Loved going more into depth with Iseult and Aeduan and their "relationship". They are for sure my favorite fictional couple ever. The world building just gets better and better. Dennard does a good job of adding layers to her story's and keeping peoples attention to the very end. Will keep people asking for more, especially me.

Susan Dennard is amazing..she is an awesome storyteller who is committed to the story and characters. Wow. Truthhwitch series is one of my faves. love all her work.

Wow! Susan Dennard has done it again, and I am so happy that this book exists. The world building that has been done for this series is absolutely stellar, and Susan's characters are always amazing. 10/10 would recommend to everyone.

Aeduan's arc takes the greater focus in the fourth installment of this incredible series. If you haven't read Sightwitch, which the author states at every opportunity is really book three, you are going to miss important things and some sequences will make a lot less sense or impact on you as a reader, so definitely make sure you get yourself a copy. Despite this, Bloodwitch is a heart in mouth ride as our favourites tumble through the Witchlands - now totally engulfed in turmoil as the raider king advances - each of them coming up against their own difficulties and obstacles as they do. There are softer moments to break your heart as the action whirls. The Witchlands books are a masterclass in fantasy done good - seriously treat yourself.

The most important thing about Bloodwitch is that you MUST read Sightwitch first. If you don’t, around 50% of this book will be absolutely confusing and incomprehensible to you. So many other series present novellas or “point five” books as extra stories to enjoy in that universe that aren’t necessary to the main story, but hot damn Sightwitch should have been book #3 and Bloodwitch #4, Sightwitch is THAT important to understanding what is going on. You must not skip it.

Bloodwitch was A LOT. I’m not even really sure how to pull everything that happened together, and when that happens to me I like to make a list.

We discover that there are many people that we thought we could trust that are either creepy or misdirected and messing with our girls Safi and Iseult.
I need Vaness to be okay. She’s such a bad bitch.
AEDUAN IS ERIDYSI’S SON EXCUSE ME??? (Think Eridysi’s Lament.)
AEDUAN’S DAD IS THE GENERAL OF THE ROOK KING AND ALSO THE RAIDER KING???
What is going on with Merik? Is he dead?
I love Vivia’s arc in this book. She really transforms from trying to please everyone else into someone who is ready to do what’s right, even if it means working outside the system she’s worked in her entire life. Just a real sense of power and freedom here.
Why is the Void Well in Nubrevna? Why isn’t Vivia the chosen daughter of the Water Well? Wouldn’t someone with Void magic be the chosen of the Void Well? Wait…can Vivia access Void magic? Ugh, I guess I need more history/info on what the wells are and how they used to work.
I need more information about the Carawen monks/monastery. There’s an entire rebellion going on here that the story just threw me into and I was like that John Travolta gif where he walks around confusedly. Who are all these people and also why? I’m hopeful that Witchshadow (out June 22nd!) will shed some light on these divisions.
I loved the absolute video game/portal madness that happens in the final moments of the book. Just in and out of all the doors and you hope you end up someplace safe. I’m so glad that both Safi and Merik find out they are both still alive (? – see above about Merik).
SAFI AND ISEULT ARE TOGETHER AGAIN!!!! WOOOOOOOOO!!!!
All apologies, this isn’t my best review, but this was a long book with a lot happening and you don’t need paragraphs on paragraphs on what happened – just go read the book. The newest installment is coming in June, so you have time to get refreshed or caught up. This is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read, and I strongly recommend it to everyone that asks (and even people who don’t!). Go get you some.

Bloodwitch, out of all four books, the three mains ones, and the novella Sightwitch, this one right here, with Iseult, Aeduan, Owl, and a bat named Blueberry, is the one that stabbed me right in the heart, left me tear-streaked and dying to know what comes next. We all are speckling on what the next book title will be, and rumors abound that it will be about Iseult.

This book does what every good book should do leaves each chapter with you gasping for breath and flipping pages wanting more and more, never wanting to put the book down till the wee hours of the morning. You lay it down, and you grasp what-what I need more, and you cry and grieve that you have to wait.

Sometimes I can find it hard to follow a story with multiple POVs to keep track of but not with this story, especially since each book has one that takes the lead, so your not left stumbling around trying to figure out where the story is going. The blood carries the information as we find out how much his power takes from even from the moments of his birth. Unlike any other, he has an energy that makes those around him treat him as a demon.

