Holy hell. This is a heart squeezer! The characters. The drama. The intense, high stakes mixed in with the mystery and the world-building. I loved it and have not the words to express how much.

I very much enjoyed this story - I liked the continuation from Truthwitch, and with all of the characters in perilous situations. The writing was engaging and I was keen to continue. I especially enjoyed Iseult and Aeduan's point of view the most, and was most compelled by their switch from antagonists to reluctant allies to possibly true allies. I don't think Safiya got to shine in this one, but that it's fine as with this big a cast I like to see everybody get their turn. I had some difficultly visualizing some of the action at the end of Merik's storyline, but that may be a personal issue rather than descriptions. I am very keen to go onto Bloodwitch!

I'm feeling very conflicted about Windwitch - I did enjoy it, but it didn't at all live up to the greatness of Truthwitch for me. The world and magic are still really interesting, but I felt that Windwitch did away with a lot of the things that made Truthwitch work so well with my taste, and turned it into five separate, book-length chase scenes: we don't have any of the intricate city setting or political twistiness; there's no sisterly bond between Safi and Iseult, as they are split up for the entirety of the book; we see nothing of the Nomatsi culture, or the pirates; and absolutely no one does anything even remotely gentleman-rogue-like. I adored all of these aspects in the first book, as they came together into a smart look at a detailed world, but the plot in this book seemed to keep everyone very isolated from the outside world, and mostly running for their lives, so we lost all of this cleverness and worldbuilding in favour of plain action.

I wasn't a huge fan of the mix of POVs - I felt there were too many, and too choppy, and they weren't necessarily all characters I cared about after the first book. I don't really find Aeduan interesting, which seems to be the complete opposite of the majority of readers. The attempt to rehabilitate Vivia fell particularly flat for me, and I found I couldn't care less about Merik's self-pity. His character is totally different to how it was in the first book, and splitting him up from Safi removed all of their fun interactions, which made both of them come across more interestingly. Merik's chapters also felt quite distasteful to me to begin with, as he was in an accident that left him scarred, and this makes him pretty miserable and causes him to use a lot of ableist language about himself, including 'broken' - understandable, but it's never dealt with or condemned, which makes it uncomfortably ableist reading.

I was also incredibly uncomfortable with the way the trans rep in this book is dealt with, after seeing people lauding the series for being LGBTQ positive (side note, I'm not sure why. One minor character is stated to have same-sex attraction, but basically nothing happens with this beyond it being mentioned, so I'm not sure that counts for much). There is a major trans boy side character, Cam, whom the narrative (Merik's viewpoint again) continually and unrepentantly misgenders as standard; he refers to him as 'boy' out loud, but 'girl' whenever he thinks about him, and his use of 'boy' and Cam's chosen name (because of course, he is outed by a transphobic relative using his deadname) is very much depicted as being part of a disguise with a 'wink wink' tone. When Merik is finally told outright that female pronouns are incorrect, his only thought is that he will have to put a lot of work into mentally correcting himself. The only trope this really misses is that no one slices through Cam's binding to show his breasts. Merik is not outwardly or aggressively transphobic, he's just really oblivious, so there is no reason for the misgendering subplot to last the entire book - it could have been over in one frank conversation at the start, leaving only a kickass trans boy character in the rep! Cam is really cool, so it's a shame he's consistently undermined by the narrative.

One thing that was particularly noticeable for me was that I felt like the majority of the characters ended up in much the same place overall (mentally, if not geographically) at the end of the book as they were at the start, which made it feel very filler-y to me (not great when we're only on book 2!). Honestly, very little seems to happen in this book and there are certainly no world-shaking revelations like the last book. It's an entertaining read, but it feels like it's just moving chess pieces around in preparation for more interesting things to happen later on. It honestly hasn't left me excited for the rest of the series, which is such a shame - I will press on to see if we ever reach Truthwitch's level of fun again, but I'm wary now.

