Sophie Reads YA: Tor

ARC Review: The Luminaries (The Luminaries #1) by Susan Dennard

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The Luminaries
Series: The Luminaries #1
Author: Susan Dennard
Published November 1st 2022 by Tor Teen/Daphne Press

Goodreads Synopsis
Hemlock Falls isn't like other towns. You won't find it on a map, your phone won't work here, and the forest outside town might just kill you.

Winnie Wednesday wants nothing more than to join the Luminaries, the ancient order that protects Winnie's town—and the rest of humanity—from the monsters and nightmares that rise in the forest of Hemlock Falls every night.

Ever since her father was exposed as a witch and a traitor, Winnie and her family have been shunned. But on her sixteenth birthday, she can take the deadly Luminary hunter trials and prove herself true and loyal—and restore her family's good name. Or die trying.

But in order to survive, Winnie enlists the help of the one person who can help her train: Jay Friday, resident bad boy and Winnie’s ex-best friend. While Jay might be the most promising new hunter in Hemlock Falls, he also seems to know more about the nightmares of the forest than he should. Together, he and Winnie will discover a danger lurking in the forest no one in Hemlock Falls is prepared for.

Not all monsters can be slain, and not all nightmares are confined to the dark.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After her father was revealed to be a traitor to the Luminaries of Hemlock Falls, Winnie Wednesday and her family have been outcasts. On the edge of society, looked down upon, Winnie lost everything, but especially her friends, Jay and Erica. Now that she's turning 16, she has a shot of restoring her family's reputation, when she takes part in the deadly Luminary hunter trials. She has once chance, and without the training that everyone else has had, she's at a distinct disadvantage. There's only person who could help her, but can she trust Jay not to let her down again?

Well, I'm not sure why I put off reading these books for so long. I adored Suze's Something Strange and Deadly series when I read it way back when, and I can remember when the Luminerd's was happening on twitter during the pandemic. Oh well, I'm here now, and this book was definitely enjoyable. I really liked the world building of the Luminaries, with the seven different family's all being named after the days of the week, and each had their own distinct role in Hemlock Falls. Winnie was a great main character, and her growth across the book was great. She may have lied to everyone about the first trial, but she proved her worth as time went on. I definitely have my theories over the Whisperer, and I'm sure I'll discover if I was right in the next two books.

Dates Read:
October 17-21, 2025

Rating
4 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

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Nettle & Bone
Series: None
Author: T. Kingfisher
Published April 26 2022 by Titan Books/Tor Books

Goodreads Synopsis
A dark and compelling fantasy about sisterhood, impossible tasks and the price of power, from award-winning author T. Kingfisher

After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra―the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter―has finally realized that no one is coming to their rescue. No one, except for Marra herself.

Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince―if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Marra has been living in a convent for the last fifteen years of her life, waiting for the day she is needed to save her sister. The younger princess of a small kingdom, she has been kept in reserve as the wife of a wicked prince, who caused the death of her eldest sister, and is currently married to, and abusing, her middle sister. Enough is enough, and now Marra is strong enough to seek out the assistance of a gravewitch, and discover her own powers to stop the prince once and for all.

Well, I had really high hopes for this one, and am disappointed. First of all, I really thought this was YA, but it clearly isn't when the MC is in her thirties. I don't know if I've been looking at a different book or whatnot, but this was not what I was expecting. I liked the premise of the story, and the way that Marra definitely grew stronger the further into the book we got. However, I just was never really hooked. I could've put the book down a number of times and wouldn't really have been too fussed about returning to it if not to clear my NG backlog. The ending was worth pushing through, I guess, but I don't think I'll be returning to this author any time soon.

Dates Read:
September 20-23, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 Beat the Backlist challenge

ARC Review: Sensational (Spectacle #2) by Jodie Lynn Zdrok

10:00

2021 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Faking Reality by Sara Fujimura

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Faking Reality
Series: None
Author: Sara Fujimura
Published July 13th 2021 by Tor Teen

Goodreads Synopsis
My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Some Kind of Wonderful meets Kara McDowell's Just for Clicks with diverse characters, perfect for readers looking for feel-good YA romance and those who like "clean teen" reads

Dakota McDonald swore after "The Great Homecoming Disaster" that she'd never allow her romantic life to be a plot line in her parents' HGTV show again. But when the restaurant run by the family of her best friend (and secret crush), Leo, is on the line, Dakota might end up eating her own words.

