Rust in the Root

By Justina Ireland,

Book cover of Rust in the Root

Book description

The author of the visionary New York Times bestseller Dread Nation returns with another spellbinding historical fantasy set at the crossroads of race and power in America.

It is 1937, and Laura Ann Langston lives in an America divided—between those who work the mystical arts and those who do not.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Rust in the Root as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Rust in the Root, set in 1937, builds an alternate United States with widespread, highly imaginative magic, using a nuanced blend of mythic traditions from Norse to African.

This fantastical, “far-off” America brings into stark focus the racial injustices that are the poisonous legacy of slavery and its aftermath by showing the separate and unequal treatment of “colored” mages and their magical traditions.

The two main characters, a young queer mage, Laura Ann Langston, and her mentor, the Skylark, must stop the killing of their fellow Black mages inside what is called the Great Ohio Blight.

The magic practiced…

If you love Rust in the Root...

Ad

Book cover of Dragon Disciples: Resurrection

Dragon Disciples By Christina Weigand, Rhomda Chieduch (editor),

When the head of an ancient Samaritan family is injured, it throws the family into turmoil. There isn’t enough money to pay the hefty Roman taxes.

The daughter, Chana, is taken as compensation and forced into slavery inside a cruel centurion’s home. As a slave, Chana witnesses the miracles of…

Want books like Rust in the Root?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 61 books like Rust in the Root.

Browse books like Rust in the Root

Book cover of Little Fire
Book cover of The Monster of Elendhaven
Book cover of Dark Skye

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,606

readers submitted
so far, will you?