The Witchlands series by Susan Dennard - Reading from 'Windwitch (The Witchlands #2)' from March 7th 2019

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 11-15: (view spoiler)[ The pace has definitely picked up but I'm still bored! There's conspiracies all around, action and all but there's no plot! There's no direction of where this book is going and I would really like the girls to be finally together again. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Chapters 11-15: the pace has definetely picked up.

The Bloodwitch is one of the best things about this book. I really like his character, and he's very interesting. Also, I believe that having his POV helps.

And the reunion the girls had says so much about their characters, I loved it.

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[I wasn't expecting that from Eron, if I'm being honest, but I'm so glad! I admit I was shocked too because the Bloodwitch saw Safi remained where she was before the lights turned off, although it was quite strange. Luckily, she won't marry the Emperor. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[I really like how they all keep meeting. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[Thank God she didn't kill him (although I wasn't expecting her to)! I wonder what was going on on her mind during that whole scene. I liked reading it from his perspective, of course, but I'm just curious what she was thinking and what led her to not kill him, even though he promised he would. I like them together, though, the action is great. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Nicole wrote: "Chapter 11-15: [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ I agree. I don't know where things are going, or what is driving the characters, or what could possibly settle everything and create a conclusion to all the mess that is being drawn out. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

Finished. Real up and down response to this. Parts were great; parts were not. Some wonderful characters, but I wasn't as involved in the situations of some of the key characters as I think I was meant to be.

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Anna wrote: "Chapters 11-15: the pace has definetely picked up.

The Bloodwitch is one of the best things about this book. I really like his character, and he's very interesting. Also, I believe that having his..."

I agree with you. I think the Bloodwitch's the most interesting character right now. I'm most engaged when I'm reading his point of view.

[Kelly]

Would it be too much to ask for a quick guide at the back of the book with explanations of what the various types of witches do and what their symbols are? Yes, they're pretty straightforward, but there are so many different types and subsets (Firewitch Vs Firehealer)... I could use a guide.

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

@Kelly I agree. I keep forgetting what some witches do or their abilities. Some are self-explanatory but others are deceptive. I don't even completely understand what thread witches do. I mean I get the concept of it but I want a list of their specific abilities.

[Kelly]

Just finished Chapter 31 and it was definitely my favorite. I feel like I'm beginning to grasp the bigger picture that could turn this book into a series. Yay!

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapters 16-20: (view spoiler)[ Things are getting better. At least the girls are back together, almost. Iseult's still not well but at least they're not apart. There's still really no established plot. At least the girls have a heading now or Merik has a heading for them. The bloodwitch is still bent on hunting them. I'm worried about what's going to happen with Nubrevan, now that the bloodwitch tattled on Merik's crew. Merik and Safi's bickering is cute. I love the fight scene between Merik and Safi. I'm starting to like it but I'm still not convinced about the quality of this book. Like I stated, there's still really no plot. It seems like people are riding the story and letting it take them. Other than Merik (who wants a trade agreement) and the bloodwitch (who wants money and revenger), the girls have no incentive or motive for anything. That frustrated me because they're the two main protagonist. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Nicole wrote: "Chapters 16-20: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I think the womens' motivation is freedom. At least that's what they keep talking about, getting a place of their own, etc. But I don't feel that their "before" life ever felt that restrictive in the first place. I don't have a firm grasp on what they want to be free from. Also, for Safi at least, it feels that she wants to be free from responsibility, and that isn't a quality I usually admire in a protagonist. It's getting better, but I agree, a lot is lost. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

@Anna I know the day's just beginning for you but it's ending for me. I forgot where we are or lost where we're supposed to be. Were we supposed to read up to 30?

Chapter 21-30: (view spoiler)[ Finally Iseult's awake and we actually get to see some more interaction between the girls. I still love the action and the fight scenes. Probably one of the strong points of this book.

The romance between Safi and Merik's still cute despite their issues with each other. I feel bad for Merik and the position he's in. He's starting to have some real feelings for Safi but he wants what's best for his people and his crew. I don't blame him or think cruel of him chaining Safi out in the rain. I get where he's coming from. He needed to prove to his leftover loyal crew that he can discipline Safi. I think it also woke Safi up on the severity of the situation she put on Merik and his people.

I get that she wants to save Iseult and even Merik mentioned that he would have done the same for Kullen but she never considered once about what it's like for Merik and I like that she's reflecting on it now. I do believe that Merik had fault in this too. He should have told Safi and Evrane that he planning on docking at Nubrevna to find a healer for Iseult. Maybe both Safi and Evrane would have been more cooperative with that knowledge.

