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adaskam's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sdloomer's review against another edition
3.0
--3.25/5 stars--
I'm dropping my rating by a small bit because after my second read, I realize I still have some pretty big questions related to plot and world-building that were never answered--and I feel like they should have been at least somewhat addressed in this series-starter. I still liked Truthwitch though, and I'm interested enough to continue with the series.
What I did appreciate was the language and writing of the book. Nothing was too flowery or over-the-top, scenes weren't drawn out more than they ought, and the details weren't forced in my face. And yet, nothing was too simple either; everything just was. I'm not sure if this is Ms. Dennard's usual writing voice, since this is the first of her books I've read, but if it is, then I am very grateful. These days, it's difficult to find a YA high fantasy book that doesn't shove weird syntax and sentence structure down my throat.
On to those burning questions that probably should have been answered. This book is titled Truthwitch so its obvious focus is going to be Safiya fon Hasstrel and her plights. But since Iseult det Midenzi is mentioned time and time again as her best friend and Threadsister, she definitely warrants her own explanations and backstory here--especially if she is going to be so crucial to the plot. I know these are most likely going to be addressed in Iseult's book (Weaverwitch, maybe?), but some of the details--like why Iseult's race is so hated-- seem important enough to be mentioned in this first book of a series. Speaking of Threadsisters and Threadbrothers, what even are they in the first place? The only sort of explanation we're given is that they're people who have done some deed to save another, and somehow this binds the two together. Expand, please? Thousands of people save thousands of other people every day in the same capacity, but that doesn't mean everyone drops everything to travel and get into awkward situations with each other. It'll probably be explained in further detail in later books, but I feel this is one of those that could have gotten just a paragraph more.
So, Windwitch, I have some pretty big expectations of you, and I hope that most of my questions are answered.
I'm dropping my rating by a small bit because after my second read, I realize I still have some pretty big questions related to plot and world-building that were never answered--and I feel like they should have been at least somewhat addressed in this series-starter. I still liked Truthwitch though, and I'm interested enough to continue with the series.
What I did appreciate was the language and writing of the book. Nothing was too flowery or over-the-top, scenes weren't drawn out more than they ought, and the details weren't forced in my face. And yet, nothing was too simple either; everything just was. I'm not sure if this is Ms. Dennard's usual writing voice, since this is the first of her books I've read, but if it is, then I am very grateful. These days, it's difficult to find a YA high fantasy book that doesn't shove weird syntax and sentence structure down my throat.
On to those burning questions that probably should have been answered. This book is titled Truthwitch so its obvious focus is going to be Safiya fon Hasstrel and her plights. But since Iseult det Midenzi is mentioned time and time again as her best friend and Threadsister, she definitely warrants her own explanations and backstory here--especially if she is going to be so crucial to the plot. I know these are most likely going to be addressed in Iseult's book (Weaverwitch, maybe?), but some of the details--like why Iseult's race is so hated-- seem important enough to be mentioned in this first book of a series. Speaking of Threadsisters and Threadbrothers, what even are they in the first place? The only sort of explanation we're given is that they're people who have done some deed to save another, and somehow this binds the two together. Expand, please? Thousands of people save thousands of other people every day in the same capacity, but that doesn't mean everyone drops everything to travel and get into awkward situations with each other. It'll probably be explained in further detail in later books, but I feel this is one of those that could have gotten just a paragraph more.
So, Windwitch, I have some pretty big expectations of you, and I hope that most of my questions are answered.
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
3.0
As a first book in what will obviously be a series, this did a decent job of world building and giving an understanding of the rules of magic without compromising story pacing or becoming a lecture. The characters were light and fun when they should be and multilayered and evil where appropriate. The two main characters are obviously set up with room for growth, which will be interesting to follow.
The story was a well written, fast paced adventure with a splash of romance. All in all, I found this a pretty traditional fantasy book. I’m looking forward to the next one.
The story was a well written, fast paced adventure with a splash of romance. All in all, I found this a pretty traditional fantasy book. I’m looking forward to the next one.
steffi_au_penguinbooks's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Not bad, but not good neither.
I have very mixed feelings towars the characters, the world and the story itself.
I loved Iseult and Safi. But I wasn't interested in Safi as a person. Same with Merik.
On the other side, I was way more interested in Iseult and her tribe. And I was totally hooked up, whenever we had a chapter with Aeduan!
