Review: The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard

The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

Overall I really loved this series, and this is a fitting conclusion to Winnie Wednesday's story.  This installment was my least favorite of the three in the trilogy.  I felt like the story was a bit scattered and the plot jumped around alot.  Certain lines are repeated over and over again as Winnie tries to figure out what is going on in Hemlock Falls and save her loved ones.  The pacing was inconsistent, and there were parts where I was super interested when things were action packed and fast paced and parts where my interest waned as the plot dragged.

As I listened to this on audio, I found this hard to follow at times when Winnie was reciting countdowns or timestamps different situations, that probably made more sense in print and didn't translate well to audio.  The narrator was great and did a great job otherwise.  

Again this is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy and I feel it wrapped things up nicely.  This is a great series or YA readers as things don't get to graphic or gory when it comes to the fighting or the romance.  This is a great mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery.  There are great discussions about self-discovery, vulnerability, fitting in, friendship, and family.  There is plenty of action to keep the reader interested and now that the series is finished you can read all three books with out waiting to find out what happens next.

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Review: The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard

The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgally, all opinions are my own.

This book picks up right where The Luminaries left off. You are going to want to read that first or you will be completely lost reading this. Book 1 sets up the entire backstory of The Luminary society and how we got to this point in the storyline. The Hunting Moon continues on with major plotlines that were introduced in the first book.

This does end with a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm not sure if this is a trilogy or there will be more than three books in the series. There is obviously another book planned as this ends with several open plotlines and sets us up for more excitement in book 3.

This book has more of a scavenger hunt feel to it and doesn't focus as much on the monsters and world building that we saw in book 1. The world building is still great, but this book does expect that you have read the first installment and builds on that knowledge. Winnie is trying to unravel the clues her dad left her claiming he was framed by the Dianas, the witches that are the enemies of the Luminaries. She is also trying to help reclaim Luminary status for her mom and brother by becoming a hunter. After getting bitten by a werewolf she is a bit of a celebrity, but no one else has seen the new nightmare she has deemed The Whisperer. She is determined to unravel the clues her dad left and figure out what this new nightmare. As her quest continues she finds herself teaming up with her former best friend Jay. Jay has his own secrets that Winnie would like to figure out. Turns out all of the secrets and clues are much more related than Winnie could have ever imagined.

This is action packed and fast paced. There are times that Winnie acts very immature and holds grudges. She doesn't want anyone to know what she is up to and that she is having a bit of PTSD from her experiences. Eventually she starts to let Jay in on her feelings but it takes her quite some time to get there. There are alot of secrets being kept in this installment and there were a few times I wanted to yell at the teenagers too knock it off. Having teenagers myself who want to solve all of their own problems and don't want any of the advice they ask for, they were acting fairly accurately.

As with the first book this is perfect for the YA reader. It deals with your typical teenager stuff like going to school, family drama, and figuring out what to wear while also dealing with their secret monster hunting society stuff. This has a bit of a romance plot. Winnie is dealing with alot and at times is a bit reckless, but she acts like a teenager faced with big problems. She also looks for a trusted person to help but also knows that it may put her family in jeopardy and has to weigh the consequences. I am anxiously anticipating the next book in the series as there are so many unanswered questions that need to be answered.

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Review: The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio arc of this book from Macmillan Audio via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.   I enjoyed the narrator and felt she did a great job with this book!

I loved this this!  I'm a huge fan of Dennard's Witchlands series and was excited to hear that she was bringing us a new YA paranormal/fantasy series.  This follows Winnie Wednesday, an aspiring "monster hunter".  Winnie lives in a world where the paranormal is normal, her mother was hunter until their family was outcast.  Now that Winnie is 16 she can enter the trials to become a hunter herself and potentially end the 10 year shunning her family is under.  No one including Winnie thinks she is quite prepared to take down a nightmare on her own, but through a series of unplanned events Winnie finds herself moving forward in the trials and needing help from her former best friend.  She has a hard time reconciling the people that used to be her friends and the warm welcome she receives after passing the first of the three trials.  She also doesn't understand why no one seems to care about the mysterious new nightmare that only she has seen in person and all the other nightmares seem to be terrified of.  

