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The River Has Roots
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fantasy (2025)Follow the river Liss to the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie, and meet two sisters who cannot be separated, even in death.
“Oh what is stronger than a death? Two sisters singing with one breath.”
In the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie, dwells the mysterious Hawthorn family.
There, they tend and harvest the enchanted willows and honour an ancient compact to sing to them in thanks for their magic. None more devotedly than the family’s latest daughters, Esther and Ysabel, who cherish each other as much as they cherish the ancient trees.
But when Esther rejects a forceful suitor in favor of a lover from the land of Faerie, not only the sisters’ bond but also their lives will be at risk…
“Oh what is stronger than a death? Two sisters singing with one breath.”
In the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie, dwells the mysterious Hawthorn family.
There, they tend and harvest the enchanted willows and honour an ancient compact to sing to them in thanks for their magic. None more devotedly than the family’s latest daughters, Esther and Ysabel, who cherish each other as much as they cherish the ancient trees.
But when Esther rejects a forceful suitor in favor of a lover from the land of Faerie, not only the sisters’ bond but also their lives will be at risk…
141 pages, Hardcover
First published March 4, 2025
1645 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,041 reviews
February 22, 2025
I want to be wrapped in this book and buried when I die. Until then, I want to live wrapped in this book. I have finished it but I have not left it.
Immaculate.
Immaculate.
October 24, 2025
you say "novella about sisters encountering fae" but all i'm hearing is fairytale.
A FAIRYTALE. (my first ever favorite genre.)
ABOUT SISTERS. (my first ever favorite thing.)
what a treat.
this is very beautifully and prolifically written, unfortunately in a way that means it's also imprecise. a list will be eloquently introduced, and several lovely paragraphs will describe the first item on it, and then there will be no other ones. a very nice description will be provided, and then that description will be contradicted a few pages on.
it's also very short, so you might think the plot doesn't begin until the halfway point. but you would actually be wrong, because a full quarter of its page count is a sneak peek of an upcoming book.
in spite of these betrayals, i really enjoyed this nice quick read about sisters being each other's favorite people. which is, in my experience, the way it's supposed to be.
bottom line: i was always going to like this book. but i'm still glad i did.
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
A FAIRYTALE. (my first ever favorite genre.)
ABOUT SISTERS. (my first ever favorite thing.)
what a treat.
this is very beautifully and prolifically written, unfortunately in a way that means it's also imprecise. a list will be eloquently introduced, and several lovely paragraphs will describe the first item on it, and then there will be no other ones. a very nice description will be provided, and then that description will be contradicted a few pages on.
it's also very short, so you might think the plot doesn't begin until the halfway point. but you would actually be wrong, because a full quarter of its page count is a sneak peek of an upcoming book.
in spite of these betrayals, i really enjoyed this nice quick read about sisters being each other's favorite people. which is, in my experience, the way it's supposed to be.
bottom line: i was always going to like this book. but i'm still glad i did.
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
November 14, 2024
The River Has Roots is an ethereal, dream-like fairy tale about the bond between sisters. There's magic and fairies and mystical rivers and enchanted lands and romance, and honestly it's pretty much exactly what you'd expect from reading the blurb. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one going into it, because the description almost screams “this story is going to have flowery prose that uses too many words,” which is something that I don't usually enjoy. And while the prose does come dangerously close to being purple at times, I think I kind of liked it?
I mean, don't get me wrong, I think this story is a little over-ambitious considering its length. I never truly understood the magic system (called “grammar”), which gets repeatedly mentioned but never really explained. It's presumably why all of the weird bits of this tale are able to happen (like the river flowing backward and one character's physical transformation), but the heck if I know how it all works other than “it's a magic of sorts.” I also felt that the ending was a little rushed – we go from climax to prologue in a matter of pages, and the book's villain is dealt with in mere sentences.
But, still, if you don't expect anything too deep from this one, it's a decently entertaining read. I loved the bond between Esther and Ysabel, and the ending might even have gotten me a bit teary-eyed. And I would be delighted if there were someday an entire full-length novel featuring Agnes Crow, because she deserves far, far more page time than she was allotted in this short tale.
My overall rating: 3.49 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tordotcom for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 4, 2025.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I think this story is a little over-ambitious considering its length. I never truly understood the magic system (called “grammar”), which gets repeatedly mentioned but never really explained. It's presumably why all of the weird bits of this tale are able to happen (like the river flowing backward and one character's physical transformation), but the heck if I know how it all works other than “it's a magic of sorts.” I also felt that the ending was a little rushed – we go from climax to prologue in a matter of pages, and the book's villain is dealt with in mere sentences.
But, still, if you don't expect anything too deep from this one, it's a decently entertaining read. I loved the bond between Esther and Ysabel, and the ending might even have gotten me a bit teary-eyed. And I would be delighted if there were someday an entire full-length novel featuring Agnes Crow, because she deserves far, far more page time than she was allotted in this short tale.
My overall rating: 3.49 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tordotcom for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 4, 2025.
April 2, 2025
You know that feeling you get when a book attempts to convey a sense of sophistication and maturity, yet stumbles spectacularly? It's that bewildering sensation of asking yourself, what on earth did I just read? This is precisely how I felt after finishing this book.
I truly wanted to like it; I entered with an open mind and high hopes, but unfortunately, the narrative lacked any sense of purpose or direction. It may be a short novel, but even within that limited space, the author could have developed the world and the characters more thoroughly. Crucial questions lingered unanswered throughout the pages.
