A World Within Roots

Roots #1

by Anne Elizabeth

NAMES ARE IMPORTANT. BEWARE THE PRETENDER.

Eleven years after the fatal accident of her brother, Juliet Barrows still lives in the shadows of her past. While the surface is idyllic—loving parents, a best friend, and a job—it is merely an illusion. And Juliet’s shaky foundations are exposed when a portal sends her into another world filled with cultural differences and deception.

Alone in a small sea town, Juliet is warned by a seer of impending danger: the northern raiders. She escapes, only to be confronted with a difficult decision: accompany the one person set on liberating the captured townspeople or find her own way home. In her desire for freedom, both for herself and the people, she chooses to go. Along the way, they are joined by a man cloaked in mystery, who claims they have no chance without him.

Just when the trio think the tide is turning, an uprising against the king draws them into its ranks under the threat of death. Caught in the middle and fighting for survival, Juliet realizes that confronting her fears and uncertainty is only the beginning. Rather than hiding from her past, she must learn from it in order to survive what is to come.

Rebellions, enslavement, rivalries, and secrets layer upon each other in this medieval Japanesque society, where conspiracy abounds and even friends may not be what they seem.

Genres: Fantasy

340 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2023

About the author

Anne Elizabeth lives in the beautiful PNW with her husband and two children. Her series, The Roots Trilogy, was envisioned after a trip to Japan to help with the 2013 tsunami relief efforts. Inspired by the grandeur of the world around her and the works of authors such as Tolkien and Lewis, Anne joyfully gifts her imagination and storytelling as she establishes her niche in familiar genres. Along with her literary pursuits, she enjoys adventures outside, a variety of arts and crafts, and is an avid board gamer.

Reviews

[Cheyenne Langevelde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was honored to be the copyeditor for this book and enjoyed getting to work on this one! This mini-review, therefore, comes with a bias, but this is quite an adventure, and Anne Elizabeth shows a lot of promise in her writing! If you like a cozy fantasy adventure, try this out!

[Storm Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique Fantasy

Anne Elizabeth has crafted a fantasy that has the nostolgic feel of classic stories like those of Tolkien's works. With an epic adventure into a new world, readers follow Juliet Barrows on the quest of truth and justice for this world hidden within the roots. Juliet's strong personality jumps off of the page and the relationships she builds along the way are tangible. I highly recommend this book to those looking for their next fantasy read with new cultures, light magic, intrigue, and evil kings who must be overthrown!

[Anne Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this trilogy for many reasons, and I hope you all enjoy it even half as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you and happy almost reading!

https://linktr.ee/anneelizabethwrites...

[Samantha Mendell]

Fantastic job by Anne Elizabeth! I read this in a day and am ready for more! Excellent start to this trilogy; looking forward to book #2!

[Adela Bec]

I had a hard time continuing the book because there was no motivation behind the characters’ actions. So much is happening yet it feels very dull. I had to stop before I got into a reading slump

[Ashleigh Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, fast read! Cozy-ish, but some high stakes. A woman is pulled through a portal to a medieval Japan setting. Alternate world or just the past? She's torn between trying to find a way home while also being pulled into this world's very serious issues (slave trade, ill-gotten gains). At the same time, she's making friendships (and more) with the people in this world, all the while knowing her family and friends in her *actual* world must be struggling with their loss of her. When given the chance to go back, will she? Or will she stay to help? And what world will she choose in the end. I can't wait to read on!

[Andrew Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, clean, fun! This debut release from Anne Elizabeth is an engaging and compelling read. Be prepared to be challenged with deep themes of loss, betrayal, grief, and courage as one woman comes of age in a world unlike her home.

[Alexandra Acevedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I was hooked from the very first chapter. The story constantly kept moving, and there was always something happening. Juliet falls through a portal into another world where she's immediately treated like an outsider. From there, it's one dangerous situation after another. She's rescuing prisoners, getting captured, escaping, and constantly questioning who she can trust. Even though there was a lot of back and forth between locations and people, it never made me want to stop reading because I always wanted to know what would happen next.

My favorite character was the Unknown. There isn't a lot of romance in this first book, but I actually liked that. It's a very slow burn that only starts to build toward the end, and I'm really interested to see where things go with him. Tristan also seems like he'll play a bigger role, so I'm curious to see how that develops.