What made this one the winner was how through all of this pain and loss, our blood witch endures. Right at the very end of the book, you see him grasp the theme that he no longer alone he is now we. The addition of the owl and her bat, Blueberry, really strengthened the outlook of hope for Aeduan. He determined that he will no longer be a pawn for his father, who finally knows he is the Raider King.

You may feel that not a lot happens to move the plot along in this third book, but the reveals about the characters' backstory are all the hints you need to see where this story is hopefully going. Excited to read the next book in this fantastic well thought out story

I feel like this series just gets better with each book. I love Susan’s writing and this was no different. I stayed up all night reading, it was that good!

Copy furnished for free by NetGalley and the publishers

Bloodwitch is without a doubt the best book in the series thus far. The world building that Susan has created down to the details. The characters and their choices and the magic system. Things I enjoy in fantasy novels. I feel as though I am reading lore to an RPG.

This novels picks right up where Windwitch left off. The main focus is Aeduan but we get so much more of the other characters as well. All around I love this series and I can't wait to see what Mrs. Dennard creates in this world.

I love the Truthwitch series and this excerpt of Bloodwitch was no exception. It was fantastic getting to read about Aeduan, the bloodwitch from the previous books. The writing was truly amazing and I can't wait to continue reading the rest of the series!

Susan Dennard is seriously one of my favorite authors and each book of hers just keeps getting better and better.

Susan Dennard is AMAZING and I love everything she writes. This wasn't any different. If you're a fantasy fan, this series is for you!

This book is just excellent. Incredible.


I don't know how to put down in words how amazing this book is.

I don't know how Sooz does it. She tops herself EVERY time.

The series just keeps getting better and better.

So much happened in this book and so much more to come. I'm so glad I started this series. Magnificent.

This is definitely our beloved Baeduans book, we got a lot of face time with him which was so great. To be fully in his head for this leg of the journey was very interesting and made us see a lot more about him.

I'm glad we got that glimpse inside him, we certainly understand him more after Bloodwitch. As well as just falling disastrously more in love with him. My poor beautiful confused boy.

Although this was Baeduans book, our other faves are not neglected.

Iseult has a much bigger part to play in this book too. We get to see both sides of her and Aeduans interactions, as well as her thoughts when it comes to Owl. I loved having more time with Iseult too. Felt her character was a bit on the back burner the last couple of novels, but she is much more prominent in this book.

Vivia. She was glorious. She might very well be my favourite character from the Witchlands, I love her that much. To me, she feels like she was a big player in this book. A lot is going on. I'd best not gush for too long, but just know you're gonna love every chapter with her. She is so raw and open and strong, you won't want to put the book down when you get to her chapters.

I could say a lot more, but will contain spoilery thoughts until after release date, not that it's far away now!

A lot happened in this book. This is going to be one of the stories you'll stay up all night reading not wanting to miss anything in this world.

Please read Sightwitch before Bloodwitch too!! Super important to the story and you'll enjoy this series a whole lot more if you've read all the content.

Bloodwitch was everything I didn't know I needed in this series.

A freaking MASTERPIECE. Easily the best book of the year.

I feel so many things. I have laughed and cried and smiled and hurt and hoped and dreaded.

Incredible. If I didn't have to pass on my arc copy I'd reread the whole thing again right now. I know I'd notice even MORE things a second time around.

Please give this series a chance. You'll love it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟





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SPOILERS WARNING ⚠

Been long enough that I can post a few spoilery thoughts and theories about now.

Once again, loved the newest addition to the Witchlands series.

This book was all about our beloved Baeduan and mainly his struggle with his witchery and his ultimate faith in his family and the Carawen Monks.

We know from past books that although he is a very effective Monk, Aeduan holds no true affinity for his sacred duty to protect and serve the Cahr Awen. Especially shown with his avid interest in claiming Safi and Iseult for his coin by any means necessary.

In Bloodwitch he is confronted with his choice more than ever and begins and eventually chooses where he feels he truly belongs. During his time with Iseult and Owl, his view on the world has changed. He questions whether he wants his abilities and blind faith in his family should really be put to use in the Raider Kings war.

