Uprooted

This fantasy novel by Naomi Novik (one I read for my SF/Fantasy book group) was really meaty and satisfying...enough so that I have dived into the beginning book of her "Temeraire" dragon series. This is apparently a departure from her previous war-focused novels and reads more like a fairy tale. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful valley in some place like Poland, with a river connecting the small villages, mountains in the backgrounds and a terrible and malevolent Wood that wants to devour everything. The villages are protected largely by one of the King's wizards who lives in a tower across the river. Every 10 years, he comes to the collective celebration of the villages to choose one young woman to serve him for the next 10 years. Everyone knows that loyal, beautiful and smart Kasia will be the one chosen, but she is Agnieszka's best friend and Agnieszka is terrified of losing her. Surprisingly, the wizard Sarkan, known to the villagers as The Dragon, takes Agnieszka instead. Eventually she realizes that she has magical powers of her own, which The Dragon works desperately to enhance and refine, because it seems clear that the Wood is getting ready. When Kasia is taken by the Wood, Agnieszka  finds a way to rescue her and this gets back to the Prince, who is the next in line to the throne. The Prince forces Agnieszka, Kasia and the Dragon to join him on a suicidal mission to rescue his mother who was taken  by the Wood 20 years ago. Just when you think the story is resolving, another whole thread of the plot is taken up and woven in. Wonderful strong female protagonist that should appeal to older teens and adults alike. The book has been optioned by Warner Brothers for a film.