One of my favorite parts was the world-building. The idea of falling through a tree into another world that feels like ancient Japan was so unique, and I loved exploring it alongside Juliet. I also appreciated that Juliet isn't the type of heroine who blindly trusts everyone. She wants to help people, but she's cautious and constantly questions what's happening around her, which made her feel realistic.

The ending left me desperate for the next book. After everything Juliet has been through, the final chapter raises the stakes even higher as she's confronted with death and a new desire for vengeance and justice. If you enjoy portal fantasy, rich world-building, and slow-burn romance that's only beginning to unfold, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was somewhere between a 3.5-4 star read for me. The first third or so was slow going, but then it got interesting! It deals with themes such as: crossing cultures, processing trauma and trust.

[Mara]

Soft DNF: I’m just not in the right mood for it

[Hannah Crawford · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know how I feel about this. There were good and bad parts to this book and at times it felt childish and a tad repetitive. I think I’m going to give this a 2.75/5. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t terrible. It kind of reminds me of a knock off Shield of Sparrows.

[Callie Pey · Rating 5 out of 5]

a world through the portal

This cover pulled me in, and the characters kept me there. Ms Elizabeth’s writing style turned out to be just what I needed to break my reading slump. Juliet escapes the life she knew into a portal and things turn dangerous. I really enjoyed and need to know more about the Unknown, I’m still not sure I trust Tristen. The pacing can be a bit slow at times and some of the points get rehashed quite a bit, but I enjoyed the worldbuilding immensely. Looking forward to the next book! 4.5/5 stars!

[A Bit Bookish Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bookish Co. Review
A World Within Roots
3.75⭐️
by Anne Elizabeth
🦖 2025 Book 54/150 📚
Book # 1 of the Roots Trilogy

This book grew on me. I was introduced to this book by TikTok, and was interested in the prospect of a “ No Spice” Romance. I have never really read one of those. A World Within Roots is a New Adult book series that deals with heavy grief and the impact of loss in your life. It is almost an Alice In Wonderland-esque telling of a Portal to another Dimensional Earth that has some aspects of Feudal Japan. Our modern FMC Juliet Barrows, has fallen into a portal within the roots of an upended tree while exploring the Redwoods. She finds herself embroiled in a world at war. The society is divided between the Rebels and the King. All the leadership is light skinned, light eyed and have been in control since the beginning. The current King treats his people like slaves, and appears to care nothing for them. The majority of the people are almond eye shaped, dark eyed, and black haired. They are being raided and people are being trafficked for an unknown purpose. As a result of these violent raids, the people have had enough and are joining the Rebels.

Tropes We Love:
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found Family 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒
🎭 Hidden Identity 🎭
💡Self Discovery 💡

What I Loved about the Novel:
The end.
I feel like the writer really started to get into the flow right as it ended. Prior to that, there was a ton of wandering. I liked the last 75 pages. Those read really smoothly.

Acclimatization-
I liked the way that Juliet just didn’t fall in line and everyone didn’t trust her right away. She was treated poorly, and everyone was very leery of her. They immediately labeled her the mysterious outsider.

Mystery-
Still want to know who was the lady who found her. Have no clue who the King is. Who is the Unknown/Shizukana?
Why did this random portal appear to Juliet? Why was the King hunting Seers?

What I Disliked About It:
Tempo of the Story.
The first 2/3 of the story fell flat for me. I felt that the author would delve into things that don’t really matter to the story or actions that were repeated throughout. I feel like too much happened to Juliet and it was weirdly flat emotionally through it all.

Relational Depth:
I would have loved more depth into the relationships a little. I feel like a ton happened and they didn’t trauma bond in a way that I would expect them to. I also feel like the real leader developing feelings so quickly was odd. I get that he respects her, but maybe more deep talks with her was needed. Saya and her deep mistrust of the Unknown. The Unknown’s skill set being shown more in different ways. What the other names mean and why is everyone so mistrusting of him? Why is he treated well in Umi no Machi, if they all dislike him?

I think for a debut novel, that it is a solid foray into writing.
Excited to see what Book 2 holds in the writer’s advancement and storytelling.

[Angel H · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ Liked: The unique portal fantasy concept, the emotional themes of grief and loss, the world-building, and the fact that the book ultimately "grew on you."

⭐ Mixed: You struggled with the pacing, lost interest several times, and had trouble distinguishing which characters were important.

