Fraught with building tension, Witchshadow brings us the start to what is sure to be an epic finale in the Witchlands series. It’s finally Iseult’s story, and not only is it intense, each and every single character in the book is having to look deep within themselves to find out just how far they’re willing to go to save the things that they want to protect. Of course, if you’re a lover of slow blazing romance, you will not be disappointed. This story will leave you on the edge of your seat with an ending that will leave you wishing the final book were here already. This is absolutely one to have on your shelf if you’re a lover of fantasy series!
Before we continue, this is a review of the fifth book of the Witchlands series. You’ll definitely want to steer away if you haven’t caught up because there will definitely be spoilers in this review. In Bloodwitch, Iseult and Safi had just been reunited, but unfortunately their reunion was short-lived. Iseult is again on the run while Safi stays behind in Cartorra. In order to save her dearest friend, she’ll have to summon magic darker and more dangerous than she’s summoned before. Meanwhile, Aeduan is battling forces beyond his abilities, and Vivia has found herself a queen without a crown or home. As their enemies close in, the Cahr Awen will be needed to stop the inevitable war. Iseult will have to decide which side of destiny she’ll be on to either save the Witchlands, or be its doom.
I feel like of all of the Witchlands books, this one was the one that took me a little bit to get into until I went back and read the series recap on Susan Dennard’s website. There’s a bit of past and present perspective going on that can make the story a bit disorienting, but once things really get going, it feels like it all goes very quickly. While the story primarily focuses on Iseult, it also switches to a few other beloved characters. There’s just enough space between each storyline for them not to become confused with one another, and when the storylines start to overlap, it makes their perspectives even more important.
For most of the series, Iseult has been consistently portrayed as a young woman who struggles to keep her feelings under wraps. There’s always been a building undercurrent of something more, and Witchshadow doesn’t disappoint. Her character growth in this book is stellar, and I was so riveted by her journey. Readers will find a confidence and questioning that has been missing throughout the story, and it rounds her out as a character. Iseult has always been a badass, but in Safi’s shadow. As she stands on her own and her struggle to define herself becomes even more intense, Iseult makes some pretty tough decisions.
My favourite thing about this whole series is Iseult and Safi’s unwavering love for each other. It’s better than the romance to me, because while these two aren’t sisters by blood, their bond transcends much more than that. What’s more, despite the fact that they seem to always be spending more time apart than together, they always manage to find each other again somehow. Even in the darkest of moments, these two share an inherent trust of each other to do the right thing in the end. With this book focusing on Iseult, I also loved looking deeper into Owl’s relationship with her. From the last book we know that there was a lot of tension between them and this book further explores those threads and amplifies it into something more.
Of course, I’m also always waiting for the tantalising bits of romance that Dennard always manages to tease in between moments of tension. They’re the types of moments just before the kiss, the anticipation builds, and then blazes into something more. Iseult’s romance is my favourite, but Vivia’s is also a very strong second. I honestly cannot wait to see what will happen in the next book.
This is absolutely a series I think fantasy lovers should read. The worldbuilding is incredible and I love getting to know more of the Witchlands without sacrificing character or plot development. It’s such a well rounded series, and with the next book being the finale, I’m both excited and dreading what’s to come. For now I sit in anxious anticipation, and will rate this book a 9/10. It takes a little bit to start (make sure to read the recaps!), but once it gets going you’re in for a fantastic ride.
Witchshadow is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 22nd 2021.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Susan Dennard’s New York Times bestselling, young adult epic fantasy Witchlands series continues with Witchshadow, the story of the Threadwitch Iseult.
War has come to the Witchlands . . . and nothing will be the same again.
Iseult has found her heartsister Safi at last, but their reunion is brief. For Iseult to stay alive, she must flee Cartorra while Safi remains. And though Iseult has plans to save her friend, they will require her to summon magic more dangerous than anything she has ever faced before.
Meanwhile, the Bloodwitch Aeduan is beset by forces he cannot understand. And Vivia—rightful queen of Nubrevna—finds herself without a crown or home.
As villains from legend reawaken across the Witchlands, only the mythical Cahr Awen can stop the gathering war. Iseult could embrace this power and heal the land, but first she must choose on which side of the shadows her destiny will lie.