What is the magic system? Good luck figuring that out—we're left with only vague references to its grammar, and despite the repeated insistence on its importance, the details are utterly elusive. Who is Agnes? Sure, she’s referred to as a witch, but beyond that, she remains a mystery. How does the fairy world actually operate? Again, we find no clear explanation.
The characters themselves were a bewildering mix of flatness and unlikability. This story centers on the bond between two sisters, yet at no point during my reading did I genuinely feel that connection or emotional depth. The author seemed determined to showcase this bond, but their efforts fell flat and left me disinterested.
Esther, the main female character, had her moments; I found her storyline somewhat engaging. She emerged as a relatively likable protagonist, and her romance, albeit predictable, did have a certain charm to it that didn’t completely detract from the story.
Then there was Ysabel—oh, how much this character annoyed me! She appeared to be disappointingly naïve, especially considering her sister’s intelligence. Ysabel’s incessant need to cling to Esther was frustrating and made me want to shake her. Her desperate desire for attention was utterly eye-roll-inducing. Even when she experienced a bit of character growth towards the end, it felt too little, too late. Perhaps I might have felt more empathetic towards her if the portrayal of the sisters’ bond had resonated with me, but alas, it did not.
Though I must admit that the writing itself was beautiful and lyrical, I found myself continually questioning the overall purpose of the story. Perhaps my understanding fell short, but the complex prose often left me feeling perplexed and disoriented.
In conclusion, this book was a miss for me, and it’s disappointing to walk away feeling this way when I had hoped for something meaningful.
I truly wanted to like it; I entered with an open mind and high hopes, but unfortunately, the narrative lacked any sense of purpose or direction. It may be a short novel, but even within that limited space, the author could have developed the world and the characters more thoroughly. Crucial questions lingered unanswered throughout the pages.
What is the magic system? Good luck figuring that out—we're left with only vague references to its grammar, and despite the repeated insistence on its importance, the details are utterly elusive. Who is Agnes? Sure, she’s referred to as a witch, but beyond that, she remains a mystery. How does the fairy world actually operate? Again, we find no clear explanation.
The characters themselves were a bewildering mix of flatness and unlikability. This story centers on the bond between two sisters, yet at no point during my reading did I genuinely feel that connection or emotional depth. The author seemed determined to showcase this bond, but their efforts fell flat and left me disinterested.
Esther, the main female character, had her moments; I found her storyline somewhat engaging. She emerged as a relatively likable protagonist, and her romance, albeit predictable, did have a certain charm to it that didn’t completely detract from the story.
Then there was Ysabel—oh, how much this character annoyed me! She appeared to be disappointingly naïve, especially considering her sister’s intelligence. Ysabel’s incessant need to cling to Esther was frustrating and made me want to shake her. Her desperate desire for attention was utterly eye-roll-inducing. Even when she experienced a bit of character growth towards the end, it felt too little, too late. Perhaps I might have felt more empathetic towards her if the portrayal of the sisters’ bond had resonated with me, but alas, it did not.
Though I must admit that the writing itself was beautiful and lyrical, I found myself continually questioning the overall purpose of the story. Perhaps my understanding fell short, but the complex prose often left me feeling perplexed and disoriented.
In conclusion, this book was a miss for me, and it’s disappointing to walk away feeling this way when I had hoped for something meaningful.
November 1, 2025
“But that is not the truth of grammar. There was a time when grammar was wild— when it shifted shapes and unleashed new forms out of old. Grammar, like gramarye, like grimoire. What is magic but a change in the world? What is conjugation but a transformation, one thing into another? She runs; she ran; she will run again.”
i believe that amal el-mohtar is one of the most talented authors that i have ever had the privilege of reading. i am talking just earth shattering, heart destroying, beyond words beautiful prose. and this novella was absolutely no different.
this is a story about two sisters and their life growing up together with two willow trees on either side of the river liss. their family has always worked, and sang, with the willows, being stewards of the land, because under the right circumstances (or maybe the wrong ones) it can lead to the land of faerie.
the fae in this word are musicians, not singers, so esther and ysabel’s songs make an impact with all around the river. and esther even has a bit of a romance with a fae from arcadia. but as most tales go, a man, who can’t comprehend the word no, forced the story in a different direction. and magic ensues, and heals, and makes me cry… a lot.
you all know i am always going to be a sucker for a sibling tale with unconditional love portrayed. and this story really did feel a lot like healing magic while reading. also, if you are able to read a physical copy of this, please do so, because truly this is such a beautifully created book, and will extra immerse you into this world. i am very tempted to give this five stars, and i highly recommend it to everyone, but especially if you’re a big sister.
trigger + content warnings: assault (unwanted touching), blood, drowning / murder
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♡ This Is How You Lose the Time War ★★★★★
May 9, 2025
It’s half poetry, half fairytale and it WILL make you cry. Five stars, perfection❤️
March 29, 2025
Such a beautiful and moving novella from one of the authors of This Is How You Lose the Time War. It is a fairy tale, a love story and, most importantly, a story about the bond between two sisters, Ysabel and Esther Hawthorn.
The setting is whimsical, with the small town of Thistleford, the Faeryland, the River Liss flowing through and willow trees along its banks. It is as significant to the story as its characters, the magic and folklore elements interwoven in it.
