** spoiler alert ** Reread – January 7th to 15th, 2017
Rating – 4.5/5 stars
One Word Review – FEELS

I can honestly say that I loved this book as much as I did the first time around!! Mostly because of Merik hehe

I'm going to divide this review into things I didn't like and things I loved – that way it's easier for me to organize my thoughts!

Starting off with things I didn't like...

I can totally understand why people had trouble getting into this book. I think the world building could have been developed a bit better. It felt like there were quite a few things that didn't make sense or weren't explained properly, and as a result, it made things hard to follow. Especially the different witcheries. I will admit that I mixed them up a bit...and this is my second time reading this book too. I really wish there was a little glossary at the back or a character list identifying who had what kind of magic, etc. That would have made things a lot easier.

However, that being said, the world is interesting, and I definitely want to learn more about it and about life before the Truce etc. I'm also pretty sure that everything will make more sense as the series continues, but it would have helped if things were better explained from the beginning.

The different character POVs didn't bother me all that much, but it would have been nice to have this book completely through Safi's perspective, and Iseult's, especially since this book is focused on their characters. And Windwitch could be through Merik's perspective, Bloodwitch through Aeduan's perspective, and so on. But it was done pretty well and I did like seeing through the different characters' POV.

My only other complaint would be that I saw parallels between Sarah J. Maas's characters and the characters in Truthwitch. I guess it makes sense, since they are close friends, but it did kind of bug me a bit. Merik's anger and how it affects his powers was really reminiscent of Tamlin and also Rhysand. Though...anger was kind of a theme with all the characters (except Iseult). Like Merik is constantly angry and his winds are going crazy all the time, Safi is also angry, as is King Henrick, and Aeduan. I remember this during my first read-through too – there was a bit too much anger. And it seemed kind of repetitive. It does kind of make sense – I mean your powers would be affected by your emotions, but it would seem that at some point, you'd learn to control your power so that it doesn't set off whenever you're feeling something. Besides the whole "angry" theme, the idea of a Heart-thread seemed somewhat similar to that of the mating bond in ACOTAR/ACOMAF and that kind of made me a bit wary. We don't exactly know much about how the mating bond works in ACOTAR/ACOMAF – like is the bond just with one person and that's it? Can you have multiple mating bonds? I was discussing this with a friend, and we're both hoping that the Heart-thread bond isn't so restrictive and...well...binding (pun intended).

Now for things I LOVED

I absolutely adored Iseult's character. First of all, she's a POC who is surrounded by people who hate her because of how she looks – being a minority and a POC, I can relate to that so much! I know how it feels to be judged and hated, even if it isn't directed at me, but at other people of my faith or colour. Iseult's relationship with her mother and her community also hit a personal note, but besides that, the way Iseult has to hold back her feelings also struck a chord with me, cause I'm not the most emotional person and I tend to hide my feelings and opinions from others. Iseult is also more of a thinker, and I loved how she thought things through before acting. It was nice balance compared to Safi, whose so rash and outspoken.

I did come to love Safi's character. She annoyed me in the beginning because of her recklessness, but I grew to like it by the end. I liked her unpredictableness – even though sometimes I just wanted to shake her and tell her to calm down. It was funny, especially with how she set off Merik all the time.

Speaking of Merik – I'D LIKE TO ANNOUNCE MY ENGAGEMENT TO PRINCE MERIK NIHAR OF NUBREVNA. I literally spent today planning out my wedding and the names of our children and also our ship name, which if you didn't know is MERINA (also the name of a future child and a naval ship). YES I AM CRAZY...

But oh my god is he good. I love everything about him. How much he cares for his people, his relationship with Kullen (STILL CRYING OVER THIS), his loyalty, his bravery, his gentle heart, his stubbornness...I could go on...I loved Safi and Merik's relationship – it was kind of instalovey, but done so well that I can't possibly complain. The sexual tension drove me crazy! Like, just look at this...

"If I were looking for a casual tumble, then you are easily the last person I would choose."

"Good," she retorted, "because you're the last person I would choose."

"Which is your loss, I promise."

"As if you're so talented, Prince."

"You know that I am."


DEAD. I AM DEAD.

Besides this ship, that better be sailing in Windwitch, Kullen and Merik's relationship was so beautiful it hurt. And the ending hurt even more *cue the tears* I can't imagine how broken Merik and Ryber feel inside and it's honestly NOT FAIR.

Okay, switching to Aeduan. I like him. He's an interesting character whose constantly wavering between the good and the bad side. There's so much of him I want to learn more of! I want to know more about his father (and his relationship with him and his mother – was she a Nomatsi???), and especially the Puppeteer and whatever they're planning.

I'm seriously loving all this complexity. And I can't wait for it to all weave together and explode *hahaha*

Before I finish...let's spend a few minutes talking about LEOPOLD. Like what is he? Is he a glamour-witch? Cause I swear the blood scent that Aeduan keeps smelling is actually Polly somehow. Also, I love people who show a different persona on the outside, but are completely different underneath. Those are the vibes I'm getting about Polly and I can't wait to see what happens with his character. I'm guessing that whoever Safi and Iseult were supposed to meet in Lejna was actually Leopold, cause he's definitely in on Uncle Eron's plans!

Hopefully I can start Windwitch soon! I don't think I'll be able to wait too long to see what happens next!