This book was received as an ARC from Macmillan-Tor/Forge in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

At first I was scared to read this book because of the fact that the description and cover made it seem like the book was going to get way intense with witchcraft and war that it was going to make the book difficult to read because of the action scenes and battle scenes. When I read this book, boy was I wrong. Susan Dennard writes in such a unique style that you won't help but be glued to the book wanting to read on and see. Never let a book description or cover intimidate you because a book you thought might be very difficult to read, might just be the best book you ever read.

We will consider adding this book to our YFantasy collection at the library. That is why we gave this book 5 stars.

I’m a huge fan of Susan Dennard - let me put it out there. I feel incredibly grateful for having an opportunity to read the excerpt of my most anticipated release of 2019! Since this is just a preview of the novel, I will post my review once I read the book in full.

The review will be posted on Goodread, Amazon, and my blog.

This preview was the best and worst thing to happen to me. What am I going to do while I wait for two weeks?

Bloodwitch is the book that I was waiting for. The story picks up where it left off, and the momentum doesn't disappoint. From this world that Dennard has created, she slowly brings a few of her cookie crumbs back, allowing for this expansive world to have a bit more depth than before. I didn't think that this story could have more detailed and vivid details than the previous books, but she's done it, and it's brilliant.

I'm going to die a slow death while I wait for these two weeks to come. Send help, and more pages!

*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

I received an preview excerpt of the first twenty-two chapters from NetGalley in exchanged for an honest review. This doesn’t influence the opinions of my review in any way.
When I requested a preview excerpt for this book, I had no idea this was the third book in the series. So I rushed to pick up Truthwitch and ended up enjoying it so much, I zoomed through both it, Windwitch, and Sightwitch in less a month. Bloodwitch appears to have the same fast-pace storytelling I loved in the previous books, with more focus on the Bloodwitch Aeduan. We learn more about his parents, his steadily changing motives, his feelings towards Iseult, and his evolving relationship with Owl. I enjoyed every moment they all shared and love him even more now than I did in the previous books.
The tie in with Sightwitch were very well done and the world building keeps getting more and more impressive! In exchange for answers we got even more questions and I’m dying to read the rest of the book! I will say though that the format of the preview excerpt on my kindle was a bit wonky and difficult to read at first, but I'm not sure if that's normal and expected for ARCs/previews.
I will be posting a full review once I’ve read the entire book. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with preview excerpt!

The imagery that Dennard uses is very realistic and easy to visualize. I could see all the characters mentioned crystal clear and was sucked into the world that she created. Dennard’s world building was woven together beautifully making it believable to her readers.

This book was a very welcome addition to the Witchland series. I enjoyed this book so much that I am recommending it to all my friends.

Bloodwitch is, for me at least, a long awaited sequel in the Witchlands series by Susan Dennard.
It does not disappoint, if anything I'm chomping at the bit even harder to get my hands of the full book.
What I liked: There is a noticeable growth in Susan's writing. in this installment. I found it flows much smoother and has a more immersive quality to it. There is a promise of wonderful character growth found here as well.
Other Feelings: The chapters are quite short through this preview. When we first switch to a different POV it takes a moment to get used to who your with. I've read the focus is supposed to be more towards Aeduan but we've spent a decent of time with most of the cast. I do have a lot more questions with events that may take place in this installment given what certain characters have experienced here. Even taking that into account I can overlook these issues.
It was still a great teaser to a phenomenal fantasy. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my copy to see what other shenanigans this lot can get up to.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Tor/Forge for this early preview arc in exchange for an honest review.

'“Aeduan.”
His anger flashed hotter. “I will not hurt them.”
“It’s not them I’m worried about.”'

Well if I wasn't excited for before this sneak peak for Bloodwitch, I sure am now. I was pretty much living for the angst Susan Dennard was giving me too.

Upon beginning this, the writing was noticeably better and more succinct. I do think the author tends to write with figurative expression (if I can call it that), where I have to read between the lines a bit more.... but I was really satisfied with this sneak peak so I'm forgiving! The latter half in particular was really exciting and angsty and I was so here for it! It was becoming a real page turner and I love that quality about books.

Based on this sneak peak, I felt really satisfied with:
- The amount of Aeduan and Iseult angst. Their storyline thus far was also enjoyable and thrilling.
- Vivia and the scroll (I'm being elusive, but am very excited about this!)
- I felt I understood Vaness a bit more too, which I really enjoyed. For example, I had no clue she was 26 in the books prior?! I liked seeing more of her and felt convinced she was a leader.

