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The River Has Roots

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The River Has Roots

By: Amal El-Mohtar
Narrated by: Gem Carmella
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About this listen

 This audiobook features music performed by the author and her sister, Amal; and Dounya El-Mohtar, on harp, flute, and vocals, as well as songs sung by the narrator, Gem Carmella.

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.

'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...

The River Has Roots is the hugely anticipated solo debut of the New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award winning author Amal El-Mohtar.©2025 Amal El-Mohtar (P)2025 Macmillan Audio Editors Select Fantasy

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Editorial Review

A love letter to words
I adored This Is How You Lose the Time War, which Amal El-Mohtar co-wrote with Max Gladstone, so I had my hopes up for her solo debut. If you also loved that book for its stunning use of language, you will adore The River Has Roots. Grammar is magic in this fairy tale—but it’s not the grammar you’re thinking of: the stuffy subject of our school days. In this story, grammar is the beauty and power of the way words meld together, play off one another and construe meaning. I hesitate to reveal too much lest I ruin the journey. Let Gem Carmella’s effusive, playful performance. —Sam D., Audible Editor

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I don't often read audio books, but this one had me staying up two nights in a row. if you enjoy a good fairytale and playing with words, this is for you.

The immersive content, music and accent made this book magical.

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best audiobook I've listened to so far. The story, the narrator, the atmospheric noises, everything was perfect.

best audiobook so far

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This is an extraordinary book, like an adult Magic Faraway Tree. I loved the combination of singing with the unusual story and the inclusion of grammar!!

Atmospheric fantasy

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from beginning to end, this book was finally moving, surprising and beautiful. set in an indeterminate era in Britain's history. it explores the relationship between two sisters and their weird elf in neighbors who bring luck and misfortune and ultimately redemption. an absolutely brilliant narration from Miss Carmella whose tone perfectly matches the theme and setting of this story

spectacular narration of a moving and beautiful story

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Amal el-Mohtar's story is a magical tale told with brio by the narrator and interspersed with music and songs mentioned in the story. It is an immersive performance which makes you want more, even though it is perfectly structured and just long enough. The additional short story provides an interesting counterpoint with a slow careful reveal of the truth.

Magical

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This is a beautiful, winding, poetic story that will completely bewitch your heart. every woman should read this book.

beautiful book

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I wasn't expecting such a lyrical performance. I really loved all the singing and music

Beautiful

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