Nope. Couldn't do it. This is unfortunately going to be one of my rare DNF books.

The writing feels trite and contrived, completely detached, almost like someone is summarizing a story they already read—they've removed all the flavor and are only giving snippets of plot.

I also had a serious issue with the formatting (perhaps unique to Kindle?). Paragraphs were not indented or separated in any way, which makes it difficult to tell where one paragraph stops and the next starts. This leads to huge blocks of undivided text—not particularly readable.

Since this was a DNF for me and I have nothing positive to say about the book, I will forgo leaving reviews anywhere.

⭐ "Mountainroot" drew me in with its intricately-woven tale of Genshai, a young warrior turned laymonk, who navigates his path of self-discovery, spirituality, and growth in a world fraught with danger and steeped in supernatural intrigue.

From the moment Genshai embarked on his unexpected journey, I was hooked. His endearing character, resilience, and his ability to adapt quickly to new social cues and situations, combined with his potential to become a warrior monk, added depth to this fascinating saga.

The author’s vivid descriptions of food throughout the book created a sensory feast that left me hungry for more, adding a unique and wholesome touch to the narrative. The bond between Genshai and Ysma was another highlight of the story, painting a tender and exciting promise of what their future might hold.

Tensai, a monk warrior, is another standout character in this tale, and his exploration as a gay man in a time and culture where this would have been taboo was handled thoughtfully, adding another layer to the story's complexity.

The intriguing prologue sets the stage for a deeper narrative that I’m eagerly anticipating to unfold in subsequent books. Despite a few minor issues, "Mountainroot" captivated me from start to finish, delivering a compelling read that goes beyond the usual fantasy narrative.

Get ready to embark on an immersive journey filled with character growth, supernatural elements, and the promise of an epic saga that leaves you wanting more.