Review: Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard

Title: Bloodwitch Series: The Witchlands #3 Written by: Susan Dennard Published: February 12, 2019 by TorTeen Macmillan (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Fans of Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series have fallen in love with the Bloodwitch Aeduan. And now, finally, comes his story.  High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.  The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.

I am still kind of reeling after finishing this book a day after writing this review. Bloodwitch was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019 after waiting two years to read it. And just like the previous books in this series, it did not disappoint. This was an amazing fantasy read.

My favorite thing about this book, and this series in general, is the world. This is one of the most amazing and involved fantasy world that I have experienced in a long time. It is one of those worlds where history and mythology affects things in a big way. As the series goes on, we are learning more and more about the world. I listened to an interview with Susan recently where she mentioned she set out to write a book that is like adult fantasy where you don’t reveal things about the magic and world until much later, and that’s exactly what she has done. It’s the kind of world where you are shown instead of told. It has me completely enthralled and wanting to know more. Here we learn a good amount but I still has so many questions.

As for the plot, this is a book that had that classic sword and sorcery kind of vibes. It’s full of action and adventure with the main characters trying to save the world and their kingdoms from other countries and even scarier threats. I do feel a little bit like this was that bridge book that you see a lot in a series. It didn’t necessarily have it’s own plot but merely connected the stories from the first two books while setting up the final books. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t interesting. Susan is a master plotter who does a great job of setting up little things so she can knock them down later to a huge impact. Things are starting to get knocked down in this one, which meant surprises and twists that had me screaming internally. The book also built to a thrilling conclusion and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I desperately need a reread of the books before that, especially Sightwitch. The way Susan plots I know this is going to be one of those series worth going back to books for reminders and for theory crafting.

One of the things that I think made this plot a little bit more challenging in terms of a cohesive story is the fact that it told in multiple perspectives. It is one more example of what gives this book that classic fantasy vibe but it also adds a lot of moving parts. This book had five or six different perspectives and many of them were going in very different places and doing very different things. And which often happens with this kind of thing, some of the perspectives were more interesting than others. I think my favorite perspectives were the ones that were more about the big picture and mythology of the series, like Isuelt and Aeduan, over those who had more of the political intrigue like Vivia and Safi. The one who surprised me the most was Merik. Merik had a storyline that had me completely enthralled and I surprisingly wanted to go back to him even though he is not one of my favorite characters. But that is just the nature of books with multiple perspectives like Bloodwitch.

But I can forgive the multiple perspectives because the characters here are so amazing. Susan is definitely a master of complex characterization and this book was a perfect example. There is a good sized squad in this series and I am invested in every single one of them. There is a lot of great character development here as many of the characters are deciding who they are and the heroes they want to be. I was fully-invested in them and their success. This book is Aeduan’s book so of course we learn a lot more about him and his history. He’s always been one of the characters I found the most interesting so I loved being able to find out about him and be in his head. Isuelt might be my favorite though. She is really coming into her own and becoming this amazing badass. These two together also make an amazing team and they were seriously killing me with feels every time they were together. The character who surprised me the most though was Merik. He’s never been one of my favorites but he is the one who has the best development and is very much continuing his redemptive arc. But I love every character I this series. Whether they are complex and likable or the kind of characters you love to hate, they are all incredibly interesting.

All in all, this is a truly amazing book and a series that keeps getting better. It has an absolutely fascinating world full of mythology and magic, a thrilling sword and sorcery plot development, and characters that are complex with great development.

I give Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard 9.5 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! If you like the first two books in this series If you are a fan of fantasy, YA or adult, I would absolutely recommend this series. It will be an amazing series to binge.

Have you read Bloodwitch? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks you for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: Bloodwitch Series: The Witchlands #3 Written by: Susan Dennard Published: February 12, 2019 by Tor Books (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Fans of Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series have fallen in love with the Bloodwitch Aeduan. And now, finally, comes his story. High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets. The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.

 
Why I'm Waiting:

I loved the first three books in The Witchlands series and I am super excited for the next book to come out. I loved Susan's debut series and honestly this one is so much better. It is one of those series that has me thinking so much about every little thing that I have all these crazy theories about what will happen next. I know there will be some surprises in this book and I can't wait to find out what they are.

