This is a truly wonderful and epic book. The kind of book that keeps you up way past your bed time because you just can't get enough. As it turns out, it's the first book I rate 5 stars in 2016 and I expect it to remain at the top of my list, despite the fact the year has only just begun. I think it's the combination of great characters, an amazing fantasy world, epic battles and magic that makes this book so gripping. The series has only just begun but it already has a strong fan base on social media.
Truthwitch is primarily the story about the Truthwitch. Her real name is Safiya and her magical gift allows her to tell truth from lies. It's almost impossible to lie to her, however, it is possible to fool her if you truly believe your words. Iseult is her Threadsister, the one person she can depend on and will always be linked to. Iseult is a Threadwitch, able to see the threads or the auras that describe a person's emotions and the links that bind people together. The two girls form a really kickass pair who end up on the run from multiple enemies. Her whole life, Safiya hid the fact that she was a Truthwitch, afraid that everyone would want to use her witchery for their own purposes. Now that the secret's out, everyone wants to use her for their own political gain.
Oddly enough, both Safiya and Iseult have passive witch gifts. Some of the other characters have very strong gifts which they're able to use to their advantage in a fight. For example, some are able to control fire or wind, elements that can easily help them win a fight. One of the antagonists of the book is a Bloodwitch which allows him to smell your blood and track you from very far distances. His gift also allows him to control your blood, so in theory, control your life if he so wants. Despite their passive witchery, the girls are amazing fighters and often depend on swords and other weapons to defend themselves.
One of the main reasons Safiya is on the run is because she has been betrothed to an Emperor three times her age, without her consent. She definitely doesn't believe in the union since she knows all the Emperor wants, is to use her Truthwitchery in order the gain the advantage in the upcoming war. The Twenty Year Truce is slowly coming to an end so all political leaders are trying their best to get the advantage over their enemies, even if that means kidnapping a young woman like Safiya. Through all this, Safiya meets Prince Merik, a Windwitch and Admiral for his country's navy. He helps Safiya escape for his own advantage since her uncle has promised the Prince a treaty if he delivers Safiya safely. Easier said than done since everyone is out to get her.
No Young Adult book would be complete without some sort of romance. The beginnings of romance, or strong youthful lust is visible between Safiya and Merik. Iseult isn't sure if their threads are binding because of anger or because of passion, but one thing is for sure, their bond is fierce. We don't get to explore their relationship very much in this novel, but we can definitely anticipate something more in the sequel.
I definitely recommend Truthwitch. After only a few week, it's already on the New York Times Bestseller list so obviously, I'm not the only one that thinks it's pretty awesome. Author Sarah J. Maas has dubbed it a "new instant classic" and I'm inclined to agree with her. Honestly, this is a book you won't want to miss!
I just ordered this one from Amazon. Can't wait until it arrives. Your review has me even more thrilled about it :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
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