The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
Book Summary
Contemporary with the slightest twist of magic, this stunning debut YA novel is a fresh and heartwarming story about the power of friendship.
Cottonwood Hollow, Kansas, is a strange place. For the past century, every girl has been born with a special talent, like the ability to Fix any object, Heal any wound, or Find what is missing.
Best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy all have similar talents, but to them, their abilities often feel like a curse. Rome may be able to Fix anything she touches, but that won’t help her mom pay rent or make it any easier to confide in Lux and Mercy about what’s going on at home. And Rome isn’t the only one. Lux has been hiding bigger, more dangerous secrets.
As Rome struggles to keep her friendships close, she discovers the truth about life in Cottonwood Hollow—that friends are stronger than curses, that trust is worth the risk, and sometimes, what you’ve been looking for has been under your feet the whole time.
Book Details
The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo
Published September 18th 2018 by HarperTeen
Young Adult Fiction / Magical Realism
Hardcover, 320 pages
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Book Review
The Deepest Roots was everything I wanted in a Young Adult magical realism book. The writing is gorgeous and the strong friendship presented between Rome, Lux, and Mercy make this debut a standout. Miranda Asebedo certainly knows how to tell a story.
With Just the Right Amount of Magic, Mystery, and Romance, The Deepest Roots is a Very Appealing and Addictive Read.
The small, country setting of Cottonwood Hollow easily captures what a rural town feels like—only this town has a touch of magic and lends itself perfectly to the mystery aspect. There is, of course, a rumor of a curse placed upon the town, but the who and why are what makes for such a fun read. The discovery of an old trunk filled with memorabilia lent a great mystery vibe, especially as the true origins behind the curse are slowly revealed through its contents and a journal.
One thing readers are going to notice right away is just how relatable the characters are and how the writing beautifully balances the magical (in this case, talents) with real, authentic-felt struggles each of these teen girls faces. The characters are layered and vibrant and although their friendship faces serious challenges, I loved their unique individualism and growth.
The Use of 'Talents' Best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy Share Make for a Unique Read.
What I love most about the story though, besides the amazing presentation of female friendship, is the creative use of 'talents' and how they are presented through the strong bond shared between Rome, Lux, and Mercy.
Rome's talent is being a fixer. She has an uncanny ability to fix just about anything broken, but it doesn't help her mom pay the rent nor help with her friends own struggles. I love the fact she works as a mechanic at an auto garage and drives a fierce car, a 1972 Mach 1 Mustang! Her family and friendships mean everything to her.
Lux is known as a Siren. Every look, smile, or gaze can mean spelling the men in Cottonwood Hollow into an enchantment. Which makes everyday hard when everyone around her is afraid of being accidentally spelled by her.
Mercy is an Enough, her presence can make whatever is needed just enough. She can't make more money appear in her mom's bank account. But whatever she has seems to be always just Enough for what she needs and sometimes, her friends as well.
In the End
The Deepest Roots mixes mystery, friendship, and a touch of magic for a heartwarming and enchanting read. As a standalone, it wraps up everything nicely, but readers are going to want much more from Miranda Asebedo.
Recommended for
Readers looking for a contemporary book with a touch of mystery and the magical. Best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy could be anyone's girlfriend and Miranda Asebedo completely nails it when it comes to their friendship and small town aesthetics.
