Truthwitch

Starred review from October 19, 2015
Dynamic storytelling and a fully imagined magical world distinguish Dennard’s (the Something Strange and Deadly series) first book in the Witchlands series. Iseult and Safiya are as different as two young women can be—one is noble-born, the other is from a despised people; one has the ability to see the threads of emotions in people, while the other can see truth. Yet their friendship and shared learning create a familial bond between them, making them Threadsisters. On the eve of the renegotiation of the Twenty Year Truce, which has kept peace across the ravaged lands, a single announcement is all it takes to upend their lives, sending them careening across the world, pursued by royalty and evil and spurred by something more powerful than themselves. Their adventures are dashed with a hint of romance and deeply imbued with the concept of loyalty. While this is a dense read with a lot of moving parts, Dennard’s rich descriptions, insightful characterizations, and breathtaking action sequences will keep readers on their toes. Ages 13–up. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media.

October 1, 2015
Two devoted friends dreaming of independence contend with unfathomable magic and the schemes of empires in this action-packed series opener. Safiya and Iseult are an unlikely pair. Safi, the hotheaded daughter of an impoverished but noble family, is a Truthwitch, born with the rare ability to tell if someone is telling the truth or lying. Quiet Iseult is a Nomatsi Threadwitch, despised for her ethnic identity but gifted with the ability to perceive the emotions of others as colored threads. When the two friends become fugitives from the law, they decide to flee together, not realizing that Safi's witchery has already made them targets in a larger political struggle. Dennard (Strange and Ever After, 2014, etc.) jumps from alternate history with zombies to epic fantasy with this new series. Her worldbuilding is impressively detailed, though neither the vaguely European setting nor the magic system breaks much new ground. The cinematic action scenes keep the storytelling brisk, and the rotating third-person narration introduces not only Safi and Iseult, but also Merik, the prince of an impoverished small nation, and Aeduan, a mercenary. The overall characterization is uneven, but readers captivated by the intense friendships and burgeoning romances will probably be happy to overlook the novel's flaws. Epic adventure and steamy smooches make for a crowd-pleasing formula. (Fantasy. 13-18)

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November 1, 2015

Gr 8 Up-In a land where witches are numerous and their specialties vary enormously, Safiya fon Hasstrel is a rare entity. A reluctant member of the Cartorran Empire's nobility, she is also a Truthwitch who can determine whether someone is telling the truth or lying. Iseult is a Threadwitch who can read the invisible bonds between people but is a societal outcast. As Threadsisters, they are inseparable and only wish to live in peace. But the Twenty Year Truce is about to end, and the rulers of the largest empires are positioning themselves for the oncoming war. Safiya's skill makes her a valuable commodity for those who seek greater power. Chased by a fearsome Bloodwitch mercenary and the military forces of the warring nations, the young women flee on a ship with Prince Merik, a Windwitch and admiral of Nubrevna who will do anything to save his starving empire. The book is told from the alternating points of view of hot-headed Safiya, scheming Iseult, purposeful Merik, and the ruthless Bloodwitch Aeduan, and the motivations of these main characters, as well as many of the secondary ones, are clearly defined. A masterfully told tale loaded with political intrigue, magic, harrowing fight scenes and escapes, mythical creatures, legendary prophesies, breakneck adventure, and even romance, this book will have readers breathlessly awaiting the sequel. Because of the complex plotting and numerous characters, readers may want to peruse this book a second time to catch the early references to important plot elements. VERDICT A great choice for fans of fantasy adventure and strong female characters.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2015
Grades 7-10 Nineteen years into a twenty-year truce, trouble is brewing between the three empires that make up the Witchlands, where threadsisters (best friends) Safi and Iseult are on the run from Safi's duties as a domna (princess) and her value as a truthwitchan individual who is able to see truth and lies in human speech. Pursued by many, for a variety of purposes, the two girls try to keep each other safe. Dennard's wide-ranging novel is the first in a new fantasy series, The Witchlands, and she skillfully creates the world, the characters, and central conflicts that will power books to follow. There is a sureness to her writing, a seamless understanding of what makes a solid fantasy, and two feisty heroines who are able and willing to save themselves, rather than be saved. Fantasy readers will sink comfortably into this world, and await with pleasure the next installment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2016
Iseult, a Threadwitch, sees and can manipulate people's emotional ties. Safiya, Iseult's Threadsister, is a Truthwitch, able to immediately tell truth from lies. When Safi's powerful magic is discovered, the two young women flee, chased by several navies and a Bloodwitch determined to sniff them out. The plot drags at times, but the world-building is vibrant and fully realized.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)