#WitchlandsJanuary discussion

OKAY! Since the official read of Truthwitch is now over, let's chat! So: if you are reading for the first time, how did you like the book? If you are rereading, did you enjoy it more than the first time? Who were your favorite characters? How about favorite scenes? Who would you like to see more of in the next books? Any ideas where the story will go? Any predictions or theories? LET'S DISCUSS!

Also, if you are rereading, be aware that some people haven't read the next books in the series, so thread lightly through spoilers!

Overall I really enjoyed this book, it ticked off a lot of my boxes for what I like to see in fantasy: interesting world, cool yet terrifying magic system, diverse characters, large and complex kingdoms, and lore/mythologies. It was a good first book that was a lot of set up for a much larger story and I am really excited to read the next books!

The main big thing I did not like was how underdeveloped Safi's character was. She is supposed to be 1 of 2 main characters and I felt more connected to some side characters than her. But I heard she gets more development in the next book which I can't wait for.

Iseult is still my favorite character and no one really comes close. Her story and development was just really good and I love how multifaceted she is. Plus having her be a POC in a fantasy world and not be evil is just extra points.

The Puppeteer scares the living poo out of me, even though we know barely anything about her I would NOT want to be the ones fighting against her! Though I do have some sympathy for her, because it sounds like she is being manipulated by the Raider king.

Speaking of the Raider King..... I DID NOT SEE THAT TWIST COMING!! I had no inkling of a thought that was Aeduan's father, I just thought he was some mercenary that lived in Venaza. Loved it!

That’s great to hear, Lizzy! I am so glad you enjoyed it! I agree with you on Safi, in rereading I found that I again disliked her throughout the book, and yet I still think she grows so much in the next book - so hopefully you will like her more.

Iseult is a forever fave - she is such a complex and flawed and brilliant character. I love her so much.

Oooh we get a lot more from The Puppeteer in the next books so I am excited to see how you feel about her in the future. I think she is a really well written and compelling villain. And scary too.

I loved that twist at the end! Glad it surprised you and that you liked it!

I loved my reread SO much, I noticed so many more details this time around 😍

Iseult and Aeduan will always be my top faves, I just love them SO much 💗 Reading about them again was great! I do like Merik and Safi in this first book as well, but Aeduan and Iseult have always stood out for me!