I thought the world building in this was done well.  Each of the creatures or nightmares was described with great detail so you could really picture what they looked and even sounded like.  The Luminaries have a compendium of knowledge that Winnie often recites when she is nervous so we get to know alot about the monsters she is facing when she is out in the woods alone and scared. I thought the idea of the Luminaries themselves was really creative with each branch belonging to a different day and specialty while all belonging to the larger collective group.  I'm not quite sure how the Luminaries stay contained from the rest of the world and I don't think that was really explained.  There was a bit about screening outsiders or nons before they are let into the Luminary world though so there must be some magic at work there.  I liked Winnie's character development throughout the story.  She's got alot going on and alot to deal with.  She still has some growing to do as she learns more about what happened with her father and figures out what this new nightmare is, but she came a long way from the girl on page 1.  I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows in the future and what is in store for her in the next installment.  This doesn't end on a cliffhanger persay but there are some big plot threads left open at the end of this book that I'm expecting we will get more info on in book 2.

This is a fun YA urban fantasy.  The plot isn't super complex as you would expect of an adult fantasy and the characters act their ages.  They are teenagers faced with hunting monsters, but also dealing with regular teenage stuff like school, friendship, birthday parties, and family drama.  At times they are fearless and brave, while other times they are regular teenagers.

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Review: Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard

Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such an amazing ride. There are so many characters and plot lines to keep track of but I'm so invested in every single one of them. I can't say enough good things about Cassandra Campell's narration of the audiobooks. I read about 70% of the ebook when my library loan ran out then the audiobook came in and I started from the beginning because I love her narration so much.

While this mainly focuses on Aeduan and Iseult on their journey through the Witchlands,but there are many other perspectives that tell the story. Safi and Iseult are still trying to find each other, Aeduan is trying to find himself, Vivia is trying to save her people, and Merik is trying to save himself and Cullen. While there are still many plot lines left open at the end of the book, I know there are 2 books left to tell the rest of the story. I feel like this book wrapped up nicely with the promise of more to come. There were also several plot lines from the previous books that were finally closed. There are political games at work, there is magic, there is romance, and at the heart of it there is the friendship of two girls who will do anything for each other. Each character is on a journey of their own, and I feel so invested in seeing them all through to the end.

There was a ton of character development in this book. I saw an interview with Susan Dennard not that long ago and she talked about how she was really working on the characters especially Merik. I think she did a great job with Merik and Aeduan’s development in this book. I also really enjoyed Vivia’s development as she realizes the deceit and manipulation within her ranks. I really love how all of the characters have come along since Truthwitch.

As an aside, while it is not completely necessary I highly recommend reading Sightwitch before reading this. If not read it anyway as it will give some insight into Ryber and what is going on inside the mountain everyone keeps mentioning in this book. It doesn’t answer all of the questions, but it does give some insight.


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Top 5 Wednesday: Most Anticipated 2019 Releases

This week's topic:

Most Anticipated 2019 Releases 

Pretty self-explanatory. 

There are a bunch of good books coming out this year.  I've got my eye on a couple of series that have new books coming out this year.  These are just a few I'm really looking forward to in 2019.  What are you anticipated releases for the new year?

