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Roots & Rubble
To survive, she followed the rules. To live, she’ll have to break them.
Eighteen-year-old Nova Stormont was raised to survive, not hope. In Whitebark Haven, straying from your assigned role means punishment, or worse. But Nova has always yearned for more than life in the shadows as a scout. She wants to heal, to grow, to choose.
When she reveals a hidden talent at her coming-of-age ceremony, Nova risks everything to prove there’s more to life than what the Elders expect. But before judgement falls, she slips beyond the borders for one last stolen breath of freedom, only to be captured by the Loxosceles, a ruthless faction where power determines your worth.
Trapped behind enemy lines, Nova must rely on her scouting skills, her knowledge of plants, and her sharp wit as she navigates shifting loyalties—and the gaze of a duty-bound commander who is more than he seems. With every step, she begins to question everything she thought she knew—about her enemies, her purpose, and herself.
Eighteen-year-old Nova Stormont was raised to survive, not hope. In Whitebark Haven, straying from your assigned role means punishment, or worse. But Nova has always yearned for more than life in the shadows as a scout. She wants to heal, to grow, to choose.
When she reveals a hidden talent at her coming-of-age ceremony, Nova risks everything to prove there’s more to life than what the Elders expect. But before judgement falls, she slips beyond the borders for one last stolen breath of freedom, only to be captured by the Loxosceles, a ruthless faction where power determines your worth.
Trapped behind enemy lines, Nova must rely on her scouting skills, her knowledge of plants, and her sharp wit as she navigates shifting loyalties—and the gaze of a duty-bound commander who is more than he seems. With every step, she begins to question everything she thought she knew—about her enemies, her purpose, and herself.
348 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2025
About the author
Kalleigh Royn
5 books47 followersKalleigh Royn lives in a beautiful mountain town in Southern Alberta, where she balances her work as a middle school administrator with her passion for writing. Drawing from her experiences, she weaves themes of resilience and leadership into her stories. When she's not writing or working, she can be found hiking, running, biking, or spending time with her partner and their adventurous corgi, Corgmander Riker.
Follow Kalleigh Royn on instagram https://www.instagram.com/kalleighroy...
Follow Kalleigh Royn on instagram https://www.instagram.com/kalleighroy...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I devoured this in one sitting.
I started Roots and Rubble by Kalleigh Royn at noon and had it finished at the end of the day. That’s how obsessed I was. This book pulled me in from page one and never let go.
The story follows Nova, a girl from a world where everything is predetermined; your path, your future, your entire life. But Nova isn’t having it. She decides to break free and sets out on a journey that turns into a full-blown adventure. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters that I’m still thinking about.
Let’s start with Leon. The MMC. He calls her lamb, it was so cute. sooo onviously I was SOLD. Their relationship is built so well with so much depth and care that I never once questioned the pacing or the progression. It just kept getting better and better and better. I’m obsessed.
Then there’s Oron, who is my soft spot. He’s gentle, thoughtful, smart. The quiet force in the room who sees everything and says just enough. He’s my second favorite, but still holds a huge chunk of my heart.
And let’s not forget the other two guys. Bradger is so kind and welcoming. He took Nova in right away and unknowingly helped her understand this new world. And Crux… he’s prickly, not immediately likable, but there’s definitely something soft hidden beneath all that edge. He really grew on me.
The worldbuilding? Phenomenal. The story? Constantly evolving with zero dull moments. I flew through this book, barely stopping to eat. It’s so well constructed. Every reveal, every relationship, every twist just worked.
Now, the ending. I won’t lie, it left me a little lost because I want to know everything at once, and that’s not possible with an open ending. BUT that just means I’m hoping and praying there will be a book two, because I need more of Nova and Leon. I am not okay.
Also, Leon’s brother? There’s totally a soft side under that icy surface. I can feel it. And Humphrey! I love that guy. Just had to throw that in there.
This was an obvious five-star read. I couldn’t put it down, I loved everything about it, and I’m already dying for more.
I started Roots and Rubble by Kalleigh Royn at noon and had it finished at the end of the day. That’s how obsessed I was. This book pulled me in from page one and never let go.
The story follows Nova, a girl from a world where everything is predetermined; your path, your future, your entire life. But Nova isn’t having it. She decides to break free and sets out on a journey that turns into a full-blown adventure. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters that I’m still thinking about.
