YA Review Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she’s a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden – lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult’s true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls’ heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

« I’m exhausted from running-fighting » stars

OK this has been a buddy read with Katherine @paperbackdreamer
It was the best idea this young Lady got as I wanted to read this book for so long but never took the time to do it. Now I’m addicted!

With this book you will:

-run at break neck speed in dark alleys escaping pursuers;

-jump from rooftop to rooftop to reach the nearest shelter;

-turn mid swing with your foot connecting with nose or ankle or…when you fight some Cleaved witch;

-dance an intricate, fast but sensual dance with a handsome but explosive tempered prince;

-be sore from riding a horse for hours or for fighting dirty with a Blood Monk hell bent on catching you to trade you to the highest bidder.

>

All that with your BFF at your side because you have her back and she has yours. Threadsisters Forever.

Now back to the characters and somewhat to the story.

This book is told from different point of view. First our feminine witch duo Sari with long blond hair tanned skin and Iseult dark hair and pale pale skin.
Sari is nobility and Iseult Nomatsi, rejected and feared by most.

It took some time to understand how they became such close friends, what was their past and what was their goal. As said above the writing focuses on action, action and more action.
This is an astute trick keeping the reader on his toes all along distilling tidbits here and there to build their life’s puzzle.

I loved the universe building, the different kind of magic, the legend, everything even if it was somewhat confusing in the beginning due to the above writing style.

Sari and Iseult were Yin and Yang. Sari was impulsive, restless would serve as a distraction while Iseult had to stay cool and was difficult to read. She was the planner, the mastermind.
Both would give her life for the other. And my god could they fight!!! Kill Bill ten times.

Susan Dennard did not stop at two main characters but we had two “not really side but not main either” characters. Prince Meric was really fun to read about. I loved that he was tempestuous and could not stay cool for long. When Sari was in the vicinity these two would ignite, bicker and fight like you have no idea!
The Blood Witch Aeduan is a “grey” character. One you should dislike but the more you read about the more you like and can’t wait to see what future await for him.

So you have guessed that this story is packed or rather crammed with action and adventure.
It’s colorful, fast paced, adventurous, epic, theatric …

I could not avoid thinking about Taken, Mission Impossible or Wonder Woman but medieval witch style.

I loved the characters the plot the magic universe…and now I want to read the whole series!

If you want epic and adrenaline THIS IS IT!

Have you read it?

Thanks for reading!