• The Dragon Republic by RF Kuang
• I loved the Poppy War and can't wait to see what happens next.  This was a brutal, epic fantasy and I really loved it.  The sequel has big shoes to fill, but I expect it will.
• This is expected to come out in May.
• 
• Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard
• I really love the Witchlands series.  I'm looking forward to getting to know Aeduan more, and follow Safi and Iseult on their adventures.
• This is expected out in February.   I highly recommend the audiobooks if you are an audio person.
• 
• Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• Jen is one of my favorite authors, and her Dark Elements series is possibly my favorite of her YA series.  This is a spin off to the original series and will focus on Zayne, one of the main characters from the original series.  
• This is expected out in June.
• 
• Shadowglass by Rin Chupeco
• This is a great fantasy series.  I'm really looking forward to finding out how Tea manages to use her powers as a Bone Witch to get revenge on those who have wronged her.
• This is expected out in March.
• 
• Kingsbane by Claire Legrand
• This is the sequel to Furyborn.  This is such an interesting series.  The first book left us with just enough information to be satisfied, but wanting more.  I'm looking forward to learning more about Rielle, Corien, Simon, and Eliana and how this story ends.
• This is expected out in May.
• 

Review: Sightwitch by Susan Dennard

Sightwitch by Susan Dennard
Narrated by Bahni Turpin (Narrator), Saskia Maarleveld (Narrator), Cassandra Campbell (Narrator), Lauren Fortgang(Goodreads Author) (Narrator), MacLeod Andrews (Narrator)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved learning Ryber's backstory. From the previous two books, you don't know that she has any witch abilities. This tell you the story of the Sightwitches and Ryber's journey as a sightless sister. It also tells the story of how she and Kullen meet. If you haven't read the first two books, you won't know who Kullen is and why their relationship is important. Ryber has been a Sightwitch Sister since she was 4 years old when she began serving the goddess Sirmaya. Ryber has yet to be blessed with the sight, and she is frustrated because she has always followed all of the rules of the temple and worked very hard to be chosen. It isn't until she finds that all of the sisters have been called into the mountain for service by the goddess and Ryber is left alone that she begins to uncover her unique gift sight. Her gift isn't the same as the other sisters, and she is the only one who can save them from the fate they have been called to. I won't spoil it. On her mission to save her sisters, Ryber runs into Kullen, a Nubrevnan Navy Captain, he has amnesia and they must work together to face the challenges inside the mountain to find the sisters and the way out. A connection forms between the two of them, which you learn more about in Truthwitch.

This gives so much information on the Witchlands, the history of what is going on in the lands, what has happened in the past, and what is yet to come in the story. While this is only a novella and it the main focus is on Ryber and her journey to save her threadsister we learn so much about so many other things in this short little book. I expect we will see more of Ryber in the next installment, especially given what we've learned in this little gem. I have so many conspiracy theories as I wait for Bloodwitch. Unfortunately that won't be out until early next year so I'll just have to be patient.

I listened to the audio and there are multiple narrators. Cassandra Campbell and Bahni Turpin are always amazing. There is a full cast which adds so much to the audio experience. I highly recommend it. This is told in the form of journal entries and other documents so the timeline isn't linear, and it does jump back and forth between a few different perspectives. Using different voices for the various characters helped keep track of who and what time you were listening to.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and can't recommend it enough. Dennard's writing and character development just keeps getting better. This novella is much more focused on one character and plot line and I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see where the cast of characters takes us in the future.

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Review: Windwitch by Susan Dennard

Windwitch by Susan Dennard
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This review is long overdue.  I recently listened to Sightwitch,which prompted me to finally get this posted.  That review will be up soon.  Cassandra Campbell is quickly becoming one of my go to audio narrators.  I really enjoy her voice acting in this series, and highly recommend anything she narrates. 

This picks up shortly after Truthwitch leaves off. Safi has gone off with the Empress of Marstock to try to use her powers to make a difference. Iseult is alone and determined to find Safi no matter what. The bloodwitch Aeduan is very present and makes an unlikely ally to Iseult.And then there is Merik, everyone is led to believe that the prince is dead leaving his sister Vivia to tend to the people of Nubrevna. There are so many twists and turns that you aren't sure who to trust and who is really on the side of good and evil in this tale. It was quite a ride. I very much enjoyed it.