I also really love these characters. Susan is great with developing complex characters that you connect with and I have totally connected with all these characters. I am anxious to find out what happens to Isuelt, Safi, Merik, and of course Aeduan who I am hoping we will find more about in this book. SO PUMPED! Also, ships. The ships.

I am very excited to read this book. I can't wait to pick up a copy when it comes out next month. I should probably do a reread of the series because it's been awhile but I probably won't have time. But either way, I cannot wait to read this book!

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting on Bloodwitch along with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: Sightwitch by Susan Dennard

Title:Sightwithch Series: The Witchlands #0.5 Written by: Susan Dennard Published: February 13, 2018 by Tor Teen (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard, Sightwitch is an illustrated novella set in the Witchlands and told through Ryber’s journal entries and sketches. Before Safi and Iseult battled a Bloodwitch... Before Merik returned from the dead… Ryber Fortiza was a Sightwitch Sister at a secluded convent, waiting to be called by her goddess into the depths of the mountain. There she would receive the gift of foretelling. But when that call never comes, Ryber finds herself the only Sister without the Sight. Years pass and Ryber’s misfit pain becomes a dull ache, until one day, Sisters who already possess the Sight are summoned into the mountain, never to return. Soon enough, Ryber is the only Sister left. Now, it is up to her to save her Sisters, though she does not have the Sight—and though she does not know what might await her inside the mountain. On her journey underground, she encounters a young captain named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Together, the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, their road filled with horrors, and what they find at the end of that road will alter the fate of the Witchlands forever. Set a year before Truthwitch, Sightwitch is a companion novella that also serves as a set up to Bloodwitch, as well as an expansion of the Witchlands world.

I really liked the first two books in The Witchlands series but it took me awhile to get to this book. But this month I was reading whatever I felt like and after a Twitter poll voted I should bring this on my trip to DC, I finally started reading it. It was a short and sweet read that gave a lot of information about the Witchlands.

This is such a deep world and setting. Susan has managed to create a fantasy world that has a complex and engaging history. It had me truly fascinated from the very beginning and the more we learn about it, the more interested I become. And we definitely learned a lot in this book. Not only did Ryber learn something that I think is going to come back in a big way in later books, but we also got even more of the history with flashbacks to a time 1,000 years ago. I loved being able to learn about it all and I have so  many questions I need answers to.

That being said, I am just not enjoying books with multiple perspectives lately. Both the current time period and everything happening in the past were fascinating, I liked both plot lines, but I just found it a little confusing. The voices were similar and I found it hard keeping track of whose storyline we were inhabiting. I wish there was a little bit more separation between the two. But plot wise they were really interesting. I was engaged in what was happening and it added some interest and color to the larger series.

But I think my favorite thing about this book was the format. It is a novella so it's a short and sweet read, which I appreciated, but it also was written in an epistolary format. You had journal entries, drawings, maps, puzzles, and plenty more unique things that made this book not your average novella. It only took me a few days to read and I loved that things were broken up even more with the images. I have been a very slow reader today and it was nice to have a book I could just breeze through.

All in all, Sightwitch was a good YA fantasty and a great addition to the Witchlands series. It added a lot to an already fascinating world, and had a plot full of mystery that I think will come back in a big way in future books. It wasn't perfect but it was thoroughly entertaining.

I give Sightwitch by Susan Dennard 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy/Borrow. I would recommend picking up a copy of this book if you are a fan of the series. The cover is gorgeous and it is a great addition to the series.

Have you read Sightwitch? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: Windwitch by Susan Dennard

*** This is the second book in a series. If you have not read Truthwitch be careful of spoilers. Also read it's great and was one of my favorite books of 2016. ***

Title: Windwitch Series: The Witchlamds #2 Written by: Alexandra Bracken Published: January 10, 2017 by Tor Teen (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Sometimes our enemies are also our only allies…   After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.  When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her—yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first?   After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge—especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

For a very long time, Truthwitch was one of my favorite books of 2016. I absolutely loved the world Susan created, the characters who inhabited it, and the slow but thrilling plot. Therefore I have been super excited for it's sequel to find out what happens next in this series. And Windwitch did not disappoint.