Let’s start with Leon. The MMC. He calls her lamb, it was so cute. sooo onviously I was SOLD. Their relationship is built so well with so much depth and care that I never once questioned the pacing or the progression. It just kept getting better and better and better. I’m obsessed.
Then there’s Oron, who is my soft spot. He’s gentle, thoughtful, smart. The quiet force in the room who sees everything and says just enough. He’s my second favorite, but still holds a huge chunk of my heart.
And let’s not forget the other two guys. Bradger is so kind and welcoming. He took Nova in right away and unknowingly helped her understand this new world. And Crux… he’s prickly, not immediately likable, but there’s definitely something soft hidden beneath all that edge. He really grew on me.
The worldbuilding? Phenomenal. The story? Constantly evolving with zero dull moments. I flew through this book, barely stopping to eat. It’s so well constructed. Every reveal, every relationship, every twist just worked.
Now, the ending. I won’t lie, it left me a little lost because I want to know everything at once, and that’s not possible with an open ending. BUT that just means I’m hoping and praying there will be a book two, because I need more of Nova and Leon. I am not okay.
Also, Leon’s brother? There’s totally a soft side under that icy surface. I can feel it. And Humphrey! I love that guy. Just had to throw that in there.
This was an obvious five-star read. I couldn’t put it down, I loved everything about it, and I’m already dying for more.
March 25, 2026
THAT ENDING THOUGH!! Talk about a story that feels like a slow sunrise. It’s warm, grounding, and full of quiet wonder. The world is lush and textured, the kind that invites you to slow your breath and savor every word. Royn’s prose is both earthy and elegant, weaving layers of emotion with natural beauty in a way that feels deeply alive.
This book captures the magic of growth (personal, emotional, and sometimes painfully beautiful) without ever losing its heart. The characters are rendered with such care that their joys and struggles feel real and tender, like old friends you can’t help but root for. Every page bursts with evocative imagery and thoughtful insight, balancing soul and story in perfect harmony.
If you adore character-driven tales rich with atmosphere, heart, and quiet magic, this book will stay with you long after the last sentence. Five stars all the way.
Thank you to Kalleigh Royn for a copy of the ebook!
This book captures the magic of growth (personal, emotional, and sometimes painfully beautiful) without ever losing its heart. The characters are rendered with such care that their joys and struggles feel real and tender, like old friends you can’t help but root for. Every page bursts with evocative imagery and thoughtful insight, balancing soul and story in perfect harmony.
If you adore character-driven tales rich with atmosphere, heart, and quiet magic, this book will stay with you long after the last sentence. Five stars all the way.
Thank you to Kalleigh Royn for a copy of the ebook!
June 7, 2025
Roots & Rubble caught my eye on Instagram, so I applied for an ARC copy. I started reading it one night, and I was so invested, I could not put it down. Normally I take notes as I read, but I forgot to do that! However, I retained plenty of impressions of this unforgettable dystopian novel.
Nova wants more than the life she was born into and is expected to live. She yearns to see what’s outside of her hidden village, and when she dares to venture outside of it, she finds more adventure than she bargained for...but this young woman handles it.
The setting ranges from Nova’s hidden comfort zone (home) to a dangerous Mad Max type junkyard to treacherous mountain passes.
The characters are well developed, each with their own quirks and roles in the story. I especially liked the bad@ss, skilled women and the protective, morally grey MMC.
Nova’s knowledge of plants, natural remedies, and tracking add complex facets to her personality. They also make her ability to survive in an unfamiliar world believable and real. Her adventures had me on the edge of my seat hoping she’d be okay, and I can’t wait to read the next book in The Scattered Seeds Series.
Nova wants more than the life she was born into and is expected to live. She yearns to see what’s outside of her hidden village, and when she dares to venture outside of it, she finds more adventure than she bargained for...but this young woman handles it.
The setting ranges from Nova’s hidden comfort zone (home) to a dangerous Mad Max type junkyard to treacherous mountain passes.
The characters are well developed, each with their own quirks and roles in the story. I especially liked the bad@ss, skilled women and the protective, morally grey MMC.
Nova’s knowledge of plants, natural remedies, and tracking add complex facets to her personality. They also make her ability to survive in an unfamiliar world believable and real. Her adventures had me on the edge of my seat hoping she’d be okay, and I can’t wait to read the next book in The Scattered Seeds Series.