I had huge difficulties to get into the story. Language problems (I'm not a native speaker) and the sheer enormity of terms and definitions I couldn't understand and therefore confused me.
However, I'll read Windwitch, hoping the positive aspects will dominante. (and more Iseult/Aeduan please!)
Not bad, but not good neither.
I have very mixed feelings towars the characters, the world and the story itself.
I loved Iseult and Safi. But I wasn't interested in Safi as a person. Same with Merik.
On the other side, I was way more interested in Iseult and her tribe. And I was totally hooked up, whenever we had a chapter with Aeduan!
I had huge difficulties to get into the story. Language problems (I'm not a native speaker) and the sheer enormity of terms and definitions I couldn't understand and therefore confused me.
However, I'll read Windwitch, hoping the positive aspects will dominante. (and more Iseult/Aeduan please!)
jossandqvist's review against another edition
2.0
This wasn't for me and I'm actually surprised by that fact. It had a lot of the things I look for in books these days. But if I don't reach for the book when I'm at home (I do most of my reading commuting) that's an early indication.
Positive:
+ The idea for the world is cool, e.g. the magical origin wells. I would've wanted more world-building though.
+ I liked the character Aeduan and him being a maybe-not-so-evil villain. He had reasons behind every one of his decisions and I liked that.
Negative:
- Telling and not showing. Example: A few characters can see people's "threads" a.k.a. their relationships to other people and what they're currently feeling. When the story is told through one of these character's eyes, instead of showing, we find out what the color of someone's threads are and what it means. ("Their threads glowed an angry red" etc.) It's an intricate way of skipping the very important step of SHOWING and through it making the reader FEEL anything at all.
- Insta love. Do I even need to explain?
- The two main characters (Safi and Iseult) had no motive (a.k.a. something they strive for). Motive is the first thing you need when writing a book, so it's beyond me how no one in the publishing process noticed the lack of it. "Survive" is not good enough for me when so much else is going on. The main character(s) must WANT something. But they just followed along on everyone else's plans right up until the end.
- There was some really interesting build-up for the next book(s). Yay! Nice, right?! But it was just that: build-up – no more. You can't give me these super awesome hints and expect that to be enough to make me want to read the sequel when the first book was just "meh". You have to deliver from the start. This book did not do that.
Would not recommend.
Positive:
+ The idea for the world is cool, e.g. the magical origin wells. I would've wanted more world-building though.
+ I liked the character Aeduan and him being a maybe-not-so-evil villain. He had reasons behind every one of his decisions and I liked that.
Negative:
- Telling and not showing. Example: A few characters can see people's "threads" a.k.a. their relationships to other people and what they're currently feeling. When the story is told through one of these character's eyes, instead of showing, we find out what the color of someone's threads are and what it means. ("Their threads glowed an angry red" etc.) It's an intricate way of skipping the very important step of SHOWING and through it making the reader FEEL anything at all.
- Insta love. Do I even need to explain?
- The two main characters (Safi and Iseult) had no motive (a.k.a. something they strive for). Motive is the first thing you need when writing a book, so it's beyond me how no one in the publishing process noticed the lack of it. "Survive" is not good enough for me when so much else is going on. The main character(s) must WANT something. But they just followed along on everyone else's plans right up until the end.
- There was some really interesting build-up for the next book(s). Yay! Nice, right?! But it was just that: build-up – no more. You can't give me these super awesome hints and expect that to be enough to make me want to read the sequel when the first book was just "meh". You have to deliver from the start. This book did not do that.
Would not recommend.
silverfeather's review against another edition
4.0
I am here for the friendships and the confident girls despite their flaws. Not here for Merik getting horny every like 5 minutes that was weird
The ending made me want to pick up the second book, which is all that matters I guess
The ending made me want to pick up the second book, which is all that matters I guess
marieintheraw's review against another edition
3.0
I think with how slow this was for me in the beginning and this murderous thing called hype, I'd be lying if I made my rating higher. I may retry this again at a later date.
silver_anchor4's review against another edition
2.0
Overall, it was good, but I didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much I thought I would. The writing style was not my cup of tea, and the pacing felt off the entire time. I didn't connect with any of the characters and the plot felt a bit all over the place.
But it is still a good, interesting story... It just isn't what I expected.
But it is still a good, interesting story... It just isn't what I expected.
mareli_coetzer's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75