We follow each of the main characters on their very different journeys as they are all on different adventures. Merik must heal after a devestating accident that leads to his supposed death. He is trying to uncover the darkness that is invading his city and save his people. He knows that there has been a great betrayal, but it may not be at the hands of those he initially suspected. He takes on the persona of the Fury, a merciless god in their culture who rights wrongs. He is aided by Cam, one of the few of his crew to survive the accident at sea. In the meantime, Vivia is on the same path to save the people of Nubrevna, though she struggles to find purchase in a world dominated by men. She is fierce and powerful, but she lacks the respect in the political arena.

Isuelt and Aeduan find themselves partnering through many action packed situations. They are both dealing with internal struggles. Isuelt is learning more about her threadwitch powers and learns that she is not a traditional threadwitch like her mother. She must find herself without Safi, and really comes into her own. Safi is always on her mind, and she never forgets that her goal is to find her threadsister and help her. Aeduan meanwhile is remembering things from his past as he must continue on his mission while also aiding Isuelt who happens to be part of his mission. There are hints at a possible romantic relationship in the future between them, but nothing happens in this book. There is pretty much no romance in this book. If you remember in Truthwitch there is a pretty explosive romance between Safi and Merik toward the end of the book. They spend the entire book pining for each other but driven by duty in Windwitch. They want to get back to each other, but romance will have to take a backseat.

Safi is on her own adventure with the Empress of Marstock. Their ship is attacked they are captured by the Hellbards. Hellbards are kind of like witch police, they can bind a witch's powers and are typically employed by royalty to do their dirty work. Safi is still full of attitude and spunk. She never gives up, but she also grows up quite a bit in this book.

Overall, there is a lot going on here with several different plot lines going on at the same time. I really enjoyed the different plot lines and I felt like they came together really well in the end. Clearly there is more story to tell, and I'm excited to see where Susan Dennard takes us on this adventure. The writing was excellent in my opinion and I've grown to love the characters.  I'm bummed that Bloodwitch won't be out until January 2019.

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Review: Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this.  It was action packed throughout.  It has great friendship and strong female leads.  It does have romance, but it is more focused on the friendship.

I really loved the magic system and can't wait to learn more about the witchery as the series continues. I really loved that Safiya and Iseult are equally strong, each has strengths and weaknesses but neither of them is weak. They balance each other perfectly. These two kept me on my toes, I never knew what they were going to do next. Safi is a Truthwitch, a rare power that could be used by many to shape the future of the nations. Safi has kept her power well hidden, but all she wants to do is live free and do what she wants. Safi is a noble, and her uncle suspects that her power has been revealed and makes plans to hide her away. In her travels she meets a prince, but Merik isn't your average prince, he is rough and will always out his people first. He and Safi are both stubborn and quick to anger. In short they are perfect for each other and insta-love ensues. As many other's have said the insta-love with Safi and Merik came on pretty heavy and wasn't really necessary to move the plot along. Thankfully there wasn't a ton of romance. Maybe if the whole heart thread thing was explained a little better. Isuelt on the other hand feels like a cast off, always the discarded one as she was never able to get a handle on her powers as a Threadwitch. She always felt cast aside by her mother, who was revered in her village. Her people are seen as scum, and she isn't really sure how to help Safi escape or stay safe if people find out she's a Truthwitch. I hope we find out more about her powers in the next book. As Safi and Isuelt are separated and reunited they fight various enemies and make some interesting allies. The book is action packed from the first sentence and never lets up.

I also loved the villain, not because I want him to win, but because he is so interesting. Aeduan is a Bloodwitch who can track another witch by the scent of their blood, he can also control a person's blood, and he's a monk sworn to uphold the tenets of the monastery he is sworn too. He is a mercenary who does what he's paid, but he is also torn to uphold his monk vows. I'm so interested to see where this plot line goes as he is intertwined with Isuelt and Safi's stories.

I listened to the audio, and I didn't really understand the choice of accent for the characters.  They were all the same, so clearly that was done on purpose.  It just didn't seem necessary that the narration was done without an accent but the characters had an accent.