The River Has Roots
“Gem Carmella’s narration perfectly blends the fantastical elements of fairy tales with the macabre elements of traditional murder ballads, capturing Esther’s emotional turmoil…Musical effects combine with Carmella’s singing at key moments, making fraught scenes utterly devastating but ultimately more powerful. A stunning performance. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
AudioFile
A March 2025 LibraryReads Pick
Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
An Amazon Editor’s Top Pick in Fantasy
An Indie Next List Pick
Finalist for the Audie Award for Best Audiobook Production & Design
Finalist for the Audie Award for Best Audio New Voice Judges' Category
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.
"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 honor an ancient compact to sing to them in thanks for their magic. None are more devoted 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.
This program 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. It also includes the short story "John Hollowback and the Witch," from the author's upcoming collection.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor.com.
Praise