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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
really good world-building, Ilsa is a fantastic character - with her complicated history and personality, the mistery in the book was quite thrilling!
Finished reading: December 20th 2022
“Look around you, Ilsa. We're all scared. It's only a weakness if you give in to it.”
I added this book to my TBR on a whim mostly because it gave me Schwab vibes, and I'm glad I did because I ended up having an excellent time with this YA urban slash high fantasy debut. I still can't believe Witherward hasn't been mentioned more to be honest... I mean, parallel Londons that make you think of the Shades Of Magic series, but with a whole different worldbuilding, magic, shapeshifters and a threatening civil war; what's not to like? I love the set up of this story, with the two different Londons and the story having both an urban fantasy and high fantasy feel. The different factions each having their own magic/powers, the tension between them and the mystery around Gedeon's disappearance all add suspense, and danger is around every corner. There is quite a cast of characters to keep apart, but once you get a proper feel for the world you will be completely hooked. Ilsa makes for a great main character, and it was interesting to see her adapt to her new reality and world and learn more about her past. There is plenty of action to keep you busy and even a hint of romance... The main focus of this story isn't the romance though, which is always a bonus when it comes to the YA fantasy genre. Witherward is fast, exciting, packed with action and a lot of magic and shapeshifting. If you like the genre, I can highly recommend this debut! I definitely can't wait to read the sequel myself to find out what happens next.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was worried when I started reading this book that it would be a poor man’s “A darker shade of Magi c”. But this book carved its own existence and kept me guessing the whole way. The magic system was clever and the characters were well thought out.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really did enjoy this YA Fantasy. The sub plots were perfectly chosen and took interesting turns which kept the book fast-paced yet clearly structured. I feel like if you wanted to continue reading the series, you definitely could but the ending is so intricately woven that you could just as well end here and be content. I liked that Ilsa kept her ground and used her emotional strength for her own good - she didn't let her feeling blind her and made right decisions, proofing she is a part of the world she was thrown into.
If there was any fantasy book I had to recommend right now, it 100% would be [b:Witherward|49356509|Witherward (Witherward, #1)|Hannah Mathewson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598446972l/49356509._SY75_.jpg|74794062]!
Quotes:
"Trying to protect yourself ain't the same as having hate for those what threaten it. [...] Fight for ling enough and you'll stop seeing the difference."
"Occasionally, a person had a different kind of tell. Lying made people feel vulnerable, but the truth - when that truth really, truly mattered to them - did the same. It was hard to disguise, just like a lie."
"It's the way the dice fell. If I start thinking how unfair it all is, I'll go mad."
If there was any fantasy book I had to recommend right now, it 100% would be [b:Witherward|49356509|Witherward (Witherward, #1)|Hannah Mathewson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598446972l/49356509._SY75_.jpg|74794062]!
Quotes:
"Trying to protect yourself ain't the same as having hate for those what threaten it. [...] Fight for ling enough and you'll stop seeing the difference."
"Occasionally, a person had a different kind of tell. Lying made people feel vulnerable, but the truth - when that truth really, truly mattered to them - did the same. It was hard to disguise, just like a lie."
"It's the way the dice fell. If I start thinking how unfair it all is, I'll go mad."
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gore
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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