Publishers Weekly
★ 10/19/2015
Dynamic storytelling and a fully imagined magical world distinguish Dennard’s (the Something Strange and Deadly series) first book in the Witchlands series. Iseult and Safiya are as different as two young women can be—one is noble-born, the other is from a despised people; one has the ability to see the threads of emotions in people, while the other can see truth. Yet their friendship and shared learning create a familial bond between them, making them Threadsisters. On the eve of the renegotiation of the Twenty Year Truce, which has kept peace across the ravaged lands, a single announcement is all it takes to upend their lives, sending them careening across the world, pursued by royalty and evil and spurred by something more powerful than themselves. Their adventures are dashed with a hint of romance and deeply imbued with the concept of loyalty. While this is a dense read with a lot of moving parts, Dennard’s rich descriptions, insightful characterizations, and breathtaking action sequences will keep readers on their toes. Ages 13–up. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"Susan Dennard has worldbuilding after my own heart. It’s so good it’s intimidating."—Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Red Queen
“Truthwitch has all of the elements I savor-a richly imagined magical world, ruthless politics, steamy romance, and characters who grab you and won't let go. At its heart, a partnership between two strong young women who might change the world.” —Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Realms series
“Featuring vibrant characters and an innovative system of magic, Susan Dennard's Truthwitch is a fast-paced adventure and a wonderful tribute to the power of the binding ties of friendship.” —Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel’s Legacy series
“Sometimes, from not even halfway through a book, you know that you're going to make everyone you know read it. It's a book that, by the time you get to the end you crave the next book as if it were the most addicting chocolate on the planet. Truthwitch is that book for me. Gorgeously written, elegantly built, and perfect for ANY reader-Truthwitch is something you will not want to miss. Seriously.” —Rachel Strolle, Andersons Bookshop
“Full of magic, unbreakable friendships, and purpose, Truthwitch is absolutely everything I look for in a fantasy. Dennard's stunning prose weaves a lush and wonderful adventure tale that has already hooked this reader and will utterly enchant everyone else.” —Gaby Salpeter, Books of Wonder
New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel&r Jacqueline Carey
Featuring vibrant characters and an innovative system of magic, Susan Dennard's Truthwitch is a fast-paced adventure and a wonderful tribute to the power of the binding ties of friendship.
New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Rea Cinda Williams Chima
Truthwitch has all of the elements I savor-a richly imagined magical world, ruthless politics, steamy romance, and characters who grab you and won't let go. At its heart, a partnership between two strong young women who might change the world.
New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Sarah J. Maas
Make room on your all-time favorites shelf: Truthwitch is an instant new classic. It reminded me of why I started reading fantasy in the first place: its fierce and vibrant world, richly-drawn characters, and dazzling intrigue harken to the best of Megan Whalen Turner, Robin Hobb, and Jacqueline Carey. And while it pays homage to the epic fantasies that have come before it, it also lays the foundation for a bright new chapter in the genre. I haven't been so enthralled and inspired by a book since I first read Lloyd Alexander's The Book of Three. Do not miss out!
School Library Journal
11/01/2015
Gr 8 Up—In a land where witches are numerous and their specialties vary enormously, Safiya fon Hasstrel is a rare entity. A reluctant member of the Cartorran Empire's nobility, she is also a Truthwitch who can determine whether someone is telling the truth or lying. Iseult is a Threadwitch who can read the invisible bonds between people but is a societal outcast. As Threadsisters, they are inseparable and only wish to live in peace. But the Twenty Year Truce is about to end, and the rulers of the largest empires are positioning themselves for the oncoming war. Safiya's skill makes her a valuable commodity for those who seek greater power. Chased by a fearsome Bloodwitch mercenary and the military forces of the warring nations, the young women flee on a ship with Prince Merik, a Windwitch and admiral of Nubrevna who will do anything to save his starving empire. The book is told from the alternating points of view of hot-headed Safiya, scheming Iseult, purposeful Merik, and the ruthless Bloodwitch Aeduan, and the motivations of these main characters, as well as many of the secondary ones, are clearly defined. A masterfully told tale loaded with political intrigue, magic, harrowing fight scenes and escapes, mythical creatures, legendary prophesies, breakneck adventure, and even romance, this book will have readers breathlessly awaiting the sequel. Because of the complex plotting and numerous characters, readers may want to peruse this book a second time to catch the early references to important plot elements. VERDICT A great choice for fans of fantasy adventure and strong female characters.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT
Kirkus Reviews
2015-09-21
Two devoted friends dreaming of independence contend with unfathomable magic and the schemes of empires in this action-packed series opener. Safiya and Iseult are an unlikely pair. Safi, the hotheaded daughter of an impoverished but noble family, is a Truthwitch, born with the rare ability to tell if someone is telling the truth or lying. Quiet Iseult is a Nomatsi Threadwitch, despised for her ethnic identity but gifted with the ability to perceive the emotions of others as colored threads. When the two friends become fugitives from the law, they decide to flee together, not realizing that Safi's witchery has already made them targets in a larger political struggle. Dennard (Strange and Ever After, 2014, etc.) jumps from alternate history with zombies to epic fantasy with this new series. Her worldbuilding is impressively detailed, though neither the vaguely European setting nor the magic system breaks much new ground. The cinematic action scenes keep the storytelling brisk, and the rotating third-person narration introduces not only Safi and Iseult, but also Merik, the prince of an impoverished small nation, and Aeduan, a mercenary. The overall characterization is uneven, but readers captivated by the intense friendships and burgeoning romances will probably be happy to overlook the novel's flaws. Epic adventure and steamy smooches make for a crowd-pleasing formula. (Fantasy. 13-18)
