Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Release Date - January 5, 2016
Publisher Website - Tor Teen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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. 

Truthwitch is a story filled with magic, mythical creatures, mysterious prophesies and wonder. It also happens to host two interesting female characters whose friendship is the heartbeat of this story and whose potential is only beginning to be untapped.

This novel feels like a piece of a larger puzzle. It's laying the foundation for what is to come. It reads and feels like a building block that will eventually be a larger part of a whole. It's methodically woven so that you're pulled into the story and the mysteries to be unravelled. This novel is meant to entice, and Susan Dennard certainly entices you to return to this world, and these characters.

Susan Dennard's talent is crafting a world for her characters to inhabit. This world comes to life under her bright, vivid descriptions. Fantasy demands a stunning backdrop and that's effortlessly created here. This novel also boasts an intriguing mythology to compliment it's setting. While the mythology is only beginning to be explored in this instalment the potential is there for a rich, deep mythology based fantasy series. The set up piques your interest and offers a enough of a tease to ensure you'll want to come back for more.

The main focus is the friendship and bond between Safi and Iseult. Threadsisters who would do anything to protect each other, and make any sacrifice for the other. Their friendship is allowed to shine brightly, and Susan smartly keeps the romance in the background while still allowing it to simmer just under the surface. This is sexual tension at it's most delicious and it's made all the more so because it's only given in pieces. It's a tantalizing tease of what could be and that makes it entirely addictive. This is a story of loyalty and the bond that exists between friends first and foremost and that is what allows this fantasy series to stand out from the rest.

While the setting is fantastically developed and the plot shows a lot of promise, it's the characters I hope benefit from development in the sequels. In particular the characters outside of Safi and Iseult could be fleshed out more. The stage is set, we've been introduced to the players, and are intrigued by them, it's time to let us know them. I didn't feel a strong connection to them while reading, but the other elements are so strong it's easy to look past it. This lack of connection was the only (slight) misstep in this novel for me, and it's one that is left with the most possibilities. The characters have a spark to them, one I hope is ignited in the the sequels.

A promising start to what has the potential to be a stunning fantasy series. Those who like the focus on friendships, and the loyalty they can hold will relish the connection between the main characters. Those looking for rich world building will find that here, and those looking for romance will be pleased as well. In other words, it's has a little something for everyone. I, personally, cannot wait to see where Susan Dennard takes these characters next.

Melissa From Raincoast's Most Anticipated of 2016

Today I have the lovely Melissa from Raincoast Books stopping by to dish on her list for Most Anticipated of 2016. There are some great sounding books on this list and a few that are own my own list for this year (looking at you, Heartless!!)

2016 Most Anticipated Titles

Hi Kathy! Thank you for inviting me back to share some of my most anticipated titles.  I have to say, 2016 is going to be an incredible year of books.  Since there’s so many wonderful books coming out (and I have trouble choosing titles at the best of times), I’ve selected 5 YA titles to keep an eye out for in 2016, as well as some highly anticipated sequels you won’t want to miss. So get ready to increase your to-read pile exponentially with these awesome 2016 reads.

YA Books to look for in 2016:

Heartless by Marissa Meyer: I know I’m not alone in anticipating this one. I will read anything that Marissa writes, and I can’t wait to see how she tackles the story of the Queen of Hearts. Knowing Marissa, she won’t disappoint!

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard:  The first book in a brand new fantasy series from the lovely Susan Dennard, this is definitely one to look for in 2016. Truthwitch has something for everyone—a wonderfully strong female friendship, tons of thrilling action and high stakes, and even a handsome love interest thrown in for good measure—you really can’t go wrong.

With Malice by Eileen Cook:  Eighteen-year-old Jill wakes up from a coma after an  accident. Or at least, that’s what she was told. Since her memory of the last few weeks is gone, she isn’t sure of exactly what happened. But what if it wasn’t an accident? Written by a fellow Vancouverite and with a super intriguing premise, I can’t wait to 
dive into With Malice in 2016.