The writing is very atmospheric and has an ethereal tone to it. Its lyrical nature is enhanced by the narrator's calming voice, music, singing and sound effects. Overall a wonderful listening experience and a touching story that made me tear up towards the end.
The audiobook includes a short story called John Hollowback and the Witch. It is one hour long, and it is a sneak peek of the author’s upcoming short story collection. I thought it was lovely.
The setting is whimsical, with the small town of Thistleford, the Faeryland, the River Liss flowing through and willow trees along its banks. It is as significant to the story as its characters, the magic and folklore elements interwoven in it.
The writing is very atmospheric and has an ethereal tone to it. Its lyrical nature is enhanced by the narrator's calming voice, music, singing and sound effects. Overall a wonderful listening experience and a touching story that made me tear up towards the end.
The audiobook includes a short story called John Hollowback and the Witch. It is one hour long, and it is a sneak peek of the author’s upcoming short story collection. I thought it was lovely.
December 31, 2025
I quite liked Amal El-Mohtar This Is How You Lose the Time War written with Max Gladstone, a surreal dreamlike vortex of purple prose that somehow found the right buttons to push.
And just like that one, this grabbed me from the very first line. “The River Liss runs north to south, and its waters brim with grammar.” A grammar-based magic? That’s right up my valley, just like China Miéville’s language-based science fiction Embassytown and Samuel Delany’s Babel-17. My inner nerd was rejoicing, and it lasted through most of the first page. Yeah.
And then it slowly fizzled out. The grammar-based magic is little but pretty words used as a hook for this story that is both too short (for the story I want it to tell) and too long (for the stretched out short story it actually tells). It just seemed like the interesting parts of the story were happening somewhere along the periphery, just out of sight, just tantalizingly hinted at but not for us to read about. That grammar magic that was teased at but rally went nowhere, the willows channeling it from the water, the borderlands between the faerie land and human world — all that seemed to be promised and did nothing.
Other than the sisterly bond, everything else felt oddly vague. The resolution was too swift (and unexpected as the book ends three quarters in, with some other short story taking up the rest, just as I was hoping some more meat will stick to the story’s bones). The characters, other than the protagonist Esther, were not really developed making it hard for me to care for them, and it all felt a little shallow, with little substance to stick in my memory other than ornamentally pretty prose. But pretty as it was, it was also a bit exhausting. There’s such thing as too flowery.
Overall 2.5 stars. Still love Time War and therefore will still read whatever El-Mohtar comes up with next.
And just like that one, this grabbed me from the very first line. “The River Liss runs north to south, and its waters brim with grammar.” A grammar-based magic? That’s right up my valley, just like China Miéville’s language-based science fiction Embassytown and Samuel Delany’s Babel-17. My inner nerd was rejoicing, and it lasted through most of the first page. Yeah.
“There was a time when grammar was wild—when it shifted shapes and unleashed new forms out of old. Grammar, like gramarye, like grimoire. What is magic but a change in the world? What is conjugation but a transformation, one thing into another? She runs; she ran; she will run again.”
And then it slowly fizzled out. The grammar-based magic is little but pretty words used as a hook for this story that is both too short (for the story I want it to tell) and too long (for the stretched out short story it actually tells). It just seemed like the interesting parts of the story were happening somewhere along the periphery, just out of sight, just tantalizingly hinted at but not for us to read about. That grammar magic that was teased at but rally went nowhere, the willows channeling it from the water, the borderlands between the faerie land and human world — all that seemed to be promised and did nothing.
Other than the sisterly bond, everything else felt oddly vague. The resolution was too swift (and unexpected as the book ends three quarters in, with some other short story taking up the rest, just as I was hoping some more meat will stick to the story’s bones). The characters, other than the protagonist Esther, were not really developed making it hard for me to care for them, and it all felt a little shallow, with little substance to stick in my memory other than ornamentally pretty prose. But pretty as it was, it was also a bit exhausting. There’s such thing as too flowery.
Overall 2.5 stars. Still love Time War and therefore will still read whatever El-Mohtar comes up with next.
April 6, 2025
“I was a sister before I was a wife, and for longer, and that’s a shape I can’t easily shake” RIP me 😭
this was such an unique little story. melancholy and full of love at the same time. there is a romance here but the true star of this book is sisterhood. the bond between Esther and Ysabel is so strong and pure, I can relate so much to their deep connection that only comes through sisterhood. While the prose was beautiful and I really loved our characters, I did find the magic system a bit confusing, so not quite a 5 star, but a very special book all the same. 🥀 also I fear this story MUST be consumed on audio, the production is so well done.
this was such an unique little story. melancholy and full of love at the same time. there is a romance here but the true star of this book is sisterhood. the bond between Esther and Ysabel is so strong and pure, I can relate so much to their deep connection that only comes through sisterhood. While the prose was beautiful and I really loved our characters, I did find the magic system a bit confusing, so not quite a 5 star, but a very special book all the same. 🥀 also I fear this story MUST be consumed on audio, the production is so well done.
September 15, 2025
There was a time when grammar was wild—when it shifted shapes and unleashed new forms out of old. Grammar, like gramarye, like grimoire. What is magic but a change in the world? What is conjugation but a transformation, one thing into another? She runs; she ran; she will run again.
The River Has Roots is the beautiful story of the love between two sisters, in a world with the strange magic of grimoire always tense, like an instrument, aching for release, longing to transform present into past into future, is into was into will, that can help as well as harm with the same force of the riverflow.