Please note that this book is not for me - I have read the book, However I had to DNF and because i do not like to give negative reviews I will not review this book fully - there is no specific reason for not liking this book. I found it a struggle to read and did not enjoy trying to force myself to read this book.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for the opportunity to read this book

Windwitch, second in Susan Dennard's Witchlands series, finds Threadsisters Iseult and Safi separated by half a world. Iseult is determined to reunite with Safi and stumbles across Aeduan. The Bloodwitch had been tracking her and fallen into a Nomatsi bear trap. He has fallen unconscious thanks to the healing magic repairing his body. Iseult steals something valuable from him and retreats to her makeshift camp to await his arrival. She bargains with him to help her find Safi, and the two enter into an uneasy alliance, at least until a heartbreaking, unexpected find turns Aeduan to a different path. Safi, meanwhile, has been traveling with Vaness. When the Empress' ship is destroyed, she and Safi end up captured by HellBards and drug into Saldonica. When Vaness is betrayed by allies she anticipated having here, the group is attacked. In order to survive and escape, the witches and HellBards must work together. And Merik Nihar, presumed dead, is very much alive, though badly scarred from the destruction of his ship by seafire. The former Admiral is determined to return home and prove his sister's treachery. What he finds is a capital beset by refugees fleeing conflict. What he learns will change his views on his sister and her actions, and that the chasm between life and death isn't as wide as people believe.

I absolutely devoured this book! Usually, in multi-POV books, I have a great preference for one over the others. Not this time! I was equally invested in all of the characters. Three storyline are followed- Merik, Iseult, and Safi. Merik Nihar, alive if scarred, is determined to prove his sister's presumed treachery. In tracking leads in Lovats, he crafts a new identity for himself, and finds there is so much more to his city, his people, and his sister than he ever knew. Iseult travels alone, making her way to Safi. She crossed paths with the Bloodwitch Aeduan again, and makes a deal for his help finding Safi. Unfortunately, the pair get caught between invading forces and plans go astray. Meanwhile, Safi travels with Empress Vaness. An attack in the Empress' ship strands the two in hostile territory, where they are captured by HellBards and betrayed by those who should have been Vaness' allies. Each, in the end, learns the truest depths of their strength, and each finds a family of sorts through their trials and tribulations. Each, too, gets a lesson in being careful to not judge others too quickly.

I have to say, the next book better have a happier outcome for Merik… While I like all the main characters, he and Aeduan are my faves. I do have a knack for getting attached to characters that die though… ugh, why me? Books, movies, games… invariably I get attached to those destined to not survive. Game of Thrones doesn't count, either… I really enjoy Dennard's writing, and loved seeing the characters and world fleshed out a bit more, especially in seeing more of the different ways magic manifests. This book, it was Vaness who most impressed! I want her magic! I enjoyed seeing more of Nubrevna too. It sounds like a rough place to live though. I'm hoping things continue improving for that country as future books develop. All in all, I'm very much looking forward to reading the next in the series. Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Pan MacMillan for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is really shaping up to be an excellent series overall as Dennard here expands the world to show us more of the witch types. We follow Merik here, as he deals with the events of book one - we also touch base with Iseult, Safi and Aeduan too and are introduced to some great new characters. I really like Dennard's writing and her plotting is tightly woven with interesting reveals throughout. The Witchlands are a fascinating world to spend some time in and as with all of the best world building, there is an authenticity to the geography, administration and politics that I really appreciate. I am definitely going to be continuing with the series and am looking forward to book 3.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Due to enjoying the first in the series I couldn’t go onto read this as the first book I found quite hard work and struggled getting to the end so didn’t have any desire to pick this book up due to my struggle with the first book

It's been a while since I read this and remember thinking it enjoyable although not a favourite. It's another one of those series straddling the adult and teen markets that doesn't quite sit strongly enough in either; the main characters are of the young adult type and the number of characters and world building is plentiful but still lack a little depth at times. Strangely my opinion and recollection of this series has improved due to reading the very good novella 'Sightwitch' and I'm looking forward to reading book 3 'Bloodwitch' soon.

(ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley)

I liked the first book and was hoping that the second would love up to it and it didn't disappoint! Well paced and good character development. Can not wait for the next book!

This is the sequel to Truthwitch, which I thought was incredibly overhypes.
After reading this book, the second in the series, I can see the two female lead characters coming into their own and have definitely grown to enjoy them more, as well as the cast of side characters.
The book is very action packed and fast paced. I think the change of POV really added some interest into the series. I especially enjoyed the blurred lines between good and bad..

I requested this not realising at the time it was a sequel and I still have not managed to read the first book therefore I feel it is unfair to leave it hanging and will review when I eventually read the series.

This is the sequel to Truthwitch, and follows a scarred Prince Merik following his sister’s devastating betrayal, as everyone believes him dead.

Unfortunately I found this largely confusing, and rather boring, with too many POV and plots that didn’t really work and feel very disjointed from one another. Most of the story itself also moves along at a snail’s pace, very little happens or develops, and I found that I just wasn’t interested or invested in any of the many, many, characters. They’re mostly forgettable, uninteresting or annoying (Safi) and one dimensional. The romance elements also feel forced, as if the tensions were purposely put in to cause an atmosphere that was unnecessary and unnatural. The writing itself just doesn’t seem to convey any real emotional connection to anything, and I really struggled to care because of it.

The saving grace is perhaps Iseult. She shines in a sea of the unoriginal, with quirks and a personality that is flawed yet also relatable. She has an obvious inferiority complex, suffering from self doubt throughout the novel, that make her very appealing. If we could have had more chapters from her POV and less from Safi and Merik I would have been happier.

Not for me.

I absolutely love this series so much, I think the world building is so good and the writing style is just fantastic from start to finish!

The action starts at the beginning and doesn’t let up. Four separate quests kept me on the edge of my seat with plenty of excitement and adrenaline rushes. I loved the format of alternating chapters making this a page turner for me. I was so eager to find out what was going to happen next!

Merik and Cam’s quest leads them to the underground tunnels in Nubrevna; Safi and Vaness find themselves in Saldonica as captives of the Hell-Bard soldiers; Iseult is making her way to Safi with Aeduan by her side and Vivia is the only Nubrevnan left to rule should her father’s illness prove fatal. She’s judged by everyone all the time. Nothing is as it seems …

We learned in the first story that the driving force for Merek was lack of food and resources for the people of Nubrevna. In this story we get to experience that destitution first hand. Undercurrents in relation to the High Council piqued my interest and kept me intrigued. I had my own ideas on their motivation but not why or what exactly they would gain. I enjoyed getting to know Vivia and could see where sibling rivalry had led her and Merik. Together they would surely be a force to reckon with.

I loved how connections from the first story play a key part in this one. An invisible thread joining everything together.

I’ve really enjoyed learning a little more about how this world works and spending time in the different settings. I’m already emotionally invested in these characters and feel honoured to be watching them face challenges and continue on their journey. Exciting times ahead as they continue facing new challenges and their fears whilst on separate paths. When they finally come back together it is going to be so powerful …

5* of awesomeness!

Windwitch was a great sequel to Truthwitch. I can really see the whole development of this fantasy world and the strong characters within it. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes in Bloodwitch and Susan Dennard is now among one of my favourite fantasy authors. This is one for fans of Trudi Canavan and Robin Hobb.

Fantastic!
This is as good as the first book.
Starts where it left truthwitch and we learn more about the witchlands.
Great series with great world building and characters.
Again it’s perfect for fans of Sarah j mass.
Loved it. Can’t wait for Bloodwitch.

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Windwitch from Pan Macmillan / Tor and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of Windwitch (Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard This was published on 18th October 2018.

This is the continuation of the Witchlands trilogy. This continues the story from the last part of book one. In this book we explore more of the world and the magic system. Like the last one this book is well written and cannot wait for book three Bloodwitch.

Would recommend if you love a good YA fantasy and if you are fan of Sarah J Maas.

