Reviews

Witherward by Hannah Mathewson

a_chickletz's review against another edition

1.0

Sometimes you buy a book because you think the synopsis looks good. This one did, so I purchased it. I had to specially order it because it's not available on shelves right now. I think my copy came from the UK since there is UK pricing all over it.

Reading it now, I ask, why did I spend the money I did.

This book made not a lick of sense.

You have this girl, she has the power to shapeshift into anybody and any creature. It's not 100% perfect, but people can't tell. One night, she and her friend are walking late at night and are cornered by people who want her dead. These people look 'dead' and kill her friend by mistaking her. She is saved by some guy who tells her he needs to take her into alternate London where she is truly from.

This is the point where the book threw me for a loop. She ends up in this alternate London and it turns out she is the 'once was thought dead ' royal princess of a factor of this alternate London. There are several factors all residing in London with various powers. These people are constantly fighting one another and or is in a free for all for dominance.

I was confused because why is there no control? Why is it seemingly everyone out to get someone? Why is there five different royal people residing over London? Isn't there some Mayor? Gov? I don't know, head official that is keeping this all in check from happening? What is outside of London? Anything? You never find out and that's why it became confusing. I couldn't understand heads or tails of the magic and lore/plot. Apparently her family were killed long ago for... trying to create control? But I guess no one wants to be controlled by shapeshifters, who are called Changelings, so they killed them. They let her brother live who is right now missing and causing all sorts of havoc.

There is some weird plot about a device that was created long time ago by someone who can adapt / amplify the powers of people in the various factions so that one person can have the power of all. There is some spying and or double-crossing that also didn't make sense, that fits in with the brother's disappearance.

It was just a very, very confusing book. The main character is also dumb and constantly tries to be tough but really doesn't do much but irritate people left and right. The people she is irritating aren't really all that enjoyable themselves.

I just can't with this book. Read it if you want to give yourself a headache.

danqie's review

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

queenjuly's review

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

imaginary_worlds's review

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious 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

4.0

sohxpie's review

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Witherward is a fairly enjoyable novel. I can see elements of other fantasy books throughout, they weren't too heavy but it is clear where the inspiration comes from. Luckily the plot is unique enough that it holds up on its own, it doesn't feel like it's copying another story. I would say it's a very slow-paced book. The first 350 pages is pretty much just world building and establishing lore. Nothing pivotal happens until the last 150 pages. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but at times, it was a little frustrating. You have all these hints at what could happen but you have to wait too long for the payoff. If this was an introduction to a longer series, then I can understand it, with this much setup and world building, you would usually assume this would be the case  but it looks like this story will remain a duology for now. There was an interesting range of characters, I think the writing was fairly solid throughout. Though Eliot's role in the story was far too obvious, it could have been a nice red herring but we were constantly reminded of how shifty he was in every interaction he had with Ilsa. I would have much preferred to be caught off-guard with that reveal. Overall, a pretty decent novel that I wouldn't say I loved but I did enjoy reading.

wanderinglizzy's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

2.5

I wanted so much to like this book. It has an intriguing premise and interesting and complex world, but the clumsy execution is disappointing. I found the pacing, release of information, and portrayal of characters to be needlessly confusing and therefore frustrating. Most disappointingly, the cast of characters, who at first appear colourful and interesting, become flatter and simpler as the plot goes on. The potential of this world and story only compound my disappointment, because this book could have been fantastic but falls flat in so many ways. 

catherine_mack's review

4.0

If this is the authors debut novel, I can’t wait to see how she matures as an author. The main character and the members of her newfound ‘family’ were fascinating characters with much to discover about each one. The worlds in this book were rich, complex, and dark. Both had their own histories and politics and family dynamics that unfolded and blended together over the course of the plot without any obvious stops for explanations (something that sets good fantasy apart from the rest, imo). At a few points, it felt like there were gaps in the unfolding of the plot or leaps of logic. The characters sometimes reached conclusions that left me behind and even after going back to reread, there seemed to be little given to carry me along. Perhaps it’s just me, I know I don’t read as carefully as I used to.
Overall, Ilsa hooked me in and I looked forward to getting back home to read a few chapters each night. The ending was satisfying but felt like the door was open for a sequel. I hope so!

howdenf's review

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? Yes

4.0

robram's review

4.0

Thoroughly enjoyable. Occasionally a little too intertwined, but on the whole a very assured debut

sagerin's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5