It is the story of a wild love between the human Esther and the faerie Rin - Rin was a feeling, a lightness in her step, a burr in her throat; some days she thought she’d made them up inside her head, so difficult was it to put words to them, and Esther breaking free of the social norms to live with them.
More than either, it is the story of the lengths Esther goes to, making sure Ysabel doesn't come to harm, and what Ysabel does to remember and remind Esther of their love.
Amal El-Mohtar writes in lyrical prose, often lilting into song, which sets a lovely sunset tone to the story, making it more about the characters and their actions than the strange unpredictable magic in the world. Unpredictable, but the magic still has a sort of sense to it, when the language and the word play are examined. On the whole, an engaging read!
Lover, tell me, lover, tell me, how do Arcadians sing?
And Rin, lifting a hand to her cheek, answered in speech. “With their flutes and their bells and their horns and their shells, and the shiver of their harp strings.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟
[3/4 star for the premise and the whole book; 3/4 star for the characters and their arcs; 3/4 star for the plot and themes; 3/4 star for the world-building; One star for the writing - 4 stars in total.]
The River Has Roots is the beautiful story of the love between two sisters, in a world with the strange magic of grimoire always tense, like an instrument, aching for release, longing to transform present into past into future, is into was into will, that can help as well as harm with the same force of the riverflow.
It is the story of a wild love between the human Esther and the faerie Rin - Rin was a feeling, a lightness in her step, a burr in her throat; some days she thought she’d made them up inside her head, so difficult was it to put words to them, and Esther breaking free of the social norms to live with them.
More than either, it is the story of the lengths Esther goes to, making sure Ysabel doesn't come to harm, and what Ysabel does to remember and remind Esther of their love.
Amal El-Mohtar writes in lyrical prose, often lilting into song, which sets a lovely sunset tone to the story, making it more about the characters and their actions than the strange unpredictable magic in the world. Unpredictable, but the magic still has a sort of sense to it, when the language and the word play are examined. On the whole, an engaging read!
Lover, tell me, lover, tell me, how do Arcadians sing?
And Rin, lifting a hand to her cheek, answered in speech. “With their flutes and their bells and their horns and their shells, and the shiver of their harp strings.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟
[3/4 star for the premise and the whole book; 3/4 star for the characters and their arcs; 3/4 star for the plot and themes; 3/4 star for the world-building; One star for the writing - 4 stars in total.]
September 26, 2025
What is magic but a change in the world? What is conjugation but a transformation, one thing into another? She runs; she ran; she will run again.
a beautiful short fairy tale about magic, song, and sisters.
el-mohtar creates an intriguing world and magic system: a river of grammar, an elusive faerie land, both aided by song, story, and riddle.
there is a sweet, whimsical romance but the true love of the story is the sisters.
i really enjoyed this one and look forward to more from el-mohtar.
a beautiful short fairy tale about magic, song, and sisters.
el-mohtar creates an intriguing world and magic system: a river of grammar, an elusive faerie land, both aided by song, story, and riddle.
there is a sweet, whimsical romance but the true love of the story is the sisters.
i really enjoyed this one and look forward to more from el-mohtar.
April 15, 2025
The audiobook is a trip! There are TONS of sound effects as the story is being told. From singing to water running and even guitar, this novella was a unique blend of story and musical elements.
As far as the story itself, it’s very flowery and atmospheric but lacks depth and engagement. I found myself wandering off as the story hits a little more bland than the narrator and sound effects. I’d say it was a fun auditory experience without the enjoyment of a good story experience.
Many thanks to McMillan Audio and Netgally for an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review!
As far as the story itself, it’s very flowery and atmospheric but lacks depth and engagement. I found myself wandering off as the story hits a little more bland than the narrator and sound effects. I’d say it was a fun auditory experience without the enjoyment of a good story experience.
Many thanks to McMillan Audio and Netgally for an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review!
February 2, 2025
Oh that was gorgeous. It had me captivated from the start.
I would definitely go into this expecting something more akin to a fairy tale than a fantasy book. One of the few times I’ve finished a novella and not felt like it would have been better as a full length novel.
I would definitely go into this expecting something more akin to a fairy tale than a fantasy book. One of the few times I’ve finished a novella and not felt like it would have been better as a full length novel.
November 22, 2025
Stunningly beautiful prose, a magic system rooted in language, the strongest of sister relationships, and a breathtakingly beautiful romance - all wrapped up in less than 150 pages.
This is one you’ll want to re-read again and again, to discover all there is to offer in this novella.
The audio production is out of this world good and the superior way to consume this book. The atmosphere is brought to life with just enough sound effects in all the right places, the songs are sung and accompanied by music and the narrator has the most soothing voice - reminiscent of being told a story by your favorite grandmother.
What’s to love…
- lyrical prose
- family forward story
- queer romance
- non-binary love interest
- quick read that packs a punch
- magical and fairytale vibes
- layered and thought provoking
What’s not to love…
- Honestly? I loved everything about this book and the audio performance made this an out of this world experience.
- That said, if you’re someone who does not enjoy being confused at all or very lyrical writing you may not enjoy this one. Upon my first read I’m still a little unsure how the magic works and there are definitely places the writing leaned very close to purple prose, which can be confusing - this is definitely one I will want to reread, and I imagine gaining more understanding and insight with each iteration.
- The ONLY reason I'm withholding the final 0.1⭐️ is that I was able to put this down and did put off starting it again - I'm fairly confident on re-read my rating will go up though!
