A Truthwitch Affair | Review

I've made no secret of my love for Susan Dennard's books and while Something Strange and Deadly will always have a special place in my heart, it must be said -- 

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)
by Susan Dennard
pub Jan 5 2016 by Tor Teen
ARC from Susan / Purchased

Truthwitch is now my favorite! It's just an incredible first book and if it's any indication, The Witchlanders is going to be one epic series. It was so clear to me that Susan's heart and soul went into this story and these characters. I savored every word of it (both times!) and when I reached the final page, I wanted to give her a standing ovation, followed by a huge hug. (I settled for a super gushy email.)

In this series, certain people in the The Witchlands are born with magical talents. Our two main heroines - Safiya, aka Safi, and Iseult - are two such women. Safi is a Truthwitch, which means she always knows when someone is telling the truth. It's a rare kind of magic and if anyone were to discover her ability, they would try to use her for their own means. On the other hand, Iseult is a Threadwitch, which means she can see people's emotions (literally like that quote "the ties that bind" except it's threads). The downside is she can't see her own and must constantly try to maintain a calm, cool exterior. Together they're Threadsisters. Best friends who have taken an oath to do anything for the other. They, above all else in the book, are the heart of this story and there's a big unforeseen plan in store for them. With an impending war looming, they inadvertently become involved, which forces them to cross paths with other people of power, like Prince Merik (a Windwitch and one of the good guys), Aeduan (a Bloodwitch who remains a mystery) and many more.

The storytelling here was impeccable and it was a steady pace of action, learning about the characters and unfolding more of the vivid world. I loved every second of it but as always, I look to the characters to reel me in and that's exactly what happened. I loved the different characters and their relationships. Particularly Safi and Iseult's. They're as different as can be but when it comes down to it, all that matters is their wavering loyalty to the other. They're both fierce and flawed and struggling to figure out their place in the world. With Safi, I admired her tenacity, her willingness to throw herself into the line of fire for Iseult and her desire to do good. With Iseult, I felt deeply for the sadness she carried with her and how Safi clearly brought light and belonging into her life. They balanced each other out and I can't deny that my favorite parts were all about them.

But while friendship is at the heart, there's still so much more to it. Like romance! (There's one scene in particular that will make you swoon for sure.) Family, the ones you're born into and the ones you create for yourselves. And every person is trying to find their own path. Given how Truthwitch ends, I sincerely can't wait to see where those paths will lead them next.

***

Check out other posts from this past week! 

Me | Threadsisters to the End

Alexa | On Threadsisters & Friendship

Me | Truthwitch Review

Alexa | Truthwitch Review

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