Leo Matsuda dreams of escaping his small town Arizona life and the suffocating demands of working in his family's restaurant, but the closer he gets to his goal--thanks to the help of his best friend (and secret crush) Dakota--the more reasons there are for him to stay.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

For Dakota McDonald, her entire life has been a reality show - literally. Her parents are the stars of a well loved home refurbishment show, and when they unexpectedly found out they were pregnant during season 4, her entire childhood has played a role in the plot of the show. She's never really minded it, having her privacy at school and at her best friend, Leo's, family restaurant, but when she was pranked by her date at last years homecoming, resulting in a wardrobe malfunction, a viral meme, and even a SNL skit, she's wary for her personal life to be shown on screen. For the final season, and Koty's upcoming 16th birthday, the network want to host a massive Sweet 16 party for her, complete with a handsome date, to model tuxedos from a sponsor. To say Koty is wary would be an understatement, but when her relationship with Leo is put firmly in the Friend Zone, she knows she needs to do this to start to heal. Will she find someone to be happy with, or will her feelings for Leo be too much to overcome? For Leo, he wants to be able to step out from his responsibilities at the family restaurant, as the only son, and be able to go to Japan with Koty and others in the Japanese Culture Club this summer, but money is tight. Can he get over his fear of being in the public spotlight, and let Koty use her fame to help his yakisoba business at the school fair and more?

I will admit, this was a bit of an impulse request on NetGalley, but any book that is compare to My Big Fat Greek Wedding is bound to get my attention and though this wasn't a carbon copy, I can really see what that reference was made. Leo is from a Japanese family, as is Koty's mother, and they are both part of the Japanese Culture Club. Learning the language, watching Japanese shows, and talking about their family histories is really important for them both, and I liked how the book didn't sugar coat everything, and even touched on the topic of Japanese American internment camps during and following the Second World War. There's a trip to Nagoya that the school club is planning on doing this summer, and the city is important to both Koty and Leo, so to go on the trip would be a dream. For Koty, she can easily afford it, but it's more difficult for Leo, and she would do anything to help him get on the trip, even talking about her private life more online and on the show. However, it is awkward after they nearly kissed in the walk in fridge, and Leo firmly placed her in the Friend Zone. So, Koty tries to move on, and finds herself auditioning dates at the restaurant prior to her party - first actors who are arrogant and stuck up, and then Alex, a family friend of one of the production team, and they really hit it off. I liked Alex, and though it was clear that Koty and Leo were endgame, it was nice seeing Koty come out of her shell, try more normal, teenage things, and grow, before they got together.

For anyone who likes watching reality shows like the one depicted in the book, it was a joy to see the behind the scenes of what it is like being a 'star', and especially in today's day and age, when all of your actions are examined and criticised on social media and in the tabloids. Koty is treated as a DIY Princess, thought to be a diva, and some of the coverage about her is downright cruel, but she copes extremely well - though a little guarded. I really disliked the producer, Phil, who wanted his pound of flesh from Koty, and tried to get more and more juicy material for the show, even invading her privacy or causing scenes to be made all for ratings. I felt like Koty dealt with it all so well, though, especially when faced with trolls and others who wanted to pull her down, and the final scenes showed this off perfectly. Such a good YA read, perfect, I'd say, for summer reading!

Dates Read:
February 18, 2020

Rating
4 Stars

2021 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Witchshadow (The Witchlands #4) by Susan Dennard

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Witchshadow
Series: The Witchlands #4
Author: Susan Dennard
Published June 24th 2021 by Tor

Goodreads Synopsis
Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling, young adult epic fantasy Witchlands series continues with Witchshadow, the story of the Threadwitch Iseult.

War has come to the Witchlands . . . and nothing will be the same again.

Iseult has found her heartsister Safi at last, but their reunion is brief. For Iseult to stay alive, she must flee Cartorra while Safi remains. And though Iseult has plans to save her friend, they will require her to summon magic more dangerous than anything she has ever faced before.

Meanwhile, the Bloodwitch Aeduan is beset by forces he cannot understand. And Vivia—rightful queen of Nubrevna—finds herself without a crown or home.

As villains from legend reawaken across the Witchlands, only the mythical Cahr Awen can stop the gathering war. Iseult could embrace this power and heal the land, but first she must choose on which side of the shadows her destiny will lie.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

After reuniting and restoring one of the Origin Well's, Safi and Iseult have a plan to save Safi's uncle and free all of the hellbards from the Emperor of Cartorra. But, when the plan goes wrong, and Iseult has to flee, using her newfound Voidwitch powers to protect both herself, and her young charge, Owl. But forces are at work to stop her saving those she cares about, and are even controlling those once thought uncontrollable. As Vivia and Vaness fight to reclaim their lost thrones, the proximity and shared anger towards the Dalmotti Doge ignites and they find themselves closer than ever. And for Stix, her newly uncovered past as a Paladin needs exploring further, and the history of the Witchlands is slowly revealing.

