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 the northern raiders. She escapes, only to be confronted with a difficult 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

339 pages, Paperback

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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[Youngermillers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A World Within Roots was interesting and I am definitely curious about how themes will develop in the next book. I did feel like the main character is a little abrupt in her thoughts and actions and overall the book could have flowed a little smoother. I did appreciate it being a clean fantasy and there is definitely good potential with the story line.

[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

[Tyler Bicknese · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book of the Roots trilogy really seems to setup a lot that is to come in future books. There was some action in this book, but I was hoping for more. I will continue to read the series because the world is so interesting and I love that the characters are working through trauma instead of burying it.

[Ashley Texley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting, and lately have been reading a lot of fae world novels. This was enjoyable because it has the aspect of a different world without the fae. I’ll pick up book 2. This was an impulse buy from Barnes and Noble Eugene, Oregon and I don’t regret it.

[Stephanie Cotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A World Within Roots delivers an inviting portal fantasy set in a richly imagined, Japanese-inspired world. That element alone drew me in. I’m not usually a portal-fantasy reader, but I’m glad I gave this one a chance—it turned out to be an engaging and enjoyable read.

The heroine is easy to root for, navigating the unfamiliar world with curiosity and compassion. I especially loved her instant bond with a young seer and her encounters with the enigmatic man known as Unknown. Across the realms he carries many names, each adding another layer to his mystique, and by the end of Book 1 he remains one of the story’s most intriguing mysteries.

There’s still so much left to uncover, and I’m looking forward to learning more about him—and seeing where the story goes next—in Book 2.

[Tianna Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Very unique story, unlike anything ai have read before!