I think the thing that I love most about this series, and this book in general, is the characters. I have always loved the way the author is able to create a whole cast of interesting and diverse characters and make you like every last one of them (well, almost everyone). And she proved yet again that she is a master of characterization in Windwitch. This is a book with changing perspectives as all of our main characters are separated and off on their own adventures. But I am so invested in each character that I didn't mind at all when it switched. Arguable the lead character here is Merik, I mean the book is named after him. I really liked his character development in this one. As we learned more about him and he learned more about the world he grew a lot and I appreciated that. But if you ask me, the real stars of this book are Aeduan and Isuelt. Those two are fantastically complex and mysterious. We got some fantastic information and revelations about them and I still want to know more. In general though I just want more from these characters because I love them and find them so interesting.

I also want more from this world. It's definitely a fascinating world. Like a lot of high fantasy it is based on real like and Medival Europe but is also has this really creative feel to it. It's a world at war and we get to see that first hand with each book. But honestly we know very little about the larger world and the politics of it. I want to know more and I'm really hopeful that the next book will show us at least some of that. But the main thing that seems lacking is information about the history and magic of the world. I'm generally a big fan of the magical system here. It's elemental magic reminiscent of Avatar the Last Airbender but more evolved. It's super interesting with rules and guidelines which I like. But we know so little about it. There are references to origins but we never hear about it. And don't even get me started on how little we know about the mythical chosen ones the Cahr Awen even though they keep talking about them. The world of this book is keeping things very close to the vest and I wish they wouldn't. It's such an interesting world but it's bordering on frustrating at times.

But for me, what it lacks in world building it makes up for in plot development. This is a slower paced plot, it is not the kind of book where you can dive in and power through but it is super thrilling. It slowly builds to a thrilling conclusion with a ton of action along the way. One thing that I do think made the plot challenging and slightly confusing was the fact that there were kind of three different plots for each of the main characters perspectives. There was some overlap but for the most part they are independent of each other with their own endings and climaxes. It made each of them really interesting but it made the overall story of the book a little muddled. But on the whole I love the direction of this series. The stakes are high and there are tons of action scenes and thrilling escapes. It's also full of surprises and mystery. I was incredibly shocked by more than one big reveal and a few of them are making me real excited for the next book.

Despite the fact that I didn't love some aspects about it this was a fantastic book that I really loved. It's got fantastic characters with great development, an exciting plot full of action and surprises, and a world with a cool magical system.

I give Windwitch by Susan Dennard 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy. If you liked the first book in this series you will not be disappointed by the sequel. This series is developing into a fascinating and engaging high fantasy series with characters I am totally in love with. I definitely recommend it.

Have you read Windwitch? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Steampunk Supernatural Adventures

Hey all. It's time for this month's Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my focus is twofold, steampunk and science fiction but when thinking about which one I was going to do for this post the obvious choice was steampunk.

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

I really enjoyed this series but if I am being entirely honest, I didn't love the first book. It's a series that gets better as it develops. But by the last book I was totally invested, both emotionally and intellectually in the outcome of the book. And I am still not over that ending!

This is a book the effortlessly combines a bunch of different elements that you wouldn't think would work well together and they do. Not only is it historical fiction with great elements about society and a woman's place in it, but it also has fantastic steampunk elements, and a mysterious plot that revolves around supernatural creatures. That's right, there are zombies in this book.

The best thing about this book however is the characters. It is a book full of interesting and likable characters, starting with the main character. Eleanor Fitt is a young women who has never really felt like she fit in with her society, but she's tough, plucky, and resourceful which makes her a great heroine. There also some fantastic secondary characters in the Spirit-Hunters, and a good love to hate relationship courtesy of one Daniel Sheridan who is pretty swoonworthy. Not to mention some great villains who are pretty odious and characters that walk a very fine line between good and evil, which I always like.

Throughout the series you are taken to different places throughout the world including France and Egypt, all in the name of adventure and mystery. It really is a great series that combines history, mystery, and fantasy really well.

Soulless by Gail Carriger
My Review to Come/ Add to Goodreads

It feels strange to mention a book that I haven't finished in one of these posts (I'm almost done!) but I really couldn't not mention it. I mean it is a really great steampunk story and has a ton of crossover appeal. Plus it does remind me a lot of Something Strange and Deadly so I think people who like one will really enjoy the other.

