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The Rooted and the Winged
For the forest to survive, we must Unite.
Fafnir is a faerie with immortal blood in his veins; blood he revoked the Ancient Law to protect. Now, hungry for eternal life, faeries are choosing immortality over duty. Too many. Without their tether to the fae, the dryads are dying—and the sanctuary of their forest is fading.
Esen is a young dryad who has just begun to Walk the earth. When a terrible flood causes her sister to rise above ground early, sickly and weak, Esen knows she needs a strong forest to survive. Determined for her sister to Walk, she joins a stranger on his quest to reunite the faeries and the dryads.
Together, Fafnir and Esen journey to the fae of the river, mountains, and the sea to warn them of the dangers of the dryads’ plight. But even as they rally others to their selfless cause, Fafnir has a secret that begins to destroy him, Esen—even the forest itself.
Perfect for older fans of Earthsea, and lavishly illustrated, The Rooted and the Winged will whisk you to an enchanting world—and shake you to your core.
Fafnir is a faerie with immortal blood in his veins; blood he revoked the Ancient Law to protect. Now, hungry for eternal life, faeries are choosing immortality over duty. Too many. Without their tether to the fae, the dryads are dying—and the sanctuary of their forest is fading.
Esen is a young dryad who has just begun to Walk the earth. When a terrible flood causes her sister to rise above ground early, sickly and weak, Esen knows she needs a strong forest to survive. Determined for her sister to Walk, she joins a stranger on his quest to reunite the faeries and the dryads.
Together, Fafnir and Esen journey to the fae of the river, mountains, and the sea to warn them of the dangers of the dryads’ plight. But even as they rally others to their selfless cause, Fafnir has a secret that begins to destroy him, Esen—even the forest itself.
Perfect for older fans of Earthsea, and lavishly illustrated, The Rooted and the Winged will whisk you to an enchanting world—and shake you to your core.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Curran
2 books30 followersAuthor and illustrator. Lover of all things faerie and Celtic folklore. Avid reader.
Samantha Curran is an author and illustrator with a focus on intricate wistful worlds. Within these worlds she utilizes high fantasy elements to emphasize the beauty of nature and the human experience.
In her free time, when she is not creating stories, you may find her petting a cat or a plant. Both are equally likely.
Samantha Curran is an author and illustrator with a focus on intricate wistful worlds. Within these worlds she utilizes high fantasy elements to emphasize the beauty of nature and the human experience.
In her free time, when she is not creating stories, you may find her petting a cat or a plant. Both are equally likely.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 26, 2025
This book presents an ambitious fantasy world filled with faeries, dryads, and a cast of intriguing characters, but it takes some time to get into. Initially, I struggled to connect with the story, as the writing style made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the world. The pacing felt slow and the heavy use of description often bogged down the narrative. There were moments when the world-building, though rich and detailed, felt overwhelming, as if the book spent too much time setting the stage rather than driving the plot forward.
The structure of the book was also challenging to follow at times, with numerous characters introduced without enough clarity about their roles. Once I got past the initial confusion, the story became easier to follow.
The dialogue, unfortunately, did not flow naturally. It often felt stiff and forced, lacking the organic rhythm of real conversation. The characters themselves were inconsistent in tone, shifting between childish and wise tones. This fluctuation made it difficult to connect with them on a deeper level, and I often found myself wondering who the true protagonist was. Was it Esen or Fafnir? The lines between their roles seemed blurred, and the shifting focus made it harder to invest emotionally in any one character.
Despite the rich world-building, the stakes never seemed as high as I expected them to be. There were moments when the narrative hinted at impending conflict or dramatic moments, but when they came, they were resolved so quickly that the tension evaporated almost instantly.
The relationship between Niamh and Rowan was another missed opportunity. It had the potential to add depth to the story, but it was underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more. The minor characters, too, had interactions that were set up to carry significance, but some of these moments fell flat, lacking the impact they needed to feel meaningful.
Some positive elements were the artwork at the beginning of each chapter, which indicated the point of view for that section. It was a nice touch that helped clarify the shifts in perspective. I also enjoyed the beautiful artwork throughout the book as it provided helpful visuals to key points within the narrative.
Overall, the book has a lot of potential. It offers a detailed and immersive world, and while it may take time to settle into the rhythm of the story, those who enjoy deep world-building will likely enjoy it. Though I found some areas of character development and pacing could have been stronger, the world and the characters’ journeys are still intriguing.
The structure of the book was also challenging to follow at times, with numerous characters introduced without enough clarity about their roles. Once I got past the initial confusion, the story became easier to follow.
The dialogue, unfortunately, did not flow naturally. It often felt stiff and forced, lacking the organic rhythm of real conversation. The characters themselves were inconsistent in tone, shifting between childish and wise tones. This fluctuation made it difficult to connect with them on a deeper level, and I often found myself wondering who the true protagonist was. Was it Esen or Fafnir? The lines between their roles seemed blurred, and the shifting focus made it harder to invest emotionally in any one character.
Despite the rich world-building, the stakes never seemed as high as I expected them to be. There were moments when the narrative hinted at impending conflict or dramatic moments, but when they came, they were resolved so quickly that the tension evaporated almost instantly.
The relationship between Niamh and Rowan was another missed opportunity. It had the potential to add depth to the story, but it was underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more. The minor characters, too, had interactions that were set up to carry significance, but some of these moments fell flat, lacking the impact they needed to feel meaningful.
Some positive elements were the artwork at the beginning of each chapter, which indicated the point of view for that section. It was a nice touch that helped clarify the shifts in perspective. I also enjoyed the beautiful artwork throughout the book as it provided helpful visuals to key points within the narrative.
Overall, the book has a lot of potential. It offers a detailed and immersive world, and while it may take time to settle into the rhythm of the story, those who enjoy deep world-building will likely enjoy it. Though I found some areas of character development and pacing could have been stronger, the world and the characters’ journeys are still intriguing.
February 16, 2025
At its core, this book has an incredible idea—the concept, the characters, and the world-building are all fresh and exactly what the market is missing. The lore is fascinating, and the setting is rich with potential. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me.
The storytelling feels too direct, with the author telling the reader everything rather than allowing curiosity, speculation, or emotional buildup to take shape. There’s little room for tension or lingering questions, which makes it difficult to fully engage with the narrative. The pacing is also a challenge—the "start to form a plan" part of the story doesn't even begin until past the 30% mark of the book, and many of the most impactful moments are rushed or happen off-page. When the story does take its time, it’s often with details that don’t serve the emotional weight of the plot, or propel the story forward, making some major events feel underwhelming.
The protagonist, Fafnir, is a particularly tough character to connect with—not because he’s morally grey, but because his priorities often feel distant from the emotional core of the story. There are moments where deep grief or loss should land with real weight, but instead, the narrative shifts focus elsewhere, making it hard to fully immerse in those emotions.