June 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this book—I didn’t want to put it down! The story pulled me in from the very first chapter, and I’m already eager to get my hands on book two. I love a book with a strong female lead who’s easy to root for. I also really enjoyed the unique plant and tracking knowledge woven into the story—it satisfied the Girl Guide side of me. Highly recommend! Bring on book two in the Scattered Seed Series.
July 2, 2025
ARC review ✨️
Firstly, one of the loveliest authors! Kalleigh has really hit it out the park with this book, Im so grateful for being given the opportunity to read this and to be able to speak the author themselves ☺️ @kalleighroynwrites
I ate this story up so quickly that I reread it again to actually ensure I didnt miss anything! Nova is such a relatable FMC who's character development was great to read. Doesn't everyone want more to life than what is predetermined to us? Absolutely, so I really loved this getting broken through
Leon, my goodness. I had a huge soft spot for him and their relationship. It developed at a good pace which didnt leave you thinking.. oh, that was quick, perfect pace. But the ending?! How could you do this to us..!!! Actually. Please continue to do it to us because I cannot stop thinking about the cliffhanger and the theories and thoughts going through my head
The story is set in a dystopian world which anyone who loves divergent with a hint of Mad Max, this is 100% for you and easy to get into and fly through. I would definitely recommend reading Roots and Rubble, its now available to buy/ read now!
Firstly, one of the loveliest authors! Kalleigh has really hit it out the park with this book, Im so grateful for being given the opportunity to read this and to be able to speak the author themselves ☺️ @kalleighroynwrites
I ate this story up so quickly that I reread it again to actually ensure I didnt miss anything! Nova is such a relatable FMC who's character development was great to read. Doesn't everyone want more to life than what is predetermined to us? Absolutely, so I really loved this getting broken through
Leon, my goodness. I had a huge soft spot for him and their relationship. It developed at a good pace which didnt leave you thinking.. oh, that was quick, perfect pace. But the ending?! How could you do this to us..!!! Actually. Please continue to do it to us because I cannot stop thinking about the cliffhanger and the theories and thoughts going through my head
The story is set in a dystopian world which anyone who loves divergent with a hint of Mad Max, this is 100% for you and easy to get into and fly through. I would definitely recommend reading Roots and Rubble, its now available to buy/ read now!
July 4, 2025
HOW I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I just wanna scream and tell every one to read this!
I don’t even have words, i loved this so much and at the same time i don’t know where to beging to tell about this!
I did like Nova! And in the end i started to like Crux too! Bradger, oh my he is so funny, i loved him! And so kind too! Oron seems nice too! But the best one was obiously Leon! Hot, nice, a bit broody and hot! Did i all ready say hi is hot? Well he is hot.
Everything in this book is so well written and the story goes on so smoothly. Awesome details and characters! You truly could imagine how they look and sounds!
I am gonna need more of this story! Loved this so much! One of my favorite reads of the year!
AAAAAAAAAA is all i can say(or yell)
I don’t even have words, i loved this so much and at the same time i don’t know where to beging to tell about this!
I did like Nova! And in the end i started to like Crux too! Bradger, oh my he is so funny, i loved him! And so kind too! Oron seems nice too! But the best one was obiously Leon! Hot, nice, a bit broody and hot! Did i all ready say hi is hot? Well he is hot.
Everything in this book is so well written and the story goes on so smoothly. Awesome details and characters! You truly could imagine how they look and sounds!
I am gonna need more of this story! Loved this so much! One of my favorite reads of the year!
AAAAAAAAAA is all i can say(or yell)
June 27, 2025
When you feel like you have no choice except what’s been laid before you, read this book!
“No matter our status”, he says quietly, “we are all worthy of respect”
Set in a world beyond the collapse of modern civilization, Nova is a dreamer who wants more than the simple life of her collective.
She doesn’t want to be a tracker, she knows her skills are rooted in forbidden knowledge.
When she decides to take control of her destiny, she ends up captured. Can her skills save her life? Will she survive the world she knows nothing about? Waiting on bated breath for the next book! So blessed to have received an advanced copy to read. 🤩
“No matter our status”, he says quietly, “we are all worthy of respect”
Set in a world beyond the collapse of modern civilization, Nova is a dreamer who wants more than the simple life of her collective.
She doesn’t want to be a tracker, she knows her skills are rooted in forbidden knowledge.