Soulless is a book the effortlessly combines a bunch of different elements that you wouldn't think would work well together and they do. Not only is it historical fiction with great elements about society and a woman's place in it, but it also has fantastic steampunk elements, and a mysterious plot that revolves around supernatural creatures. That's right, there are vampires and werewolves (amung other things) in this book.

The best thing about this book however is the characters. It is a book full of interesting and likable characters, starting with the main character. Alexia Tarabotti is such a spitfire. She doesn't quite fit in with her society, and that goes deeper than the fact that she preternatural. But she's tough, plucky, and resourceful which makes her a great heroine. There also some fantastic secondary characters. Great friendships in Ivy Hisslepenny and Lord Akeldama (the names in this book, you guys) and a good love to hate relationship courtesy of one Lord Maccon who is pretty swoonworthy (I will always and forever be Team Werewolf). Not to mention some great villains who are pretty odious and characters that walk a very fine line between good and evil, which I always like.

And a cursory scan of the covers for the rest of the series makes me think that I will also be taken to different places throughout the world including France and Egypt, all in the name of adventure and mystery, I hope. But seriously, even though I am not done I am really loving this book. It does a great job in how it combines history, mystery, and fantasy really well.

These are both good examples of books I think can combine genres really well. I'm all about historical fantasies and these take that and add steampunk elements their great. The obvious choice when recommending crossover Gail Carriger books is to recommend her other series like the Finishing School series which is like a lower YA or the Custard Protocol which is YA and I hope to read when I am done with this series. But like I said, I think the Something Strange and Deadly series is really similar.

Both series combine steampunk Victorian settings with supernatural creatures to make books full of adventure and mystery. Both books have spunky female heroines who are trying to navigate their places in society while fighting for or against these supernatural threats. Plus both main characters use a parasol as their weapon of choice. I think if you enjoyed one of these series, you should totally try the other.

Have you read Something Strange and Deadly and/or Soulless? What did you think? What steampunk novels with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: Windwitch by Susan Dennard

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: Windwitch Series: The Witchlands #2 Author: Susan Dennard Published: January 10, 2016 by Tor Teen (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: The follow-up to New York Times bestselling Truthwitch, next in a breathtaking YA fantasy series hailed by Alexandra Bracken as "a world you will want to inhabit forever." On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a "witchery," a magical skill that sets them apart from others. In this follow-up to New York Times bestselling Truthwitch, a shadow man haunts the Nubrevnan streets, leaving corpses in his wake—and then raising those corpses from the dead. Windwitch continues the tale of Merik—cunning privateer, prince, and windwitch.

Why I'm Waiting 

I've been a fan of Susan's books since I read the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy a few years back. So obviously I was super excited when I heard that she was writing a high fantasy with a world similar to Avatar: the Last Airbender. And I read Truthwitch at the beginning of this year when it came out and I loved it. In fact, it's one of my favorite reads of the year and I've read 120 other books since then so you know it's good

And therefore, I must be anxiously awaiting the books sequel, and I definitely am. I can't wait to find out what happens next to these characters. I'm excited that Merrik is taking a little bit more of the focus because I feel like there is a lot more to learn about him, as well as a many of the other characters. Plus that "shadow man: sounds really interesting and very Susan if you've read Something Strange and Deadly you know what I mean

I'm really excited to explore more of this world too. I think in Truthwitch we learned so little about the magical system and the history of this world. It was one of those show instead of tell kind of world-buildings and it left a lot of things unanswered and assumed that we knew stuff we didn't know. I want to know stuff and find out stuff!

I have a copy of this book preordered. I cannot wait to read it this January when it comes out. Winter for me is the perfect time to escape into a high fantasy epic and Windwitch will be the perfect book for that.

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting on Windwitch along with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

ARC Review: Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Title: Truthwitch Series: The Witchlands #1 Written by: Susan Dennard Published: January 5, 2016 by Tor Teen (Macmillan) (Amazon / 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

*** I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher at BEA in exchange for an honest review. This fact has not changed my opinion. ***

I've been a fan of Susan Dennard for awhile now. I marathoned her Something Strange and Deadly series in the summer of 2014 and really enjoyed it. So when I heard she was coming out with a new high fantasy series I knew I needed to read it. At BEA this year, I did things I'm not proud of to get my hands on an ARC (well mostly running but I'm not a runner) but I don't at all regret getting a copy because oh wow, this book was such a fantastic read.

