Book Review: The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo

Release Date: September 18th, 2018
Read: June 14th - 24th, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Standalone
Format: ARC, 320 pages
Source: McNally Robinson Booksellers

Description from GoodReads:

   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.

Review:

   We were blood sisters. Sworn to never turn away from each other.

   I feel like after being in the book community for so long I’m allowed to judge a book by its cover. Really, it only occurs when a cover is super similar to a different books cover, or when the cover is so gorgeous that I can’t help but need a copy in my hands to read. The latter was what happened with The Deepest Roots. 

   Of course once I read the synopsis of The Deepest Roots I couldn’t help but be more intrigued to pick it up, who wouldn’t want a town of cursed girls with powers? For a book that has girls with powers, it really wasn’t a book that solemnly focused on the powers. It really felt like the powers were just an add on to the main plot of the story. The best way to describe the plot would literally be an even divide between paranormal, contemporary and mystery. It made for a nice balance of things for fans of all the genres. 

   The Deepest Roots felt very real, besides the paranormal powers of course, in regards to its characters and their problems. Although I couldn’t personally relate to the three girls problems at home or in their personal lives, I could relate to their friendship and bond. The things they all did for each other, and the way they did it without questions was something I’ve done myself. 

   Another way that The Deepest Roots stood out for me was Rome’s job. I’ve read a lot of YA books, and I’ve never seen a YA book where a female was interested in cars and mechanics. Having been in mechanics class in High School, and actually enjoyed it, it was a pleasure to see. Not all jobs have a specific gender associated with it, and so I’m glad Miranda Asebedo was willing to break the stereotype. 

   The Deepest Roots had a slow start when it came to getting used to the writing, but otherwise it was a pleasant and sweet book for anyone looking for a book focused on friendship. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a contemporary or paranormal fix.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"But we’ll always be connected, the three of us.

Palm to palm.

Scar to scar."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal, Special Abilities, Magic, Mystery