When she decides to take control of her destiny, she ends up captured. Can her skills save her life? Will she survive the world she knows nothing about? Waiting on bated breath for the next book! So blessed to have received an advanced copy to read. 🤩
October 28, 2025
I ate this book up ! It's a very good surprise and I can't wait to read the next book :D
January 19, 2026
Nova is a strong and smart girl. That's what I loved about her.She is very clever, seeing the bigger picture and reading the moment very well. She doesn't have much knowledge given where she comes from but she knows how to make the best of what she has.The action is very captivating and it's very hard to stop
reading. The ending let's you craving for more and you will
give it five stars without a thought.
reading. The ending let's you craving for more and you will
give it five stars without a thought.
July 29, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this YA novel and can’t wait for book 2! Love Nova’s unique strengths and the diversity of the characters throughout the story. Great dystopian elements and it was easy to follow and picture everything. I know that my jr high students will absolutely adore this book too!
November 17, 2025
Love love loved this book!! I was immediately immersed in the dystopian world. Such an interesting storyline with amazing characters. I just love the found family in here and the slow burn romance has me chomping at the bit for more! I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
November 30, 2025
Living in Whitebark Haven seems like paradise to many after the tragedies that changed the course of human life.
What Nova Stormont did not anticipate was having to submit to a narrow-minded policy that raises and brings up individuals to serve the community, only to then deny them the freedom to decide what to do with their lives at the Rite.
If the council expects her to continue as a scout during the hunt, she would like to study botany in order to make a real contribution to safeguarding the health and well-being of her people. Unfortunately, she will face a future of ostracism and loneliness unless she follows what the council has imposed on her.
That is precisely why, during an unauthorised visit with a friend of the same age, she decides to stay out longer to explore the outside world. It is here that our explorer will either be as free as air or end up in handcuffs like a captive.
Having never left those suffocating but now safe walls, Nova finds herself witnessing high-risk situations and learning that her community's perfect way of life is nothing more than a smokescreen, imposed to protect those who are more worthy than others living outside.
I don't know if the author intended to write a post-apocalyptic dystopian story, but I found many similarities with both dystopian and fantasy books I'd read before. The story itself describes a pseudo-idyllic situation, but when the protagonist takes her first steps alone, the MC discovers the hidden corruption that kept them subjugated by the need to stay safe.
I know that the situation with outsiders is tense and on edge on both sides: trusting someone's word is never a good sign, nor is planning the fate of those who have no choice but to follow those who keep them in chains...
Can't really wait to read the sequel 👀🔥
What Nova Stormont did not anticipate was having to submit to a narrow-minded policy that raises and brings up individuals to serve the community, only to then deny them the freedom to decide what to do with their lives at the Rite.
If the council expects her to continue as a scout during the hunt, she would like to study botany in order to make a real contribution to safeguarding the health and well-being of her people. Unfortunately, she will face a future of ostracism and loneliness unless she follows what the council has imposed on her.
That is precisely why, during an unauthorised visit with a friend of the same age, she decides to stay out longer to explore the outside world. It is here that our explorer will either be as free as air or end up in handcuffs like a captive.
Having never left those suffocating but now safe walls, Nova finds herself witnessing high-risk situations and learning that her community's perfect way of life is nothing more than a smokescreen, imposed to protect those who are more worthy than others living outside.
I don't know if the author intended to write a post-apocalyptic dystopian story, but I found many similarities with both dystopian and fantasy books I'd read before. The story itself describes a pseudo-idyllic situation, but when the protagonist takes her first steps alone, the MC discovers the hidden corruption that kept them subjugated by the need to stay safe.
I know that the situation with outsiders is tense and on edge on both sides: trusting someone's word is never a good sign, nor is planning the fate of those who have no choice but to follow those who keep them in chains...
Can't really wait to read the sequel 👀🔥
March 2, 2026
Loved this book! The characters were enjoyable and the whole crew really grew on me throughout the book. I really enjoyed the fantasy/dystopian vibes and the storyline left me intrigued the entire time. Loved the journey vibes with a little danger aspect. Nova was taken captive but was she really a captive with Leon? I don’t think so, can’t wait to see their development in the next book! Nova was brought along to their faction where she has to serve time to earn her freedom, she ran away from her old faction before she ran into Leon and his crew. She wanted to escape her old life as she felt she could do more, little did she know about the world and how things operated outside of her faction. We see how she grows into her character throughout the book slowly gaining more courage and strength. I enjoyed her interactions between Leon and his crew and found them to be honourable despite not entirely trusting her to start. Overall loved the writing style and plot of the story and can’t wait to read the next one!
