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Deep Roots
"WORSHIP NONE OR WORSHIP ALL. IT IS NOT OUR LOVE THE GODS ARE CONCERNED WITH. IT IS KARADENZA'S."
It’s the summer festival in the elvish kingdom of Cypress. A month of drama, debauchery, and devotion—and half-elf Irving is arrested on the first day.
Irving hopes to escape their sentence before their legendary prophet of a father finds out. Until an opportunity comes along: help a priestess smuggle sacred Cypress devices into the human realm, and earn their ticket out. Humans and elves are divided by distrust and violence thanks to the rivalry between their goddesses, but Irving knows they belong anywhere but Cypress.
After being poisoned, Rho’s life depends on that rivalry. The goddess of medicine and poison has trapped her in a divine realm, and as a skilled magical inventor, Rho’s determined to discover the inner machinations of the pantheon and their plans.
Eirjatal survived a divine war that left him with deep scars and centuries’-old fears. Now, he’s entrusted with the knowledge of another upcoming threat, and this one may pull him down into the depths for good. Luckily, a queen with mind-bending magic and a grudge against the humans promises that despite all his doubt, the two of them alone know what’s best for Cypress.
The elf and human realms are mere fragile pieces in the games the gods play. Over the centuries, Eirjatal and Rho have seen the start of Cypress’s fractures, but its destruction may fall in Irving’s lifetime–and in their hands.
Deep Roots is the first book in a trilogy, set in a queernorm world with a slow-burn plot full of lore, history, and family.
It’s the summer festival in the elvish kingdom of Cypress. A month of drama, debauchery, and devotion—and half-elf Irving is arrested on the first day.
Irving hopes to escape their sentence before their legendary prophet of a father finds out. Until an opportunity comes along: help a priestess smuggle sacred Cypress devices into the human realm, and earn their ticket out. Humans and elves are divided by distrust and violence thanks to the rivalry between their goddesses, but Irving knows they belong anywhere but Cypress.
After being poisoned, Rho’s life depends on that rivalry. The goddess of medicine and poison has trapped her in a divine realm, and as a skilled magical inventor, Rho’s determined to discover the inner machinations of the pantheon and their plans.
Eirjatal survived a divine war that left him with deep scars and centuries’-old fears. Now, he’s entrusted with the knowledge of another upcoming threat, and this one may pull him down into the depths for good. Luckily, a queen with mind-bending magic and a grudge against the humans promises that despite all his doubt, the two of them alone know what’s best for Cypress.
The elf and human realms are mere fragile pieces in the games the gods play. Over the centuries, Eirjatal and Rho have seen the start of Cypress’s fractures, but its destruction may fall in Irving’s lifetime–and in their hands.
Deep Roots is the first book in a trilogy, set in a queernorm world with a slow-burn plot full of lore, history, and family.
Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2023
7 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Roades
5 books7 followersVanessa Roades is a Canadian writer who makes up stories about fantasy pantheons and their meddling gods, wicked women, LGBT+ characters, and all types of elves.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 16, 2023
Thank you Roades for the opportunity to Arc read!
This book was such an interesting and fun read! It is very world building heavy and the plot goes by extremely fast with a lot of intricate details so you might wanna take notes. I didn't do that and would take a few days break between a handful of chapters and it would take me a minute to remember who was who. But that was my own fault! So if you're someone like me who takes their time to read, don't be afraid to write stuff down! The author also provided an index at the beginning of the book which is super helpful!
All of the characters are complex and intriguing and I loved learning more about them and their histories in every chapter. Everyone is flawed in a way that makes sense for the character and how each of their behaviors affect each other was organic. There's someone for every reader to enjoy!
The only parts I struggled with were Irving's chapters. Irving is a really cool character to follow and I enjoyed that they are with the reader in learning about Cypress. However, whenever they went to do a puzzle, I would end up confused; I would get the gist of what was happening but not the full picture. Again, this may be a me problem because of my reading style! But it would take me a long time to figure out what exactly Irving was doing or how certain things connected and there are some chapters where I'm still not a 100% sure I understood what was going on. The scenes played out in a choppy like fashion in my brain.
