I've never read Uprooted, but I love Arden's novels, whatever their flaws. The ending of Book Two was far less joyous and held a finality that I hate. And speaking of the idiot stick... I'd almost knock Book Two down to four stars, or less, for the heroine making stupid choices. Here's my review of not just one but both books: https://steemit.com/contest/@carolkean/the-bear-and-the-nightingale-winternight-trilogy-1-by-katherine-arden