Reviews

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

ttfa's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely loved this book!

It has the perfect amount of fantasy for me, coupled with a nice balance of plot and character. I loved the strong Threadsister bond betweetn Safi and Iseult and that the strength of their bond doesn't just get dropped when the love interest appear - in fact, it's even more prominent.

Speaking of the love interest, it has been SO LONG since I truly enjoyed the romance in a (YA) book. It's gotten to the point where I will 90% of the time stop reading if there is a love triangle or an asshole guy treating a girl horribly and then suddenly they love each other. Although this is a case of rivals to lovers here, the characters come to understand and appreciate each other's struggles. Even though you know they'll end up together, the tension and buildup was so satisfying to read.

I'm so glad that this book is a series because there are some more characters and relationships I really want to see explored. The character motivations were really well established and the 'twists' didn't feel like they came out of now (perhaps might have been hinted at a bit too strongly, but still enjoyable when they were presented).

Anyway, in short, I have already got the next ebook and ready to read it on my commute!

katreadsalot's review against another edition

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4.0

Captivating enough! I will read the next one...

natcommon's review against another edition

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3.0

Not what I expected, it could have used more world building and a stronger beginning. I will try Windwitch to see if I want to continue the series.

Edit: read half of Windwitch and I’m DNFing the series. It’s not for me.

roseybot's review against another edition

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4.0

Hmmm. So obviously I had some troubles with this book given it took me three goes at it to get into it. I liked the world building, but found Safi and Isuelt to be too similiar in voice and it made me fairly confused about what on earth was happening most of the time.

I think the last 75% of the book really makes up for the beginning (... the first thank you is to Sarah J. Maas, who also seems to have this problem, SO I'M NOT SURPRISED), but unlike some people (*coughsjmcough*) I feel alright with it. Probably because the characters weren't flat as cardboard.

They still weren't AMAZING, mind you, but they were... fine.

I think I will read the next one, cause the world building was totally cool, and since I didn't want to murder anyone by the end (Aeduan was my favorite character tralalala) I feel alright with it.

///

I wanted to like this, I really did. But it's not working for me. I have tried starting it three times now, and each time it confuses me too much to keep going. I'm putting it down for now, and maybe I'll pick it up again, but probably not. Sadly, cause it looked like it was gonna be good.

maiamatson's review

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3.0

I really wanted to like Truthwitch. The books start is strong and the middle entertaining. However, as the book pulls to a close I lost interest. The moment were three of our main ch come together and secrets are revealed fell flat for me. I will probably come back to this and give it another try because I love the start so much. But for now Truthwitch remains an average read.

rache1p's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

bigbear73's review against another edition

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1.0

Actually DNF - had to step away and realized I had no desire to pick it up again.

a_ghostintheroom's review against another edition

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5.0

I honestly started this book skeptical, thinking it would read too much like one written from the author's best friend, Sarah J. Maas, but I began to get pulled in by the twisting plot and truly exciting direction it took off in. I don't do this often, so I consider it high praise, but I'll be waiting eagerly for book two.

faraway84z's review against another edition

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The narrator does odd voices for the characters and then speaks in a regular American accent. Very distracting, I'll read the ebook instead. 

everthereader's review against another edition

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4.0

Review Posted On Marvelous Eden of Books

Spoiler Free Review:

So,Susan Dennard being Sarah J. Maas's best friend, I was interested in seeing what her best friend had to offer. By the time I got to it, there were many negative and positive reviews floating around. After all the hype died down, I gave it a try and really liked it.

The writing style was very reminiscent of Sarah J Maas's writing, but it was still unique. One of my favorite aspects were that there were multiple perspectives. There was even chapters on the villain, Aeduan who was an exceptionally interesting perspective to read from. Typically, in most books I read, there are only chapters on one or two charcters, but we got multiple perspective and I loved being inside all of their heads.

The world building was also wonderfully fleshed out, but it was extremely confusing in the beginning. As many people mentioned, a glossary would have been so helpful. There was a crap ton of witches that controlled so many different elements, it was hard to keep up. I definitely found the world to be interesting to read about and how everything was run. I also liked how a part of the book took place on a ship. There were quite a few fighting scenes on the ship and it was freaking awesome.

Safiya fon Hasstrel was quite the stubborn,reckless character. She reminded me of Celaena, but like I said, this is different from Throne of Glass. I wasn't the hugest fan of her towards the beginning, but in the end, she totally made up for it and I really loved her character. I liked how even though she was a great fighter, she was also very intelligent, especially her decision towards the end. But I'll admit, I probably liked Iseult a little better. She was more insecure and not as determined, but I liked that about her. She reminded me of Ashyn from Age of Legends Trilogy By Kelley Armstrong. But unlike Ashyn, she wasn't thrown to the side and we got to see a lot of her backstory and her thought process. The friendship between these two characters was probably the best part of the book. There were both so loyal to each other and it was like they were each other's other half. The two weren't complete without each other. Female friendships, any strong friendship in general, is an amazing element in any book.

Prince Merik was yet another interesting character. Knowing he was a Windwitch, I expected to be an adorable cinnamon roll character. Yeah, he's far away from the cinnamon let's not even bring the roll in. He's more of a hot and spicy sauce. Merik definitely gave me the Prince Zuko vibes from Avatar: The Last Airbender. He's the Sifu Hotman in case you're wondering: (You know with the burnt left eye)

Yeah, that pretty much summed up Merik. He had quite a bit of pent up rage. It was intriguing to read from such an angry person and I surprisingly liked him? I didn't at first, I'm over the brooding (ish), anger issues dude. But, because of Zuko, I couldn't help but appreciate his character. Then there was the evil sister, Vivia who not surprisingly, wanted the throne. I mean, anyone else getting the Princess Azula vibes? 'Cause I sure am.

We didn't get to see much of Princess Vivia, but she's another interesting character. Honestly would not be surprised if Susan Dennard got a bit of inspiration from ATLA.

Finally, we have our supposed villain, Aeduan. Honestly, I have not read about a good villain in quite a while, so reading about Ayudan really had me ecstatic. He was honorable, surprise, surprise (Yes, that was a Zuko reference, can you tell?). Aeduan is an extremely fascinating character and very well crafted. I'm really intrigued about his backstory. Highlight for spoiler: I am really, really hoping he has a redemption arc, please Susan Dennard.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to see what the sequel brings, I've heard that it focuses more on Princey Poo Merik, so that has me excited. ;D

Rating: 4/5