Rust in the Root

De: Justina Ireland

Narrado por: Jordan Cobb

The author of the visionary New York Times bestseller Dread Nation returns with another spellbinding historical fantasy set at the crossroads of race and power in America.

It is 1937, and Laura Ann Langston lives in an America divided—between those who work the mystical arts and those who do not. Ever since the Great Rust, a catastrophic event that blighted the arcane force called the Dynamism and threw America into disarray, the country has been rebuilding for a better future. And everyone knows the future is industry and technology—otherwise known as Mechomancy—not the traditional mystical arts.

Laura disagrees. A talented young queer mage from Pennsylvania, Laura hopped a portal to New York City on her seventeenth birthday with hopes of earning her mage’s license and becoming something more than a rootworker.

But four months later, she’s got little to show for it other than an empty pocket and broken dreams. With nowhere else to turn, Laura applies for a job with the Bureau of the Arcane’s Conservation Corps, a branch of the US government dedicated to repairing the Dynamism so that Mechomancy can thrive. There she meets the Skylark, a powerful mage with a mysterious past, who reluctantly takes Laura on as an apprentice.

As they’re sent off on their first mission together into the heart of the country’s oldest and most mysterious Blight, they discover the work of mages not encountered since the darkest period in America’s past, when Black mages were killed for their power—work that could threaten Laura’s and the Skylark’s lives, and everything they’ve worked for.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Justina Ireland (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Another winner.

Engaging story with beautiful narration. This is my third book by this author and I love them all.

Delightful!

For fans of HMRC or those looking for a less heavy version of the Parable books. Excellent read!

Very Creatively written!

I love the creative sc-fi twists and links to Black history. The story is very intricate so I had to pay close attention to follow it. Love it!

Loved it!

I just loved this book from start to end….story to narration! Another in this series would be most welcome.

Worth a listen

It took me a while to get into this book compared to the others I have listened to by this author. I didn’t find the story as compelling but I’m glad I saw it through to the end. If you like magical realism and fantasy you will likely enjoy this book very much.

Fantasy meets truth

Another great story that explores historical truths through a fantastic and well developed narrative.

Can someone please make this required reading in high school?

Excellent read. Educational. Could someone please make this required reading in high school? 10 out of 10.

Great

I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. Justine never makes me regret reading one of her books.

Amazing

Never a dull moment, I actually loved the book a great read, honestly- give it a go!

Read ASAP!

Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland is a phenomenal read that pulls you in with its rich characters and immersive world-building. The characters feel incredibly real, and their motivations are clear and relatable, which is a testament to Ireland's skill as a storyteller. While the shift between first-person and third-person perspectives took me a moment to get used to, it quickly became seamless as the narrative unfolded. The alternating perspectives make sense in the context of the story, and once I adjusted, it felt natural.

The magic system in Rust in the Root is another highlight, drawing heavily from African American folklore, specifically Hoodoo. This grounding in real cultural traditions adds depth and authenticity to the fantastical elements, making them even more captivating. One of the things I truly admire about Justina Ireland is her ability to weave significant moments from Black history into her speculative fiction, and this book is no exception. It's a seamless blend of historical realities and magical elements that elevates the narrative.

Overall, Rust in the Root is an exceptional read, and I highly recommend it. It's a five-star novel that showcases Justina Ireland at her best.