Rooted

by Elle Boyer

Elura was discovered in the forest, at a young age with nothing but her name and a sprig of Ivy that seemed to whisper to her. She never felt as though she belonged in the human town she grew up in. Not knowing her true nature, Elura kept her ability a secret from everyone but her adoptive family that found her and raised her as their own.
When a letter seemingly delivered on the wind arrives under her apartment door, she is given directions, leading her to the forest she was found in.Curiosity and a foreign sense of urgency, rushes Elura through the trees and back to her roots.At the Grenivere Sky Temple, she is acquainted with Celestials, Elementals, and Inborns. The world of Velgon introduces Elura to new friends, peers, romance and danger.

497 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

Reviews

[Kelsey Yongue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the author on tiktok was so thankful for every person who read it. It is available on Kindle Unlimited so I thought I'd give it a go and support a small author!

I'm SO glad I did. I could not put it down. The characters were well fleshed out and likable. The world building was slow and in pace with the story, which made it easy to understand.

I haven't read fantasy in a while as I was in a bit of a slump, and this book got me over that hump.

I can't wait to read the next one.

[Kailey Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh where do I begin-

The absolute lore we get in here. Stunning world building, truly.I dreamt of it because of how detailed she was without any nonsense. The character development, the uncertainty of what is gonna happen next. When the spicy hit it was absolutely addictive.

Multiple perspectives were absolutely needed- it helped you really understand what was going on, how there were being hidden, the true intentions.

I need Quincy asap- his details are stunning.

10/10, highly reccomend if you like extremely plot driven foresty fantasy! Absolutely gold.

[Devon King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by author Elle Boyer is setting the bar high for her future novels. The world building is amazing. The author has done a fantastic job at creating a unique world and magic system. It’s easy to fall into the world of Velgon when you pick up the book. The story is told from many different perspectives, which I love and adds depth to the story. I was invested in the characters and there were many twists to keep you on your toes. This book definitely set a good foundation for more to come. Excited to see what happens in Velgon next!

[Jacob Montanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooted by Elle Boyer is an intriguing portal fantasy debut that lays the groundwork for a story of epic scale told through the eyes of its main protagonists, Elura and her sister Anarhi. Raised among humans, they learn their heritage is something different than they believed when they discover a portal to the realm they come from. Thrust into a world of elements and elementals, they experience trials that test them each to their fullest while learning to understand their personal history and their family better. A festering evil has taken root among the realms, creating destabilizing forces among old allies and friends. The sisters confront but a small portion of the danger that threatens while dealing with love, loss, death, and grief. Colorful characters and a few lusty romps punctuate the dire stakes with moments of levity and hope. Both young women accept their responsibilities and I can't wait to see where the next book takes them!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

in a word? phenomenal. I absolutely loved this story and am excited to continue with Rotted when it's available!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Rooted! The imagery of the celestial kingdom was gorgeous, felt like I was actually there. The characters were so easy to connect with, and the twists kept me hooked. And that cliffhanger… I need the next book ASAP.

[Obscura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this book after seeing the author on TikTok. I finished it in a day and I loved it. I had a lot more POV’s than I am used to while reading but I really enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next book!!

[Mad Cat Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I felt the detail in the world building was great, and it was nice to have it explained along side the FMC experiencing it as well. The magic system is unlike anything else I’ve read, with the different element domains and the hierarchy in them. I would recommend this book to people who like One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig or the Kingdom of the Wicked series by Kerri Maniscalco.

I dropped a star for only two reasons.. I felt that the swearing dialogue was forced at times. I also wished there was a MMC pov earlier in the book, it seemed his jump to “you’re more than a job” was quick and unsupported since there was not his pov in the start of their friendship.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster. I felt everything right alongside Elura, from her confusion and wonder to the heartbreak and hope. The world of Velgon was so beautifully built and unlike anything I’ve read before — full of magic, mystery, and heart.

I loved the elemental aspects and the way every new reveal deepened the story. It’s one of those books that stays with you after you finish, and I’m already anxiously waiting for the next one. I really hope all the same characters come back and we get to explore even more of Velgon. 💚

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soo much potential here. Thoughtful storytelling and full characters.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out strong. Became a little slow but felt rushed in areas. Some scenes felt like they were thrown into the story. The plot, setting, and characters are all unique. There’s a few twists and love connections. The ending gives closure but leaves it with one of the characters leaving on her own journey to continue the plot.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ma’am. With all do respect. What in the hell was that ending?! Quite the cliff you left us all hanging off. The world building was beautifully done. I was heavily invested in the characters. Lots of emotional damage. I’m here for the series. Cannot wait to see where it goes.

[Charlene]

DNF at 24%