Steeped in Polish fairy tale history, Uprooted provides an immersive reading experience. It's best not to know too much going in. I didn't and I was thrilled to find that I never knew what was going to happen next. I can't even remember the last time that happened with a book. Sure, there are a few standard fairy tale events here, but it was so uniquely done. I never quite knew what part of fairy tale lore she was going to pull from next. And, of course, lots of it is of Naomi Novik's own creation. It fits right alongside tales from the Grimm Brothers and Baba Jaga. 
 Here's what you do need to know. Agnieszka is Dragon-born, which means she was born in a year where one girl from their area will be chosen to serve the Dragon when they reach the age of seventeen. Everyone assumes it will be Agnieszka's best friend, who is sweet and beautiful and everything that usually gets picked by the Dragon. The Dragon is not a dragon, but he is a slightly terrifying wizard who watches over their land and keeps it safe from the bordering, looming wood. He keeps the chosen girl in his tower for ten years--not for anything improper, mind you--and then releases them and picks another. It comes as a genuine shock when he picks ungainly and outspoken Agnieszka instead. I'll say this much. . . she doesn't stay locked up in the tower for very long. 
 All of this makes for a story that is thrilling and dark. Nieshka's relationship with the Dragon is occasionally baffling, but also compelling. (If Naomi Novik isn't a huge Howl's Moving Castle fangirl, I'll eat my hat. I mean, I would if I wore hats.) The magic system is lovely and you'll be tempted to say certain spells out loud, just to see how they'll feel on your tongue. There are some strong feminist notions of strength and choice woven into the narrative that I though were particularly well done. The title is perfect on many levels. 
 Also, Ellen Degeneres is producing the movie? That should be sweet. 
 {4.5 stars}