That said, I can’t help but think this story would have thrived as a graphic novel. The author’s artistry and their use of dialogue to convey information feel like they’d translate beautifully into a visual format, where the world-building and lore could truly shine. While the book didn’t quite hit the mark for me in its current form, I still think the concept and creativity behind it are worth recognizing.
The storytelling feels too direct, with the author telling the reader everything rather than allowing curiosity, speculation, or emotional buildup to take shape. There’s little room for tension or lingering questions, which makes it difficult to fully engage with the narrative. The pacing is also a challenge—the "start to form a plan" part of the story doesn't even begin until past the 30% mark of the book, and many of the most impactful moments are rushed or happen off-page. When the story does take its time, it’s often with details that don’t serve the emotional weight of the plot, or propel the story forward, making some major events feel underwhelming.
The protagonist, Fafnir, is a particularly tough character to connect with—not because he’s morally grey, but because his priorities often feel distant from the emotional core of the story. There are moments where deep grief or loss should land with real weight, but instead, the narrative shifts focus elsewhere, making it hard to fully immerse in those emotions.
That said, I can’t help but think this story would have thrived as a graphic novel. The author’s artistry and their use of dialogue to convey information feel like they’d translate beautifully into a visual format, where the world-building and lore could truly shine. While the book didn’t quite hit the mark for me in its current form, I still think the concept and creativity behind it are worth recognizing.
April 18, 2025
If you are buying one book this April, this must be it!
Along its Beauty the Story is Very taking!
I loved how serious matters were taken with a perfect hand.
The hand made art is perfect, the reading is easy even for non native speakers
I enjoyed the Enemies to friends Trope a lot! And the setting is beautiful 😍
So go! Gogogo! grab this Beauty as soon as it's out!
you'll love it if you love plants, epic quests, Twists, and art
💕
Along its Beauty the Story is Very taking!
I loved how serious matters were taken with a perfect hand.
The hand made art is perfect, the reading is easy even for non native speakers
I enjoyed the Enemies to friends Trope a lot! And the setting is beautiful 😍
So go! Gogogo! grab this Beauty as soon as it's out!
you'll love it if you love plants, epic quests, Twists, and art
💕
July 1, 2025
This book was absolutely delightful to read. If you're looking for a poignant fantasy world that explores relationships between people, nature, and existence, then this is the right read. It's been a long while since I've teared up at something so beautiful that's allowed me to explore grief in a way that "hurts" in all the "right" ways by turning your emotions in on yourself.
I have a thing for "unlikable"-likable characters, starting with the Sydney Cartons and Emmas of the literary worlds. Fafnir tends to follow these lines, which can make him a lead that will be hard to relate to for some readers. If you can give him time and appreciate the depth of the human abilities, especially to extend these grievances to other characters, the world becomes so full and breathable.
Samantha has created a world that lives and breathes and wilts with you as the seasons go. If you are lucky to chance upon her words, I hope you love them as much as I enjoyed devouring the world and emotions as I did with the advanced copy I received. The concepts explored in this novel are very applicable to the world we exist in today, although wrapped in a prettier paper.
I have a thing for "unlikable"-likable characters, starting with the Sydney Cartons and Emmas of the literary worlds. Fafnir tends to follow these lines, which can make him a lead that will be hard to relate to for some readers. If you can give him time and appreciate the depth of the human abilities, especially to extend these grievances to other characters, the world becomes so full and breathable.
Samantha has created a world that lives and breathes and wilts with you as the seasons go. If you are lucky to chance upon her words, I hope you love them as much as I enjoyed devouring the world and emotions as I did with the advanced copy I received. The concepts explored in this novel are very applicable to the world we exist in today, although wrapped in a prettier paper.
June 6, 2025
If you are looking for a story with great emotion, and very "of the times", this is the one for you! The characters are deep and inspiring, the plot makes you really think about life, about what you would do for your loved ones, for your livelihood, for your planet.
There were definitely scenes that made me tear up, because they really hit home. The way the imagery in this book depicts nature and how fantasy creatures would interact with it is so deep and thoughtful.
The plot leads the characters to question how they were raised, who they could grow to love, and how to show compassion to creatures different than themselves.
If you are a fan of: nature, Celtic imagery, dryads/fae, emotional plot, strong character growth, questioning your fundamentals, good and evil, this is the one.
As an ARC reader, I was so thrilled to get to this one early and everyone should read it when it comes out! The book contains gorgeous illustrations after each chapter too that you will not want to miss.
Aeonida to all ❤️
There were definitely scenes that made me tear up, because they really hit home. The way the imagery in this book depicts nature and how fantasy creatures would interact with it is so deep and thoughtful.
The plot leads the characters to question how they were raised, who they could grow to love, and how to show compassion to creatures different than themselves.
If you are a fan of: nature, Celtic imagery, dryads/fae, emotional plot, strong character growth, questioning your fundamentals, good and evil, this is the one.
As an ARC reader, I was so thrilled to get to this one early and everyone should read it when it comes out! The book contains gorgeous illustrations after each chapter too that you will not want to miss.
Aeonida to all ❤️
April 13, 2025
I got to read this early as an ARC reader, and completed it in one sitting! I didn’t want to put it down after I started. I adore the premise of the story, and was able to connect with Esen most out of all the characters. I loved how Esen and Fafnir’s connection grew as they journeyed together.
It was interesting how the flow of life for dryads and faeries was made to be. I do wish that certain aspects of the book were a bit longer or more fleshed out, as sometimes it did feel a bit rushed, especially with the climax just before the ending. But at the end it was really easy to follow along with the dialogue, and the art is gorgeous to look at.
Overall, I would recommend this book. The story has so much potential, and so many possibilities for expanding in the world in regards to following other characters ex. like Elouan, and what he tried to describe to Fafnir, learning more about the lore for their gods, or exploring capabilities for the connections dryads and faeries make. I look forward to reading more, and have already read the prequel the Naive King as well!
It was interesting how the flow of life for dryads and faeries was made to be. I do wish that certain aspects of the book were a bit longer or more fleshed out, as sometimes it did feel a bit rushed, especially with the climax just before the ending. But at the end it was really easy to follow along with the dialogue, and the art is gorgeous to look at.
Overall, I would recommend this book. The story has so much potential, and so many possibilities for expanding in the world in regards to following other characters ex. like Elouan, and what he tried to describe to Fafnir, learning more about the lore for their gods, or exploring capabilities for the connections dryads and faeries make. I look forward to reading more, and have already read the prequel the Naive King as well!
May 14, 2025
Esen is a young dryad with everything to live for: a loving family, a new younger sister, and an idyllic life in a forest filled with music and happiness connected with the omniscinet Mother goddess. The peaceful, spiritual dryad community is beautifully imagined.
