Waiting on Wednesday| Windwitch

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2)
Susan Dennard

UK Tor (Pan Macmillan imprint)

January 12th, 2016

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Synopsis:

Sometimes our enemies become our only allies

The Windwitch Prince Merik is presumed dead, following a lethal explosion. He's left scarred but alive and determined to expose his sister's treachery. Yet on reaching the royal capital, he's shocked to find it crowded with refugees fleeing conflict. Merik haunts the streets, fighting for the weak. This leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.

Hunted by the Cleaved, Iseult is struggling to stay free while she searches for her friend Safi. When the Bloodwitch Aeduan corners Iseult first, she offers him a deal: she'll return what was stolen from him, if he locates the Truthwitch. Yet unknown to Iseult, there's a bounty on her head - and Aeduan intends to claim it.

After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. They find themselves amongst pirates, where a misstep could mean death. And the bandits' next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

Thoughts:

If you didn't already know I was a part of the Truthwitch Street team last year in the lead up to the release. And have somehow said to yes to staying for Windwitch. 

WHY?

Well even though I'm busy with a lot of things, Truthwitch still remain up there with the best books I have read this year. (You'll have to wait to read the Top 10.) And so I WANTED to stay. It's the most fun I've ever had!

Saying that, I am just super pumped to jump straight into the next one! More so than I was with Truthwitch. 

Seriously, if you haven't checked Truthwitch out yet. Please do. 

PREORDER YOUR COPY:

| AMAZON UK | AMAZON US | BOOK DEPO |

Top 5| Pink Covers

I did this post a while ago on my other blog/website where I chose my "Top 5" book covers that were pink because of it being a national day of something-- this was a year ago! (A lot has changed.)

One thing that remains the same is that I still fudging hate the colour pink and what is usually meant when pink gets shoved into a colour scheme. ICK.

Anyway, I've reviewed it a bit and here it is (in no particular order!!):

A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange & Deadly #2)
Susan Dennard

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It's been a while since Susan Dennard has had a mention on this blog.

(Quickly input here but, seriously have you still not read Truthwitch yet. Shame.)

These new covers for her already finished trilogy have been announced ready for print July 2017. And aren't they just gorgeous?

It just fits the beautiful story. Hopefully, ya'll be more inclined to pick up this awesome YA steampunk novel.

Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss #1)

Stephanie Perkins

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Haven't read this one because I have to be in a certain mood in order to enjoy YA romances but, this is a pretty cute cover. Better than that trash bag of a cover they were previously using on the original hardbacks-- *shudders*

Maybe I'll give this one a go-- at some point.

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1)
Rachel Hawkins

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This one is purely for the juxtaposition of feminity and masculinity. Basically the comparison of the sword pinning the necklace of pearls.

Awesome!

I will probably never read this series, though. I heard these are pretty basic books. Hmm.. Let me know if I should check them out?

The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1)

Marie Rutkoski

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 I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK SO BADLY!? But, I keep buying other bloody books. This Christmas I swear!

I've seen the new covers... Yeah, you can't be serious?!

They are such blatant rip-offs of Maas' Throne of Glass series. Just NO.

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Sarah J. Mass

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My review: HERE

How could I not include this beautiful American cover of Queen of Shadows. One day I will own all these in pb form.

I am still in love with this book, although I am currently read Empire of Storms and getting rather pissy at some of the choices. Eh.

REVIEW| Truthwitch

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)
Susan Dennard

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

My thoughts:

Are you freaking kidding me?

You can't leave me like this.

No.

Thrice-damned no.

NO.

Bat-shit!

Stasis. Stasis.

I've read Susan's other book series (Something Strange & Deadly trilogy) and although I love and cheerish the series, this was something else. It screamed that fantasy is here to stay, to remain thriving amongst our book-loving-selves. I'm strangely glad that this is Susan's first proper introduction to the UK, as an author, because this book kicked butt. It was fantastic! Definitely worth the wait.

The Witchlands is a richly developed world. Thought to just be Earthwitches and Voidwitches etcetera...we are expanded to a vast cast of witchery talents. I would like to list all the types of witches in the book and what of the six they belong too. And it's still left that more could be introduced into the world.

This book it quite decieving, a lot like a few of the characters we meet on Safi and Iseult's journey. It became a world with a dark past and a darker future. Not all clear on what this could mean but I hope that as the series progresses this will recieve all the same level of development. However,

When I asked Susan what she hopes readers will get out of reading Truthwitch she gave an answer of honesty:

"[For Truthwitch, that feeling was] epic and sweeping and intense. So I want readers to feel the same--or feel anything, really, that's pleasurable while they read. [...]  They'll resonate with one character more than another; they'll love one setting over another; they'll take each sentence and make it their own. And that's exactly what I want them to do."

What I got out of this experience? I definitely got that epic, sweeping intense feels that Sooz was on about. But what I grabbled with was this deep connection of friendship. Iseult and Safi's friendship was what made this book exactly what it is.

In one final say, can I just point out what Safi and Merik's ship name would be. Mafiya or Mafi. I'm scared to say the least. What a terrifying team they make.

An Interview With An Author: Susan Dennard

Today is the day all Witchlanders, and, a very talented author has been waiting for; today is the day that Truthwitch is released into the mighty world, ready to sit and be loved on your bookshelf (AND MINE!!) So in all good fashion and brandishing swords, the author of Truthwitch agreed to offer her time to answer a few questions.

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.

Get your copy now: Amazon UK/ Amazon US/ Book Depository

The mini Q&A:

Q. What are you hoping that readers will get out by reading Truthwitch? For me, I loved the friendship between Safi and Iseult.

 A. I'm hoping readers enjoy the read. That's really it. I write because I have a story--a feeling--to share. For Truthwitch, that feeling was epic and sweeping and intense. So I want readers to feel the same--or feel anything, really, that's pleasurable while they read. For each person, they'll get something different out of the book. They'll resonate with one character more than another; they'll love one setting over another; they'll take each sentence and make it their own. And that's exactly what I want them to do.

Q. Already Truthwitch is picking up a much larger audience than your previous works of writing. How has your experience altered along with this?

A. Ah, it's bittersweet to see one series take off and not another. Each book demands an incredible amount of time and patience and love. There are moments when I look at Truthwitch and think, "Why this book? Why not Something Strange & Deadly?"

It's easy to blame outside factors--a better cover on Truthwitch, more promo from my publisher, a larger fanbase to start with, the right genre at the right time...But the truth is, there's no way to know. I will say that there are times I miss the quieter days of my first series. More readers means more demands for my time, such as more events to travel to or more emails to answer (endless emails!). But on the other hand, it is incredibly rewarding to know more people will read (and possibly enjoy) the book, and of course, sharing is the entire reason I write to begin with!

Q. What would be your three top tips for young writers?

A. My top three tips would be:

1: Write because you want to write. Don't write because you've been told you have to do it everyday. Don't write because you want to be published in a year. Write because you want to, and enjoy your life in the meantime. The great thing about writing is that you can do it at ANY age.

2: Live! Travel! Explore! The more you experience, the richer your writing will be. And you don't have to go far. Visit the museums near you; watch a documentary about Syrian refugees; take a walk around your block and absorb what a misty rain or gusty wind feels like. Trust me: your writing will be so much better and more satisfying the more you live your life.

3: Read. Read everything you can. Not just the genre you love most but all the others too. Read kid's books, read adult books. Read fantasy and nonfiction and cozy mysteries and philosophy. The more you read, the better your write. Period.

Find out more at: susandennard.com

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