But!! Overall, a fun and compelling read! I love learning about the world and it's deities and everyone's motives. I'm excited to read more of Roades work!
This book was such an interesting and fun read! It is very world building heavy and the plot goes by extremely fast with a lot of intricate details so you might wanna take notes. I didn't do that and would take a few days break between a handful of chapters and it would take me a minute to remember who was who. But that was my own fault! So if you're someone like me who takes their time to read, don't be afraid to write stuff down! The author also provided an index at the beginning of the book which is super helpful!
All of the characters are complex and intriguing and I loved learning more about them and their histories in every chapter. Everyone is flawed in a way that makes sense for the character and how each of their behaviors affect each other was organic. There's someone for every reader to enjoy!
The only parts I struggled with were Irving's chapters. Irving is a really cool character to follow and I enjoyed that they are with the reader in learning about Cypress. However, whenever they went to do a puzzle, I would end up confused; I would get the gist of what was happening but not the full picture. Again, this may be a me problem because of my reading style! But it would take me a long time to figure out what exactly Irving was doing or how certain things connected and there are some chapters where I'm still not a 100% sure I understood what was going on. The scenes played out in a choppy like fashion in my brain.
But!! Overall, a fun and compelling read! I love learning about the world and it's deities and everyone's motives. I'm excited to read more of Roades work!
July 12, 2023
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.
June 13, 2023
Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read
Once I read the synopsis i could not wait to read this book.
I overall enjoyed the story and character inclusion. My brain struggled a little bit with the world building but that happens to me with some fantasies.
Once I read the synopsis i could not wait to read this book.
I overall enjoyed the story and character inclusion. My brain struggled a little bit with the world building but that happens to me with some fantasies.
November 18, 2023
Note: I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback, but am so thrilled with it I have also bought a personal copy.
Rekindled my love of imaginary worlds!
Deep Roots was such a delightful read. It's rare for me to get so fully engrossed in fantasy stories about elves outside of Dragon Age and Tolkien, and this is partly because no world seems truly alien enough for me. In Deep Roots, the elves are so *different*, on such a fundamental level, from their physiology (horns, multiple arms and eyes were a lovely touch) to their societal norms to their methods of magic and worship, and the humans in this universe also have a pantheon of gods who are truly fascinating. I honestly felt as though I was experiencing something *new*, for the first time in a long time. I was the lucky anthropologist from our world getting a crazy peek into the Realmweaver universe, and oh boy. Some of these concepts are going to stick with me for a long time.
The way the novel is written has big Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy energy. The political out-manouevring and the thick sense of conspiracy really makes you feel tense, and you just know multiple layers of play are going on at once, without fully knowing what they are. The characters just get on with it, as well, refusing to treat the reader like a child. I've read Brandon Sanderson's attempts at politico-religious strife but I feel it works far better here as, in the Realmweaver world, I was unable to overlay it with a real-world blueprint. It remains completely its own thing, and that's outstanding.
I loved having a main character who is also nonbinary be the focus of attention in the plot, but also that their gender was not a focus. I was rooting for Irving so much during this tale, as I see a lot of myself in them.
Also, surprisingly, I cared more about Eirjatal than I expected to. It's probably the way his PTSD was handled, which was unnervingly realistic.
Favourite god: Madainn. I'm a sucker for that big kelp energy.
I'm glad this is merely Book 1, because hoo boy, the way it ends!! Political machinations to bring Henry Tudor to shame are brought firmly to light after a climax of colossal proportions, and there's going to be a hell of a lot to play with in the second book.
Rekindled my love of imaginary worlds!