However, devastation has slowly been overtaking Esen's world. Dryads are dying as faeries refuse to Unite with them and share their energy to keep the dryads strong, preferring to live independent immortal lives. Maeve, the faerie Queen, turns a blind eye to helping the dryads, despite the fact that the faeries and dryads have a symbiotic relationship as the faeries need the dryads to keep their world healthy and free from climate disasters, and also beccause only United faeries can bear children.
Jaded by court life Fafnir, a faerie with a troubled past, is one of the only faeries to see clearly what is happening. He heads out on a quest to save both dryads and faeries by encouraging them to Unite once more. However, he must battle his own inner demons that prevent him giving up his valued immortality in order to unite with a dryad and keep the natural order strong for his world to survive. Farfnir also hides a dark secret that has the potential to destory his entire quest and budding friendship with Esen if it comes to light...
The lyrical beauty of Samantha Curran's writing suits the story, making readers care about the intricately imagined fantasy world and adding a sense of urgency to its plight. The way that environmental issues are given a mythic quality by having parallels in a faerie world adds poignancy to the need to be more environmentally conscious. The settings and ways of life of the different races are vividly described and I loved the contrast between the dryad forest, hedonistic faerie Rath (home to Queen Maeve), and the homelands of the mountain, river and coastal faeries.
Two of my favourite characters were the dryad protagonist Esen, and Isolde, a faerie and sister to Fafnir. Isolde lives alone surrounded by her animal companions. She is a feisty, strong character who often spats with her brother who she truly loves dearly and leads towards the right path. Esen is an optimistic, kind soul who appreciates the natural world and whose strength of purpose only grows as she journeys with Fafnir to convince faeries to join their cause.
The Rooted and the Winged is currently available via Kickstarter in eBook, paperback, hardback and audiobook options.
However, devastation has slowly been overtaking Esen's world. Dryads are dying as faeries refuse to Unite with them and share their energy to keep the dryads strong, preferring to live independent immortal lives. Maeve, the faerie Queen, turns a blind eye to helping the dryads, despite the fact that the faeries and dryads have a symbiotic relationship as the faeries need the dryads to keep their world healthy and free from climate disasters, and also beccause only United faeries can bear children.
Jaded by court life Fafnir, a faerie with a troubled past, is one of the only faeries to see clearly what is happening. He heads out on a quest to save both dryads and faeries by encouraging them to Unite once more. However, he must battle his own inner demons that prevent him giving up his valued immortality in order to unite with a dryad and keep the natural order strong for his world to survive. Farfnir also hides a dark secret that has the potential to destory his entire quest and budding friendship with Esen if it comes to light...
The lyrical beauty of Samantha Curran's writing suits the story, making readers care about the intricately imagined fantasy world and adding a sense of urgency to its plight. The way that environmental issues are given a mythic quality by having parallels in a faerie world adds poignancy to the need to be more environmentally conscious. The settings and ways of life of the different races are vividly described and I loved the contrast between the dryad forest, hedonistic faerie Rath (home to Queen Maeve), and the homelands of the mountain, river and coastal faeries.
Two of my favourite characters were the dryad protagonist Esen, and Isolde, a faerie and sister to Fafnir. Isolde lives alone surrounded by her animal companions. She is a feisty, strong character who often spats with her brother who she truly loves dearly and leads towards the right path. Esen is an optimistic, kind soul who appreciates the natural world and whose strength of purpose only grows as she journeys with Fafnir to convince faeries to join their cause.
The Rooted and the Winged is currently available via Kickstarter in eBook, paperback, hardback and audiobook options.
January 24, 2025
I love stories that drag the reader through the deepest bowels of grief, that don't hesitate showing the greed and hatred and selfishness capable within all of us, and yet still regard Life with profound love. The Rooted and the Winged is a book all about loving life; from trees, animals, insects and humanity, to the cycle of birth and death, of taking and giving-- to the very idea of Life itself. This is demonstrated mostly through Esen. For her, love isn't a thing that one merely does, but rather a way of existing. She embodies radical love; which is both her source of strength and, as she witnesses greed and hatred quickly unweave the cycle of giving, her greatest challenge.
That's why Fafnir is such a great compliment to her character. Although far from embodying the antethesis of Esen's values (he's no life-hating antinatalist), he displays a type of selfishness that makes him feel so much weaker than Esen. He seems afraid of Life-- not necessarily living his own, but engaging with other life, and giving himself and receiving from others. He's a perfect example of the sentiment: "The opposite of Love isn't hate, but fear." And it's that fear that causes him to make so many horrible, destructive mistakes.
Fear really is the main tragic flaw that haunts everyone in this book. But the prevalence of that fear highlights Esen's strength. She believes in life, in the eternal interconnectedness of everything, in the Great Unity that transcends death and despair alike.
I cannot praise this book and its characters enough. I'm so glad I was able to read it early, and I guarantee it will be the best fantasy book of 2025.
That's why Fafnir is such a great compliment to her character. Although far from embodying the antethesis of Esen's values (he's no life-hating antinatalist), he displays a type of selfishness that makes him feel so much weaker than Esen. He seems afraid of Life-- not necessarily living his own, but engaging with other life, and giving himself and receiving from others. He's a perfect example of the sentiment: "The opposite of Love isn't hate, but fear." And it's that fear that causes him to make so many horrible, destructive mistakes.
Fear really is the main tragic flaw that haunts everyone in this book. But the prevalence of that fear highlights Esen's strength. She believes in life, in the eternal interconnectedness of everything, in the Great Unity that transcends death and despair alike.
I cannot praise this book and its characters enough. I'm so glad I was able to read it early, and I guarantee it will be the best fantasy book of 2025.
June 16, 2025
Curran writes with the poetry of an age gone by. In the style of our beloved old authors, those who birthed fantasy into the world, The Rooted and the Winged will whisk you into a place with the richest worldbuilding and the deepest lore.
-D.E. Carlson, author of the Empire of Ash and Song series
-D.E. Carlson, author of the Empire of Ash and Song series
June 2, 2025
This book is breathtaking. Despite the turmoil the characters face, I find myself wishing I was in their world. I’ve never read a fantasy book with quite so unique and vivid a premise. How beautiful to imagine a Druid joining with a Faery in such an intimate way. The prose is beautiful, and the illustrations are, too. They mingle together in such a way that makes this world so alive and immersive. I’ve always wished for more adult books with illustration - are we expected to lose our love of art as we age? I’m so happy to have this book created by an artist with such a grasp of language and visual art. This is the sort of story I need now, with things in the world so uncertain and frightening. A tale of overcoming differences, a world so brilliant I feel I’m there.
April 30, 2025
I wanted to love this book! A problem I had was the pacing , it took me much longer to read this book than normal. The main characters and the art are fantastic, but the antagonist seemed one dimensional and it seemed like it took a long time for the action to really start. I really did love the location/setting, and the diverse set of characters.