I'm worried about the curse on Iseult and the dreams she's having about that voice. Clearly someone's spying on her and they know about Safi.

There's still too much going. I could hardly remember what I read today if I didn't have notes for this book. Now they've docked in Nubrevna, there's probably going to be more new elements and characters. I don't know how much more I can take. I just need a little more consistency and essence of the plot to get my head around this book.

I do like this book at this point compared to how it started but I'm really nervous about how it's going to end. I'm scared that with more events and elements packed into this 412 page book that the ending is going to be so complicated that I'm going to be completely lost. I guess we'll find out soon. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Nicole wrote: "@Anna I know the day's just beginning for you but it's ending for me. I forgot where we are or lost where we're supposed to be. Were we supposed to read up to 30?

Chapter 21-30: Finally Iseult's ..."

We're supposed to read until chapter 35 today (14th) I believe, so you're on track! Seeing how much you're enjoying this last bit, you can finish it.

[[deleted user]]

Kelly wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Chapters 16-20: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I also think that they just want to be free. They kept saying that they wanted to buy a place for them and be happy without their social and familiar problems. I guess that they don't feel like they belong where they were supposed to be, but I feel like they needn't run away.
And as Nicole said, I'm enjoying it, especially the writing, but for me at least it feels like book 2 of a series. But this is book 1 of a new series, we shouldn't need any background!
And apart from the witches divisions, I also get confused by the different regions of the Witchlands. I know we have the map, but relations and trades between lands are described as if we already were familiar with them. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Anna wrote: "Kelly wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Chapters 16-20: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I also think that they just want to be free. They kept saying that they wanted to buy a place for them and be ..."

That's what how exactly how I felt about this book! (view spoiler)[ There's so many minor factors that the author spent pages and chapters on that I feel like will never be brought up in this book. If that's the case, then I'd rather have those details in book too. Touching on some subjects are fine but these had pages for somethings that I feel like will never show up again in book 1. We're almost at the end too. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 32: (view spoiler)[ This is what I've been saying before, the girls are just riding the story. It was awfully convenient when the Sea Foxes arrived but it's even more convenient that Leopold got kidnapped. Now they have to stop the search and look for this guy. Giving warning to the Nubrevna and conceal their location better and for Safi and her group to run away. They are very lucky for all their situations. Even Safi mentioned it in this chapter that she luckily got away from Henrick's clutches on the night he announced of making her his fiance.

The romance in this chapter was cute and funny but it felt off. I feel like this scene didn't belong here and that it was misplaced. Maybe it's just me :/ (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 34: (view spoiler)[ So Leopold is on Safi's side? I am soo confused! This book has so much going on and so many characters. I can't remember who's who and which side they're on! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 35: (view spoiler)[ After that heated moment between Safi and Merik, I think everyone forgot Merik's question. WHY was Safi there lol. She didn't really seem to have answered truthfully. And of course their hapiness doesn't last. Please. Please don't kill Evrane. She's actually one of the more developed characters and more much more potential grow and do things. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Nicole wrote: "Chapter 34: [spoilers removed]

Chapter 35: [spoilers removed]"

Evrane in the best! Love her!

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Finished!

My final thoughts:

(view spoiler)[ *Blink blink* WHAT???????? I have no idea what happened at the end. Everyone was separated and doing their own thing. All I know is that it all worked out in the end. Soooo Evrane's been holding out on us. She's more than a healer. She's a kick-ass Cahr Awen monk and she tutored the bloodwitch. What happened with Aeduan? So he finds out that he's destined to protect the girls but it says he went somewhere? Did he die? I don't think so? Did he just go to find his dad or something? I'm so confused. Umm I think Iseult found a new power or was that someone doing the cleaving or were they both doing the cleaving? Iseult and someone else? Can someone please explain what cleaving is?! I thought all this time that it was killing someone or controlling them with magic or something like that but i never really understood. It turns out I needed to know for the last bits of the book.

*frustrated sigh*

This book was literally like riding a roller coaster. It was all very up and down. When things were boring, they were really boring. When things were all hype and crazy, they were super crazy. I did really enjoy parts of it but I don't know if I really enjoyed the book itself. I need to think on it. Maybe when I wake up.

Rating: Debating between 2.5 or 3
(hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************


Reading from the 20th of September 2016

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[C.P.]

Wasn't able to start today. Will tomorrow. :)

[C.P.]

Not really feeling this so far. I don't find the different types of witches confusing (which I've heard a lot of people have a hard time keeping track of), I just don't find it very compelling. Merik seemed kind of interesting. I don't know. Everything just kind of seems...silly? Not really sure. Anyway, I've read dour chapters.

[C.P.]