Now, one thing I am going to say is that I haven't read Sightwitch, and honestly, I think I needed to in order to understand a lot of what was revealed in Witchshadow, especially Stix's chapters. And, I probably could've done with a recap of the other books in the series, but I think I managed to pick my way through the book without it.

My, this was a beast of a book, full of twists and turns, interleaving events and happenings that completely blindsided the reader. As Iseult's tale, we learnt a lot more about her, including how her powers worked, and who her father was (finally!), and I really enjoyed her chapters. I was gutted she was separated from Safi again, and from Aeduan, but she really grew into her own, and she is such a different person from the one we met all that time ago in Truthwitch. Then we have more information about the paladins, and the truth behind Eridysi's Lament that has been quoted so much in the series. I felt like some of the revelations I had already guessed at, but some shocked me, and I can't wait to see that aspect of the series being explored further. Now that the Cahr Awen are known, they should be all powerful, but some of the events that occur really early on are shocking, and I loved seeing that side of Safi, and also learning more about Leopold and his past betrayal, seeing how it all fits into the bigger picture, and answering some of the many questions we have. I can't wait for the next book, and will definitely be having a re-read (including Sightwitch) beforehand!

Dates Read:
June 10-13, 2021

Rating
5 Stars

2019 Contemporary Romance Challenge

Blog Tour & ARC Review: Meet Me at Midnight by Jessica Pennington (+INTL giveaway)

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Meet Me at Midnight
Series: None
Author: Jessica Pennington
Published April 7th 2020 by Tor Teen

Goodreads Synopsis
They have a love-hate relationship with summer.

Sidney and Asher should have clicked. Two star swimmers forced to spend their summers on a lake together sounds like the perfect match. But it’s the same every year—in between cookouts and boat rides and family-imposed bonfires, Sidney and Asher spend the dog days of summer finding the ultimate ways to prank each other. And now, after their senior year, they’re determined to make it the most epic summer yet.

But their plans are thrown in sudden jeopardy when their feud causes their families to be kicked out of their beloved lake houses. Once in their new accommodations, Sidney expects the prank war to continue as usual. But then she gets a note—Meet me at midnight. And Asher has a proposition for her: join forces for one last summer of epic pranks, against a shared enemy—the woman who kicked them out.

Their truce should make things simpler, but six years of tormenting one another isn’t so easy to ignore. Kind of like the undeniable attraction growing between them.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

This book was the first by Jessica Pennington, but I can tell you, it won't be the last. Initially, I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover, and by the synopsis. I love enemies to lover books, and the idea that the two main characters, Sidney and Asher have spent most of their summers together at the lake house was something I wasn't willing to pass up the opportunity to read.

For years, Sidney and Asher have had a sort of love hate relationship towards one another. After the first few summers together, they grew apart, and started pranking each other. This summer, however, the pranks turn more serious, to the extent that the owner of the summer homes that they rent out every year has had enough, and kicks out both families. Now, they have to find a new home, and because it's the middle of summer, both families decide to rent one large house, with Sidney and Asher now rooming next door, and sharing a bathroom. It could be a nightmare, but they soon decide to band together against a common enemy, the woman who kicked them out. Now that they aren't fighting one another, their free time now lets them realise just how alike they both are, and that the common love of swimming that once brought them together, is still there, and the feelings they had pushed down for so long were ready to fly out.

This book was just so good. Reading it definitely didn't feel like a chore, and if it wasn't for work and real life, I wouldn't have put it down. Both Asher and Sidney were the best characters I could've picked for this story, and reading from both of their points of view let us understand their nuances, and what made them tick. Neither one can really remember what it is that made them hate one another, but they just know that they won't be the first one to give in. However, their feelings for each other - and they both have them - are becoming harder to hide, and through the flashbacks, we definitely see their chemistry. I honestly believed in their feelings, and their parents did too.

The plot, while not the most detailed, was definitely enjoyable. I loved all the different pranks that they played, and how the planning of them allowed Asher and Sidney to grow closer in a natural, not forced, way. Their romance wasn't the most important part of the plot, but definitely up there, and like I said, it was so good to read. The only real negative I have about this book is the secondary characters weren't all that fleshed out, but that's only something I'm thinking about after I've finished the book, and nothing that impacted the reading experience.