May 6, 2026
“To survive, she followed the rules. To live, she’ll have to break them.” I really enjoyed this dystopian fantasy, it had me captivated from the first chapter! The FMC, Nova, is a strong, resilient 18 year old who wants the ability to choose her life's path. Growing up in a secluded faction, is all rules and structure. She reveals a hidden talent at her coming of age ceremony but before the elders can pass judgment Nova slips beyond the border to enjoy her last moments of freedom. She is taken by surprise by a ruthless faction, the Loxosceles. This is where she learns what the world is really like and where she truly finds herself.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the second! I was lucky enough to have met Kalleigh at a market in Calgary, she is the sweetest person!
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the second! I was lucky enough to have met Kalleigh at a market in Calgary, she is the sweetest person!
June 29, 2025
“Hello! Lamb” gah I loved this read! I flew through this book. The details were so vivid I could picture every scene as I read it. I adored the characters and couldn’t wait to pick it up again to see where the story took them. Their development was perfectly written. I’m obsessed with Leon and Nova and I was kicking my feet in every scene together!
It gave me a bit of mad max vibes and I am here for it! The slow burn was just enough to keep me begging for more!
🖤 Found family
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Slow burn
The ending left me on a cliff hanger and I CANNOT wait to read the rest of this series, please release the next one like today! For a debut this book is 🤌🏼 chefs kiss!
It gave me a bit of mad max vibes and I am here for it! The slow burn was just enough to keep me begging for more!
🖤 Found family
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Slow burn
The ending left me on a cliff hanger and I CANNOT wait to read the rest of this series, please release the next one like today! For a debut this book is 🤌🏼 chefs kiss!
December 31, 2025
This is a beautifully written and immersive story. From the very first line, the reader is drawn into Nova’s world, which is described with great care and vivid detail. The atmosphere feels rich and alive throughout the book.
Nova’s character development is one of the strongest aspects of the story. Her journey of self-growth is thoughtfully portrayed and feels both authentic and meaningful.
I had the opportunity to read this book because I will be reading book two as an ARC, and it left a strong impression. This is a novel I will gladly purchase in a physical edition to keep on my bookshelf. I am very much looking forward to continuing the story in book two.
Nova’s character development is one of the strongest aspects of the story. Her journey of self-growth is thoughtfully portrayed and feels both authentic and meaningful.
I had the opportunity to read this book because I will be reading book two as an ARC, and it left a strong impression. This is a novel I will gladly purchase in a physical edition to keep on my bookshelf. I am very much looking forward to continuing the story in book two.
June 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book & I’d like to say thank you to the author for giving me the privilege to read it. I’m new to the world of dystopian fiction but I found the world building to be very believable and engaging. I enjoyed the character growth of Nova (the MC) and I can’t wait to see the development of her relationship with Leon.
But that cliffhanger? Da fudge man 🤣 Needless to say I’m anxious for book two!
But that cliffhanger? Da fudge man 🤣 Needless to say I’m anxious for book two!
July 31, 2025
What a refreshing new take on a dystopian world. The author weaves a tale that will draw you in and leave you wanting more! I could not put Roots & Rubble down. The characters are intriguing and engaging. Learning this world through Nova's eyes had me glued to the pages. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
January 4, 2026
With a slow burn to start this story you really get to know Nova, as she struggles to know herself in Whitebark Haven.
But once the story, and her journey, began to take shape, I was hooked on to her and I couldn’t stop reading! I can’t wait to see where her character goes, how she develops and changes while staying true to herself in this changing world. More please!!!
But once the story, and her journey, began to take shape, I was hooked on to her and I couldn’t stop reading! I can’t wait to see where her character goes, how she develops and changes while staying true to herself in this changing world. More please!!!
June 20, 2025
The Roots and Rubble cover ensnared me instantly and when I started the book I was just enraptured with the story. I love the chemistry between Nova and Leon. and the nickname Lamb... I can't wait to continue this series.
January 13, 2026
It took me a little bit to get into Roots and Rubble. It was a very different style than I am used to but in a good way. The way you move through this world was fun and interesting. I ended up enjoying this very much!