April 15, 2025
thank you to the author for providing me with this ARC. unfortunately, i could not finish this novel, and i will get into the explanation.
first, i will address some positives:
- the artwork on the cover and at the beginning of each chapter is beautiful. it's so detailed, and you can tell how much creativity and love was poured into everything.
- the concept of this story is fascinating. the idea of dryads and faeries and this world is ambitious and very unique. as a fantasy lover, i thought for sure this would be up my alley. the premise itself is something i know i would adore, and it's a beautifully woven world.
- the writing style is descriptive and pleasant to read.
as for why i can't continue this story...
- there is so much description to the point that it does drag down the narrative and plot, leaving me confused and questioning what's going on.
- as i was reading, i could not connect with either esen or fafnir. although this is written in an omniscient-third-person POV, it still felt so detached from each character.
- it just felt a little bit disjointed and scattered everywhere, again adding to the general confusion as to what's going on.
- the use of language at times is inconsistent. i can see that this novel is attempting to reach into that high-fantasy language, but there are certain patterns of syntax or word choice that feel stiff and do not lend well into creating that energy.
- the dialogue is not for me. it is not natural, and also quite inconsistent. i have some notes and updates that are likely visible if my entire review is expanded.
- the pacing is very slow, again because the writing is dragging down the plot with focus on things that don't feel totally necessary to me as the reader.
overall, i found myself getting easily distracted and completely unable to focus on reading this. there was so much, but at the same time so little, going on that it wasn't grabbing my attention. the writing is very descriptive and vivid, but it, to me, lacks a real concrete voice to make it entertaining or gripping. i started skimming the book to get through it but it just wasn't connecting for me. i can see where other people may enjoy this, but it was not for me, personally, and i regret to say that, because the idea is wonderful, and fantasy is my favorite genre to read. it's unfortunate that i cannot continue this.
first, i will address some positives:
- the artwork on the cover and at the beginning of each chapter is beautiful. it's so detailed, and you can tell how much creativity and love was poured into everything.
- the concept of this story is fascinating. the idea of dryads and faeries and this world is ambitious and very unique. as a fantasy lover, i thought for sure this would be up my alley. the premise itself is something i know i would adore, and it's a beautifully woven world.
- the writing style is descriptive and pleasant to read.
as for why i can't continue this story...
- there is so much description to the point that it does drag down the narrative and plot, leaving me confused and questioning what's going on.
- as i was reading, i could not connect with either esen or fafnir. although this is written in an omniscient-third-person POV, it still felt so detached from each character.
- it just felt a little bit disjointed and scattered everywhere, again adding to the general confusion as to what's going on.
- the use of language at times is inconsistent. i can see that this novel is attempting to reach into that high-fantasy language, but there are certain patterns of syntax or word choice that feel stiff and do not lend well into creating that energy.
- the dialogue is not for me. it is not natural, and also quite inconsistent. i have some notes and updates that are likely visible if my entire review is expanded.
- the pacing is very slow, again because the writing is dragging down the plot with focus on things that don't feel totally necessary to me as the reader.
overall, i found myself getting easily distracted and completely unable to focus on reading this. there was so much, but at the same time so little, going on that it wasn't grabbing my attention. the writing is very descriptive and vivid, but it, to me, lacks a real concrete voice to make it entertaining or gripping. i started skimming the book to get through it but it just wasn't connecting for me. i can see where other people may enjoy this, but it was not for me, personally, and i regret to say that, because the idea is wonderful, and fantasy is my favorite genre to read. it's unfortunate that i cannot continue this.
April 21, 2025
Such a gorgeous read! A beautifully written tale of a calculated faerie, a faithful dryad, and their mission to unite their opposing people in an effort to save the forest, and themselves. It's clear the author put so much thought and care into not only the characters but also the lush, vibrant world they are so desperate to save.
With the heart of Ghibli, and the descriptive worldbuilding of Tolkien, prepare to be both enthralled and heartbroken with this one (have a box of tissues beside you, I mean it!)
With the heart of Ghibli, and the descriptive worldbuilding of Tolkien, prepare to be both enthralled and heartbroken with this one (have a box of tissues beside you, I mean it!)
April 21, 2025
3.5 boosted up to 4 stars
The Rooted and The Winged is magnificent fantasy that calls into question how our actions can have a wider affect that we initially realize. The greater themes of the story are quite meaningful and poetically written. The story is strong with world building and its imaginative details. As well, the author includes absolutely stunning art work that she herself illustrates. These only add to the stories visuals.
Personally I did struggle at times to connect with the characters and pacing through out the story.
It was a beautiful read overall.
The Rooted and The Winged is magnificent fantasy that calls into question how our actions can have a wider affect that we initially realize. The greater themes of the story are quite meaningful and poetically written. The story is strong with world building and its imaginative details. As well, the author includes absolutely stunning art work that she herself illustrates. These only add to the stories visuals.
Personally I did struggle at times to connect with the characters and pacing through out the story.
It was a beautiful read overall.
May 22, 2025
This is a super beautiful read full of a lush and unique world and a lesson many people could use reminders of. The parable feel of this book is admirable, and I definitely think this author has a lot of talent. Truthfully, I just didn't absolutely love this book because it felt slow in some places, and I didn't relate a lot to everything the characters went through. I think if it seems interesting to you though, it is 100% worth reading.
April 17, 2025
This book builds an imaginative and detailed fantasy world full of fae, dryads, and unique characters—but it takes a while to find its footing. The writing style and slow pacing made it hard to get into at first, and the heavy descriptions sometimes stalled the story. I struggled to connect with the characters, especially with the shifting focus between Esen and Fafnir. Dialogue felt a bit stiff, and the stakes never fully landed for me.
That said, the chapter artwork and world-building were beautiful touches, and readers who love rich lore and atmosphere might find this story worth the patience.
That said, the chapter artwork and world-building were beautiful touches, and readers who love rich lore and atmosphere might find this story worth the patience.
November 15, 2025
I loved this book. What a beautiful and unique world. The art was stunning.
April 16, 2025
This isn’t my usual neck of the woods when it comes to fantasy sub-genres, but I signed up for an arc because the author was promoting it as being inspired by the friendships found in Lord of the Rings. I must say, I think she’s done a wonderful job of capturing those bonds without them feeling like a rehash. The dynamic between our elf and dryad is so quietly tender, but all along their journey they lean on each other so wonderfully.
However, this story is brutally sad. Please go into it with open eyes. Many of the themes in the book - deforestation, industrialisation, climate change and the damage wreaked by human on the earth - mirror those of our own, and hold warnings to consider the impact we have on the earth around us. To that end, the story is devastating and no one is safe from harm. I am almost nervous to pick up book 2 when it’s out because of what may lie ahead for our heroes… but I absolutely will read it in the hopes of a happy ending for them.
