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The Witchlands #2.5
Sightwitch
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2018)From New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard, Sightwitch is an illustrated novella set in the Witchlands and told through Ryber’s journal entries and sketches.
Before Safi and Iseult battled a Bloodwitch...
Before Merik returned from the dead…
Ryber Fortiza was a Sightwitch Sister at a secluded convent, waiting to be called by her goddess into the depths of the mountain. There she would receive the gift of foretelling. But when that call never comes, Ryber finds herself the only Sister without the Sight.
Years pass and Ryber’s misfit pain becomes a dull ache, until one day, Sisters who already possess the Sight are summoned into the mountain, never to return. Soon enough, Ryber is the only Sister left. Now, it is up to her to save her Sisters, though she does not have the Sight—and though she does not know what might await her inside the mountain.
On her journey underground, she encounters a young captain named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Together, the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, their road filled with horrors, and what they find at the end of that road will alter the fate of the Witchlands forever.
Set a year before Truthwitch, Sightwitch is a companion novella that also serves as a set up to Bloodwitch, as well as an expansion of the Witchlands world.
Before Safi and Iseult battled a Bloodwitch...
Before Merik returned from the dead…
Ryber Fortiza was a Sightwitch Sister at a secluded convent, waiting to be called by her goddess into the depths of the mountain. There she would receive the gift of foretelling. But when that call never comes, Ryber finds herself the only Sister without the Sight.
Years pass and Ryber’s misfit pain becomes a dull ache, until one day, Sisters who already possess the Sight are summoned into the mountain, never to return. Soon enough, Ryber is the only Sister left. Now, it is up to her to save her Sisters, though she does not have the Sight—and though she does not know what might await her inside the mountain.
On her journey underground, she encounters a young captain named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Together, the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, their road filled with horrors, and what they find at the end of that road will alter the fate of the Witchlands forever.
Set a year before Truthwitch, Sightwitch is a companion novella that also serves as a set up to Bloodwitch, as well as an expansion of the Witchlands world.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published February 13, 2018
227 people are currently reading
14015 people want to read
About the author
Susan Dennard
25 books9,398 followersSusan Dennard is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series (now in development for TV from the Jim Henson Company), and the Something Strange and Deadly series, in addition to various other fiction published online.
Before becoming an author, she got to travel the world with her M.Sc. in marine biology. She also runs the popular newsletter for writers, the Misfits and Daydreamers. When not writing or teaching writing, she can be found rolling the dice as a Dungeon Master or mashing buttons on one of her way too many consoles.
You can learn more about Susan on her website, blog, newsletter, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Before becoming an author, she got to travel the world with her M.Sc. in marine biology. She also runs the popular newsletter for writers, the Misfits and Daydreamers. When not writing or teaching writing, she can be found rolling the dice as a Dungeon Master or mashing buttons on one of her way too many consoles.
You can learn more about Susan on her website, blog, newsletter, Twitter, or Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,340 reviews
June 21, 2021
I can't believe I thought Ryber was an insignificant side character. I did not know what part she played and goodness it was amazing to find out about her past with the Sightwitch's and the events that led her to Kullen.
This book was spilt into two timelines. The first was that of Ryber. The second was Eridysi's - set 1000 years before.
Now I was a bit confused. Because in Truthwitch and Windwitch there were mentions of Eridysi's lament. And in this book we find out who she was and what role she played in the days of the Twelve Paladins.
What I know now:
What I don't know / I'm unsure about:
I can't wait to find out the answers to my theories and suspicions. This series just keeps getting better and better. Susan's Dennard is a master of world building.
____
I feel like this is going to answer some questions and mysteries... Dun dun dunnn.
I'm nervous but excited to find out 🐣
_______
My reviews for:
1: Truthwitch
2: Windwitch
3: Bloodwitch
4: Untitled( where I give a recap as well as theories and predictions)
5: Untitled
This book was spilt into two timelines. The first was that of Ryber. The second was Eridysi's - set 1000 years before.
Now I was a bit confused. Because in Truthwitch and Windwitch there were mentions of Eridysi's lament. And in this book we find out who she was and what role she played in the days of the Twelve Paladins.
What I know now:
What I don't know / I'm unsure about:
I can't wait to find out the answers to my theories and suspicions. This series just keeps getting better and better. Susan's Dennard is a master of world building.
____
I feel like this is going to answer some questions and mysteries... Dun dun dunnn.
