationships, and beautiful writing, this is a stunning debut from Vanessa Roades.
puttingwingsonwords's review
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I was provided with an e-ARC by the author.
Deep Roots is a high fantasy novel in which elves and humans are caught up in the potentially world-ending power struggle of their rivalling gods. Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What drew me in immediately was the world-building: warring pantheons playing games at the expense of their mortal subjects, the unique history of those pantheons, the differences between the mystical world of the elves and the fast-paced human realm, all part of a fantasy world with a long and rich history.
What I enjoyed most was the depiction of the various gods, who felt appropriately otherworldly and removed from the mortals in their immense power.
Unfortunately, I soon had trouble keeping track of the aforementioned world-building and the overarching plot. I think the story would have benefited from a little more exposition and the occasional reminder of who’s who and what they’re after.
It seemed a bit like ‘show don’t tell’ gone too far; some things do just need to be told to the audience to be understood. This story had a lot of potential, but in the end I was too busy trying to remember what was going on to see that realised.
Review originally posted on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwag1bBIgWV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
What drew me in immediately was the world-building: warring pantheons playing games at the expense of their mortal subjects, the unique history of those pantheons, the differences between the mystical world of the elves and the fast-paced human realm, all part of a fantasy world with a long and rich history.
What I enjoyed most was the depiction of the various gods, who felt appropriately otherworldly and removed from the mortals in their immense power.
Unfortunately, I soon had trouble keeping track of the aforementioned world-building and the overarching plot. I think the story would have benefited from a little more exposition and the occasional reminder of who’s who and what they’re after.
It seemed a bit like ‘show don’t tell’ gone too far; some things do just need to be told to the audience to be understood. This story had a lot of potential, but in the end I was too busy trying to remember what was going on to see that realised.
Review originally posted on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwag1bBIgWV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death and Suicide
the_bookish_crafter's review
5.0
First time reading this author have to say great world building. So many wonderful characters!
More...