Thank you NetGalley and Tor (Tordotcom) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
This is one you’ll want to re-read again and again, to discover all there is to offer in this novella.
The audio production is out of this world good and the superior way to consume this book. The atmosphere is brought to life with just enough sound effects in all the right places, the songs are sung and accompanied by music and the narrator has the most soothing voice - reminiscent of being told a story by your favorite grandmother.
What’s to love…
- lyrical prose
- family forward story
- queer romance
- non-binary love interest
- quick read that packs a punch
- magical and fairytale vibes
- layered and thought provoking
What’s not to love…
- Honestly? I loved everything about this book and the audio performance made this an out of this world experience.
- That said, if you’re someone who does not enjoy being confused at all or very lyrical writing you may not enjoy this one. Upon my first read I’m still a little unsure how the magic works and there are definitely places the writing leaned very close to purple prose, which can be confusing - this is definitely one I will want to reread, and I imagine gaining more understanding and insight with each iteration.
- The ONLY reason I'm withholding the final 0.1⭐️ is that I was able to put this down and did put off starting it again - I'm fairly confident on re-read my rating will go up though!
Thank you NetGalley and Tor (Tordotcom) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
September 4, 2025
Wow, one of the best books I've ever read, beautifully imagined, wonderful sister relationship, and an intriguing story that feels timeless and like it's been around forever, like an old fairy tale (but make it queer). The audiobook, with harp music, singing, and background sounds like running water and party chatter, is truly next level.
November 5, 2024
First, a thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book.
You know how we all have that one friend/coworker/family member who thinks they are very clever indeed and they get to talking, and talking, and talking, and talking… And as you slowly disassociate you realize they haven’t really said anything at all?
If that is a situation you enjoy being in, you will also enjoy this book!
Now listen, I am a HUGE fan of flowery prose and books where we get lots of descriptions of places or characters and the plot sometimes takes a back seat. Don’t get me wrong, there are several of those that are some of my favorite books.
But what I don’t like is feeling, is feeling like there is no goddamn point to it. Like what is actually happening STILL needs to be compelling. I’m sorry, I don’t like or buy the “one sister is a special magical free soul and the other sister is content with settling with the creepy neckbeard mansplainer next door because… he “notices” her SISTER? And she wishes SHE would be noticed?? BUT HE DOESN’T NOTICE YOU, YOU SILLY GIRL!
Another big complaint I have is that several times as I read this, I got the vibes that this was a creative writing assignment with a word count minimum. WHY. Just…. WHY. Get on with it!
I also feel as if the things that actually happened had almost zero substance or meaning at all. Like there is this “climatic” scene OKAY?!
In short, I got “did you ever have a dream” kid vibes from this story.
You know how we all have that one friend/coworker/family member who thinks they are very clever indeed and they get to talking, and talking, and talking, and talking… And as you slowly disassociate you realize they haven’t really said anything at all?
If that is a situation you enjoy being in, you will also enjoy this book!
Now listen, I am a HUGE fan of flowery prose and books where we get lots of descriptions of places or characters and the plot sometimes takes a back seat. Don’t get me wrong, there are several of those that are some of my favorite books.
But what I don’t like is feeling, is feeling like there is no goddamn point to it. Like what is actually happening STILL needs to be compelling. I’m sorry, I don’t like or buy the “one sister is a special magical free soul and the other sister is content with settling with the creepy neckbeard mansplainer next door because… he “notices” her SISTER? And she wishes SHE would be noticed?? BUT HE DOESN’T NOTICE YOU, YOU SILLY GIRL!
Another big complaint I have is that several times as I read this, I got the vibes that this was a creative writing assignment with a word count minimum. WHY. Just…. WHY. Get on with it!
I also feel as if the things that actually happened had almost zero substance or meaning at all. Like there is this “climatic” scene OKAY?!
In short, I got “did you ever have a dream” kid vibes from this story.
November 9, 2025
I really loved this novella and it was beautifully illustrated, I’m planning to the listen to the audiobook as well. I read This Is How You Lose The Time War and I loved that book, I decided to read this one and I was not disappointed.
I really enjoyed this novella it was beautifully written and very descriptive, after reading a very disappointing book this was just the perfect tonic to perk me up. I loved Esther and Ysabel but Esther was my favourite, Esther was the perfect elder sister who looks out for her younger sister. Ysabel I think was a little selfish with extracting the promise she did from Esther. This story felt very magical to me, the tale of a family who live on the edge of faerie and tend to the enchanted willows along the river Liss, I loved that they sang to the trees and I thought that was beautiful. Esther’s persistent suitor Mr Pollard was the most repugnant and odious man, what he did was awful. I loved Esther’s faerie lover, the ethereal Rin and I loved the relationship between Esther and Rin. I would love a follow on book for Esther and Rin, based on their love story. This book was a very magical fairytale which I really enjoyed, the authors writing is just beautiful and I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
I really enjoyed this novella it was beautifully written and very descriptive, after reading a very disappointing book this was just the perfect tonic to perk me up. I loved Esther and Ysabel but Esther was my favourite, Esther was the perfect elder sister who looks out for her younger sister. Ysabel I think was a little selfish with extracting the promise she did from Esther. This story felt very magical to me, the tale of a family who live on the edge of faerie and tend to the enchanted willows along the river Liss, I loved that they sang to the trees and I thought that was beautiful. Esther’s persistent suitor Mr Pollard was the most repugnant and odious man, what he did was awful. I loved Esther’s faerie lover, the ethereal Rin and I loved the relationship between Esther and Rin. I would love a follow on book for Esther and Rin, based on their love story. This book was a very magical fairytale which I really enjoyed, the authors writing is just beautiful and I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
February 27, 2025
Poet, writer and musician Amal El-Mohtar’s novella is steeped in English folklore. She draws too on traditional British murder ballads particularly “The Cruel Sister” aka “The Twa Sisters” which El-Mohtar’s haunting fairy tale cleverly subverts. Like that ballad, El-Mohtar’s story features two sisters one dark and one fair. Ysabel and Esther Hawthorn live in the small town of Thistleford, in a mythic England brimming with enchantment. Like their ancestors before them, the sisters tend to a pair of ancient willow trees, source of harmony and magic. Thistleford lies close to the boundary with the world of Faerie or Arcadia, a mysterious place whose rules don’t correspond to those of the mortal realm. Time flows differently there.
