Windwitch

So, Windwitch, a book I'd been dying to read all year finally came out and I have to say, I loved it.

Last year I picked up Truthwitch right when it came out and with every page that I read, I loved it even more. And even though I picked it up right after I finished Wayfarer, another great book, I found myself sucked into it. I was so excited to read Merik's

And even though this book skipped on most of my favorite things from the last book, I still loved it. I am going to warn you that from here on, there will be spoilers.

"Fool brother Filip led blind brother Daret
deep into the black cave.
He knew that inside it, the Queen Crab resided
but that didn’t scare him away.

Said blind brother Daret to fool brother Filip,
does Queen Crab no longer reign?
I have heard she is vicious, and likes to eat fishes.
It’s best we avoid her domain.

Answered fool Filip to his brother small,
have I not always kept you safe?
I know what I’m doing, for I’m older than you,
and I’ll never lead you astray.”

That song was such an integral part of Merik's part of the story. I liked the scenes but they were really dark and intense, we got to see a different side of him, a bitter side. But that allowed him to develop in an unexpected way.

And the best part was having Vivia's point of view. From the very first scene we got from her, I knew that she didn't have him attacked. I could totally understand her perspective and it enraged me how someone could do that. She was more capable than Merik and more qualified and yet they completely disregarded her when they gave Merik the Admiral's title. Again, I love Merik and I know it wasn't his fault but it made me angry that he couldn't see that.

She honestly was a better candidate than him and the moment he realized that, I jumped with joy. We could finally have them on the same page, on the same side. When he realizes that Vivia was never his attacker and that she was just trying to protect their kingdom made me love him again.

“Why do you hold a razor in one hand?
So men remember that I am sharp as any edge.
And why do you hold broken glass in the other?
So men remember that I am always watching.” 

Moving on the the Fury thing, it broke my heart a little every time someone looked at him and didn't recognize him, so, when Vivia knew at first glance who he was, I was so happy. In the end, we got to see them develop and form a sort of relationship they should've had before.

And, also, Merik was such a jerk in this book. I get that he went through so much. Lost his thread brother (you know what I mean) and Safi (he thought she was dead) and then had someone kill him! Despite all this, I wish he was better towards Cam. She was such a great person regardless of her part in the attack on the Jana, which she was unaware about, she was always there for Merik.

Now, Safi. She was my favorite character in the last book and although I still admire her and love reading about her, I kind of wish we got to see more of her and Iseult. Their friendship makes this story way better and I'm glad we got that one little scene in the end. I'll get to Iseult later, I'd like to discuss Safi's escapades first.

“I told you, Hell-Bard. Everyone lies. It's in the way we banter with our friends. It's in the mundane greetings we give passersby. It's in the most meaningless things we do every single moment of every single day. Hundreds upon thousands of tiny, inconsequential lies.” 

I loved some of her scenes with the Hell-Bards but my favorites were her scenes with Vaness. Now that was some good girl power. I love that in the end, she gave Safi a choice and although I'm scared that she'll end up going to Cartorra and have to face the Emperor. If she does, I'm interested in seeing how she kicks his ass!

Can I be honest, I'm scared something will happen between her and Caden. I have come to like Caden but I love her and Merik. I don't want them to split, even though they both think the other is dead. I'm a little unclear about if Merik thinks Safi is dead but Safi thinks Merik is dead. And I don't want something to happen with her and Caden. I want Safi and Merik to find each other and I want Caden to be free of the Emperor and be his own person, not someone else's person.

Finally coming to my favorite characters in this book, Aeduan and Iseult!

Every scene they had together was amazing, their adventure together was amazing. I love that Aeduan starts to care about Owl. That was amazing. It brought out a side of Aeduan I did not expect and then what Iseult did was amazing. I know it was horrible when she cleaved that man but it was epic.

“Run, my child, run.” 

I loved getting to know Aeduan. We learned a little about his childhood with the constant flashback to that event from his childhood and we got to know him. This finally allowed us to understand him and love him.

In the dream sequence with Esme, my mind was filled with ideas, especially when Aeduan said that one of them is the Cahr Awen. I knew it was definitely Iseult. Maybe Esme is the other one considering how similar their powers are and how she can dream walk into Iseults sleep.

I made a note while reading of my assumptions at the point where Esme shows Iseult how to cleave. I thought that either she or Esme would bring Kullen back, which did happen!

Esme brought Kullen back and is working for Ragnor and he is trying capture Marstok and Nubrevna. Esme is probably controlling Kullen and since she can uncleave so can Iseult.

