The River Has Roots

De: Amal El-Mohtar

Narrado por: Gem Carmella

2026 Audie Awards winner for Best New Voice and for Production & Sound Design!

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…

"...Gem Carmella’s narration kicks the book up several notches. Her rich rural English accent and animated delivery lend the air of a tale told fireside by a beloved relative, adding so much to the novel’s charm..." — Slate

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

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor.com.

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.

Witty and magical

This story is beautifully written and the audiobook is absolutely fantastic. I read the book first and loved it. When I checked out the audiobook, I discovered it has all my favorite features: wonderful narrator’s voice, with beautiful singing and other sound effects sprinkled throughout. I have recommended both the book and the audiobook to my family and many friends. This audiobook is one I will happily revisit often.