Review: Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard

“Iseult was stasis. Iseult was ice.”

Iseult might be stasis but this book is completely packed with changes. Changes in the characters relationships, internal changes, changes in the way the characters (and the reader) sees the magic in the Witchlands. Some are swift, you will be sucker punched repeatedly, and some are long coming and gradual. Susan Dennard is clearly a master of plot and character development, she executed Bloodwitch, in my humble opinion, perfectly. 

I am not sure if it is obvious yet but I loved this book. 

This book truly made me feel the way I want every book I open to make me feel. It sucked me into the story and constantly kept me invested in what was going to happen on the next page. There is a part that made me feel exactly how I felt in July 2007 when I read that Harry’s wand snapped. That was a big moment in my young life. I am trying ti reinforce that I loved this book. 

All six of the POV characters were fascinating, whoever’s perspective I was reading from was my favorite at that moment, I am still unsure who exactly is my favorite. I did very much enjoy Merik’s story in this installment, but I was deeply invested in everyone’s plot. 

There are so many fraught and interesting relationships brimming with conflict. So many people who should be killing each other, and would be if they didn’t have to work together for the moment. 

Quick observations I had: 

1. Love Stixs poor eyesight. I wear glasses and I think about that in basically every fantasy or historical novel I read.
2. Vivia can get it.
3. Puppeteer is so god damed evil. I want to know everything about her.

Dennard continues to dismantle the alpha male romantic hero thing, letting the character evolve into a person I am increasingly invested in as I continue to turn the pages. 

Vivia is an amazing character. The growth of the Nihar siblings is top notch. Vivia is so angry and sad and brimming with the desire to prove herself. She is a fantastic character. Denard uses Vivia to show the ways women in power can be constantly undermined by men who view them as a threat to their world. Basically, every Vivia chapter has something highlighted.

Obviously, Bloodwitch is Aeduan’s story. And dude has quite the story to tell. It is fabulous to really see his mind try to comprehend who he has been, is, and who he will be in the future. 

Iseult and Safi continue to be friendship goals. I love love love how much these two genuinely love and respect each other. I would appreciate the next book having them happily bantering with nothing sad happening to anyone for at lead a hundred pages. This seems unlikely, but a girl can hope. Their relationship is so strong and functions so well as the backbone of this story.

Also, I love the Northman. Can’t wait for his spin-off series.

Might pop in later and add more of my VERY spoilery feelings. We can just assume my mind was constantly screaming.

I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads and finished it on January 30th, 2019.