Thank you to Samantha Curran for the opportunity to read & review The Rooted & The Winged prior to its release.
However, this story is brutally sad. Please go into it with open eyes. Many of the themes in the book - deforestation, industrialisation, climate change and the damage wreaked by human on the earth - mirror those of our own, and hold warnings to consider the impact we have on the earth around us. To that end, the story is devastating and no one is safe from harm. I am almost nervous to pick up book 2 when it’s out because of what may lie ahead for our heroes… but I absolutely will read it in the hopes of a happy ending for them.
Thank you to Samantha Curran for the opportunity to read & review The Rooted & The Winged prior to its release.
April 21, 2025
Curran presents a beautiful world, artistic in its creation. It's no wonder, as she doubles as an illustrator, inserting whimsical art throughout the pages.
The Rooted and the Winged, though not my typical preference of fantasy story, is the kind of book I can imagine reading to children and grandchildren of the future. It has an air similar to that which retellings of folk tales hold.
Although this book presented a high stakes narrative of "world destruction" through a heavy topic similar to that of climate change, I found the writing itself did not convey the emotional response desired. The plot began slow and ended much too quick, leaving me not knowing what I wanted more of.
That being said, if you are looking for a delicate world to reminisce and ruminate on through the lens of our own world, RAW is made for you.
I rated The Rooted and the Winged the three stars for its beautifully pleasing simplicity, which is both a blessing and a curse. I'll be interested to see where any sequals lead to.
The Rooted and the Winged, though not my typical preference of fantasy story, is the kind of book I can imagine reading to children and grandchildren of the future. It has an air similar to that which retellings of folk tales hold.
Although this book presented a high stakes narrative of "world destruction" through a heavy topic similar to that of climate change, I found the writing itself did not convey the emotional response desired. The plot began slow and ended much too quick, leaving me not knowing what I wanted more of.
That being said, if you are looking for a delicate world to reminisce and ruminate on through the lens of our own world, RAW is made for you.
I rated The Rooted and the Winged the three stars for its beautifully pleasing simplicity, which is both a blessing and a curse. I'll be interested to see where any sequals lead to.
August 21, 2025
While the book might be a little slow at the beginning because of the lore once past the first few chapters it is well worth it. The story is absolutely lovely. While reading I found that the underlying reason for many of the characters was fear, fear of death, the unknown, becoming someone you feared, but once that fear was faced beautifully things happen once set free.
February 27, 2025
The Rooted and the Winged is a fascinating book. In the unique world she created, Curran weaved reality into fantasy as she brings to light the slow death of nature (personified through the dryads) as a result of humanity's greed and selfishness (symbolized by the faeries). The world in the book may seem small as it only revolves around two races but their dynamic mirrors a bigger reality which captivated me as the story progressed. It has the ability to immerse the reader into the world through their conversations with themselves and with various characters. In each chapter, the world grows bigger and the reader discovers the unique laws and dynamism of various elements immersing one farther into a world that almost seems real. Curran is gifted in world-building. Her illustrations further enrich the book. Her unique art style rouses the reader's curiosity. It also makes the book appear more like a faerie guidebook than a fantasy novel.
However, in terms of story progression, the beginning was interesting until the middle as bits of the world is slowly opened up to the reader. As it neared the climax, though, it felt rushed. It reached a peak and suddenly dropped until it came to an abrupt end. It seemed like the author was in a hurry to finish the story. I appreciated the part where there was a glossary explaining every element but I was left asking, "Okay, this was it?" I was expecting more twists and turns but was taken by surprise that after all the suspense that was just how it ended. Even the hidden emotions and agenda of each character that were carefully revealed as the story goes were suddenly cut off.
Do you get that feeling that you want re-read the story because you didn't want to close the book? With The Rooted and the Winged, the author herself closed it for me. I was so invested in the world and its characters but all of a sudden it just ended.
To conclude, Curran is an amazing world builder. Her imagination is immensely creative. The plot she had started was similarly good but it could still be better. In terms of story writing, there is much for her to develop. And I look forward to it.
However, in terms of story progression, the beginning was interesting until the middle as bits of the world is slowly opened up to the reader. As it neared the climax, though, it felt rushed. It reached a peak and suddenly dropped until it came to an abrupt end. It seemed like the author was in a hurry to finish the story. I appreciated the part where there was a glossary explaining every element but I was left asking, "Okay, this was it?" I was expecting more twists and turns but was taken by surprise that after all the suspense that was just how it ended. Even the hidden emotions and agenda of each character that were carefully revealed as the story goes were suddenly cut off.
Do you get that feeling that you want re-read the story because you didn't want to close the book? With The Rooted and the Winged, the author herself closed it for me. I was so invested in the world and its characters but all of a sudden it just ended.
To conclude, Curran is an amazing world builder. Her imagination is immensely creative. The plot she had started was similarly good but it could still be better. In terms of story writing, there is much for her to develop. And I look forward to it.
February 27, 2025
In a time where most recommended fantasy novels feel very lacking in themes, intentionality and worldbuilding, The Rooted and the Winged was a very refreshing read.
Although it did take me a few chapters to wrap my head around the world, once I understood it, I was deeply invested. Every detailed piece of the world is heavily connected to the themes and message, making for a cohesive story that left me very satisfied by the end.
The themes are the strongest aspect for me. It steadily builds from a simplistic perspective at the beginning, to a nuanced one, where the optimism is now painfully twisted up with pessimism. This is perfectly reflected in the dual protagonists, Esen and Fafnir, and their growth across the journey.
The book does not hold back and goes to the extremes of where a story can go when it needs to be done, and it is unafraid to be sincere in its message without beating the reader over the head with it.
I look forward to seeing what this author can do in the future and where she can grow from what is a very strong debut.
Although it did take me a few chapters to wrap my head around the world, once I understood it, I was deeply invested. Every detailed piece of the world is heavily connected to the themes and message, making for a cohesive story that left me very satisfied by the end.
The themes are the strongest aspect for me. It steadily builds from a simplistic perspective at the beginning, to a nuanced one, where the optimism is now painfully twisted up with pessimism. This is perfectly reflected in the dual protagonists, Esen and Fafnir, and their growth across the journey.
The book does not hold back and goes to the extremes of where a story can go when it needs to be done, and it is unafraid to be sincere in its message without beating the reader over the head with it.
I look forward to seeing what this author can do in the future and where she can grow from what is a very strong debut.
February 17, 2025
I think for me personally this would be a 4.5 stars. If I had not know that it was her first book I wouldn’t have believed it. This is a very compelling story of fae and various fairies. I hope to see more in this world, the world building is fantastic. The artwork included is really great, I think it will be even better in a physical edition as it can be a little difficult to decipher the text on the images in the kindle version. Great story with interesting characters. A wonderful ride all the way through.