I've read through chapter six now. Still not sure what to think. (view spoiler)[What are Mathew and Habim and the rest planning to do to stop the war. And what message is Iz trying to get across to her? (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

Started, but didn't get far yet. I will be getting to it this weekend :D

[C.P.]

Through chapter 10 ans liking it a lot more now. (view spoiler)[I still think Merik is the most interesting. Which is kind of sad since everyone I know who loves this adores the Sadi Iz friendship. I just haven't found anything all that compelling about them. Not sure why.

I do want to know what's up with that creep Corlant. And the fact that Iz can see the Threads of the cleaved. What's with that? (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Through chapter 26. (view spoiler)[I still think Merik is the most compelling of the characters. I get his motivations. Starting to enjoy the Safi/Iz friendship a little more. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Through chapter 32. (view spoiler)[I feel like I know who Leopold is with, but I'm not sure...And he's got to be in on it right, since he was being so cooperative. I just don't really trust him.

And did Safi and Iz heal the well? Something definitely happened. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Just finished. It was ok, but didn't blow me away. I do like Merik so I'll probably pick up the sequel. Most of the characters did grow on me as the novel progressed. So I appreciate that there was some good characterization. Aeduan might have become my favorite near the end. There was a lot of interesting stuff with his character.

[Brooke]

14%
(view spoiler)[i wouldnt have left, i dont trust that guy at all. i like the prince thou :) (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

33%
(view spoiler)[ Theyre running at the same time! shouldve stayed in the cart! The salamander skin is freaking me out a bit. (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

55%
(view spoiler)[ I really like this monk healer. I feel like this plan will backfire thou! His sister is legit bad, but their dad is letting her do this so... (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

83%
(view spoiler)[ Good to know her neck is so elegantly shaped! Romance was not needed in this book! it was so good too. Glad it is slight and very near the end! (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

Ending Thoughts
(view spoiler)[ This took a good minute to get into. The first 100pgs or so are a bit meh. But i know all the info up front is needed to set the rest of the book up so i'll let that go. I really like the 2 female MCs, very awesome MCs. Well written, strong, doesn't need a man to save them, and would do anything for each other. The prince on the other hand, yes he really looked out for his thread brother, but that was about it. He has selfish motivates, and even wanted to throw them to the wolves just so he can get that damn trade agreement! The bit of romance towards the end bothered me, not needed, i really hope it dies off in book 2, but we will see. (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

A bit behind, but starting today!

[Meaghan]

C P wrote: "I've read through chapter six now. Still not sure what to think. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I was curious about the message thing too, and in the end, it seemed like a bit of a stretch tbh. But then again they're super close, so who knows. (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

C P wrote: "Through chapter 10 ans liking it a lot more now. I still think Merik is the most interesting. Which is kind of sad since everyone I know who loves this adores the Sadi Iz friendship. I just haven't..."

(view spoiler)[I like Merik a lot too! He just has a ton of layers, wanting to save his people, his rage, and everything else! (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

C P wrote: "Just finished. It was ok, but didn't blow me away. I do like Merik so I'll probably pick up the sequel. Most of the characters did grow on me as the novel progressed. So I appreciate that there was..."

(view spoiler)[Yea I'm super curious about how Aeduan develops! There's a ton of potential for his character. (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

Brooke wrote: "55%
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yea I've got soo many worries! So many separate forces are working against them! (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

Brooke wrote: "83%
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Eh, possibly true, but it might give Safi more allegiance to things and people besides Iz and freedom. Love might help her see her sometimes selfish tendencies. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Date Changed. Restarting January 7th 2017. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Gillian]

Can I join you I am up to

[Tati]

sure you can!

[— Massiel]

I'd love to enjoy!

[Edit~A]

I am going to start the first book now

[— Massiel]

FOUR

(view spoiler)[I will just let a gif explaining about what I'm feeling

(hide spoiler)]

[Edit~A]

I fell asleep yday :D

[cors]

Gonna start Truthwitch today!

[— Massiel]

TWENTY - SEVEN

(view spoiler)[Since the chapter ten I read this book in a flash, at first it was slow and nonsense but after the chapter ten I read it too fast and I just loved it! I love every character and how they're involving in each other lives but the character I most like is Aeduan. And is amazing that I finally found another book where the females characters are such kick-ass I was missing that.

It has been a time since I found a book that I like this much I hope it doesn't change with the next chapters. (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

I just started this if it's okay to join! :D

[Danii]

Chapters 1-4: A little confused with the story so far, but I love Safi so much! And her problem with gulls omg

[— Massiel]

@Danii It is a little confused at first but after the chapter ten you get the plot, I love Safi too ♡