⭐ Overall: You finished the book feeling positive enough that you appreciated what it accomplished, even though it wasn't an easy or consistently engaging read.

I found A World Within the Roots by Anne Elizabeth on TikTok while searching for my next read. Going in, I didn't know much about the story, so I was excited to experience the world without many expectations. I also realized afterward that this was my first "no spice" romance, which made for a different reading experience than I'm used to.

A World Within the Roots is the first book in a New Adult fantasy series that explores heavy themes of grief, loss, and how those experiences shape a person's life. The story has an Alice in Wonderland-esque feel, with a portal fantasy that transports the main character to another dimension. This alternate Earth has elements inspired by feudal Japan, creating an interesting backdrop for the story.

The novel follows Juliet Barrows, a modern young woman who accidentally falls through a portal hidden within the roots of an uprooted tree while exploring the Redwoods. She awakens in a world torn apart by war. The kingdom is divided between a cruel king and a growing rebel movement. The ruling class has held power for generations and is described as light-skinned with light-colored eyes, while the majority of the population has almond-shaped eyes, dark hair, and dark eyes. Under the current king's rule, the people are treated like slaves, their villages are violently raided, and many are trafficked for an unknown purpose. Fed up with the oppression, more and more citizens are choosing to join the rebellion.

While I found the world itself fascinating, I struggled at times with the pacing. There were several moments where I lost interest, and I had difficulty keeping track of which characters were important and why they mattered to the overall story. Because of the large cast, some characters blended together for me, making it harder to stay fully invested.

Even so, this was one of those books that slowly won me over. As I spent more time in the world and with the characters, I became more invested in Juliet's journey and wanted to see where the story was headed. It wasn't a perfect read for me, but by the end I appreciated the emotional themes, the unique world-building, and the refreshing approach to romance.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A World Within Roots by Anne Elizabeth is a deeply layered portal fantasy that explores identity, trauma, and trust through a lens of cultural immersion and rebellion. With a quiet strength and steady pacing, the novel unravels a tale of self-discovery and survival set in a medieval Japanesque society teeming with secrets, deception, and rebellion.

Juliet Barrows is not your typical fantasy heroine—she’s grounded, grieving, and deeply human. Eleven years after the loss of her brother, her life is a carefully constructed illusion of stability. But when a portal tears her from that illusion and thrusts her into a foreign world, her fragile peace is shattered, and her internal wounds begin to surface. Elizabeth does a beautiful job of weaving Juliet’s emotional healing into the external plot, making every step of her journey feel meaningful.

The worldbuilding is rich and respectful, drawing inspiration from Japanese culture and history without leaning on stereotypes. From the coastal towns to the rigid societal structures and spiritual prophecies, the setting is immersive and full of quiet wonder. The political landscape—complete with enslaved villagers, royal unrest, and cryptic warnings from seers—keeps tension simmering beneath the surface even when the pace slows.

Juliet’s companions add intrigue and texture to the narrative: the determined rebel leader driven by purpose, and the mysterious cloaked man whose allegiance remains uncertain. Their dynamics shift with tension and subtle emotion, providing layers of mistrust, camaraderie, and philosophical friction as they journey deeper into the rebellion’s heart. The relationships unfold slowly, with nuance and restraint, making them feel earned and emotionally grounded.

The novel’s strength lies in its introspective tone and thematic depth—loss, resilience, and the danger of false appearances are central to Juliet’s arc. However, some readers may find the pacing a bit uneven, especially in the first third, where setup and world acclimation take precedence over momentum. While this gives room for emotional realism, it slightly tempers the sense of adventure early on.

[Jennifer Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A World Within Roots is one of those books that feels deeply personal, like you’re being invited into someone’s quiet inner world. Anne Elizabeth has a gift for writing atmosphere—earthy, intimate, and almost meditative. The themes of grief, healing, and rediscovery are woven with care, and there were moments that genuinely made me pause and sit with what the characters were feeling.

That said, I want to be honest because the author asked for it: the pacing didn’t always work for me. There are stretches where the story moves so slowly that I found myself drifting a bit. It’s intentional, I think—this book wants you to linger—but sometimes the emotional weight gets lost in the stillness. A few scenes felt repetitive, like they were circling the same idea without pushing the characters forward.