July 1, 2025
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Four stars for me! I’m not usually a YA reader, but I was absolutely sucked into this book by the blurb and knew I needed to read it. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story itself. Nova really depicts the value of hope and not just existing to survive. I enjoyed the slow burn, and I didn’t expect the cliffhanger that was waiting for me at the end! I look forward to seeing how the story continues in the next book.
Four stars for me! I’m not usually a YA reader, but I was absolutely sucked into this book by the blurb and knew I needed to read it. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story itself. Nova really depicts the value of hope and not just existing to survive. I enjoyed the slow burn, and I didn’t expect the cliffhanger that was waiting for me at the end! I look forward to seeing how the story continues in the next book.
March 31, 2026
*Review of copy received by author in exchange for an honest review *
I was super pleasantly surprised reading this book. I stumbled upon Kalleigh on Instagram and I was interested in this series. I went into it totally blind, frankly expecting something generic. Oh was I wrong.
This book hooked me in from the very start. I read this book so fast. It was eventful and it went in a direction I did not expect, having gone into it blind.
I loved all of the characters in this book. They are all well rounded and all have distinct personalities which I really appreciate.
The prose is beautiful. The world building is simple yet compelling.
The ending is great and leaves you wanting to read the next book immediately, which is what I will be doing.
I was super pleasantly surprised reading this book. I stumbled upon Kalleigh on Instagram and I was interested in this series. I went into it totally blind, frankly expecting something generic. Oh was I wrong.
This book hooked me in from the very start. I read this book so fast. It was eventful and it went in a direction I did not expect, having gone into it blind.
I loved all of the characters in this book. They are all well rounded and all have distinct personalities which I really appreciate.
The prose is beautiful. The world building is simple yet compelling.
The ending is great and leaves you wanting to read the next book immediately, which is what I will be doing.
November 18, 2025
Nova is portrayed as a strong and kind lead character. She is hopeful even in adversity, and we need more of that. Her resiliency is demonstrated as she notices and appreciates small details in the environment, while planning ahead. Nova is coming of age and into her power - if you liked Hunger Games and Divergent, you will love this book. Royn's clear and descriptive writing made me picture (and live in) this dystopian world for a time. I couldn't put it down and am eagerly anticipating the sequel!
August 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book even though there was no spice! I really like the chemistry between them too! I love the nickname Lamb. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! Can’t wait to see how it turns out
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn romance
- mortally grey MMC
- rival fictions
- found family
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn romance
- mortally grey MMC
- rival fictions
- found family
October 12, 2025
Fierce, grounded, and absolutely unputdownable.
“You think you have to follow the rules to survive. But what if living means breaking them?”
Roots & Rubble pulled me in hard. Nova Stormont’s world is built on rigid roles, shadows, and the promise that if you obey long enough, maybe you’ll belong. But Nova doesn’t just want to survive, she wants more. And when her hidden talents force her out of what she knows, she discovers a danger much more complicated than the enemy just across the border.
From the start, the book moves with urgency. Nova’s knowledge of plants, tracking, and the natural world makes her survival believable and her rebellion feels earned. And Leon… Hello, Lamb is a nickname that lands so well. Their dynamic is slow-burn, raw, and real, with sparks that come not just from attraction but from conflict, expectation, and everything they’re taught to believe.
What truly elevates Roots & Rubble is that Nova isn’t perfect. She doubts. She slips up. But her growth feels real. The enemies-to-lovers angle with Leon is handled with tension and promise, not insta-gratification. The world alternates between lush scenes of survival (the herbs, the tracking, the hidden skills) and brutal clarity (the punishments, the betrayals, the harsh borderlands).
If there’s a downside, it’s that some moments are quieter than I wanted, they build steadily rather than explode. But that quiet fuels the emotional stakes, so when things do escalate, you feel it.
If you like morally grey characters, slow-burn romance, found family, dystopian stakes, and danger that tests everyone, Roots & Rubble is your next obsession.
“You think you have to follow the rules to survive. But what if living means breaking them?”
Roots & Rubble pulled me in hard. Nova Stormont’s world is built on rigid roles, shadows, and the promise that if you obey long enough, maybe you’ll belong. But Nova doesn’t just want to survive, she wants more. And when her hidden talents force her out of what she knows, she discovers a danger much more complicated than the enemy just across the border.