All in all, this was a fantastic book, and I'm so glad I've now read a book by this author. I'll definitely be trying to get copies of her other books, because I need more.

Dates Read:
November 22-24, 2019

Rating
4 Stars

About Jessica Pennington:
Jessica Pennington is no stranger to the combination of love and drama. She’s a wedding planner, after all. A writer since the age of ten—when she sought publication for her poem about a tree—Jessica likes the challenge of finding the humor in a sad situation or highlighting the awkwardness in a romantic one. She lives in a Michigan beach town suspiciously similar to the one in her novel, with her husband Josh and their son, Rory. Love Songs & Other Lies is her debut novel.
LINKS: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Giveaway

3 Winners will receive a Copy of MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT by Jessica Pennington. (Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2019 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Bloodwitch (The Witchlands #3) by Susan Dennard

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Bloodwitch
Series: The Witchlands #3
Author: Susan Dennard
Published February 21st 2019 by Tor

Goodreads Synopsis
Bloodwitch is the third book in the stunning Witchlands series by Susan Dennard, perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Trudi Canavan.

Loyalties will be tested as never before.

The Raider King's plans to claim the Witchlands are under way. Now, his forces sow terror in the mountains, slaughtering innocents. After finding the slain, Aeduan and Iseult race for safety. And despite differing goals, they've grown to trust one another in the fight to survive. Yet the Bloodwitch keeps a secret that could change everything . . .

When Merik sacrifices himself to save his friends, he is captured by the Fury. However, Merik isn't one to give up easily, and he'll do whatever it takes to save those he loves. And in Marstok, Safi the Truthwitch agrees to help the empress uncover a rebellion. But those implicated are killed and Safi becomes desperate for freedom.

War has come once more to the Witchlands. Perhaps if Safi and Iseult were united, their powers could bring peace. But chaos is not easily tamed.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

I have adored all of Susan's books that I've read before, and I don't know why, but I sort of put off reading this book, just in case it didn't live up to expectations, but it's safe to say that it really did - I loved it!

Following the events of Windwitch, all of our heroes are scattered across the continent. Merik sacrificed himself to save others, and in doing so, cleaved, which means his powers are unstable, and he is at risk of being used by those who wish to harm others. He's battling against himself to reclaim control, and get back to those he loves, including Safi. Safi, in turn, has been wrecked in an 'accident', and must work with the empress to discover who it is who's trying to kill the empress and herself. As they grow closer to uncovering one mystery, Iseult and Aeduan have their own mystery on their hands, and even though they are sworn enemies, the tension and chemistry that has been there throughout the past books comes to a head, and they become a lot closer too.

One thing I've got to say is how fantastic Susan is at world building. All out characters are in different parts of the world, and yet they are all unique - which is a rare thing in YA fantasy at times. Sometimes I wished I was in the world, and then at others, I really didn't. From the backstory of the war, to the magic systems, and politics, everything is so well planned, that I sometimes struggle to read other fantasy books, when they just don't compare.

The characters are all fantastic too. Iseult is my favourite, with Safi in a close second, and though this book was mainly Aeduan's - I do love him too - Iseult really comes into her own, and starts to show her strength and self-reliance in a way we haven't seen in previous books. Also, her relationship with Aeduan really develops, and I ship them so much! I need more from them in the next two books (thank god we're getting two more!). Safi seemed to be a bit quiet, to me at least, in this book, but I think after all the hassle she's had in past books - Merek too - they both deserve a little quiet time. Not to say they didn't do anything, as they were definitely tying together some loose odds, but in comparison to Iseult and Aeduan, they had less of a pivotal role to play this time around.

The ending is a killer, mind, and I can't believe I have to wait so long for book 4, but I guess I'll just have to be patient! If you haven't read any of Sooz's books - go a buy a copy of them, and enjoy!

Dates Read:

February 10-14, 2019

Rating
5 Stars

2022 Beat the Backlist challenge

Blog Tour & ARC Review: Spectacle (Spectacle #1) by Jodie Lynn Zdrok (+INTL giveaway)

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5 Stars

ARC Review: Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard

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Truthwitch
Series: The Witchlands #1
Author: Susan Dennard
Published January 14th 2016 by Tor

Goodreads 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.
Goodreads

Review
See my review of the preview edition, here.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

After reading the preview edition, provided by the US publisher via NetGalley, I was desparate to read more. When I found out the UK publisher would also be allowing bloggers the chance to review the book, the complete book, I immediately jumped at the chance.