I'm nervous but excited to find out 🐣
_______
My reviews for:
1: Truthwitch
2: Windwitch
3: Bloodwitch
4: Untitled( where I give a recap as well as theories and predictions)
5: Untitled
February 4, 2018
5 stars. Possibly my favorite installment of the series, which is interesting because it isn't even a full-length novel. Susan Dennard (and the team at Tor) did an amazing job with this book!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Sightwitch by Susan Dennard
Book 0.5 of the Witchlands series
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: February 13, 2018
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Review copy from the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Set a year before Truthwitch, Sightwitch follows Ryber Fortiza, the last Sightwitch Sister as she treks deep underground to rescue her missing best friend. While there, she encounters a young Nubrevnan named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he wound up inside the mountain. As the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, and as they brave one close call after another, a tentative friendship forms between them—one that might one day grow into something more.
Sightwitch is told through Ryber’s journal entries and her sketches, as well as through supplementary materials (such as other journals, pieces of songs, clippings from history books, flashbacks, etc.). Though meant as a companion novella, this story serves as a set up to Bloodwitch as well as an expansion of the world.
What I Liked:
I have a thing about novellas - I don't tend to read them. Novellas are often a little too short, and overpriced, and don't actually add much to the overarching story, the characters, or the series in general. However. When I saw the details of Sightwitch - that it would be a 200+ novella, that it would be published in hardcover, that there would be illustrations - I knew I would be reading this novella. This is basically an almost-novel, given the number of pages, and the fullness of the story. If you're like me and generally avoid novellas, break your rule for once and check out this one!
Sightwitch is an intriguing and heart-stopping addition to the Witchlands series, and it'll leave you wanting to both reread the previous books, and pine for the third book.
This novella is set a year before Truthwitch, and it tells the story of how Ryber became the last Sightwich Sister, and how she met Kullen. All of her Sightwitch Sisters had gone deep underground in the mountain, and she must find them because despite their disappearance being something indicated by the goddess Sirmaya, Ryber knows something is very wrong. She goes into the mountain to find her Sisters, and encounters much more than she ever expected.
Books written in journal-style are typically hit-or-miss for me, but this one was definitely a hit. It's Ryber's diary, and it has entries from Ryber, as well as clippings from textbooks, maps, illustrations, and also entries from Tanzi (Ryber's Threadsister), and Eridysi Gochienka, a famous Sightwitch who lived a thousand years before Ryber. There are ripped pages from essays, the rules of the Sightwitches, and Nubrevnan messages. Everything adds up and makes sense as the story goes on, so this will seem random to someone reading my review, but everything is important to the story.
I liked that there were different POVs, despite the story being told from Ryber's journal. We also see entries from Tanzi in the past, and from Eridysi (a thousand years ago). Both sets of POV are very important to the story, even if they may not seem so at first. Especially Eridysi's - we get so much insight into the lives of Sightwitches, a thousand years before Truthwitch is set. There is a lot of information that expands the world of the Witchlands, by exposing the past of the Sightwitches.
Ryber is the last Sightwitch, and the only one that has yet to be Summoned. But she breaks the rules and goes after her Sightwitch Sisters who were all Summoned into the mountain - but never returned (like they were supposed to, one day after being Summoned). It is in the mountain that she meets Kullen, part of the Nubrevnan crew who washed up nearby in a ship. Kullen has no idea who he is or how he got inside the mountain. Strange, no? It'll make sense by the end of the novella.
I loved Kullen and Ryber's first encounter. Ryber is instantly on her guard and ready for blood, and Kullen is a giant teddy bear who isn't at all dangerous (not that Ryber knew that at first). She doesn't like him at first and doesn't warm up to him, but she can't leave him, no matter how badly she wants to find her Sightwitch Sisters above all else. Though these two meet about halfway into the story, it felt like their relationship started to flesh out really well, from this early point.
I really appreciated the expansion of the Witchlands, the history of the Sightwitchs, the amount of character development and character background we get to see from both Ryber and Kullen. It's amazing how this story is told in journal format and yet it is just as full and complete as a "regular" novel in chapters. Dennard did an excellent job with putting together the story.
All credit to Rhys Davies, the artist of the illustrations in Sightwitch. The illustrations were lovely, and added a different depth to the story. I especially loved the ones of Ryber and Tanzi. There are many different illustrations sprinkled throughout the novella, and they were an added bonus.
While this novella may not be "required reading" for the series, it is a welcome addition and a really great story. I have no complaints. This novella felt very complete and even though it takes place before Truthwitch, I could almost feel it building up the series, which continues with Bloodwitch. I am very ready for book three and hope it and book four comes quicker than expected!
What I Did Not Like:
No complaints whatsoever! This was great fiction and a really good stepping stone.