First things first, Truthwitch is so full of action. I'm a plot driven reader. I like when a book takes me on an adventure and either doesn't stop from the word go or really builds to an exciting and thrilling conclusion. Truthwitch did both of those things. Right from the opening scene you know that this is going to be a book full of action and things don't really slow down at all. It's scene after scene of daring escapes, thrilling fights, and really close calls for the heroes. The stakes are incredibly high and more than once I was terrified about what would happen to one character or another. But it's not just action scene for the sake of drama, it's also incredibly well plotted. There is a subtle mystery to the book, more than a few twists and big reveals actually, and clues are slowly revealed as everything develops. Plus everything culminates in a huge climax where things intertwine and it all comes to head in a thrilling scene that had me on the edge of my seat. If you are looking for a book that is full of action and adventure then look no further than Truthwitch.

Truthwitch is also a book with a fascinating world and magical system. As a fan of fantasy, I am always looking for a magical system that isn't just the same thing over and over again. And I was a little nervous going into this book because I don't always love elemental magic, it's tough to make it creative for me. Susan Dennard however has managed to do it though. What helps is that while she has your standard control of things like fire, air, and water she also has some really unique ones as well. Like our two protagonists, Safi and Isuelt. Safi who is a Truthwitch and can tell if people are lying and Isuelt who is a Threadwitch and can see people's feeling and the threads that connect them to each other and the world around them. It sounds really confusing but it makes total sense throughout the book which is the mark of a great author. But I think my favorite power was Aeudan, who is a Bloodwitch meaning he can heal himself but also smell other people's blood and track them across long distances. Each of these three powers were so unique and fascinating.

The setting too was really interesting and engaging. You can see the influences of Medieval Europe in the world and geography of the Witchlands, something that is very common in high fantasy, but it still all comes off as creative an original. It's a world with it's own history, mythology, and religion all of which come into play in the book a little. I love these types of fantasy worlds, the ones that are rich in detail and information, the ones with a backstory. But Susan doesn't get bogged down with that backstory. There aren't info dumps where they tell you all about something that happened ages ago that will later influence the story. You as the reader have to figure things out on your own and use what is shown to develop that history. It made for a much more interesting and immersive experience for me.

And finally, Truthwitch has some absolutely brilliant and complex characters who intertwine and interact in fantastic ways. Of course the most engaging characters are our main characters, Safi and Isuelt. They are both incredibly tough and smart women who I love. Safi is a little more reckless with an act before you think personality while Isuelt is more cautious and calculating. I liked them both but I think I had more of a connection with Isuelt, which is interesting because I'm more like Safi. But I'm blaming it on the whole Treadsisters thing. Because while these two were interesting apart they are so compelling together. They feel such affection for one another and perfectly balance the other person out. I love books with strong female friendships and this one definitely had that. But it also had great males too. I already mentioned Aeduan who was also super interesting. He's such a dubious character. He could very well be a villainous character but he never comes off that way. He's also just so mysterious I want to learn more about him. Then there is Merik who also is a pretty dubious character. He's the prince of a small autonomous nation and a Waterwitch. He's got a quick temper but would also do anything to help the people he loves. He's surly but also so kind. I really enjoyed him and his development throughout the book. And that's just the main characters. Every person you interacted with in this book was interesting and complex.

On the whole, the only word for Truthwitch is brilliant! It was a book I was super excited to read from the moment I first learned about it. It has been really hyped up for months now and I'm really happy to say that it lives up to the hype. It introduced us to a unique new world with a fascinating magical system and the complex characters who inhabit it, while taking the reader on a non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end.

I give Truthwitch by Susan Dennard 10 out of 10

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! You need this book. Trust me. Especially if you are a fan of high fantasy epics. It's reminiscent of so many of those great fantasy stories that I love and yet still comes off as creative and original. And even if you aren't a big fantasy fan but you like really action-packed stories with great characters then give Truthwitch a try. It lives up to the hype, you will love it too!

Have you read Truthwitch? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: Truthwitch Series: The Witchlands #1 Author: Susan Dennard Published: January 6, 2016 by Tor Teen (Amazon / 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.