January 31, 2025
Where am I to begin with this incredible book, ‘The Rooted and the Winged”?
It was a masterpiece. Phonomonal. Inspiring. And no, I’m not just gushing in praise for this tale simply because I was an ARC reader, but as a reader in general.
So many books, although clever and fun to read, are riddled with over done tropes and whimsical, yet sarcastic, banter. Predictable endings that the audience can see from chapters away.
TRATW however, takes you into a brand new world of fairies and magic and makes you feel as if you are actually there experiencing it all right before your very eyes.
Not only can you envision these characters clearly, but their personalities leap off the page as well. Multiple POVs are used in this story yet you never feel confused or muddle two characters into one. They each have their own desires, grand wishes for loved ones, hopes and dreams blooming in a world where the forest is dying. And that’s what helps them stand out. You feel yourself take on their emotions and turmoil. Feel their betrayal. Shed tears for their fallen. It’s just simply amazing to feel so connected with tiny black and white print and to have it move you in such a harmonious way.
Obviously, the characters are interesting, but the world building?? It’s…well…magical. Each detail falls smoothly into place, building up the land into a grandiose picture that you can stand back and admire. And somehow, someway, there’s really no info-dumping. I never found myself bored with the world nor wondering how it worked. From Uniting, Walking, Rooting: it all makes sense and forms this stunning environment. The landscape, the food, the dialogue, the how’s and why’s go together so well I’m shocked. Perplexed. This story took time to shape and you can tell from how well it’s written that it was done with tender love and care.
As a reader it also leaves you hanging with the question, “Who is right when it comes to sacrifice?” Part of me was leaning towards the forest and the Dryads (trying to keep it spoiler free here), but also having empathy for the Fae and what it means to live with immortality. The complications of giving and taking. The circle of life and what it means to give to others whilst facing the scrutiny of your peers. As an adult, clearly I loved this book, but I can also see it being read across classrooms. Learning about how climate change affects all of us and what it means to give now so that our children can reap the benefits of that shift. And more importantly, to never give up hope.
I simply can not give this book enough praise. It has the strong depictions of a fairy tale of old blended with a unique twist. It’s like coming home and resting in front of a warm fire, reading a book from your childhood that you barely remember. The nostalgia is there, along with heartwarming new details that you get to admire with a new set of eyes. I sincerely hope that many more readers pick up this book and keep it close to their hearts. It was such a breath of fresh air that I already miss Esen and Fafnir, but hope to visit them again one day soon.
In parting, Aeonida to you, my friends. I hope we can all gather together in the forest and give praise to Mother Samantha Curran.
It was a masterpiece. Phonomonal. Inspiring. And no, I’m not just gushing in praise for this tale simply because I was an ARC reader, but as a reader in general.
So many books, although clever and fun to read, are riddled with over done tropes and whimsical, yet sarcastic, banter. Predictable endings that the audience can see from chapters away.
TRATW however, takes you into a brand new world of fairies and magic and makes you feel as if you are actually there experiencing it all right before your very eyes.
Not only can you envision these characters clearly, but their personalities leap off the page as well. Multiple POVs are used in this story yet you never feel confused or muddle two characters into one. They each have their own desires, grand wishes for loved ones, hopes and dreams blooming in a world where the forest is dying. And that’s what helps them stand out. You feel yourself take on their emotions and turmoil. Feel their betrayal. Shed tears for their fallen. It’s just simply amazing to feel so connected with tiny black and white print and to have it move you in such a harmonious way.
Obviously, the characters are interesting, but the world building?? It’s…well…magical. Each detail falls smoothly into place, building up the land into a grandiose picture that you can stand back and admire. And somehow, someway, there’s really no info-dumping. I never found myself bored with the world nor wondering how it worked. From Uniting, Walking, Rooting: it all makes sense and forms this stunning environment. The landscape, the food, the dialogue, the how’s and why’s go together so well I’m shocked. Perplexed. This story took time to shape and you can tell from how well it’s written that it was done with tender love and care.
As a reader it also leaves you hanging with the question, “Who is right when it comes to sacrifice?” Part of me was leaning towards the forest and the Dryads (trying to keep it spoiler free here), but also having empathy for the Fae and what it means to live with immortality. The complications of giving and taking. The circle of life and what it means to give to others whilst facing the scrutiny of your peers. As an adult, clearly I loved this book, but I can also see it being read across classrooms. Learning about how climate change affects all of us and what it means to give now so that our children can reap the benefits of that shift. And more importantly, to never give up hope.
I simply can not give this book enough praise. It has the strong depictions of a fairy tale of old blended with a unique twist. It’s like coming home and resting in front of a warm fire, reading a book from your childhood that you barely remember. The nostalgia is there, along with heartwarming new details that you get to admire with a new set of eyes. I sincerely hope that many more readers pick up this book and keep it close to their hearts. It was such a breath of fresh air that I already miss Esen and Fafnir, but hope to visit them again one day soon.
In parting, Aeonida to you, my friends. I hope we can all gather together in the forest and give praise to Mother Samantha Curran.
July 2, 2025
This book had me intrigued the moment I first heard Samantha Curran speak about it over a year ago. When she released the prequel short story, The Naive King, I was instantly hooked. Her lyrical prose and immersive worldbuilding teased just enough of this story’s heart that I knew I’d love the full novel and I absolutely did.
The writing draws you straight into the forest. I could see every glimmer of light through the trees, feel the weight of the magic, and sense the tension building on every page. The included chapter illustrations add a stunning extra layer of atmosphere and meaning to the narrative.
The story picks up where The Naive King left off, diving into the consequences of the broken Ancient Law. This once kept harmony between the fae and dryads. Now, with balance shattered, the forest is dying… and no one can agree how (or even if) it should be saved.
You follow a cast of richly developed characters, each shaping the heart of the conflict:
🌲 Esen, a dryad desperate to protect her forest and her sister as their world fades
📚 Fafnir, a fae scholar clinging to immortality and isolation in service of his research
👑 The Queen of the Fae, steadfast in her belief that her cold, calculated vision is best
👸 Niamh, a fae princess searching for a purpose and a place she can truly call her own
Each character brings their own trauma, hopes, and flaws into the fight. As their paths intertwine, so do their ideals and the stakes rise. Some grow and evolve, others double down, unwilling to yield. That tension between change and resistance, hope and power, drives the story with elegance and emotional depth.
This book balances the whimsical wonder of a Studio Ghibli tale with the weight of legacy, grief, and choice. It’s a world of lush magic, stunning artwork, quiet heartbreak, and fierce love. And while I longed for every character to find peace, I knew halfway through that even if they made progress toward restoring balance, there would be lingering guilt and grief by the end. No one walks away untouched.