Would I Recommend It:
I recommend the series in general, which started off really well (Truthwitch) and soldiered on (Windwitch) and has gotten even more intriguing (Sightwitch). Sightwitch might actually be my favorite installment of the series, perhaps because it is such a simple story, yet it is so complicated in the grand scheme of the series. A novella is never "necessary" to understand the rest of the series, but in some cases (like this one!), it is definitely better to read the novella! I definitely recommend it!
Rating:
5 stars. Truthwitch was really good, but I think I like Sightwitch the most, of the three books in the series (well, two books and novella). It's definitely worthy of its hardcover status and I really appreciated the length and the illustrations. Susan Dennard, Rhys Davies, and the team at Tor have done an excellent job with this novella!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Sightwitch by Susan Dennard
Book 0.5 of the Witchlands series
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: February 13, 2018
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Review copy from the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Set a year before Truthwitch, Sightwitch follows Ryber Fortiza, the last Sightwitch Sister as she treks deep underground to rescue her missing best friend. While there, she encounters a young Nubrevnan named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he wound up inside the mountain. As the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, and as they brave one close call after another, a tentative friendship forms between them—one that might one day grow into something more.
Sightwitch is told through Ryber’s journal entries and her sketches, as well as through supplementary materials (such as other journals, pieces of songs, clippings from history books, flashbacks, etc.). Though meant as a companion novella, this story serves as a set up to Bloodwitch as well as an expansion of the world.
What I Liked:
I have a thing about novellas - I don't tend to read them. Novellas are often a little too short, and overpriced, and don't actually add much to the overarching story, the characters, or the series in general. However. When I saw the details of Sightwitch - that it would be a 200+ novella, that it would be published in hardcover, that there would be illustrations - I knew I would be reading this novella. This is basically an almost-novel, given the number of pages, and the fullness of the story. If you're like me and generally avoid novellas, break your rule for once and check out this one!
Sightwitch is an intriguing and heart-stopping addition to the Witchlands series, and it'll leave you wanting to both reread the previous books, and pine for the third book.
This novella is set a year before Truthwitch, and it tells the story of how Ryber became the last Sightwich Sister, and how she met Kullen. All of her Sightwitch Sisters had gone deep underground in the mountain, and she must find them because despite their disappearance being something indicated by the goddess Sirmaya, Ryber knows something is very wrong. She goes into the mountain to find her Sisters, and encounters much more than she ever expected.
Books written in journal-style are typically hit-or-miss for me, but this one was definitely a hit. It's Ryber's diary, and it has entries from Ryber, as well as clippings from textbooks, maps, illustrations, and also entries from Tanzi (Ryber's Threadsister), and Eridysi Gochienka, a famous Sightwitch who lived a thousand years before Ryber. There are ripped pages from essays, the rules of the Sightwitches, and Nubrevnan messages. Everything adds up and makes sense as the story goes on, so this will seem random to someone reading my review, but everything is important to the story.
I liked that there were different POVs, despite the story being told from Ryber's journal. We also see entries from Tanzi in the past, and from Eridysi (a thousand years ago). Both sets of POV are very important to the story, even if they may not seem so at first. Especially Eridysi's - we get so much insight into the lives of Sightwitches, a thousand years before Truthwitch is set. There is a lot of information that expands the world of the Witchlands, by exposing the past of the Sightwitches.
Ryber is the last Sightwitch, and the only one that has yet to be Summoned. But she breaks the rules and goes after her Sightwitch Sisters who were all Summoned into the mountain - but never returned (like they were supposed to, one day after being Summoned). It is in the mountain that she meets Kullen, part of the Nubrevnan crew who washed up nearby in a ship. Kullen has no idea who he is or how he got inside the mountain. Strange, no? It'll make sense by the end of the novella.
I loved Kullen and Ryber's first encounter. Ryber is instantly on her guard and ready for blood, and Kullen is a giant teddy bear who isn't at all dangerous (not that Ryber knew that at first). She doesn't like him at first and doesn't warm up to him, but she can't leave him, no matter how badly she wants to find her Sightwitch Sisters above all else. Though these two meet about halfway into the story, it felt like their relationship started to flesh out really well, from this early point.
I really appreciated the expansion of the Witchlands, the history of the Sightwitchs, the amount of character development and character background we get to see from both Ryber and Kullen. It's amazing how this story is told in journal format and yet it is just as full and complete as a "regular" novel in chapters. Dennard did an excellent job with putting together the story.
All credit to Rhys Davies, the artist of the illustrations in Sightwitch. The illustrations were lovely, and added a different depth to the story. I especially loved the ones of Ryber and Tanzi. There are many different illustrations sprinkled throughout the novella, and they were an added bonus.
