Title: Bloodwitch
Author: Susan Dennard
Series: The Witchlands #3
Publication Date: February 12th 2019
Synopsis: "Loyalties will be tested as never before.
The Raider King's plans to claim the Witchlands are under way. Now, his forces sow terror in the mountains, slaughtering innocents. After finding the slain, Aeduan and Iseult race for safety. And despite differing goals, they've grown to trust one another in the fight to survive. Yet the Bloodwitch keeps a secret that could change everything.
When Merik sacrifices himself to save his friends, he is captured by the Fury. However, Merik isn't one to give up easily, and he'll do whatever it takes to save those he loves. And in Marstok, Safi the Truthwitch agrees to help the empress uncover a rebellion. But those implicated are killed and Safi becomes desperate for freedom.
War has come once more to the Witchlands. Perhaps if Safi and Iseult were united, their powers could bring peace. But chaos is not easily tamed."
My thoughts: Okay, I am treading very carefully here, as this is the third novel in this series, and the fourth book overall (there is a novella just before this one). So, understandably, I can't really talk too much about what is actually happening in the plot (though, if you read the synopsis, you may already know a bit!).
Honestly, at times this was a tough read. The tension that runs under everything - for every single character - is so present, and just hummed at the back of my mind and in the pit of my stomach during each time I sat down to read. Dennard has managed to not only create an excellent cast of characters - ones that you really care about and want to know how their stories play out - but she has also created a plot that drags you onwards. The political manoeuvrings in this book, the attempts to undermine those in power, the outright pointing at sexism and strong women rising to the fore and fighting it back: all of this and more has had me hooked on each new book, and I can't help but want the next book in my hands as soon as possible.
Favourite characters, you ask? Aeduan is definitely one, which is why I was so excited to see him gracing the cover of this book. Iseult is another, I somehow relate to her character more than I do Safi's (not to say that I don't love Safi!). Vivia I find really intriguing, and Cam is forever and always in my heart. I just can't keep going otherwise I will start gushing about everyone: every character is so uniquely themselves, and that can be really rough to keep straight, particularly in such widespread fantasy as this, when you are reading from so many perspectives. Dennard just blows me away with each new instalment. Did I mention I want the next book?
{I received a review copy of this book from Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!!}
You would like this book if: If you enjoyed the previous books; you like fantasy with multiple characters to follow, very high stakes, and awesome magic.
Tea to drink while reading this book: I recommend something red. (Do you blame me?) Perhaps Popsicle from xoteas?
Rating: 9.5/10
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