Deep Roots was such a delightful read. It's rare for me to get so fully engrossed in fantasy stories about elves outside of Dragon Age and Tolkien, and this is partly because no world seems truly alien enough for me. In Deep Roots, the elves are so *different*, on such a fundamental level, from their physiology (horns, multiple arms and eyes were a lovely touch) to their societal norms to their methods of magic and worship, and the humans in this universe also have a pantheon of gods who are truly fascinating. I honestly felt as though I was experiencing something *new*, for the first time in a long time. I was the lucky anthropologist from our world getting a crazy peek into the Realmweaver universe, and oh boy. Some of these concepts are going to stick with me for a long time.
The way the novel is written has big Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy energy. The political out-manouevring and the thick sense of conspiracy really makes you feel tense, and you just know multiple layers of play are going on at once, without fully knowing what they are. The characters just get on with it, as well, refusing to treat the reader like a child. I've read Brandon Sanderson's attempts at politico-religious strife but I feel it works far better here as, in the Realmweaver world, I was unable to overlay it with a real-world blueprint. It remains completely its own thing, and that's outstanding.
I loved having a main character who is also nonbinary be the focus of attention in the plot, but also that their gender was not a focus. I was rooting for Irving so much during this tale, as I see a lot of myself in them.
Also, surprisingly, I cared more about Eirjatal than I expected to. It's probably the way his PTSD was handled, which was unnervingly realistic.
Favourite god: Madainn. I'm a sucker for that big kelp energy.
I'm glad this is merely Book 1, because hoo boy, the way it ends!! Political machinations to bring Henry Tudor to shame are brought firmly to light after a climax of colossal proportions, and there's going to be a hell of a lot to play with in the second book.
July 22, 2023
This book was just not for me. A lot of my issues were quality of life related and not so much story related. I really loved the description and world building in this book - learning about the rival gods even was very interesting! However, I did not end up finishing the book due to the following quality of life reasons:
1) The book is written in third person present tense. What that means is the narrative is written where the characters are doing things in real time. For example, “John walks to the store with sandy.” This was just jarring to me, and in certain moments impeded the flow of the storytelling with the wording. Are a little bit it was easy to get used to, but still just not my cuppa.
2) There is a glossary for the gods, who are not really the main characters in the book, but not for the actual main/important characters of the book, of which there are several. There are at least 8 main characters that it would be helpful to have just a short blurb about and their relationship with other characters and their pronouns. Especially when it switches to a character POV who refers to someone by their last name, when so far we’ve been referring to someone by their first name.
My final reason I stopped reading is that the book is just not leaving an impression on me. I think someone else will love this and I hope this book finds that audience, because I see the vision and the potential, but specifically for me, if I’m not thinking about the book I’m reading when I’m not actively reading it, its not engaging enough for me. Please give this book a try if you love high fantasy and intricate political plots and gods toying with mortal pawns in 4D chess.
1) The book is written in third person present tense. What that means is the narrative is written where the characters are doing things in real time. For example, “John walks to the store with sandy.” This was just jarring to me, and in certain moments impeded the flow of the storytelling with the wording. Are a little bit it was easy to get used to, but still just not my cuppa.
2) There is a glossary for the gods, who are not really the main characters in the book, but not for the actual main/important characters of the book, of which there are several. There are at least 8 main characters that it would be helpful to have just a short blurb about and their relationship with other characters and their pronouns. Especially when it switches to a character POV who refers to someone by their last name, when so far we’ve been referring to someone by their first name.
My final reason I stopped reading is that the book is just not leaving an impression on me. I think someone else will love this and I hope this book finds that audience, because I see the vision and the potential, but specifically for me, if I’m not thinking about the book I’m reading when I’m not actively reading it, its not engaging enough for me. Please give this book a try if you love high fantasy and intricate political plots and gods toying with mortal pawns in 4D chess.
July 29, 2024
Omg I meant to review this book forever ago but better late than never!
