The River Has Roots

By: Amal El-Mohtar

Narrated by: Gem Carmella

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.

This program features music performed by the author and her sister, Dounya El-Mohtar with Amal and Dounya on harp, flute, and vocals; and songs sung by the narrator, Gem Carmella. It also includes the short story "John Hollowback and the Witch," from the author's upcoming collection.

"Half delicious murder ballad, half beguiling love story." —Holly Black • "An absolute must-read." —T. Kingfisher • "Every sentence sings!" —Sarah Beth Durst • "Utterly enchanting." —Fonda Lee • "A story that outlasts itself." —Alix E. Harrow • "Truly exquisite." —Zoraida Córdova • "A beautiful, musical, and loving story." —Emma Törzs

“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 honour an ancient compact to sing to them in thanks for their magic. None more devotedly 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…

"...Gem Carmella’s narration kicks the book up several notches. Her rich rural English accent and animated delivery lend the air of a tale told fireside by a beloved relative, adding so much to the novel’s charm..." — Slate

“Musical effects combine with Carmella’s singing at key moments…A stunning performance.”—AudioFile (Earphones Award Winner)

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor.com.

Fantastic production!

Great narration, music, background noises. Overall one of the best audiobooks ever, congrats to the narrator!

An effervescent joy

The writing, narration, plot and pacing were all exceptional. This book had me weeping tears of joy. A tale of two sisters. A feminist book, with queer elements. Extremely creative story, and prose. I will save it for re-listening when I need a trip to Arcadia.

Prose and narration

🌿 Audiobook Review 🌿🎧
The River Has Roots
by Amal El-Mohtar

Set on the edge of Faerie in the small town of Thistleford, The River Has Roots follows sisters Esther and Ysabel—two young women bound by love, tradition, and the ancient magic of the willows they sing to each morning. When Esther falls for a faerie named Rin and rejects a local suitor, jealousy sparks a tragedy that ripples across worlds. What unfolds is a haunting, lyrical tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the thin, shimmering line between life and legend.

My Thoughts:
This audiobook felt like being wrapped in a ballad—lush, mournful, and strangely hopeful all at once. Amal El‑Mohtar’s writing is pure atmosphere: every sentence feels sung rather than spoken. The blend of folklore, queer romance, and fierce sisterly devotion hit me right in the chest. It’s short, but it lingers. The kind of story you finish and just… sit with for a minute, letting the magic settle.

If you love mythic vibes, poetic prose, and stories that feel like they’ve been whispered through generations, this one is absolutely worth your time.

Beautifully sweet and sad

An absorbing fairy tale with lovely music and sounds effects that really highlighted the story. Short but impactful.

Narration worthy of a gorgeous story

This is one that definitely needs to be enjoyed on audio. The words, the background music, the song, the melodious voice of the narrator all complement each other in a gorgeous production. This was an unexpected treasure.