If you love beautifully illustrated fantasy filled with heart, emotional complexity, and high stakes, The Rooted and the Winged is an unforgettable read. 💚
The writing draws you straight into the forest. I could see every glimmer of light through the trees, feel the weight of the magic, and sense the tension building on every page. The included chapter illustrations add a stunning extra layer of atmosphere and meaning to the narrative.
The story picks up where The Naive King left off, diving into the consequences of the broken Ancient Law. This once kept harmony between the fae and dryads. Now, with balance shattered, the forest is dying… and no one can agree how (or even if) it should be saved.
You follow a cast of richly developed characters, each shaping the heart of the conflict:
🌲 Esen, a dryad desperate to protect her forest and her sister as their world fades
📚 Fafnir, a fae scholar clinging to immortality and isolation in service of his research
👑 The Queen of the Fae, steadfast in her belief that her cold, calculated vision is best
👸 Niamh, a fae princess searching for a purpose and a place she can truly call her own
Each character brings their own trauma, hopes, and flaws into the fight. As their paths intertwine, so do their ideals and the stakes rise. Some grow and evolve, others double down, unwilling to yield. That tension between change and resistance, hope and power, drives the story with elegance and emotional depth.
This book balances the whimsical wonder of a Studio Ghibli tale with the weight of legacy, grief, and choice. It’s a world of lush magic, stunning artwork, quiet heartbreak, and fierce love. And while I longed for every character to find peace, I knew halfway through that even if they made progress toward restoring balance, there would be lingering guilt and grief by the end. No one walks away untouched.
If you love beautifully illustrated fantasy filled with heart, emotional complexity, and high stakes, The Rooted and the Winged is an unforgettable read. 💚
April 25, 2025
An interesting worldbuilding and magic system, Faeries having to unite with rooted ones in order to give them live and in doing so they give up their immortality and youth.
I found this book a refreshing way of a magical world. We have Rooted ones which are trees that can communicate with each other through their root system. Before rooting they walk the earth and are called walkers.
Faeries live 100 years before they unite with rooted ones. They get wings and become winged faeries, the rooted one and its faerie are bonded together. Faeries get the ability to have children after uniting and rooted ones can have rootlings. Its all a part of the cycle of giving and the cycle of life.
Until the faerie queen decides she doesn't want to unite and keep her immortality, youth and crown.
Fafnir is a faerie that never united and during his life he finds out the reason for the changes in the forest and the climate. He wants to spread the word to get more faeries to unite, Esen is a walker that wants to save her sister Aisling. Esen and Fafnir go on a mission together in hopes to save the forest and restore the old way of giving and uniting. Their quest has them meet different faeries all with their own stories and experiences. During their travels they also encounter different stories and situations that have them doubt whether they would succeed in their mission.
I enjoyed the story and found the writing style unique but that's als a matter of taste. I liked it because it fit the story and how it's told. The illustrations where very detailed and beautiful but because i read the e-book some drawings weren't very clear.
Overal i liked it, but i did find some parts dragging on to long or certain scenes where described in s to much detail without it actually adding much to the story.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you want to read a unique fantasy with it's own unique worldbuilding. The drawings add to the story and are very beautiful.
For me this is a 3,5 star read.
I found this book a refreshing way of a magical world. We have Rooted ones which are trees that can communicate with each other through their root system. Before rooting they walk the earth and are called walkers.
Faeries live 100 years before they unite with rooted ones. They get wings and become winged faeries, the rooted one and its faerie are bonded together. Faeries get the ability to have children after uniting and rooted ones can have rootlings. Its all a part of the cycle of giving and the cycle of life.
Until the faerie queen decides she doesn't want to unite and keep her immortality, youth and crown.
Fafnir is a faerie that never united and during his life he finds out the reason for the changes in the forest and the climate. He wants to spread the word to get more faeries to unite, Esen is a walker that wants to save her sister Aisling. Esen and Fafnir go on a mission together in hopes to save the forest and restore the old way of giving and uniting. Their quest has them meet different faeries all with their own stories and experiences. During their travels they also encounter different stories and situations that have them doubt whether they would succeed in their mission.
I enjoyed the story and found the writing style unique but that's als a matter of taste. I liked it because it fit the story and how it's told. The illustrations where very detailed and beautiful but because i read the e-book some drawings weren't very clear.
Overal i liked it, but i did find some parts dragging on to long or certain scenes where described in s to much detail without it actually adding much to the story.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you want to read a unique fantasy with it's own unique worldbuilding. The drawings add to the story and are very beautiful.
For me this is a 3,5 star read.
June 30, 2025
My thoughts:
As my first ARC read I am so pleased to have read someone’s passion project that is filled with their artwork and love for writing. I could tell instantly this book was extremely well thought out, meticulously planned, and well researched. I felt immersed into a new world with immediate high stakes and tension!
There were so many moments I was absolutely sat and gasping audibly. Every choice has its consequence that will come to collect. I appreciate the richness of Curran’s writing and for creating an incredibly beautiful story, with her own illustrations! You do not often find books that are so meticulously crafted and truly become a work of art. Every character is detailed, unique, and unexpected. Though many new faces I never felt confused. I could picture the entire tale so vividly and I LOVED her copious illustrations intermixed throughout the book they added so much depth and lore to the vast world she built. I felt so connected to the story and it makes you feel so invested quite early by her depth of world building, but never over the top.
It’s important to note I did feel there was something missing with the dialogue at times, though it feels high fantasy in nature, I think some interactions could have been more intriguing with more elusive writing. In addition, I did feel some of the time jumps and traveling had too much exposition ay times but others could have been expanded more.
However, my overall experience with this book was highly positive and found myself quite surprised by the uniqueness of how the story unfolds and her take on an environmentally based book!
Rating:
-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As my first ARC read I am so pleased to have read someone’s passion project that is filled with their artwork and love for writing. I could tell instantly this book was extremely well thought out, meticulously planned, and well researched. I felt immersed into a new world with immediate high stakes and tension!
There were so many moments I was absolutely sat and gasping audibly. Every choice has its consequence that will come to collect. I appreciate the richness of Curran’s writing and for creating an incredibly beautiful story, with her own illustrations! You do not often find books that are so meticulously crafted and truly become a work of art. Every character is detailed, unique, and unexpected. Though many new faces I never felt confused. I could picture the entire tale so vividly and I LOVED her copious illustrations intermixed throughout the book they added so much depth and lore to the vast world she built. I felt so connected to the story and it makes you feel so invested quite early by her depth of world building, but never over the top.
It’s important to note I did feel there was something missing with the dialogue at times, though it feels high fantasy in nature, I think some interactions could have been more intriguing with more elusive writing. In addition, I did feel some of the time jumps and traveling had too much exposition ay times but others could have been expanded more.
However, my overall experience with this book was highly positive and found myself quite surprised by the uniqueness of how the story unfolds and her take on an environmentally based book!