This is especially brought to the forefront of his mind as he has been poisoned by a Curse Witch and is slowly being leeched of his Bloodwitch witchery. He begins to question whether his father only wants him for his powers. Whereas the friendship and loyalty he has cultivated with Iseult and Owl is a lot stronger.

In the end he discovers which side he truly belongs on. And it is with Iseult, the woman he has come to love against all odds, and will accept him. Witchery or not.

It was wonderful to see Aeduan progession through this story. To see him having to deal with weakness for the first time in his life. Him coming to terms with his past and deciding he won't let it dictate his future.

Iseult also had a much bigger part to play in this book. She was mostly passive in previous novels but is beginning to become more of a real player in this book.

At the end of Windwitch she began a journey with Aeduan to take Owl back to her tribe after the destruction wrought by the Raider King. When suddenly Aeduan ups and leaves and she's left with a responsibility she never truly wanted and needs a new plan. The man she is becoming entwined with against her better judgement, has left and the child she has come to warm to is under her charge.

She decides to go to the Carawen Monastery and Leopold joins them on their journey. We learn he's not with his father and wishes to help Safi and Iseult. I still think he's sketchy af but I suppose we'll see....

Something is going on at the Monastery. Their are two factions fighting against each other. Those who believe and want to protect the Cahr Awen and those who have abandoned their mandate.

Evrane is still there and willing to help Iseult but it becomes apparent she has been possessed by something and is working against Iseult, keeping her asleep and inside the Monastery.

Iseult finally gets out after a vision from someone. Possibly the real General who was with Eridysi? I still don't believe the Raider King is the real General from the ice. He loved Dysi and fought against the Rook King. He wouldn't turn against everything he used to believe in. I'm not buying it.

Aeduan dies and Iseult takes him into the Origin Well and brings him back. Finally showing us she truly is the Cahr Awen. That scene was incredible. Gave me chills.

I just love this world so much.

Also I'm in love with Vivia. She is incredible.

She has to put up with so much through this book. Her father is suddenly better now and is trying to undermine her at every turn. Sending their army to fight the Raider King and leaving Lovats defenceless. He's definitely up to something.

And I can't wait till Vivia kicks them all into the dust. She is a QUEEN and deserves the world! 💜

I did really enjoy the book as a whole, I am just not a fan reading excerpts . I didn't realize that the item was only a preview but I really love this whole series.

This was just a sample of the book, which I haven't gotten to read yet haha. I just read Truthwitch and loved it. I can't wait to get to the point to where I can read this book in its entirety.

I loved this book. I can’t get enough of this series and I really enjoyed learning more about Aeduan. I was barely able to put it down but the ending just about killed me. I kept looking for more pages, how am I supposed to wait sigh 😔

Another really enjoyable book in this series. There were a few slower story lines that I didn't care for as much, but they weren't enough to bog me down or affect my enjoyment. Looking forward to the next installment.

There is so much I want to say about this book but I cannot hide spoilers on Amazon. First, Susan is a blessing for anyone who is an aspiring writer... she offers so much free advice and social media chats that I don't know how she gets writing in. But, this book is amazing. The last 12 chapters or so had me non-stop page turning. I have to reread it again at least once more to try to slow down and get the details because I was so enthralled that I couldn't read fast enough. I wish her next book would be Bloodwitch 2 because Aeduan and Iseult are my favorite characters.. still! I definitely teared up at some "past" scenes... seriously, buy this series just for the last 12 chapters of this book! You won't regret it.

Title: Bloodwitch (The Witchlands, #3)

Author: Susan Dennard

Release Date: 12 February 2019

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I knew, just knew, I would regret finishing this as fast as I did. But I literally couldn’t help myself, I flew through this book.

We picked up right where we left off, with Iseult and Aeduan searching for Owl’s tribe, and Safi returning with Vaness to Marstok.

The characters are still as amazing as before and I found myself loving them even more! I even like Safi now, which is a miracle the author managed to give me.

I cannot begin to tell you how hard I ship Aeduan and Iseult.

But I’m not here to fangirl, I’m here to review.

So, let’s get started.


Good Underlying Messages/ Themes:

-You shouldn’t feel bad that you’re different.
-Do what you think is right.
-Even faced with impossible odds, you must keep trying.