Why I'm Waiting 

Because I read YA? Seriously this is one of the most talked about books within the blogging community right now. I feel like everyone and their mother is waiting for Truthwitch. And I mean for good reason, right? It sounds absolutely brilliant. That's one of the main reasons I did things at BEA that I am not proud of to get an ARC of this book. I need it in my life and I would and did go all Veruca Salt to get it!

But, more specifics. Well for one thing I love Susan Dennard's writing. I read the Something Strange and Deadly series a year ago and I am seriously still not over the ending. It was shocking but made total sense and that's what made it so hard. Anyway, I'm psyched to see Susan write something a little bit more tradition fantasy.

But mostly, look at that synopsis. Elemental magic can be hit or miss for me but everything I learn about the magical system has me really interested. I know Susan is also a big fan of The Last Airbender so that bodes well. Plus the characters sound really amazing. I've read the first few chapters as part of the Misfits and Daydreamers newsletter and it's really good so far.

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting for Truthwitch with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: Top Five Books I Will Be Waiting In Line For at BEA

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

1.) Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: January 5, 2016 by Tor Teen

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.

Why I'm Waiting: Epic Fantasy, elemental magic, strong female protagonists, and a roguish prince all written by Susan Dennard

2.) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: October 6, 2015 by Macmillan

Synopsis: Game of Thrones meets Ocean's Eleven in this brand-new book in the world of the Grisha by New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith. A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first

Why I'm Waiting: More from Leigh Bardugo set in the Grishaverse. Plus I seriously love heist stories. OHMYGOD I need this book!

3.) Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: January 5, 2016 by Disney Hyperion

Synopsis: Violin prodigy Etta Spencer had big plans for her future, but a tragedy has put her once-bright career at risk. Closely tied to her musical skill, however, is a mysterious power she doesn't even know she has. When her two talents collide during a stressful performance, Etta is drawn back hundreds of years through time.

Etta wakes, confused and terrified, in 1776, in the midst a fierce sea battle. Nicholas Carter, the handsome young prize master of a privateering ship, has been hired to retrieve Etta and deliver her unharmed to the Ironwoods, a powerful family in the Colonies--the very same one that orchestrated her jump back, and one Nicholas himself has ties to. But discovering she can time travel is nothing compared to the shock of discovering the true reason the Ironwoods have ensnared her in their web. 

Another traveler has stolen an object of untold value from them, and, if Etta can find it, they will return her to her own time. Out of options, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the mysterious traveler. But as they draw closer to each other and the end of their search, the true nature of the object, and the dangerous game the Ironwoods are playing, comes to light -- threatening to separate her not only from Nicholas, but her path home... forever.

Why I'm Waiting: More from Alexandra Bracken! Plus you guys it's an epic adventure through time! Plus look at that cover and the synopsis and *dies*

4.) After Alice by Gregory Maguire
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: October 27, 2015 by William Morrow

Synopsis: From the multi-million-copy bestselling author of Wicked comes a magical new twist on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Lewis’s Carroll’s beloved classic

When Alice toppled down the rabbit-hole 150 years ago, she found a Wonderland as rife with inconsistent rules and abrasive egos as the world she left behind. But what of that world? How did 1860s Oxford react to Alice’s disappearance?

In this brilliant new work of fiction, Gregory Maguire turns his dazzling imagination to the question of underworlds, undergrounds, underpinnings—and understandings old and new, offering an inventive spin on Carroll’s enduring tale. Ada, a friend of Alice’s mentioned briefly in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is off to visit her friend, but arrives a moment too late—and tumbles down the rabbit hole herself.

Ada brings to Wonderland her own imperfect apprehension of cause and effect as she embarks on an odyssey to find Alice and see her safely home from this surreal world below the world. If Euridyce can ever be returned to the arms of Orpheus, or Lazarus can be raised from the tomb, perhaps Alice can be returned to life. Either way, everything that happens next is “After Alice.”

Why I'm Waiting: More from Gregory Maguire. He has written some of my absolute favorite fairy tale retellings. I love the ones with more high concept fantasy stuff so I'm excited to see his take on Wonderland.

