The River Has Roots

De: Amal El-Mohtar

Narrado por: Gem Carmella

The River Has Roots is the hugely anticipated solo debut of the New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award winning author Amal El-Mohtar. 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.

This program features music performed by the author and her sister, Dounya El-Mohtar with Amal and Dounya on harp, flute, and vocals; and songs sung by the narrator, Gem Carmella. It also includes the short story "John Hollowback and the Witch," from the author's upcoming collection.

"Half delicious murder ballad, half beguiling love story." —Holly Black • "An absolute must-read." —T. Kingfisher • "Every sentence sings!" —Sarah Beth Durst • "Utterly enchanting." —Fonda Lee • "A story that outlasts itself." —Alix E. Harrow • "Truly exquisite." —Zoraida Córdova • "A beautiful, musical, and loving story." —Emma Törzs

“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…

“Musical effects combine with Carmella’s singing at key moments…A stunning performance.”—AudioFile (Earphones Award Winner)

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor.com.

Definitely preferred the audiobook more than the traditional reading experience

It's a simple yet palpable, whimsical story. Fairytale like, too. but what I really want to focus on in this review is how much better this was to listen to than it was to read. the musical element made the story come alive more than simply reading could.

beautiful and lyrical

amal el-mohtar is one of my favorite authors of all time - and i enjoyed this SO much, will listen to it again.
the reader’s accent is deep but it fits the story well.
i love that amal and her sister performed the music for this! very much added to the magic.
the second half of this is a whole other adjusted fairy tale - both of these are excellent re-tellings that flip the stories’ moral underpinnings to be about sibling love, love between women generally, and the value of listening and being curious and interested in the ones you love - so when something wild happens you understand and can make the best decision that will be helpful.

Fantastic production!

Great narration, music, background noises. Overall one of the best audiobooks ever, congrats to the narrator!

An effervescent joy

The writing, narration, plot and pacing were all exceptional. This book had me weeping tears of joy. A tale of two sisters. A feminist book, with queer elements. Extremely creative story, and prose. I will save it for re-listening when I need a trip to Arcadia.

Beautifully sweet and sad

An absorbing fairy tale with lovely music and sounds effects that really highlighted the story. Short but impactful.

Narration worthy of a gorgeous story

This is one that definitely needs to be enjoyed on audio. The words, the background music, the song, the melodious voice of the narrator all complement each other in a gorgeous production. This was an unexpected treasure.

The speculative concepts and the world building

Really loved this. Fantastic concept, moving story and execution, and gorgeous production and narrative performance. Highly recommended.

pure lyrical enchantment

I was completely pulled into its world of rivers that speak, sisters who sing to willows, and love that transcends form. The audiobook brings it to life with music, water, and voice—it’s less like listening to a story and more like stepping into a dream. I didn’t want it to end. It’s one I’ll reread to uncover all the layers I’m sure I missed.

Gorgeous story, beautifully narrated.

This book was magical from start to finish. The stories were gorgeously written and the narration was the perfect match to the words. Amal El-Mohter is a new find for me, and she is a revelation. Both the River has Roots and John Hollowback embody all the timeless, best magic of fairytale and effortlessly blend into that genre. El-Mohter’s shift in perspective is organic and authentic, and imbues great power into her creation. I haven’t been this excited to find a new writer in a while, and I look forward to diving deep into her work

Creative brilliant word play

Original visceral bewilderment playing with the readers intellect. Engaging & unpredictable, beautifully read and sung. A real gem!