Reviews

Sightwitch: A Tale of the Witchlands by Susan Dennard

jens037's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced

4.0

amybraunauthor's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5! That was a super cool book. I'm a huge fan of the growing illustrated novel trend and I really enjoy the WITCHLANDS stories, so this was a great prequel story featuring some familiar faces and some intense magic! The story was told from a few different perspectives and followed two major storylines that I didn't know how were going to connect until the end. While I enjoyed the second one with Dysi, Ryber totally stole the show. She was a great lead to follow and encountered a familiar face that put crazy feels into my heart. There was a decent amount of action for such a short book, and one chapter near the middle that actually scared me! I had a great time reading the notes, looking at the sketches, and seeing the dialogue in the margins. It made for a truly unique reading experience. The only nitpicks I have are more with me than anything else. It's been sooooo long since I read a WITCHLANDS novel that I kind of forgot why certain people were so important and how the magic worked in the world. I know, I know, for shame! While it did take me out of the experience for a time, it's in no way the book's fault, and I still did love it. Even though this is a prequel, I don't actually recommend it to readers unfamiliar with the series. It's more of a bonus story meant for those who want more of the WITCHLANDS world. And why wouldn't you? This was a great short story that I finished in a day and that is leaving me aching for more!

samrushingbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

I finally got around to reading this one. I feel bad that I waited this long, because it's not like this novella took all that long to read. I'm probably going to re-read both Truthwitch and Windwitch as well, just so I can get myself all prepped up for the release of Bloodwitch.

I feel like this novella was a pretty good one, and it did expand some of what I knew about the world, the magic, and the characters. So I'm intrigued to see what effect these details have on the rest of the series. It was cool that we got more than just Ryber's POV in this, because I feel like we also learned a lot from Erydysi.

ameyawarde's review against another edition

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5.0

I didn't realize this was a novella when I ordered it, and I am disappointed! Not at all with the story, I love it, but I want more!!! Now I have to wait a year until Bloodwitch?!??!?!

WOE! :'((

books4susie's review against another edition

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4.0

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Truthwitch, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

jeoonwoo's review against another edition

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medium-paced

2.75

thebookishunicorn's review against another edition

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4.0

Actual Rating 4.5 stars
...paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely.

Review to come!

eyreguide's review against another edition

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5.0

This novella is a new adventure that helps you understand some of the characters from Truthwitch - specifically Kullen and Ryber’s relationship. It also helps to set up events in the next book in the series - Bloodwitch. I’m eager to see how it all adds to the lore since this book was rich in detail and mythology.

The story is epistolary and features journal entries as well as important documents related to the beliefs of the sisterhood of Sightwitches. The sketches also add richness to the detail and I found it interesting to see how the visual compared to the one in my head. The story is mostly an account of how Ryber tries to save her friend and her fellow sisters who have been mysteriously taken. She also meets Kullen in the underground caverns, and it was wonderful to understand where their friendship originates because it is only touched on in Truthwitch. Ryber is suspicious of Kullen at first, so they have a great antagonistic relationship that develops beautifully. For such a short story, their trust and reliance on each other came about believably.

Ryber is a great protagonist too - flawed, yet full of potential and growth that she achieves over the course of the story. I loved that she is such a stickler for rules and can be very particular about how things are done - it’s a lovable flaw that I identify with. It’s a great character development for her too - to learn how to adapt and accept change. Kullen was already a lovable character just from getting to know him in Truthwitch, so it was great to get another chance to see him in this book.

If you’ve read the series so far, Sightwitch is a great addition to the world of the Witchlands and gives a much deeper understanding of the magic and the difference among the people there. Ryber had such a small role in the first book and I’m glad that we finally get to know her and understand how she fits into the main story. Sightwitch also sets up some interesting questions about how the rest of the series will go.

(I received a copy of this novel from the author or publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)

jeskareadsandteaches's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

eyleen's review against another edition

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4.0

This book held many lovely surprises for me!
I had no idea that it's written like a diary and that there are so many gorgeous illustrations in it.

Also the plot was extraordinary! What a magical adventure!!

My only complaint is that the mystery this book circles around is still a mystery to me now. I always like it better when things are properly explained and wrapped up and I'm not left hanging in the dark. However I suppose this will come in the later books of the series.