If you haven't read my review of the preview edition, basically what happens is: we meet the protagonists, Safiya, Iseult, Merik, and Aedeun. All four characters were ones I loved in different ways, and I couldn't pick one whom I enjoyed most. Even after reading the complete book, I'm still struggling to chose a favourite. Each character has their own strengths, and flaws, and they seem so different to each other. I know that in some books with different points of view, the characters can sort of all melt into one, but not in Truthwitch. Furthermore, though they were all apart of the same storyline, they also had their own little plots that were running parallel with the bigger story.

One thing that Sooz has perfectly done with this book, is write amazing female characters. Each and every woman, from Safiya, to Evrane, to Ryber, was strong, powerful, and just a little bit vulnerable. They may seem to be the perfect women, but they're just as flawed as any person can be - and that makes them even better.

From the very start of the book, I could see romance brewing between the characters, and I'm so unbelievably happy with how this played out throughout the whole story. I've discovered a new OTP, and could not stop grinning when they shared scenes. Now, I'm not one to normally get emotional at books, but I definitely felt a whole range of 'feels' when reading Truthwitch. It's a book that will stay with me for a long time, and has given me a major book hangover.

Each chapter was as interesting as the last. When the preview edition ended at chapter 15, we were left with a major cliffhanger, and from that point on the action just jumped to a whole new level. There were twists and turns on every page, and I was gripped to the edge of my seat until the very last moment. Some things I could guess were coming, but others came so out of the blue, I was in shock. I can easily see that the events in Truthwitch will be crucial to the plot of the entire series, and what seemed massively important now, may only be a small blip on the bigger picture.

Dennard has definitely created a world which is full of action, intrigue, and magic. I'm so overjoyed that I was able to read this copy, (thanks, Tor) and am slightly sad that I'll have to wait so long for book 2, Windwitch! Like I said in my preview review: Truthwitch is a wonderful new edition to the high fantasy world, and fully deserving of all of the hype. You seriously need to read this book, I know it will be one of the best 2016 books!

Dates Read:
September 23-27, 2015

Rating
5 Stars

5 Stars

ARC Review: Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard (preview)

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Truthwitch
Series: The Witchlands #1
Author: Susan Dennard
Published January 5th 2016 by Tor Teen

Goodreads 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.
Goodreads

Review
I received an preview Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past 6 months or so, you're bound to have heard of this book. Everywhere you turn on Twitter, blogs, etc., someone has mentioned this. As soon as I heard there was a preview, 15 chapter sampler available on NetGalley, I knew I needed to request it to see what all the hype was about. Thank you so much, Tor Teen, for allowing me this opportunity.

Now, I've never read anything by Sooz, but before you all revolt, know I have her entire Something Strange & Deadly series waiting on my shelves. I'm bound to get to them soon with how much I adored her writing style in Truthwitch! The first thing I noticed when I opened my e-galley was the map, which seemed extremely reminiscent of continental Europe - according to Sooz, via Twitter, the world is loosely based off Croatia, and Dubrovnik in particular. In the story our heroes are living during the 19th year of a 20 year peace, meaning everything is about to go wrong. Representatives from all of the nations involved descended on Venaza (seems to be Venice's counterpart), and our starring cast finally meet.

With the characters, the four main ones all were wonderful. We have Iseult and Safiya, threadsisters trying to hide their abilities, Prince Merik of Nubrevna, and then Aeduan, a Bloodwitch searching for the girls. First things first, how amazing are their names?! I've decided that Sophie is now too boring for me, and I wish I was called Safiya instead! Of these 4 characters, I honestly can't say who I preferred, and I already ship them in two couples - hopefully more will come from them, romantically, in the other half of the book.

Although there were only fifteen chapters in this sampler, there was no lacking of the action. The plot lines have already been set up for major events to come. I'm sure Tor Teen are trying to torture reviewers with where they left the action in said sampler; to call it a cliffhanger would be a major oversight. The magical system of the Witchlands, and all of the different variations of magical abilities, seemed really unique. Trust me, you do not want to get on the bad side of some of these characters, they're a tad scary.

Truthwitch is a wonderful new edition to the high fantasy world, and fully deserving of all of the hype. As soon as I get a lull in my TBR, I am going to dive into my SS&D books, as Sooz is a wonderful author! I need to get my hands on a complete copy of this book ASAP, or I think I might die (ok, maybe not, but you get the sentiment).

Dates Read:
August 26, 2015

Rating
5 Stars