Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)
Written by: Susan Dennard
Published by: Tor Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo
Release date: January 5th 2016
On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.
In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.
Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.
Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.
Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.
MY REVIEW:
If you are looking for new captivating YA fantasy series, look no further. Here are five reasons that will make Truthwitch your next book-hungover-worthy read.
1. CHARACTERS
Truthwitch has very interesting set of main characters (four different POVs) and every single one of them provided something unique and memorable to make me fall in love with them. Safi, a Truthwitch, is funny and sarcastic, impulsive and unrestrained, fierce and passionate. She has all characteristics that I like to have in enjoyable female heroine. Iseult, a Threadwitch, is calm and smart, perceptive and logical, always thinking things through. And she is the best and the most loyal friend you could ask for. Merik, a Windwitch, is fierce and temperamental, but capable admiral/dancer and loyal friend/prince trying to save his country. He captured my heart early in the story and his impression on me never faltered. Aeduan, a Bloodwitch, is cold and dark, mysterious and deadly. He has this strong villain-y vibe going on and I’m incredibly curious to see where author will take his character in next instalments.
2. WORLD-BUILDING
This novel shows why I love fantasies. There is no better to spend my free time than losing myself in new world and its specific politics, history, legends, religions and culture. It brings my imagination alive. And Truthwitch hit all the right marks for me because its world-building was fascinating, flawless and detailed (fortunately there was no info-dump, it was all revealed gradually when it was needed). Simply said, my inner fantasy nerd was in heaven.
3. FRIENDSHIP
Truthwitch is without a doubt the best YA fantasy novel with strong focus on female friendship. Safi & Iseult are from different parts of society and have completely different background. However, they complement each other perfectly and together create lovable team of adventurous witches whose escapades were such a thrilling experience to read about.
4. CHEMISTRY
Truthwitch is book with scorching chemistry. Nothing graphics needs to happen, yet the couple (and I am not going to tell you what couple to keep it spoiler-free) could ignite the pages just with simple looks, banters or touch here and there. It shows author’s mastery of writing when she can make me all hot and bothered with butterflies in my stomach *cough* dance scene *cough* while keeping it PG-13.
5. ACTION
In Truthwitch, you won’t find love triangle, insta-love or annoying tropes. But you will get perfectly paced storyline with something exciting happening all the time. I was unable to tear my eyes from this novel. Truthwitch is what I call a real page-turner and since I haven’t read one in months, I’m very grateful for this book. Thank you Susan Dennard!
Truthwitch is a very promising start to new YA fantasy series. It has all three aspects that I require in good fantasy novel (world-building, storytelling, characters) mastered perfectly and I can’t wait to get my hands on sequel!
WHAT BOOKISH ASPECTS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE
A GOOD FANTASY NOVEL IN YOUR OPINION?