5.) Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: September 22, 2015 by Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)

Synopsis: The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research

Why I'm Waiting: I haven't read any Rae Carson before (shhh, I know) but I've heard amazing things and a historical fantasy set in the gold rush with a girl who can sense gold. I want to go to there.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? Are you at BEA with me? Will I see you in any of these line? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard

Title: Strange and Ever After Series: Something Strange and Deadly #3 Author: Susan Dennard Amazon Goodreads Synopsis: Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices series, this is the epic conclusion to Susan Dennard's trilogy that started with Something Strange and Deadly and continued with A Darkness Strange and Lovely. With supernatural forces, epic romance, and a mysterious Egyptian city, Eleanor and her team are set for an adventure they will never forget. It has been a tumultuous time for Eleanor Fitt since life as she knew it in Philadelphia came abruptly to an end. While the Spirit-Hunters—Joseph, Jie, and Daniel—have helped her survive her brother's violent death and an invasion of Hungry Dead, Eleanor has lost just about everything. And now, Jie is missing—taken by the evil necromancer Marcus. Eleanor is determined not only to get her back but to finally end this nightmare. But to do so, she must navigate the hot desert streets of nineteenth-century Egypt amid the rising Dead, her unresolved feelings for Daniel, and her volatile relationships with Joseph and Oliver, her demon. And it won't be easy. Because Allison, her friend from Philadelphia, has tagged along, becoming strangely entangled in Eleanor's mission. It will take all of Eleanor's powers of black magic, and all of Daniel's and Joseph's trust, to succeed. But there will be a price. People will have to suffer the consequences of what Marcus has done, and what Eleanor, Oliver, and the Spirit-Hunters will do to stop all this deadly chaos.

For me this series is like a fine wine, it gets better with age. And while that is kind of a terrible analogy the sentiment is true, this series has gotten better and better with each passing book. The first book in the series I was emotionally distant from, I loved the world but found the plot lacking. The second book in the series was much improved with an even more interesting world and an interesting plot. This final book in the trilogy however was non-stop adventure full of thrills and feels.

My favorite part about this series is the world. Susan Dennard has created both an interesting and unique world that captures not only the historical setting but a fantastical and magical system within it. The magical system in this series has been becoming larger and more complex as the series goes on. In Strange and Ever After, there is no debate about whether and how Eleanor will be using her powers and she has gotten incredibly strong with them. But even better than that was the involvement of mythology in this book. Each book of the series takes the reader to a different and interesting locale. In Strange and Ever After it's Egypt. You can't explore Egypt without exploring the pyramids and with that comes the exploration of Ancient Egypt and it's religious and cultural aspects. Susan Dennard effortlessly balanced the history and mythology to craft an engaging and creative story that I just loved!

But just as good as the world is the characters. Eleanor has grown on me exponentially as this series has developed. In the first book I was not at all impressed with her and her lack of understanding. Then in the second book she grew on me as she explored her personal magic and the internal conflict that came with it. In Strange and Ever After she continues that character arc and becomes a strong female protagonist. There is no longer a debate about if and how she is going to use her magic. She is a full-fledged necromancer now, but she is still using her powers for good instead of evil. But still there is a lot for Eleanor to learn and I have enjoyed watching her Hero's Journey. She's become quite a favorite character and compelling characters.

Along with Eleanor there are those favorite secondary characters, most notably the Spirit-Hunters. The last book needed much more Daniel Sheridan but not Strange and Ever After. There was a lot of Daniel in this book and he was completely wonderful. His intelligence, selflessness, and kind heart make him not only a fantastic romantic lead but a character that I can't help but root for. There are absolutely wonderful swoonworthy moments in this book as far as Daniel is concerned. Jie is also back being kickass and tough but she's also had a great arc throughout the series. Joseph is back being not only the leader but conscience of the group. But the big surprise in this book was Oliver. He wasn't the petulant magic-hungry dubious sort of character that he was in A Darkness Strange and Lovely. He ended up being just as much the voice of reason as Joseph at times and I loved the development of his relationship with Eleanor. He had a great character arc throughout the series and ended up surprising me a little bit with his choices. Susan Dennard did a brilliant job in Strange and Ever After creating interesting and complex characters that you can't help but love and want to see succeed.

Although I do have to say, with those feelings of love and want for success comes some feels. This is the final book in a trilogy and after so much time being immersed in the world of these characters one can't help but become attached. And not all characters get that happy ending. Be prepared for the feels, this book is full of them. It's a glass case of emotions both good and bad. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me swoon, and it made me think. Like all good books it made feel things that I didn't want to feel.