The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood: Let me just preface this by mentioning that the author wrote her Masters thesis on Dawson’s Creek. Need I say more? A debut novel by UK author Harriet Reuter Hapgood, The Square Root of Summer features romance, time travel, and beautiful writing. Don’t miss out on this one!

Tell the Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan: There are only a couple things you need to know about this one to include it on your TBR list in 2016: it’s a reimagining of A Tale of Two Cities but with magic, and it’s written by Sarah Rees Brennan. Plus, have you seen that cover?! I can’t wait to find out what Sarah has in store for us.

Bonus: Much-anticipated sequels

The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski: I don’t know what else to say about The Winner’s Kiss other than: if you haven’t started this series already, what are you waiting for? Marie Rutkoski’s gorgeous writing and intricately detailed plot makes this series a must-read. I am beyond excited to see how she will wrap up the trilogy.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo: It will come as no surprise to anyone in the Raincoast office, or really anyone who knows me for that matter, that this is one of my most anticipated books of 2016. Crooked Kingdom is the follow-up to Six of Crows: a masterfully written and plotted heist story with a cast of characters who will easily capture your attention—and affection—from the very beginning. I am sure that Crooked Kingdom will be no different and exceed my already high expectations.

The Vanishing Throne by Elizabeth May: The Vanishing Throne is the much-anticipated second book in the Falconer trilogy. With more thrilling action and suspense, not to mention romance, this is definitely one to watch out for in 2016.

Thank you to Melissa for sharing her list and I cannot wait to read so many of these! What title makes your own list? Let me know in the comments.

Raincoast Winter/Spring Blogger Preview

The lovely people at Raincoast Books recently held their annual winter/spring blogger preview and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend virtually via a special Google Hangout that they created for bloggers not in the Vancouver area.

They filled us in on a bunch of fantastic sounding releases but I am going to highlight just my top five that should be on your radar.

1 - Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (goodreads)

I feel everyone pretty much knows about this one already. The buzz it created at BEA was intense, and it's only rising! A unique twist on 'witches' and magic along with the potential for much swooning and shipping, all make this one a sure bet to be a huge release this winter.

2 - Tell The Wind And Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)

All I needed to be sold on this one was the description that described it as A Tale Of Two Cities with magic. The synopsis sounds amazing, the cover is stunning, and there is the potential for much heartbreak. I am eagerly anticipating getting my hands on this one.

3- Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn (goodreads)

This has been compared to the delightful movie Easy A. It sounds like this novel will have a lot to say about perception, rumours, and sex. It also is a bonus that the author is Canadian!

4- In Real Life by Jessica Love (goodreads)

A road trip to Vegas, the potential of friends turning into romance, and  the promise of DRAMA that comes along with meeting someone you met online pushed this book onto my wishlist.

5- Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker  (goodreads)

This was only mentioned in passing but it is one of my most anticipated books of 2016 so I had to include it. A girl accidentally kills the most popular boy in school, so she decides to bring him back to life! Love the sounds of this Frankenstein reimagining. 

BONUS! - The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (goodreads)

All I am going to say about this one is if you haven't heard The Winner's Curse, and The Winner's Crime you are missing out on an amazing series. Stunning writing, heartbreaking storylines, and a swoon worthy romance have made this one series ender I cannot wait to devour.

At the end there was plenty of talk of Marissa Meyer and how #WinterIsComing as well as a bit regarding the short story collection Stars Above. There was also a brief mention of Heartless which caused me to fangirl and squeal. I cannot wait for this book.

They also gave me a sweet shout out as I had asked Melissa to provide some details about Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker. I am VERY curious about this start to a new series and was thrilled to have them mention it because I had asked.

A huge thank you to all the lovely people at Raincoast for putting on the event!

What book from the five I highlighted are you most curious about/excited for? Let me know in the comments.