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A review by ashlightgrayson
Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard
5.0
Initial DNF review: I am currently rereading the first book in the series and plan to reread the second one as well. It's been a long time since I've picked this series up so I've forgotten some important details that I need refreshed. I will eventually get back to reading this one.
Review for 2023 read:
I am so happy that I was able to return to this world and these characters. It took me a long time to finish this, mostly because it just never felt like a good time to jump back into this world. I went through a whole venture where I reread the preceding books before coming back and I'm so glad I did. The world Susan Dennard builds is unique and complex. There are a lot of small details that eventually come back to play an important role later (such as in this installment). I wouldn't have remembered enough to make sense of it all if I hadn't reread the series, honestly.
Like previous installments, this book has a lot of alternating points of view. The characters have been split up and are doing their own part in their own subplots in their respective parts of the world. Like in true Dennard fashion, all of these moving parts eventually interconnect into as singular relevant plot. Until then, the story is consistently action packed and engaging. The stakes feel high and no word on the page is wasted. I love how Dennard builds strong relationships between female characters in the story. We also focus a lot more on Iseult and Aeduan's relationship which was nothing short of rewarding. Additionally, Vivia becomes a leader in her own right. She must fight tooth and nail to gain the respect of the men in power that are used to following her father. Despite these obstacles, she becomes a more and more likeable character as I get to see more of her. Themes of sexism and female empowerment are at the forefront of this story. I'm hoping this continues to be the case, because Dennard does it so seamlessly. The ending left me wanting more and I can't wait to jump into the sequel.
Review for 2023 read:
I am so happy that I was able to return to this world and these characters. It took me a long time to finish this, mostly because it just never felt like a good time to jump back into this world. I went through a whole venture where I reread the preceding books before coming back and I'm so glad I did. The world Susan Dennard builds is unique and complex. There are a lot of small details that eventually come back to play an important role later (such as in this installment). I wouldn't have remembered enough to make sense of it all if I hadn't reread the series, honestly.
Like previous installments, this book has a lot of alternating points of view. The characters have been split up and are doing their own part in their own subplots in their respective parts of the world. Like in true Dennard fashion, all of these moving parts eventually interconnect into as singular relevant plot. Until then, the story is consistently action packed and engaging. The stakes feel high and no word on the page is wasted. I love how Dennard builds strong relationships between female characters in the story. We also focus a lot more on Iseult and Aeduan's relationship which was nothing short of rewarding. Additionally, Vivia becomes a leader in her own right. She must fight tooth and nail to gain the respect of the men in power that are used to following her father. Despite these obstacles, she becomes a more and more likeable character as I get to see more of her. Themes of sexism and female empowerment are at the forefront of this story. I'm hoping this continues to be the case, because Dennard does it so seamlessly. The ending left me wanting more and I can't wait to jump into the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Bullying, Genocide, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War