Scan barcode
beammey's review against another edition
5.0
So, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I didn't think it would live up to the hype, I didn't think I would like it as much as I did, and I certainly didn't expect that ending. I have to give kudos to the author because the last fifty pages of the book absolutely made it for me and bumped this up to a five star rating. My only gripe is I STILL don't know how to pronounce 'Iseult'. If that's my only complaint, then crap, this book must be amazing. I would recommend this book (And I have!) 5 out of 5 stars.
malreynolds111's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
reader_01's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
eesh25's review against another edition
4.0
This is the perfect example of a novel that gets better with every chapter.
It's set in a world in which a fraction of the population has powers. There are Waterwitches, Threadwitches, Windwitches, etc. A Truthwitch is one of the rarest kind (maybe one in a generation) and they have the ability to tell truth from lie. The protagonist, Safi, is a Truthwitch but she's hidden that from everyone. But after an unfortunate encounter with a Bloodwitch who senses her ability, she and her best friend, Iseult, have to go on the run because there isn't much people wouldn't do to get their hands on a Truthwitch, especially when they're close to war.
Now initially, I wasn't a huge fan. I mean, I liked the premise but it seemed a bit flimsy. And the prose, the imagery, just wasn't good. Susan Dennard's writing came off as amateurish. But I was able to get past it because the writing really improved as the book went on. The scenes got clearer and more cohesive.
And not just that. The plot got stronger and I started to care about the characters as well. Because in the beginning, Safi was annoying. She was a 'act first, get yourself and your best friend in mortal danger, and then regret your actions' kind of girl. Lacking in the brain cells department, it felt like. But she changed throughout the novel and, by the end, I actually liked her. Iseult was interesting. She was more closed off but she had a good reason to be. I'd like to get to know her better.
Merik, Safi's romantic interest and another important character, came off as a prickly hot-head in the beginning. But then I understood why he was a prickly hot-head and it made sense. He just wanted to do the best for his people and his kingdom. Really liked him too. And his relationship with Safi. They had great chemistry and I totally ship them.
The pace of the book was good too, if a bit messy in the beginning. basically, what I'm saying is that the novel didn't have the best beginning. But by the end, I was very happy with everything. I laughed, I teared up a bit and I really enjoyed reading it.
Though I still can't any word with the suffix 'witchery' seriously. Truthwitchery? Threadwitchery? Bloodwitchery? It just sounds so made-up.
That aside, I'm looking forward to reading the second book, Windwitch. I have no idea where the story is going to go next and I wanna know real bad. And I can't wait to see how much better Susan Dennard can get because I love seeing authors grow, through their work. In the mean time though, I think you should pick this one up.
livima's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
majabwds's review against another edition
4.0
I really like this book. The two main characters are capable, funny and amazing. While I was reading it I was reminded of SJ Maas' Throne of Glass and then I see in the Acknowledgements that the author and Maas are like BFFs. I loved the dancing chapter between Safi and Merik.
theaceofpages's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I loved the magic system but I'm not sure if I'm going to continue. Intriguing premise but I didn't enjoy the writing as much as I hoped I would.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Violence
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook- Excellent narrator. Strong story with fully developed characters. The women in this book are not the meek sit aside types. :D
reader4evr's review against another edition
3.0
I am not a big fantasy fan but I enjoyed this. I did feel it was kind of long (hey, I'm a 250ish kind of reader lol) and there were a TON of characters.
The story had me from the beginning with a great 1st line. I really liked the Saf, the main character but I really liked her best friend Iseult. There was romance in here but it wasn't in your face romance.
I'm not sure if I will read on in the series (especially since I'm guessing it won't be out until next year) but I will definitely have it in my collection to recommend it to students!
The story had me from the beginning with a great 1st line. I really liked the Saf, the main character but I really liked her best friend Iseult. There was romance in here but it wasn't in your face romance.
I'm not sure if I will read on in the series (especially since I'm guessing it won't be out until next year) but I will definitely have it in my collection to recommend it to students!