The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is a lyrical novella set on the edge of Faerie (5/5 stars)

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is a lyrical novella set on the edge of Faerie.

I followed along in my gorgeous physical review copy (the illustrations are STUNNING) while listening to the audiobook, which I borrowed from my local library. I highly recommend doing a blended read for this one!

The audiobook is wonderfully produced. The narrator does a phenomenal job, especially when she’s singing! The author and her sister also sing and play the harp and flute throughout the novella. It truly transported me to the edge of Faerie myself.

This novella is apparently a reimagining of a 17th century murder ballad, which totally makes sense. I loved it so much.

There’s lovely rep here as well–the main relationship we follow throughout the book is a queer one, and our MC’s love is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. Said love is also from Faerie, so their looks are ever-changing like the landscape.

I really can’t say much about this book since it’s short–but it packs a mighty punch. I definitely cried a few times, and it’s only 133 pages! The music really affected me, and I was truly here for the ~~vibes~~.

If you like fae, music, or language, you should absolutely pick this one up!

I received a complimentary review copy from Tordotcom Pub and NetGalley. All opinions contained herein are my own.

If you want to see more from me, check out my Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, or Bluesky.