The characters themselves are gentle and believable, but I occasionally wished for sharper edges or deeper conflict. They’re easy to root for, but not always easy to fully know. I wanted a little more complexity, especially from the supporting cast, who sometimes felt more symbolic than fleshed‑out.

Even with those critiques, the heart of the story is strong. When the book hits, it hits beautifully. The emotional payoff in the later chapters feels earned, and the blend of realism with a touch of magic gives the whole thing a quiet charm. It’s a book that stays with you—not because it’s loud or dramatic, but because it’s sincere.

If you enjoy slow, reflective stories that explore healing in a grounded, almost spiritual way, this one is worth reading. Just go in knowing it’s more about mood and meaning than momentum.

[Julie Mcmurray-knope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleven years ago, 22 year old Juliet Barrows saw her younger brother die in front of her. She was too slow to save him; too frozen in shock to help. She has carried the guilt in her heart ever since.

While vacationing in the redwoods with her family and her best friend, Cam, the two young women decided to go hiking without telling anyone where they were going. Ever since her brother’s death, her mother has kept Juliet close. This was a small act of rebellion.

Juliet and Cam were briefly separated when Juliet came across a strange, upside down tree. The roots were climbing up into the air while the trunk and top branches were buried in the earth. When she approached the strange tree, she somehow fell through a portal to a new world, similar to feudal Japan.

As Juliet meets the people of this troubled nation, she finds herself drawn into a society she is unfamiliar with but she knows she needs to help. While she longs for her family, she can’t ignore the people of this new world.

Full of mysterious strangers, raiding parties, seers and royalty, A World Within Roots is a fascinating beginning of Juliet’s story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this trilogy!

[Shauna Pharris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was not impressed with this book. The concept was interesting which is why I applied to the ARC read but the execution just didn't do it for me. When I don't like a book I usually assume it's because of my mood or I just am not the intended reader but here are my opinions.
I felt no connection with the characters. They felt very one dimensional to me and the motivation for their choices just wasn't there. There was absolutely no romance between any of the characters (there was a even a part where the FMC mentions her flirting and all I could think was "that was flirting!?").
The FMC's inner dialogue drove me crazy. It was so repetitive. Her character was truly annoying to me. She was nothing special, except that she happened to fall through a portal into this other world. Also, how many times is too many times for the same person to be kidnapped and in danger? This book went beyond that.
There were a lot of questions that still hadn't been answered by the end of the book which are hopefully answered in later books in the series, but I have no desire to read any more from this story.

[Coralee VanNewkirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A World Within Roots by Anne Elizabeth is a captivating fantasy novel with genuinely strong world building and solid emotional depth. The story blends political conflict, rebellion, and mystery within a medieval inspired setting that feels immersive and thoughtfully constructed.
The strongest aspect of this book is how the main character’s emotional struggles are tied into the larger plot. It adds depth and keeps the story grounded even as the stakes in the world escalate. The pacing is steady, sometimes almost too steady, but the reflective scenes do a good job of building tension and giving the story room to breathe.
While it leans more toward slow-burn development rather than constant action, it works in its favor if you enjoy character-driven fantasy. Readers looking for fast pacing or nonstop plot twists may find it a bit restrained, but that’s not necessarily a weakness depending on preference.
Overall, it’s a strong and engaging start to a trilogy with a lot of potential. I really enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!

[Kelly Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

​A World Within Roots is an absolute triumph of fantasy and adventure. From the very first page, this magical novel instantly sucks you into a breathtakingly vivid, yet terrifyingly dangerous new world. The stakes are relentlessly high, thrusting unforgettable characters into a whirlwind of suspense and peril.
​What truly anchors this thrilling journey, however, is its heart. You will watch in awe as new friendships form unbreakable, deep-rooted bonds, alongside beautifully written love interests that keep you guessing and constantly in suspense. Every chapter brings a fresh twist, making it a rare, true "cannot-put-down" masterpiece.
​Authoritative, enchanting, and deeply emotional, this book kept me utterly enthralled at every single turn. If you are looking for an immersive escape that will leave you breathless and begging for a sequel, look no further. A World Within Roots is a must-read.

[Reading With Ember · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're seeking an adventure in fantasy literature that seems to offer that classic experience, then look no further than the novel A World Within Roots, which provides that nostalgia of the old-school adventures while remaining unique and interesting.