I do however, wish Safi wasn't so stuck in her head. She was our proxy into this world and unfortunately has the least interesting story line at this point.

I will also say that I am a bit unconvinced by Vivia. She just doesn't seem like someone who could command a pirate ship? (Correct me if that's not what she did, my memory might have waned.) I can definitely tell she has political wits, but she was SO emotional here over Stix. It seemed to cloud other interesting aspects about her, particularly the pirate thing, which in theory I LOVE. However I don't see a commander in her. I hope when I get my hands on the full length novel that my opinion about her changes by the end.

Goodness! I was already excited for Bloodwitch before reading the excerpt, but now I NEED THE FULL BOOK IN MY HANDS RIGHT NOW! So many ships! So much angst! My poor heart!

I've listened to the rest of the Witchland Chronicles on audio book, so this was my first time physically reading one of the books and I'm so glad I have the audio book readers voice in my head because I would not be able to pronounce these names and places without her! I was sucked into the story incredibly quickly and I feel like it flows slightly better than the previous books. I was getting stressed out in a good way!

Things that I loved that make me need the full book now:
- Yay more Vivia! I really like her character and she's playing a larger part! Go get it girl!
- Aeduan & Iseult. All of that. The angst and feelings! They continue to be my favorite sections to read.
- I NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING! I am so not okay with where this stopped!

There were a few moments where I thought characters should have caught something that was said, but were too wrapped up in their problems to notice - looking at you Safi with your truthwitch-ness.

This preview is not enough: I need the rest of the book immediately.

Although it took me a while to really get into this - as with Windwitch - I learned my lesson with my reread of the second book in that if I stick with it, really good things happen later on. That being said, there are so many things that I'm excited for in this book. I look forward to finally being able to read the full book, after such a long wait!

I received this excerpt on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The beginning of this book took too long to get interesting and I was 150 pages into the 166 page excerpt before I got into the story.
I also felt like there were too many character viewpoints and too many storylines so it got confusing, and boring at times. If the author has limited it two 2-3 it would’ve helped the story more. I do believe that even though there were a lot of viewpoints, the author did a good job of further developing the characters from the earlier two books, and I am interested to see how it ends.
I do believe that when the book comes out and I finish it, I will give it a higher rating as the plot seems interesting, however, what I read of it was a bit bland and boring. I understand that there needs to be some exposition before the plot takes off, but I feel like it dragged for a long time.

“…Which left Aeduan wih only one option. If the choice was slaughter or the lamb, then slaughter it would have to be.” Oh, my heart. He is such an adorable softie and doesn’t even know it.

What can I say – Susan’s one of my favorite authors, consistently writing good stories well, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting this release since Windwitch’s release a couple years ago now. It’s been a longgg wait to get to Aeduan’s story, and I am ready. By the looks of things, I won’t be disappointed at all with this next book.

We open with a suitably-angsty flashback of Aeduan being the adorably-misunderstood kid with strange powers – it felt reminiscent of the Inuyasha manga, anyone else read those? My poor demon children baes. It only served to further endear me to my favorite character – tied with Iseult of course – and really, it was brilliant to offer such a large excerpt in advance, because the emotional impact of getting into the meat of the book before release date has made me…Well, pre-order it in any and all formats. I need moar.

Several plot snacks have been thrown at us in these first few chapters. There’s been a fascinating consequence for Iseult after cleaving the Firewitch near the end of the last book, AND Owl has become a hilarious addition to the team.

Merik, while not my favorite character, has a plotline going on that, well, is hilarious to me and has the potential to stem my strong dislike of him and his arrogance. Safi, also not my favorite, has her own story going that givces me hope for her too – she’s showing some intellectual promise and I am alllll for ladies saving themselves.

Also, Vaness and Vivia. My twin queens. I cannot wait to see what this pair will get done, and hopefully as allies to each other.

And then, there is the oh-so-slowly-simmering tension between Iseult and Aeduan. It’ll come near to a boil, then be pulled off the stove. I’m addicted to their interactions, re-reading their paragraphs so much before moving on that it’s become ridiculous.