From the start, the book moves with urgency. Nova’s knowledge of plants, tracking, and the natural world makes her survival believable and her rebellion feels earned. And Leon… Hello, Lamb is a nickname that lands so well. Their dynamic is slow-burn, raw, and real, with sparks that come not just from attraction but from conflict, expectation, and everything they’re taught to believe.
What truly elevates Roots & Rubble is that Nova isn’t perfect. She doubts. She slips up. But her growth feels real. The enemies-to-lovers angle with Leon is handled with tension and promise, not insta-gratification. The world alternates between lush scenes of survival (the herbs, the tracking, the hidden skills) and brutal clarity (the punishments, the betrayals, the harsh borderlands).
If there’s a downside, it’s that some moments are quieter than I wanted, they build steadily rather than explode. But that quiet fuels the emotional stakes, so when things do escalate, you feel it.
If you like morally grey characters, slow-burn romance, found family, dystopian stakes, and danger that tests everyone, Roots & Rubble is your next obsession.
January 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW: THE SCATTERED SEEDS SERIES
Book one : Absolute blockbuster ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book two : Also absolute blockbuster 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'd give this series ♾️/10
Have you ever read a book and thought....ahhh this book should be adapted into a movie????....
It's THIS ONE!! 🫠
Packed with fantasy, adventure, survival, romance all in one!! 👀
The series is set in a post-apocalyptic setting; where instead of countries separating the world, there are rival factions..... A brand new & fresh concept. Where a curious & unsatisfied character decides to break all boundaries & set foot outside her small world (her comfort zone) and then things get messier.....She comes across a ruthless enemy & her new journey begins.....Tune into the story and find out if she achieves her goal !
If I give you *my honest review* it totally felt like I was in some kind of movie watching it unfold on the sidelines. The writing is totally immersive it just connects with you right away! The characters felt so real at some point I started to relate with it! The main attraction of this series when the Love triangle starts 🤭 it's all Valric brothers & Noah!! It grabbed my attention further & I never felt the urge to put the book down!
NO BORING PARTS, SERIOUSLY!! 🤩
✨ IF YOU LOVE BOOKS WITH :
- Ancient v/s modern lifestyle
- Kidnapped FMC
- Survival
- Enemies to Lovers
- Found family
- Love triangle
- Deadly trials
- No spice / closed door
- Romantic tension
- Jealousy
- Fierce FMC
- Morally gray men
YOU FOUND THE BEST BOOK!!!
Book one : Absolute blockbuster ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book two : Also absolute blockbuster 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'd give this series ♾️/10
Have you ever read a book and thought....ahhh this book should be adapted into a movie????....
It's THIS ONE!! 🫠
Packed with fantasy, adventure, survival, romance all in one!! 👀
The series is set in a post-apocalyptic setting; where instead of countries separating the world, there are rival factions..... A brand new & fresh concept. Where a curious & unsatisfied character decides to break all boundaries & set foot outside her small world (her comfort zone) and then things get messier.....She comes across a ruthless enemy & her new journey begins.....Tune into the story and find out if she achieves her goal !
If I give you *my honest review* it totally felt like I was in some kind of movie watching it unfold on the sidelines. The writing is totally immersive it just connects with you right away! The characters felt so real at some point I started to relate with it! The main attraction of this series when the Love triangle starts 🤭 it's all Valric brothers & Noah!! It grabbed my attention further & I never felt the urge to put the book down!
NO BORING PARTS, SERIOUSLY!! 🤩
✨ IF YOU LOVE BOOKS WITH :
- Ancient v/s modern lifestyle
- Kidnapped FMC
- Survival
- Enemies to Lovers
- Found family
- Love triangle
- Deadly trials
- No spice / closed door
- Romantic tension
- Jealousy
- Fierce FMC
- Morally gray men
YOU FOUND THE BEST BOOK!!!
arc-reads
June 24, 2025I want to start by saying that this book left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I really appreciated the overall concept and the vivid dystopian world the author created. The worldbuilding was great with settings so well described that I could picture the places clearly in my mind.
However, I struggled with following the motives of the main character, Nova. I found it difficult to understand her and her thoughts. She changed her mind quite so often and it felt to me like she didn’t know what to do with her life, whether she wanted to go back home or follow her own path. At times I couldn't even understand her actions. That made it hard for me to really connect with her. That said, there were qualities I did admire in Nova: her willpower, determination, and her deep love for herbals gave her a great edge that stood out, even when her choices didn’t always make sense to me. As for Leon, I’m still trying to figure him out. He felt a bit inconsistent at first, but I have to admit, toward the end, I started to warm up to him.