This was almost as good as the first book, which is rare nowadays for a second novel.
I loved getting to know more about the characters and how their story lines got more entangled... especially Baduan and Iseult.

I cannot wait for the third installment and will definitely be pre-ordering it!

I find it quite amusing that in my review of Truthwitch I wanted Iseult and Safi to have been together more when in this book I thought that it was the separation of the two characters that made the story so much stronger. I found myself engrossed in both of their stories, where normally I find myself willing one to be done with so I can get to the one that I like (nobody's perfect). But no, all of the perspectives in this book are really interesting and compelling and I was surprised by how invested I got in quite a quick time.

I found the writing very evocative in this book, in a way that perhaps I just didn't notice in Truthwitch. There are moments of description, particularly in Merik's story, where I could absolutely feel myself there with him. But there are moments like that dotted throughout. I'm wondering if it's something to do with the fact that there are a wider range of settings these characters find themselves in, from forest to ocean to subterranean worlds and more, so perhaps I noticed the distinction between them more? I'm not sure. Either way, it works, this book really drops you into the moment with these characters. 

My favourite storyline was, of course, that of Iseult and Aeduan because I am someone who sees two enemies being forced together and just eats it up. It's one of my favourite tropes and I know that it can be quite problematic and in some cases is a bit overdone, but either I'm weak-willed or it worked hugely well in this context. There's something about managing that tension, and also the way that relationships are forced to shift and change in the face of adversity that gets me right here. 

I thought that this was an incredibly strong sequel. There is also a character who, while it's never said they are transgender within the book, exhibits some elements of that storyline. He is misgendered, but it's addressed within the story and I thought it was handled quite well, though obviously that was my own reading of it, and a person who is transgender may disagree with me. 

I'm left feeling pretty excited about Bloodwitch, which comes out in 2019. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that explores magic users and seems to be growing and gaining momentum (if this book is anything to go by) then I would recommend this series. 

My rating: 4/5 stars

I received a free digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

IN SUMMARY: WINDWITCH is a tightly-paced, action-packed adventure with authentic characters and a land jammed with magic, fearsome opponents and plot twists that will have you gasping. Dig your fingers into this juicy high fantasy if you loved TRUTHWITCH.

MY THOUGHTS:

What WINDWITCH does right is its characters. Each and every one of them felt three-dimensional, real people that could leap off the page at any moment. From Safi’s stubborn pride to Iseult’s honed thoughtfulness, Merik’s rage and Aeduan’s stoicism. WINDWITCH also treats you to a new POV in Vivia, a princess struggling to win the hearts of her mourning and disdainful court, and she is a great addition to the crew. Keeping up with each plotline of each POV proved to be a challenge, but when it all came together at the end, it was wholly satisfying.

I will say, I missed a lot of what made TRUTHWITCH so great: certain characters interacting. Safi and Iseult are separated the entire book, stealing away the chance to show their genuine, heartfelt friendship, though neither ever stops thinking of the other. Likewise, Safi and Merik don’t interact, killing some of the romantic tension that rolled over from the predecessor. In fact, the only relationship I truly loved was Iseult and Aeduan and their shaky alliance, but the possible ardour between them is never addressed, never even touched upon. If you were looking for thrilling romantic tension, you won’t find it in WINDWITCH.

Beautiful prose that doesn’t hit you in the head with overdone metaphors or flowery language, Dennard is a master at hitting the right notes at the right time. Sometimes the action sequences weren’t concrete enough, but they were always punchy and thrilling. And of course, the world-building is vast and in-depth, and truly lives up to the hype as a high fantasy. Learning about more of the history of the Witchlands, particularly the Hell-Bards and Weaverwitches, had me almost wishing it was real.

Overall, I think I may like TRUTHWITCH just slightly more than WINDWITCH, but don’t discount this novel. It breathes new life into the Witchlands that leaves you wanting more.

WILL I READ ON? I’m truly psyched for BLOODWITCH, and I can’t wait to read more about Aeduan!