If the number of times I’ve re-read this extended excerpt is anything to go by, I am going to love this book and I highly recommend to anyone who could appreciate amazing worldbuilding, from the continually-amazing magic system, expertly-done female characters, and even a system of linguistics that is mentioned often. The latter is my often-pet peeve in fantasy – if a sort of Common Tongue isn’t mentioned, I find myself irked by the insta-communicability between distant factions of characters. While Susan hasn’t necessarily built a whole Klingon tongue from the ground up, I appreciate the mentions of Nomatsi being spoken, or switching to Dalmotti, or having a Nubrevnan accent. In short, this book will be a must-pick-up.

Blodwitch (preview Exerpt) by Susan Dennard.
5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge.

May contain spoilers for the the few books!

My love for this series is tremendous. In the beginning of Bloodwitch we start off two weeks after the events that happened at the end of Windwitch.

Safiya is in Marstok with Vaness, The Empress.
Iseault is trying to survive with Owl and Aeduan by her side.
Prince Merik feels so lost within himself he doesn’t know how to control it.
And
Aeduan, he’s always known to not let his feelings of any kind show but now that it may have all changed for him he’s not sure how to keep his feelings in check.

I can not wait for February 12th, when Bloodwitch is released until the world.
- will post to goodreads a few days after the release to be able to post a full review of the book.

I swear I did not cry reading the first chapter. I did not. I did not.

Ok, I totally did.

You would think I would learn my lesson after a while and stop picking up Sneak Peeks of these books I am looking forward to but...nope. Not me. No willpower whatsoever and now I'm paying for it.

HOW am I going to wait an entire month to read this book??

I am in awe of this world, these characters and Dennard's talent at weaving a story. What can I say, I'm hooked and I need more.

I don't even know what to write right now, I have so many feelings. This was spectacular! It was so fast paced and dramatic, the angst was real, and I couldn't read fast enough.
I just want to hug all the characters; they all have gone through so much.
I am crossing my fingers that Safi & Merik and Safi & Iseult will reunite in the later chapters. Also, Stix POV was a nice addition, I really enjoyed reading from her perspective, and I can't wait to see where her story will go! I don’t even know how I am supposed to wait a whole MONTH for the rest of the book!

This is such an exciting continuation of this series.
I love this cast of characters so much. Seeing them grow throughout these books has been truly magical.
The world Dennard has creating is so vast and mysterious, I’m so happy more books are still to come.
Whoever was in charge of deciding where to cut off this preview is EVIL!! I need more!
Can’t wait to read the rest.

What a thrilling read! I couldn’t put this story down, or stop thinking about it. I’m amazed at how many characters Susan keeps track of, all with their own distinct voices, wants, and motivations. The cast, while large, never feels overwhelming. There’s not a ton of backstory to slough through—the story starts from page one, exactly where we last left all of our friends.

I don’t want to reveal spoilers but just know there are so many epic action scenes packed in BLOODWITCH. Aeduan shines here, and his newly realized moral compass guides him through every fight and conversation. He’s grown sooooo much as a character. Iseult is wiry, and funny (her relationship with Owl cracked me up) and while she meets new characters, Safi is never far from her mind.

And I know I said no spoilers but I will mention more thing: Susan is queen at slow burn.

MY HEART GUYS.

I love that this picks up where the last book leaves off. We immediately get chapters from each of the main characters so we know where each of the plot lines are headed. We know right off what Aeduan and Iseult are doing and get a glimpse of where their story is going to go. The same is true of Safi and Merick. I'm also happy to see that all of the side characters and plot lines are present. This tells me that each of the plot lines that have been present in the series are going to develop and move along and progress further. I can't wait to get my hands on the full novel!

This was an incredible start to a book that I need the rest of ASAP!! I can't wait to get my hands on the full novel, as this was incredible. It picks up where the last book left off, and there wasn't a single dull moment. I think Susan is a master of words, plot and characters. The pacing was great for a start to a novel, and I can tell this book will continue to blow me away once I get the full thing. LOVE!

This book was a bit of a letdown. There was no forward progress with the plot or character development. We learned the Bloodwitch had a dog and lost his pet tragically. That's awful, but who cares. For a book that was supposed to be about the Bloodwitch, there was more of a focus on Vivia. And what's happening with the voices in Stix's head? There were maybe 2 pages on that, which was intriguing, and then nothing about her the rest of the book. This book was all over the place with no real focus. It was like a way-stop for the rest of the series. Basically of run-down of the characters so we don't forget who they are. I really enjoyed the first 2 books in the series. There was action, plot development, and interesting characters. All the way around this book was a let-down. I plan to read the next book in the series, but if it continues in this vein, I'll have to give up on it.