This book is quite long and complex but totally worth it if you’re into well developed worlds and fun characters. From a non-binary half elf, to overpowered goddesses, there’s lots of adventures to follow this colorful cast through with high stakes and complications galore >:) The writing style in this book is super unique and I really enjoy the use of present tense since that’s such a hard method to write in and one so rarely done successfully. We get beautiful descriptions that paint a clear and immersive image in our minds with well rounded characters that really grip onto your heart (Noah has been and will forever be my favorite. I have to be real). But the cast as a whole got equal smiles from me. I looove their personalities and relationships to each other. Also the details to everything will never fail to amaze me. Like the little sermons and excerpts at the start of each chapter — such a small thing but it made a huge impact on the over all immersive feeling, giving us insight to the world, its history, and the story it’s telling. There’s, as well, a bit of humor sprinkled in that really got some laughs out of me so props for that. If you like in depth fantasy stories with a diverse group of characters going on edge of your seat escapades, then I totally recommend this one.
This book is quite long and complex but totally worth it if you’re into well developed worlds and fun characters. From a non-binary half elf, to overpowered goddesses, there’s lots of adventures to follow this colorful cast through with high stakes and complications galore >:) The writing style in this book is super unique and I really enjoy the use of present tense since that’s such a hard method to write in and one so rarely done successfully. We get beautiful descriptions that paint a clear and immersive image in our minds with well rounded characters that really grip onto your heart (Noah has been and will forever be my favorite. I have to be real). But the cast as a whole got equal smiles from me. I looove their personalities and relationships to each other. Also the details to everything will never fail to amaze me. Like the little sermons and excerpts at the start of each chapter — such a small thing but it made a huge impact on the over all immersive feeling, giving us insight to the world, its history, and the story it’s telling. There’s, as well, a bit of humor sprinkled in that really got some laughs out of me so props for that. If you like in depth fantasy stories with a diverse group of characters going on edge of your seat escapades, then I totally recommend this one.
June 14, 2023
Difficult start. Strong finish.
The world building was heavy, and I had difficulty learning the multitude of deities and characters. However, the MCs were complex, and the mystery was unique. By the end of the book, I was really rooting for poor Irving and wished that the story continued. I felt like the storytelling was just beginning to heat up.
The world building was heavy, and I had difficulty learning the multitude of deities and characters. However, the MCs were complex, and the mystery was unique. By the end of the book, I was really rooting for poor Irving and wished that the story continued. I felt like the storytelling was just beginning to heat up.
May 14, 2023
First time reading this author have to say great world building. So many wonderful characters!
August 6, 2023
Paperbacks are now available through Ingramspark!
Warnings:
- Themes of 'fantasy racism' and religious persecution (often unchallenged and internalized)
- POV character with PTSD (which is not always spoken of fondly)
- Religious and theological themes
- Light body horror & blood
Reader response survey:
Hey, wanna help me figure out what to feature in later books or what extras to write/draw depending on reader interest? Submit your opinions and/or grievances directly to me.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
Warnings:
- Themes of 'fantasy racism' and religious persecution (often unchallenged and internalized)
- POV character with PTSD (which is not always spoken of fondly)
- Religious and theological themes
- Light body horror & blood
Reader response survey:
Hey, wanna help me figure out what to feature in later books or what extras to write/draw depending on reader interest? Submit your opinions and/or grievances directly to me.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
January 6, 2025
I read an ARC of Deep Roots, and it was divine!
I loved the variety of personalities and perspectives, and the detailed worldbuilding was refreshingly elaborate and I felt the scenes were painted slowly into my mind. This is a great choice for any who are seeking a medium-paced adventure full of intelligent banter and whimsical storytelling.
Irving was my favourite character, it was my first time reading a book where an author uses they/them pronouns. Grateful for authors like Roades who write stories I can feel seen in.
I loved the variety of personalities and perspectives, and the detailed worldbuilding was refreshingly elaborate and I felt the scenes were painted slowly into my mind. This is a great choice for any who are seeking a medium-paced adventure full of intelligent banter and whimsical storytelling.
Irving was my favourite character, it was my first time reading a book where an author uses they/them pronouns. Grateful for authors like Roades who write stories I can feel seen in.
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September 16, 2025Full of intricate worldbuilding, complex characters and relationships, and beautiful writing, this is a stunning debut from Vanessa Roades.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews