Review: Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard

 

*Review contains spoilers from the previous book in the series.

 

Windwitch

(The Witchlands #2)

by Susan Dennard

January 10, 2017

400 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Sometimes our enemies are also our only allies…

When an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.

When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her—yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first?

After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge—especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

 

Review

My heart is so full after finishing Windwitch. This book is absolutely worth the wait! Explosive, riveting, it was a damn awesome read! I couldn't get enough.

Since the characters were all separated at the end of Truthwitch, we follow three different paths in this sequel. Ms. Dennard slowly builds each story up while sneaking in foreshadows to the future. As the climaxes hit, I was all in. All the POVs were equally as exciting though personally I had my eyes on one particular pair~

I am so content with the slow progression of my two favourite characters. I loved every interaction between Iseult and Aeduan in this book. Nothing romantic really happens but they established rapport and trust in each other. Aeduan surprised me with his soft side and Iseult gave me hope with her determination. Seeing the two of them work together made my heart gallop. They'll be the most lethal force yet to sweep through The Witchlands ;)

Merik does the most growth in this book, aptly named Windwitch. He has a hard time coming to terms with the losses and betrayals in his life. He's repeatedly put to the test. Especially when a threat reveals itself in the form of his supposedly dead Threadbrother, Kullen. Though he has a loyal follower in Cam, he struggled to stay sane. Eventually, with more allies on his side than expected, Merik finds his way; a purpose to keep him going on the right path.

Vivia, Merik's sister surprised me with her complexity. She was a welcomed POV- a total force to be reckoned with. Despite all her insecurities she shows she's more than fit to be a queen. I look forward to her vision of Nubrevna.

Danger has a way of finding Safi. The majority of her story was spent in the company of a certain mysterious and deadly force (Hell-Bards!!!). They gave me the chills but at the same time I want to know more about their plight. Safi's had a trying journey with the Empress of Marstok albeit getting to explore unfamiliar territories and to learn its histories was exciting. Iseult's never far from Safi's mind (and vice versa). I'm glad to see even without her Threadsister by her side, she's still got her sarcasm and wit about her.

With the introduction of new characters more relationships are added. Most notably I'm seeing a shift in the romance department. I won't name names but I see endless possibilities. All the relationships are still very much up in the air so I guess I'll trust Ms. Dennard to steer my heart towards the best ships~ And of course all that comes after saving The Witchlands!

After the amazing sequel that is Windwitch I have no doubt Ms. Dennard will continue to bring us even more magic and adventures. Just like with this sequel, I'll be here (im)patiently waiting for the next book to come out!

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.