Ysabel and Esther are closely bonded, their deep affection demonstrated through duets sung to the willow trees. El-Mohtar’s slender plot centres on the growing threat to their relationship posed by two suitors intent on pursuing Esther. One is unctuous, self-serving Samuel Pollard – the clue to his personality lies in his name; the other is a beguiling, shape-shifting Arcadian known only as Rin. It’s soon clear Esther’s choice of partner will entirely reshape her, and her sister’s, future. I relished El-Mohtar’s atmospheric, lyrical storytelling; her deliberate homage to Hope Mirrlees’s classic fantasy Lud-in-the-Mist, and the echoes of Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market. And found the novella satisfying overall, even though the world-building could be awkward and a little rushed – still puzzling over the significance of certain metaphors and symbols. El-Mohtar’s narrative’s accompanied by a series of arresting linocuts from artist Kathleen Neely. There’s also a bonus piece included “John Hollowback and the Witch” a brooding meditation on revenge and redemption.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Arcadia for an ARC
Rating: 3.5
Ysabel and Esther are closely bonded, their deep affection demonstrated through duets sung to the willow trees. El-Mohtar’s slender plot centres on the growing threat to their relationship posed by two suitors intent on pursuing Esther. One is unctuous, self-serving Samuel Pollard – the clue to his personality lies in his name; the other is a beguiling, shape-shifting Arcadian known only as Rin. It’s soon clear Esther’s choice of partner will entirely reshape her, and her sister’s, future. I relished El-Mohtar’s atmospheric, lyrical storytelling; her deliberate homage to Hope Mirrlees’s classic fantasy Lud-in-the-Mist, and the echoes of Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market. And found the novella satisfying overall, even though the world-building could be awkward and a little rushed – still puzzling over the significance of certain metaphors and symbols. El-Mohtar’s narrative’s accompanied by a series of arresting linocuts from artist Kathleen Neely. There’s also a bonus piece included “John Hollowback and the Witch” a brooding meditation on revenge and redemption.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Arcadia for an ARC
Rating: 3.5
February 19, 2025
An intricate fairy tale of sisterhood and song that is lyrical and imaginative.
I’ve read loads of praise for Amal El-Mohtar’s writing. It took me two seconds to decide to push play on the audiobook when I received it. I highly recommend going with the audio as it brings the sounds of nature and music to life. It elevated the entire experience. Gem Carmella narrates and gives a vibrant portrayal. I loved how this was a fairy tale in novella form because it was the perfect length. So often stories with fantasy elements get bogged down with heavy detail, but the plot develops at an excellent pace here. The prose borders on flowery at times, but it resists going over the top.
The magic system is called “grammar” and is loosely explained. However, I felt like I got the gist of it from the story, but if you’re all about hard facts and in depth explanations this one may come up short. The characters and their bonds are the heart of this story. The foreshadowing woven through with the lightest touch made for intriguing turns. I found the ending heartwarming without being saccharine.
Despite being otherworldly, family is at the heart of this fairy tale. An enchanting escape that kept me entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an Advance Listening Copy for review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve read loads of praise for Amal El-Mohtar’s writing. It took me two seconds to decide to push play on the audiobook when I received it. I highly recommend going with the audio as it brings the sounds of nature and music to life. It elevated the entire experience. Gem Carmella narrates and gives a vibrant portrayal. I loved how this was a fairy tale in novella form because it was the perfect length. So often stories with fantasy elements get bogged down with heavy detail, but the plot develops at an excellent pace here. The prose borders on flowery at times, but it resists going over the top.
The magic system is called “grammar” and is loosely explained. However, I felt like I got the gist of it from the story, but if you’re all about hard facts and in depth explanations this one may come up short. The characters and their bonds are the heart of this story. The foreshadowing woven through with the lightest touch made for intriguing turns. I found the ending heartwarming without being saccharine.
Despite being otherworldly, family is at the heart of this fairy tale. An enchanting escape that kept me entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an Advance Listening Copy for review. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2025
Just a beautiful, whimsical and lyrical little novella.
El-Mohtar has a cadence and style to her writing that is just so evocative of folklore and fairytale, and I just really enjoy sitting and experiencing how she uses words and language.
This novella features a unique magic system, a deep bond of sisterly love, a fae-like non-binary lover and a tale of revenge. I purchased a physical copy of this book and the woodblock artwork was a lovely addition to the fairytale atmosphere of the story.