I particularly liked reading about the protagonist Juliet Barrows, her journey into discovering another world, and how she stood up for what was right in it. She was a strong and determined character, and the friendships she made were very believable and easy to cheer on.

In my opinion, one of the best features of this book is its world-building. With unique cultures, some light magic, politics and an evil king who definitely needs overthrowing, there was never a lack of intrigue. If you enjoy immersive fantasy full of adventure, heart and relatable characters, I would recommend this book to you.

[Breezy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I would relate to the characters as much as I actually did. I saw myself a lot in the three main characters and it led to a lot of reflection.
I can't remember the last time I was actively highlighting passages in a book during my first read. Normally, I highligh things on a second read.

The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because I struggled to start it and stay in it. The beginning of it was extremely slow and I had a hard time getting it to hook into me. But once it was hooked, I was in!

I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. I know that one phrase in particular will always stay with me.
I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of them!

“There is more freedom in your mind and soul than you will ever have in your body.”

[Emily Ethridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot overstate how much I loved this book! An alternate world, a realistic heroine, political intrigue, raiders, secrets, rebellion, The Unknown...so many wonderful story elements come together to create this beautiful fantasy novel. Juliet feels like a genuine person and I couldn't help but connect with her as she faces countless internal and external struggles fighting to survive in a world that is not her own. This book definitely pulls at your emotions as you feel Juliet's pain and wonder who she can trust. I was hooked from beginning to end and am so excited to continue the story in Roots Unearthed. An absolute must-read!

[Alexandra Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved the concept of portal fantasy, but haven't seen it much outside of middle grade, which I don't read, so I was very intrigued to see it in a new adult book! The whole idea of an upside-down tree leading to another time/world, and the complexities of the world itself, were fascinating. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once Juliet's journey started, it really got going. I enjoyed her relationship with her companions and watching them navigate issues of trust and overcoming dark elements from their past. Tristan intrigued me especially, and I'm still not sure what to think of him--which makes for an excellent opportunity to see what he does in the sequel!

[Jennifer Vandergrift · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the first book in the trilogy, I felt like this book spent a lot of time focusing on character and world building in a way that, to me, was exciting and suspenseful. I was quickly pulled into the story and became invested in the outcomes for the FMC. Touching on loss, grief, and other sensitive subjects in a way that didn't feel overwhelming or insensitive. I enjoyed reading this story and trying to guess what was going to happen along the way. There is plenty of excitement and adventure. I was so excited to see where this was going, that I bought the rest of the trilogy before even finishing book one. I cannot wait to see what happens!

[Heather Sprague · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a little bit of a hard time getting into the book initially, but once I got a few chapters in, I was invested in Juliet. With everything she goes through, and still has the mindset she does, is encouraging.

I want to know more of the Unknown and hope he plays more into Juliet's story. I am definitely rooting for him.

I have mixed feeling about Tristan and fear Juliet might do something that I won't like. I can't wait to start the next book to see where/if these thoughts of mine actually play out. Overall, I think I support the uprising but am still skeptical of Tristan.

[Alicia Hanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first two chapters were hard to get through. I felt like I was missing a lot of information at first and needed a prologue just to get some more details as i was so lost. However, once I got through it I absolutely loved the characters and plot of the book. Definitely worth the read. There was so much trauma in everyone's background that it was easy to find a character to relate to and want to see there journey through the end. Can't wait to read the rest.

[Karla Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off slow in the first chapter, but then I got so drawn into the book that i was sad when i finished it. When I was reading through, it mentioned a town in WA that is relatively close to where I live, I was like "oh I know where that is at" so I thought that was cool. There is so much that happens in this book in an action sense, and a little bit of a romance sence, I highly recommend this book to others.

[Autumn Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a soft DNF for me. I feel like this book has good potential it just wasn’t a book meant for me. Personally the story and cover seemed very intriguing and it was going to be something new for me which is why I applied to be an ARC reader and I just struggled to get into it. This book gives me Alice and Wonderland vibes in a way so if you love adventure fantasy this would be a book for you! There is a lot of world and building so remember this is only book 1!

[Katherina Blowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5-stars

The world building felt cozy somehow despite how dangerous everything is and that’s a major plus for me. The setting was my favorite part of this and I’m invested enough in the character dynamics and relationships that I felt disappointed when the book was over and now have to wait for book 2 to know what happens to them. Eagerly awaiting the sequel