Rating:
-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 16, 2025
This book was a really nice read and a great breakaway from my usual romance and high fantasy readings.
Pros: I love the exploration of Fae and Dryads and how they are interlinked. I liked the world building in terms of culture and how the fae and dryads lived together and apart.
The story line is very nice and doesnt waste too much time on fluff or filler to get more pages
im always sad to see a characters journey come to an end but I enjoyed the epilog and im excited for more adventures in this world
Art: I LOVE the art that gives more information on the world. I bought the physical version that also came with more art. it is very beautiful and well done.
Cons: what keeps it from a 5 star? some story beats felt very rushed or skipped. I would have liked more adventure from certain characters POV. (unless we get it in future installments). the book would spend one or two chapters in one place and then leave when there could have been more story to tell.
Some of the time frames were very hard to keep straight or track of. the seasons and moons would make sense for one chapter and then id find myself trying to figure it out again another chapter. one character travels between places quickly but then other characters mention it taking weeks to get places.
I felt it took so long to get the adventure started and then it just went by in a flash. kind of wish we could've gotten less of the start up and a bit more of the adventuring/end conflict.
Overall I did really enjoy reading this book. personally its one I may re-read again. especially if more come out from this universe. would highly reccomend!
Pros: I love the exploration of Fae and Dryads and how they are interlinked. I liked the world building in terms of culture and how the fae and dryads lived together and apart.
The story line is very nice and doesnt waste too much time on fluff or filler to get more pages
im always sad to see a characters journey come to an end but I enjoyed the epilog and im excited for more adventures in this world
Art: I LOVE the art that gives more information on the world. I bought the physical version that also came with more art. it is very beautiful and well done.
Cons: what keeps it from a 5 star? some story beats felt very rushed or skipped. I would have liked more adventure from certain characters POV. (unless we get it in future installments). the book would spend one or two chapters in one place and then leave when there could have been more story to tell.
Some of the time frames were very hard to keep straight or track of. the seasons and moons would make sense for one chapter and then id find myself trying to figure it out again another chapter. one character travels between places quickly but then other characters mention it taking weeks to get places.
I felt it took so long to get the adventure started and then it just went by in a flash. kind of wish we could've gotten less of the start up and a bit more of the adventuring/end conflict.
Overall I did really enjoy reading this book. personally its one I may re-read again. especially if more come out from this universe. would highly reccomend!
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October 29, 2025I'm not gonna leave a rating for this one as I unfortunately DNF'd this book. It is a sad day when I just can't keep going.
I do think that Samantha Curran is very good a creating a whimsical magical atmosphere and the premises behind her book is interesting. But this book suffers heavily from way too much exposition. To set the scene, there were sometimes pages of description. There were so many details that the world was extremely vivid but it pulled the pace of the story to the most painfully slow pace that it just didn't keep my attention. Every time I was picking up this book I was almost dreading what I was going to find.
I gave it up until chapter 11, which was around the 80 page mark, before putting it down for good. That is also after it sat on my side table for I think almost three months without me touching it, other than to move it out of the way that is.
One of my besties that was reading this with me, managed to finish it and told me how it ends and I can't say I that I was surprised. Seemed rather obvious where it was going. But we both agreed that this book would have been better as a graphic novel. Samantha Curran is an artist and she did all of her own art for this book, which is stunningly beautiful, and so if she had drawn the whole book the story I think would have worked so much better.
But either way, I do wish Samantha the best if she wishes to continue to write.
I do think that Samantha Curran is very good a creating a whimsical magical atmosphere and the premises behind her book is interesting. But this book suffers heavily from way too much exposition. To set the scene, there were sometimes pages of description. There were so many details that the world was extremely vivid but it pulled the pace of the story to the most painfully slow pace that it just didn't keep my attention. Every time I was picking up this book I was almost dreading what I was going to find.
I gave it up until chapter 11, which was around the 80 page mark, before putting it down for good. That is also after it sat on my side table for I think almost three months without me touching it, other than to move it out of the way that is.
One of my besties that was reading this with me, managed to finish it and told me how it ends and I can't say I that I was surprised. Seemed rather obvious where it was going. But we both agreed that this book would have been better as a graphic novel. Samantha Curran is an artist and she did all of her own art for this book, which is stunningly beautiful, and so if she had drawn the whole book the story I think would have worked so much better.
But either way, I do wish Samantha the best if she wishes to continue to write.
July 16, 2025
I don't usually write reviews and I wasn't the beneficiary of an advanced copy. I bought my audiobook from audible, after a month of daily checking for the book to be published. I don't know why, but I was drawn to this particular book since the day I fount about it on Instagram - and I discovered I lost the Kickstarter campaign (it ended just before I found out about it!).
The book is truly lovely and different from everything I've read before. Without any sexual tension and romantic pretenses, the story is refreshing and new, which was exactly what I needed after way too many poorly written romantacy books.
I smiled and I laughed and I cried while reading this book. I won't lie to you, there are parts of the story that will break your heart, and you will not see them coming. I know I didn't. There is also a beautiful friendship involved and a redeeming arc and so much more.
The writing is beautiful, the world building is solid and the tone is not preachy. Being about the need to save the forest, I feared it will be preachy, like the last installment of the Black Witch series proved to be, but it wasn't the case. The need to save the forest was beautifully woven and it made a lot of sense.
The characters' journey, both literal and figurative was like a road to maturity. They both grow and change, and you can feel and understand them. You can relate to everyone, even to the villains.
The story is YA, but I am 44 and I still enjoyed it a lot. I would have probably been even crazier for it at 17, but I still love it and it stayed with me, a week after finishing it.
The narrators did a great job, so I totally recommend the audiobook. They literally gave life to the characters and made me love them even more.
I hope the next installment comes soon, though it can't be soon enough for me! <3
The book is truly lovely and different from everything I've read before. Without any sexual tension and romantic pretenses, the story is refreshing and new, which was exactly what I needed after way too many poorly written romantacy books.
I smiled and I laughed and I cried while reading this book. I won't lie to you, there are parts of the story that will break your heart, and you will not see them coming. I know I didn't. There is also a beautiful friendship involved and a redeeming arc and so much more.
The writing is beautiful, the world building is solid and the tone is not preachy. Being about the need to save the forest, I feared it will be preachy, like the last installment of the Black Witch series proved to be, but it wasn't the case. The need to save the forest was beautifully woven and it made a lot of sense.
The characters' journey, both literal and figurative was like a road to maturity. They both grow and change, and you can feel and understand them. You can relate to everyone, even to the villains.
The story is YA, but I am 44 and I still enjoyed it a lot. I would have probably been even crazier for it at 17, but I still love it and it stayed with me, a week after finishing it.
The narrators did a great job, so I totally recommend the audiobook. They literally gave life to the characters and made me love them even more.
I hope the next installment comes soon, though it can't be soon enough for me! <3
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