I feel like this is one of those books that wouldn’t be for everyone, in much the same way “This is How You Lose the Time War’ either works for people or doesn’t. I think El-Mohtar has a beautiful way with words and will be keen to see what future works she produces.
El-Mohtar has a cadence and style to her writing that is just so evocative of folklore and fairytale, and I just really enjoy sitting and experiencing how she uses words and language.
This novella features a unique magic system, a deep bond of sisterly love, a fae-like non-binary lover and a tale of revenge. I purchased a physical copy of this book and the woodblock artwork was a lovely addition to the fairytale atmosphere of the story.
I feel like this is one of those books that wouldn’t be for everyone, in much the same way “This is How You Lose the Time War’ either works for people or doesn’t. I think El-Mohtar has a beautiful way with words and will be keen to see what future works she produces.
April 29, 2025
A very beautifully written fable, easy to devour in a single sitting. It did leave me wanting, I wished we had just a little bit more time in this world and with these sisters. I eagerly look forward to Amal’s next project.
3.25 stars
Thank you to Tor for my review copy. All thoughts are my own.
3.25 stars
Thank you to Tor for my review copy. All thoughts are my own.
November 17, 2025
Thoughts
Would it be a stretch to give this short read five stars? It was stunning, it felt ever so poetic, lyrical and just had an all round enchanting flowy feel to it. I'm almost annoyed at myself for keeping it on my to read shelf for this long - yes new author unlocked. There's something about this book that just pulled me in; other than the cover of course, the story, the choice of words, it just gave visuals and that's my favourite thing when reading but with this story specifically I think the audio plays a massive part in feeling fully immersed into the setting which of course added to the experience and this beautiful story. I highly recommend the audio for the full (required) experience
Plot Summary
In the border town of Thistleford, where the mortal world meets Faerie, the Hawthorn family is entrusted with tending enchanted willow trees and singing the ancient songs that keep their magic alive. Sisters Esther and Ysabel are especially devoted—inseparable in life, bound by love and duty. But when Esther refuses an aggressive local suitor and instead falls for someone from Faerie, the delicate balance that protects their family begins to unravel. Her choice puts both sisters in danger, threatening not only their bond but their very lives, as mortal anger and fae power collide at the edge of the river Liss.
My Bookstagram
Would it be a stretch to give this short read five stars? It was stunning, it felt ever so poetic, lyrical and just had an all round enchanting flowy feel to it. I'm almost annoyed at myself for keeping it on my to read shelf for this long - yes new author unlocked. There's something about this book that just pulled me in; other than the cover of course, the story, the choice of words, it just gave visuals and that's my favourite thing when reading but with this story specifically I think the audio plays a massive part in feeling fully immersed into the setting which of course added to the experience and this beautiful story. I highly recommend the audio for the full (required) experience
Plot Summary
In the border town of Thistleford, where the mortal world meets Faerie, the Hawthorn family is entrusted with tending enchanted willow trees and singing the ancient songs that keep their magic alive. Sisters Esther and Ysabel are especially devoted—inseparable in life, bound by love and duty. But when Esther refuses an aggressive local suitor and instead falls for someone from Faerie, the delicate balance that protects their family begins to unravel. Her choice puts both sisters in danger, threatening not only their bond but their very lives, as mortal anger and fae power collide at the edge of the river Liss.
My Bookstagram
November 18, 2025
*5 Stars*
A lush poetic fairy tale about how words take shape, create, and uncreate us.
...the grammar unravelling the order of her body.
Willows are ethereal, messy trees with complex and thirsty root systems. These trees offered an elegant metaphor for words being devoured. Grammar lives in the water, and words like water make and shape us, give us form.
"Every conjugation is also a translation,” she recited dutifully. “But not every translation conjugates. Transformation implies movement, but things can move without being transformed.”
Along with the water, the unruly and bleeding willows, and grammar, there are themes of music, singing, and playing soul sounds on the harp, becoming one with the music. Many senses are woven into what grammar magic means and how it affects us.
everyone tasted grammar on the air like honey and salt, and a voice rose out of the instrument playing itself—low, and clear, and familiar to everyone in the room, singing the story of her unmaking.
This is a profoundly beautiful fairy tale.
If the river has roots, it has branches, too; learn to climb them
A lush poetic fairy tale about how words take shape, create, and uncreate us.
...the grammar unravelling the order of her body.
Willows are ethereal, messy trees with complex and thirsty root systems. These trees offered an elegant metaphor for words being devoured. Grammar lives in the water, and words like water make and shape us, give us form.
"Every conjugation is also a translation,” she recited dutifully. “But not every translation conjugates. Transformation implies movement, but things can move without being transformed.”
Along with the water, the unruly and bleeding willows, and grammar, there are themes of music, singing, and playing soul sounds on the harp, becoming one with the music. Many senses are woven into what grammar magic means and how it affects us.
everyone tasted grammar on the air like honey and salt, and a voice rose out of the instrument playing itself—low, and clear, and familiar to everyone in the room, singing the story of her unmaking.
This is a profoundly beautiful fairy tale.
If the river has roots, it has branches, too; learn to climb them
July 5, 2025
I should really try the audiobook cause I've heard they sing in it and that it's narrated by the author I believe. The physical reading experience was just okay for me however.
July 20, 2025
Novelita corta completamente deliciosa.
Un cuento de hadas sobre dos hermanas que se quieren mucho, un romance en Arcadia, una bruja y una gallina.
