Get 3 audiobooks free with a 30-day Free Trial Sign Up Free

The River Has Roots

Author:
Amal El-Mohtar
Read by:
Gem Carmella
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

Listen Free Now
  • Listen free with a 30-day free trial
  • Choose 2 bonus VIP books
  • Enjoy 10,000 always free books
Ratings
Book
4
Narrator
4
Release Date
March 4, 2025
Duration
3 hours 53 minutes
Summary
2026 Audie Awards winner for Best New Voice and for Production & Sound Design!

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.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2026

My favorite audiobook

Profile Avatar MTurtle2 Nov 2025

Only read for a Goodreads challenge... Not normally something I would read.

The River Has Roots

The River Has Roots

Author: Amal El-Mohtar
Read by: Gem Carmella
Listen Free Now Get any book plus
2 bonus VIP books
1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$17.99
View Cart