I'm assuming that Merik and Iseult run into each other and she tells him about Safi being alive (if he doesn't know about it yet) and of course she tells Safi too. But I know that's too easy. I also think that after dropping Owl off at the monastery, she and Aeduan are going to make their way toward Safi and run into Merik. I also think that because of her and Esme's bond, she may be able to help uncleave Merik.

I also expect that because of their bond, she might be able to get Esme to flips sides.

I can't stop my mind from wandering all over theorizing what could happen and it kills me that I have to wait an entire year but at least I get some amazing books this year to clench my thirst. Both of Sarah J. Maas's series are ending and Lord of Shadows is coming out this year and I cannot wait, neither can I wait for Bloodwitch!

Reviews for rest of the series:

Truthwitch

Windwitch

Bloodwitch (Awaiting Release)

Threadwitch (Hopefully) (Awaiting Release)

Truthwitch

Truthwitch is the first novel in the Witchland Series. It is set in a world where people are born with different types of magic, 'witchery.' 

I went into this book with extremely high expectations. And it did not disappoint me. Yes, it was confusing at times, but it was thrilling. It was fun going back into the genre I love so much after binging on a lot of contemporary. This month I picked up quite a few Fantasy novels, but I have to say, this was my favorite.

So the witches in this world are nothing like the ones we're used to, they're not like the Harry Potter witches or witches from some TV show. They're unique and fantastic. They don't use spells, but their magic is so strong.

I loved the chemistry between our two lead female characters. Their strong friendship really got to me. Their connection was so real. I could actually imagine it, it wasn't one of those exaggerated book friendships, and it made me long for a friend that close.

All the characters were kind of amazing. The guy I assumed was going to be a villain might not be one.

Anyways, I'll discuss my views with my opinions and spoilers now.

“Where’s your hair?” she shouted. “And what happened to your arm?”
“Cut my hair and got shot with an arrow!” 
“Gods below, Iseult! A few hours away and your whole life tumbles through the hell-gates!”
“I might say the same to you,” Iseult shouted back—though it was getting hard to scream and ride. “Four opponents on your tail and a ruined dress!” 

For some reason, I really liked the lines mentioned above. It kind of made me feel as if they were real friends. I mean, don't we all discuss the most insignificant things with our best friends even when our lives are thoroughly messed up?

A few things really confused me. Some utterly trivial. Like is their world like medieval earth? I mean in some places it seemed like Safi didn't have any choice, especially about her betrothal. I mean she didn't have any choice. That's just wrong. Also, when they were attacked Merik called her the Emperor's property! That's just disgusting. I don't think I disliked him more at any other point, even when he shackled her. Which was also wrong. I mean if he plans on ever being with her, they better be equals.

I'm crazy passionate about equality.

But honestly, I have a feeling that the only reason she had no choice was the fact he was the emperor.

Also, I think Polly, i.e., Prince Leopold was trying to help Safi not take her back to his old uncle. That's just disgusting. She's not old enough!

Anyways.

Merik and Safi were so much fun to read about. Their fights were amazing. I liked when they actually had a full on fight on the deck. That was epic!

Now. Iseult. She was like the quiet strong warrior protector who was always by Safi's side.

I loved how they were around each other. Safi and Iseult were like the better half of the other. Threadbrothers/sister reminded me of Parabatai from Shadowhunter Chronicles.

I really liked Iseult's magic, it was impressive, but I thought the Elemental magic was better than being able, to tell the truth. I mean, what's so kick ass about. I'm hoping it develops over time.

Now. Our resident bloodwitch. Initially, I didn't like Aeduan. He was a bloodwitch who we assume are all bad.

But I see the hero potential and romantic potential with Iseult. They'd be good together.

What happened to Kullen was so awful, I mean, he shouldn't have died in book one. I was kind of expecting, but he could be such a huge part of it. Though Ryber leaving made me suspicious. Maybe, just maybe it's not the end of Kullen. It's fantasy, after all, anything can happen. Besides, his death to Merik is like Iseult's death to Safi. I hope Merik doesn't suffer like that.

In the end, when Merik got the letter, I expected a bigger reaction. I hope he joins Iseult and they help Safi together. I don't want them to save her, I want her to be strong, but they should totally team up. This time without the contract. Also. I want Aeduan to join them.

Now that he knows that they're Cahr Awen, he has to protect them right. Let his father go to hell!

I think the Empress Vaness is going to influence on the story.

The ending left me hanging. I'm not usually used to reading series one by one, often binge read them when the last book comes out, and this left me high and dry.

There are supposed to be four books, and I see the potential in the characters and am highly anticipating the next book.

Oh, and what the hell is Cleaving? I did not understand Cleaving at all! Someone who's read this, please explain it to me! I don't get it. I think it has something to do with threads cutting and stuff. Do they become like Zombies or do they die? I mean they don't die 'cause they attack people. But how does it happen? I get that the puppeteer can cleave people but what is it exactly. It kind of sounded like someone was shedding a layer of skin!

Oh and Tumbling? Really? Who calls it Tumbling? I kinda found that funny. I know I have an awful sense of humor.

Anyways, I also made notes. Check them out! ;)

“If you wanted to, Safiya, you could bend and shape the world.” 

“Sometimes justice was all about the small victories.” 

The Witchlands

That is the official map of The Witchlands.

So I watched an interview by the fantastic author of Truthwitch, Susan Dennard describing the World of Truthwitch.

She said it was loosely based on Imperial Europe. Three main empires were kind of based on Venetian Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire and Ottoman Empire and a tiny little republic in Croatia called Dubrovnik managed to stay independent throughout war and all the other independent places that didn't get swallowed up by the three empires.

All the information is directly from Truthwitch website to make it easier to understand the world. It was a little complicated for me.

Empire of Cartorra

It is the largest of the three empires, Cartorra initially expanded through royal marriages and alliances. Only in recent centuries did the empire turn to warlike tactics. Magic is highly regulated, and certain witcheries are forbidden entirely. The Hell-Bard Brigad is an elite fighting force able to detect all kinds of magic and enforce these regulations and hunt any witches known as heretics, who try to hide.

Leader: Emperor Henrik

Side Note: It is the Empire from where Safiya.

Empire of Marstok

 It is the middle-man between lands of Fareast and the main continent of Witchlands. The empire originally grew through trade, but over time, the female dominated society developed vast, mighty armies of Firewitches. Despite the dark history involving slavery, this empire is now the most stable and welcoming.

Leader: Empress Vaness

Dalmotti Empire

It is a coastal empire that was built upon control of sea trade. They have an incredibly powerful naval fleet. Unlike Marstok or Cartorra, they are the republic with elected Guildmasters. The leader is the Doge.

Leader: Doge

Nubrevna

It is a small coastal nation which managed to maintain its independence in the face of the three empires because of its exceptionally skilled Navy and because of its capital city which is protected by powerful magical barriers and only accessible via water-bridges.

Leader: King Serafin

Side Note: Vivia and Merik are the heirs to the throne.

Arithuania

It is a large, wild country between Marstok and Cartorra. It used to be a great republic, but it's elected leaders were too free and too willing to bend the will of people. A century ago, it began to descend into anarchy. It is now filled with outlawed elemental witches, great Raiders, persecuted Nomatsi, and anyone else who doesn't want to feel the control of the government.

Side Note: Aeduan's father is the Raider king of Arithuania.

Portolla

It is an arid country with a thriving coastline, Portolla subsists almost entirely off fishing. Like, Svoden, they've allied with Cartorra to maintain their independence and want to claim Krit, a nation nearby.

Krit

It is similar to it's larger neighbor Portolla but has fought to preserve its autonomy and its customs throughout the centuries of war.

Balma

It is a marshy country northeast of the Cartorran Empire that has managed to remain independent through sheer brutality and desperation.

Lusque

It is a small, rocky country that has maintained independence via guerilla-style warfare. Its population is small but fierce.

Svoden

It is a harsh Northland with huge tidal ranges that have led to a strong navy. Svoden allied with Cartorra for almost a century to maintain it's independence.

Illrya

It is a dry, coastal country that has maintained independence by sheer undesirableness. Like Krit, many of its customs hail from the Southlands.

Witchery

Some people are born with a “witchery,” a magical skill that sets them apart from others. There are six types elemental witches.

Known Witchery: 

Windwitch: Merik Nihar, Kullen

Truthwitch (Aether): Safiya Fon Hasstrel

Threadwitch (Aether): Iseult Det Midenzi, other people from her tribe

Bloodwitch (Void): Aeduan

Tidewitch

Ironwitch: Vaness

Glamourwitch

And then there were the healers.

Waterwitch Healer: Specialize in fluids of the body: Evrane Nihar

Firewitch Healer: Specialize in muscles.

Earthwitch Healer: Specialize in skin and bones.

Even though it's not mentioned in the book, I think there might be healers of the other three elemental witcheries. If I had to make a guess, airwitch healers deal with respiratory issues, and I have no idea about aether and void.

Reviews for rest of the series:
Truthwitch
Windwitch
Bloodwitch (Awaiting Release)
Threadwitch (Hopefully) (Awaiting Release)