Of the other three Loxosceles soldiers, Oron was definitely my favorite. He felt the most grounded and kindhearted.
In the end, this book had a lot of potential and some truly strong elements, especially the setting and atmosphere but I wish the characters (particularly Nova) had felt more fully realized. Still, I'm curious to see where the story goes next as the ending left many questions unanswered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, I struggled with following the motives of the main character, Nova. I found it difficult to understand her and her thoughts. She changed her mind quite so often and it felt to me like she didn’t know what to do with her life, whether she wanted to go back home or follow her own path. At times I couldn't even understand her actions. That made it hard for me to really connect with her. That said, there were qualities I did admire in Nova: her willpower, determination, and her deep love for herbals gave her a great edge that stood out, even when her choices didn’t always make sense to me. As for Leon, I’m still trying to figure him out. He felt a bit inconsistent at first, but I have to admit, toward the end, I started to warm up to him.
Of the other three Loxosceles soldiers, Oron was definitely my favorite. He felt the most grounded and kindhearted.
In the end, this book had a lot of potential and some truly strong elements, especially the setting and atmosphere but I wish the characters (particularly Nova) had felt more fully realized. Still, I'm curious to see where the story goes next as the ending left many questions unanswered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2026
I enjoyed it; I had a lot of spare time and it helped me fill it so I really can't complain that much. However, I will say that some elements seemed basic to me. Maybe that is just because I have been reading Tolkien so anything in comparison seems dull. What bothered me the most was the tedious and overused metaphor of a wolf for a character which provoked nothing else but strain on my eyes from rolling them so often.
That and the victim mentality that the main character has throughout this entire book!
You're a prisoner, I get it! But constantly having sentences like "They've showed a unreasonable amount of kindness, but the rope around my wrists reminds me they don't trust me." Yeah no kidding, they found you lurking in the woods and you're from an enemy faction. What did you expect? And when they do (obviously) become friends she still throws out lines like "why do you care, you're still bringing me to be a slave!" Girl it was either that or death so I would be a little bit more appreciative. It is written to empathize with her but frankly I have none to spare.
Lastly, I don't believe I deserved the second hand embarrassment of reading the lines "The potency of the raw adrenaline and testosterone emanating from his body is suffocating". Are we serious?
That and the victim mentality that the main character has throughout this entire book!
You're a prisoner, I get it! But constantly having sentences like "They've showed a unreasonable amount of kindness, but the rope around my wrists reminds me they don't trust me." Yeah no kidding, they found you lurking in the woods and you're from an enemy faction. What did you expect? And when they do (obviously) become friends she still throws out lines like "why do you care, you're still bringing me to be a slave!" Girl it was either that or death so I would be a little bit more appreciative. It is written to empathize with her but frankly I have none to spare.
Lastly, I don't believe I deserved the second hand embarrassment of reading the lines "The potency of the raw adrenaline and testosterone emanating from his body is suffocating". Are we serious?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
I absolately adored this first book in the Scattered Seeds series. I’ve been craving a good dystopian novel and Roots & Rubble hit the spot! In my experience, YA seems to have some of the best dystopian stories, and this book didn’t disappoint. I was invested in the world and the characters within the first few chapters.
Our FMC - Nova - was raised in a village that does not seems to have much interaction with the world around it. Nova’s nieviety comes to light pretty early in the story and her beliefs are put to the test when she decides to leave the only home she’s ever known for something more… what that something is, she isn’t sure, but she’s determined to make a way for herself on her own terms. Book one follows Nova as she is captured by a rival faction and discovers things about the world that she never could have imagined.
I’ve read a lot of dystopian stories that don’t feel like they could be true, but this series was developed so well that I found myself relating to the characters and visualizing myself inside the world that Royn created.
Our FMC - Nova - was raised in a village that does not seems to have much interaction with the world around it. Nova’s nieviety comes to light pretty early in the story and her beliefs are put to the test when she decides to leave the only home she’s ever known for something more… what that something is, she isn’t sure, but she’s determined to make a way for herself on her own terms. Book one follows Nova as she is captured by a rival faction and discovers things about the world that she never could have imagined.
I’ve read a lot of dystopian stories that don’t feel like they could be true, but this series was developed so well that I found myself relating to the characters and visualizing myself inside the world that Royn created.
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