perfect mix of romance, rivalry, tension and mystery

We cannot control which weights we must carry, but we can control how we carry them."

Evil Uprooted is a whimsical story with a dark edge and strong cottagecore vibes - perfect for readers who love fantasy and historical fiction with a touch of romance. It’s immersive, captivating, and had me hooked from the very first page.

This was my first book by Emmelie Arents, and I was honestly blown away by her writing style. It’s incredibly vivid and has a slightly poetic, almost old-English feel, capturing the spirit of 1815 beautifully. If you enjoy authors like the Brontë sisters or Jane Austen, this story will definitely appeal to you.

I was especially intrigued by the unique setting: Wickbury, a small village living in the shadow of Waterloo’s aftermath. Even if (like me) you don’t know much about Napoleon or the Battle of Waterloo, it doesn’t take away from the story at all. The worldbuilding is accessible and easy to follow, making it a great read for beginning fantasy readers.

The story follows Catherine, who lives in a seaside cottage (my literal dream 🤭), clearly haunted by her past. As the story unfolds, we slowly learn why she ran from it. We also follow Jean-Luc Beaumont, a French spy and Bonapartist, who is dealing with his own trauma. I loved the forbidden love trope, and the side characters were incredibly well-developed. Catherine and Eloise were my favourites. They are both such strong and independent women. I really admired how Eloise followed her dreams and didn’t let society’s expectations hold her back.

The crimson fever, the rivalry between the doctors, the unfolding romances, and the mysterious log entries kept me completely engaged. I loved how all the puzzle pieces fell into place in the end. It’s the perfect mix of romance, rivalry, tension, and mystery.