A whole star for this category!


Realistic characters and growth:

The stand out character for me in this book was Vivia.

She went through such horrible things in this book and still she pressed on. Her father took credit for her hard work and he dismissed her logical, sensible plans for his own. I was so angry reading her chapters. It’s not something you understand until you read it yourself. It’s that unyielding, inexplicable rage that you can’t let out or you’ll lose your mind. It’s the kind that stems from helplessness.

And I think I got so mad because Vivia’s battle is one many women face today.

She stood up to her father and told him no, she was in charge and that she would make the final decisions. It took only one word from him to make the entire council abandon her. But she still pushes on and she now has my deeply earned respect.

Iseult is still my favorite. She was faced with so many things and she still kept fighting. She had almost no allies or friends, and the few she had weren’t always there. I’m actually glad she and Safi were reunited.

I felt so sorry for Aeduan in this book. We explored what had brought him to the monks, how he had grown up without friends, and how he had found his father. He didn’t deserve all the bad things that had happened to him and he just had horrible luck. But I really hope and pray that he finds Iseult in the next book. Otherwise I just might have a fit.

Merik’s story was a strange one for me. I don’t really like him anymore, but I couldn’t help but have sympathy for him. His story with Esme was an intriguing one, as we finally got a bigger glimpse of the vague Puppeteer. She’s unsettling, I have to admit. I’d like to find out more about her and I really liked how Merik left her at the Well to heal.

I have no idea how to feel about the Fury or how his and Merik’s story ended. I honestly don’t really understand what happened, but I think the novella will shed some much needed light.

A whole star for this category!


Interesting Story:

I feel like there was no linear story line; only all the characters trying to figure out their problems. I’m not complaining, though. They have a lot of problems, but their paths still connect with each other

I felt like in this book there wasn’t such a clear direction in which the story was heading, unlike the previous book.

Half a star for this category.


Fantastic World-Building:

I didn’t think there was anything else the author could add, but I love it when people surprise me.

Marstok was an entirely different country than what I expected. The author does a fantastic job by showing how there is love for Vaness, but hate as well. The author shows how politics are rough and the empress is trying to keep her country together while feigning an impressive mask.

The author also showed us how there was hate and prejudice against different races, and how this has been fought against but still not destroyed entirely.

A whole star for this category!


Emotion:

As I mentioned before, Vivia’s story fills me with rage. It’s been while since I’ve felt this angry because of a book, not because it was bad but because the characters just had bad circumstances.

I literally jumped up and down with excitement when Iseult and Aeduan had their moment after Aeduan was healed by the Well.

If this doesn’t convince you that this book evokes emotion, I don’t know what will.

A whole star for this category!


That’s it!

Have you read Bloodwitch? What did you think?

Till we meet again!

Xx Alexia

Amazing series and this book did not disappoint!!! I loved the universe, the writing, the unique characters, everything. I highly recommend these books.

I really can't contain my utter disappointment in this series. When I read the first book I really fell in love with the world and the characters, the first book had it's flaws but it was still unique. And it's a fantasy story about two badass females, that doesn't happen very often!  But the second book was terrible, and alas this third was also terrible. 

Bloodwitch was unfortunately even worse than the previous book because at least I read all of the second book. I couldn't even finish this one, I was so bored and tired of cliche.

Again, everyone under the sun had to have their own POV. It made for a messy and jumbled story, with too many details being told too soon.  It completely took away from what I loved about the first book, which was Iseult and Safi.  In this book they're not main characters, they're side characters at best.  And not only are there multiple characters telling the story, but sometimes the POV would change mid-chapter! Which is just bad writing. 

When I first started this series I had hoped that it would be better than The Throne Of Glass series. It felt similar but better in the first book.  But unfortunately it's fallen into a lot of the same cliches as TOG. I felt this the most with the poorly written romances. Aeduan and Iseult have about as much chemistry as two rocks sitting next to each other, but the author just had to keep pushing them together. At least I quit before I got to any gross bestial sex scenes that Maas seems to love. 

So yeah. I'm done with this series. I don't care how many rave reviews come out for Dennard's next book, I won't be reading it.  Feel free to remind me of this promise if I get sucked in again. ;)  In the end I gave this book one star.