Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1)

by Susan Dennard

[nora]

It was ok. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't care that much.

The strong female friendship is supposed to be the big selling point for this book, but I didn't enjoy the way it was handled. I wish there were more scenes with them interacting as friends, because at this point it seems very superficial. It basically boils down to each of them saying over and over that they would die for each other. They have surprisingly few scenes together, and none that show what's special about their friendship. Iseult (kind of) saved Safi's life when they were kids, but then what? What do they even like about each other or have in common??

Iseult has the most interesting character and backstory, but her viewpoint is absent for chunks of the book, so that sucks. She's also repeatedly described as analytical and "a planner", but she's not given time to be either of those. Safi is just not as cool, and she constantly ruins the plans of anyone who tries to help her.

I also don't understand shit about the worldbuilding, which consists of the book referencing things without explanation and me pretending I understand. Why isn't Iseult allowed to have emotions? What is a threadwitch supposed to do? What are the threads that build and the threads that bind and whatever other thready thing they do? Why are these countries going to war just because the truce is up? What are they fighting for and what did they expect would happen when the truce was over? Like what was the goal of the truce? What language are they even speaking and why are there never language barriers with so many countries involved? What is the Cahr Awen even supposed to be? Why does everyone want Safi for her power when her power is so fucking useless?

Also the contract about Safi spilling blood, the only thing on my mind was what if she has her period. Bet neither of the dudes who signed it even considered that...