Truthwitch

by Susan Dennard

Story summary: Meh, don't feel like doing a summary. Here's a shortened version of the Goodreads description instead:
"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."

Why You Will Like This Book:

• Gripping--one of those books you can't stop reading.
• Devoted female friendship.
• Awesome magics and fighting skills.

And Why You Might Not:

• It wasn't particularly memorable for me.
• The romance was a little quick and passionate for my taste (though it bothered me less than I expected)

Thoughts: I don't really have much to say about this one. It was certainly really entertaining. But there was also nothing that caught my attention. Nothing particularly new or interesting to me. I doubt I'll remember that much about this book in a year or so.

I'm going to read the sequel, but only because I find the Bloodwitch character interesting. Not interesting enough to talk about here, but still cool. Plus I kind of ship him with the Threadwitch girl.

Cover note: I almost always dislike covers with real people on the front, but this one is actually appeals to me. Not sure why--maybe it's the colour scheme? And the fact that they don't show much of the girl's face, so you can imagine her as you wish.

Grade: 3 1/2 stars

If You Like This, You Might Also Like:

• Avatar: The Last Airbender. I know it's a TV series, but if you want something with powers based off the elements, this is the best thing ever.
• Because it reminds me in tone of a lot of YA fantasy I've read recently, here are a couple YA fantasy recs: Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine.
• King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner: Because people exclaim about the romantic and sexy dancing scene in Truthwitch, but if you want an actual romantic and sexy dancing scene, KoA has the best. Ever.