La belleza de la prosa, cómo consigue que la música y canciones se intercalen en la historia tan bien y especialmente esa magia que nace del lenguaje de manera tan original, van a hacer que tarde en olvidarme de «El río tiene raíces».
Maravilla de traducción, por cierto. Editoriales grandes aprended un poco anda.
Un cuento de hadas sobre dos hermanas que se quieren mucho, un romance en Arcadia, una bruja y una gallina.
La belleza de la prosa, cómo consigue que la música y canciones se intercalen en la historia tan bien y especialmente esa magia que nace del lenguaje de manera tan original, van a hacer que tarde en olvidarme de «El río tiene raíces».
Maravilla de traducción, por cierto. Editoriales grandes aprended un poco anda.
July 28, 2025
☆☆☆☆☆
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is a quiet, powerful story that stays with you. It’s written with lyrical grace and centers on a deeply rooted bond between sisters — a connection that feels both ancient and unbreakable. Their relationship is the pulse of the story, steady and strong, carrying the emotional weight with subtlety and strength.
What truly elevated this experience for me was the audiobook. The narration is exceptional — immersive and so attuned to the story’s rhythm and emotional undercurrents. It brought the prose to life in a way that felt intimate, like listening to a myth being retold across generations.
This is not just a story about sisters — it’s a celebration of what sisterhood can do, what it can endure, and how it can heal. Beautifully written and even more beautifully performed, this is easily one of my favorite audiobook experiences of the year.
Highly recommend listening if you can — it adds another layer of magic.
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is a quiet, powerful story that stays with you. It’s written with lyrical grace and centers on a deeply rooted bond between sisters — a connection that feels both ancient and unbreakable. Their relationship is the pulse of the story, steady and strong, carrying the emotional weight with subtlety and strength.
What truly elevated this experience for me was the audiobook. The narration is exceptional — immersive and so attuned to the story’s rhythm and emotional undercurrents. It brought the prose to life in a way that felt intimate, like listening to a myth being retold across generations.
This is not just a story about sisters — it’s a celebration of what sisterhood can do, what it can endure, and how it can heal. Beautifully written and even more beautifully performed, this is easily one of my favorite audiobook experiences of the year.
Highly recommend listening if you can — it adds another layer of magic.
April 14, 2025
a most exquisite fairytale! oh the power of everlasting love of one sister for another, the power of grammar to shape the physical world, the power of poetry to change fates.
November 24, 2025
It’s possible that this might end up being my least favorite read of the year. I am not anti-purple prose. I actually do like writing that would be considered by some readers to be flowery, but this novella featured truly awful purple prose and very little in the way of plot. In order for a book to work, you can have no plot but with great writing, or mediocre writing with a great plot; you can’t have an absence of both. It’s unforgivable.
Also, the magic system, or lack thereof, was a massive letdown. If you have a magic system in your book, you either have to give no explanation (“it’s just magic”) or an adequate explanation of your magic system, even if it’s only a novella you’re writing. Using the words “grammar” and “conjugating” to represent your magic system over and over again just isn’t going to cut it. When we were eventually given a very brief explanation by Agnes later in the book, it was confusing and convoluted. It’s one of those explanations that sounds intelligent, but actually isn’t at all when you consider it further.
While the story starts to have more of a discernible structure near the end, everything feels kind of pointless for the majority of it, and even the ending doesn’t do much to solve that. You’re left with a feeling of: why did I read this and what was the point?
Also, the magic system, or lack thereof, was a massive letdown. If you have a magic system in your book, you either have to give no explanation (“it’s just magic”) or an adequate explanation of your magic system, even if it’s only a novella you’re writing. Using the words “grammar” and “conjugating” to represent your magic system over and over again just isn’t going to cut it. When we were eventually given a very brief explanation by Agnes later in the book, it was confusing and convoluted. It’s one of those explanations that sounds intelligent, but actually isn’t at all when you consider it further.
While the story starts to have more of a discernible structure near the end, everything feels kind of pointless for the majority of it, and even the ending doesn’t do much to solve that. You’re left with a feeling of: why did I read this and what was the point?
January 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
amal el-mohtar is such an incredible novelist and I think I will always feel drawn to their works and writing style, so I was VERY excited for this!
this was a beautiful story following the magic of sisterhood, nature and time. I loved so much of this ~ it felt at once, so incredibly unique whilst carrying that nostalgic feel of fairytale and myth. I adored reading from these characters and there was such eloquence in the way amal el-mohtar used concepts of time, nature and instruments to serve the plot. if it wasn't for the slight rush of the ending, this would've been a much higher rating... I so badly wish that this book was expanded to a full length novel (I fear it would've become a favourite)
amal el-mohtar is such an incredible novelist and I think I will always feel drawn to their works and writing style, so I was VERY excited for this!
this was a beautiful story following the magic of sisterhood, nature and time. I loved so much of this ~ it felt at once, so incredibly unique whilst carrying that nostalgic feel of fairytale and myth. I adored reading from these characters and there was such eloquence in the way amal el-mohtar used concepts of time, nature and instruments to serve the plot. if it wasn't for the slight rush of the ending, this would've been a much higher rating... I so badly wish that this book was expanded to a full length novel (I fear it would've become a favourite)
May 4, 2025
This book felt like falling in love. Fabulism and fairy tales I am your biggest fan. I’m still stuck in the sediment of this story and I never want to come up for air.
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