What I think really solidified my enjoyment of this book was it's plot and pacing which also keeps getting better with each passing book. Strange and Ever After is full of action and adventure. It starts out with a bang and the thrilling moments of the book don't stop until the very end. This book is the exact definition of a page-turner. Things built to a thrilling conclusion and I was hooked on it for every second. In the first book the mystery was predictable, in the second book the mystery was solvable, and in this book there wasn't much mystery and still I was shocked by more than one twist. Like most good fantasy small things from previous books make a big difference in this book. Things really come full circle to create an exciting and interesting conclusion to a series that I really ended up enjoying.

I give Strange and Ever After a 9 out of 10

I recommend this series to fans of Young Adult Historical Fiction or Fantasy. If you're looking for a series with interesting and likable characters in complex situations than check this out. And if like me you don't fall in love with the first book, keep at it, it gets better.

Have you read Strange and Ever After? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: Something Strange and Deadly byTitle: Something Susan Dennard

Title: Something Strange and Deadly Series: Something Strange and Deadly #1 Author: Susan Dennard Published: 2012 by Harper Teen Amazon Goodreads Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Fitt’s brother is missing. And when she discovers that the Dead are rising in Philadelphia and wreaking havoc throughout the city, she knows that her brother is involved. So Eleanor enlists the help of the Spirit-Hunters. This motley crew, hired to protect the city from supernatural forces, is after the necromancer who has been reanimating corpses. Their skills can save her brother. But as Eleanor spends time with the Spirit-Hunters, and their handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. Now not only is her reputation at risk, but her very life may hang in the balance. In Something Strange and Deadly, the first book in a trilogy, Susan Dennard weaves together vividly imagined scenes of action, adventure, and gorgeous Victorian fashion to create an entertaining steampunk tapestry of humor, horror, and romance. Readers who love Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices series will be intrigued from the start.

I have heard nothing but good things about this series. It combines so many things that I absolutely love in my reading. It's a Young Adult Historical Fantasy/Mystery set in the Victorian era with zombies! And while I enjoyed so many things about this book, I didn't quite love it as much as I had hoped.

One thing that I did love about this book was the world that Susan Dennard created. Like all good Historical Fiction you are able to immerse yourself in the period and understand what it was like for a young women growing up in a world that is at odds between what she wants and what others want for her. But even more than that Dennard effortlessly balanced the realism of the historical period with the supernatural elements of the dead coming to life. It seemed so natural and normal to have something so outrageous as zombies walking into the Centennial Exhibit and wreaking havoc. On top of all that there was a very cool steampunk vibe with all kinds of creative machines used to help fight the zombies.

But what I also liked about this book was the characters. The main character, Eleanor Fitt, was far from perfect but that's what made her so great a character. Throughout most of the book I kept wondering why she doubted herself so much. She was such a strong and brave character because she didn't outwardly try to be a hero. But when she needed to be a hero, to stand up and fight, she had no problem doing what needed to be done. And while I'm not sure even she would believe it, she was a great problem-solver. In addition to Eleanor there were some great secondary characters. All the Spirit-Hunters were fantastic but no one was more fantastic than Daniel Sheridan. I didn't quite know how I felt about him until I quite literally swooned. The romance between him and Eleanor was the slowburn romance that I always prefer seeing. But he wasn't just a one trick pony. He was complex and interesting and like the other Spirit-Hunters played a role in the group that you would not have expected. The book was full of interesting and layer characters that I always love reading about.

But with all the good there were some things about the book that I didn't quite enjoy and sadly the biggest thing with that was the plot and mystery of the book. At first I was quite intrigued by the prospect of why exactly the zombies were rising and attacking the city. But then it became evident to me much sooner than it did to the characters who was responsible. I normally like being able to solve the twists but sometimes it is frustrating. I was a little disappointed by the way things developed. It was like the basis of the plot was something that I found quite obvious. But it was redeemed a little by the action of the story. The book was full of thrilling fight scenes that captured my interest despite the lack of mystery.

This is the first book in a trilogy and I'm honestly quite interested in to see where the series develops because while there are some things unresolved it seemed pretty well wrapped up. But I did like that about the book. It's kind of refreshing to have a book in a trilogy that doesn't end in a cliffhanger.

I give Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard a 8 out of 10

Have you read Something Strange and Deadly? What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!