While this novella may not be "required reading" for the series, it is a welcome addition and a really great story. I have no complaints. This novella felt very complete and even though it takes place before Truthwitch, I could almost feel it building up the series, which continues with Bloodwitch. I am very ready for book three and hope it and book four comes quicker than expected!
What I Did Not Like:
No complaints whatsoever! This was great fiction and a really good stepping stone.
Would I Recommend It:
I recommend the series in general, which started off really well (Truthwitch) and soldiered on (Windwitch) and has gotten even more intriguing (Sightwitch). Sightwitch might actually be my favorite installment of the series, perhaps because it is such a simple story, yet it is so complicated in the grand scheme of the series. A novella is never "necessary" to understand the rest of the series, but in some cases (like this one!), it is definitely better to read the novella! I definitely recommend it!
Rating:
5 stars. Truthwitch was really good, but I think I like Sightwitch the most, of the three books in the series (well, two books and novella). It's definitely worthy of its hardcover status and I really appreciated the length and the illustrations. Susan Dennard, Rhys Davies, and the team at Tor have done an excellent job with this novella!
December 2, 2019
Why hello re-read!
Sightwitch was slightly better the second time around. So, yes, it did earn another star from me.. but sadly, I was still bored. Weirdly enough, I enjoyed the past POV's more than anything. Maybe it's because they just caught my attention.. but the little background information was a nice surprise since I'm very intrigued to dive into Bloodwitch!
Besides all of the info, I feel like the characters were just blah to me. I did connect a little bit with some but that wasn't really until the halfway mark of this book. By then I was bored that I just didn't really care about that said connection. Hopefully with the next book, I will be less bored and more excited for all the characters involved.
Wish me luck!
_____________________________________________________
My least favorite book of this series just happened to be the one novella in it.
Ugh, Sightwitch just ended up annoying and confusing me. I honestly wanted to like it because the series has been pretty interesting so far - yet, I just didn't. There was no way for me to be happy or invested with this book or these characters. I wanted too but not even wine could get me to like anything that was happening.
I will admit, though, that the whole 'rook' character was a bit interesting and the only thing that got me invested in this novella. Unfortunately, I just wasn't invested enough to truly like anything. Besides all of that, we do get to know more about Ryber. She does face a lot of things throughout this book but the rules at the convent were just weird to me. The whole sisters can take lovers but men could be killed on sight? yeah - weird.
Overall, it was meh and now I'm a bit hesitant to dive into the next book of this series. Hopefully it will redeem itself.
Sightwitch was slightly better the second time around. So, yes, it did earn another star from me.. but sadly, I was still bored. Weirdly enough, I enjoyed the past POV's more than anything. Maybe it's because they just caught my attention.. but the little background information was a nice surprise since I'm very intrigued to dive into Bloodwitch!
Besides all of the info, I feel like the characters were just blah to me. I did connect a little bit with some but that wasn't really until the halfway mark of this book. By then I was bored that I just didn't really care about that said connection. Hopefully with the next book, I will be less bored and more excited for all the characters involved.
Wish me luck!
_____________________________________________________
My least favorite book of this series just happened to be the one novella in it.
Ugh, Sightwitch just ended up annoying and confusing me. I honestly wanted to like it because the series has been pretty interesting so far - yet, I just didn't. There was no way for me to be happy or invested with this book or these characters. I wanted too but not even wine could get me to like anything that was happening.
I will admit, though, that the whole 'rook' character was a bit interesting and the only thing that got me invested in this novella. Unfortunately, I just wasn't invested enough to truly like anything. Besides all of that, we do get to know more about Ryber. She does face a lot of things throughout this book but the rules at the convent were just weird to me. The whole sisters can take lovers but men could be killed on sight? yeah - weird.
Overall, it was meh and now I'm a bit hesitant to dive into the next book of this series. Hopefully it will redeem itself.
February 19, 2019
4.5 stars (I think i should just rate these books 5 stars because the reasonings for knocking .5 stars (slow for me to get into and didn’t connect with story right away) off are just futile)
THIS BOOK BLEW ME AWAY
THE EASTER EGGS FOUND IN THIS BOOK AND THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN TRUTHWITCH AND WINDWITCH HAD ME SHOOKETH TO THE CORE
EVERYTHING MAKES SENSE NOW, EVEN WHEN I DIDN’T REALISE I NEEDED A REASON FOR SOME THINGS TO MAKE SENSE.
This book could either be book 0.5 or book 2.5 as the fact that this book is published before book 3 holds some significance to me and I think the Easter eggs scattered in this book definitely should be noted.
I’m very intrigued to see what happens in Bloodwitch with this new information and I am conspiring like a madwoman.
I do not know what I will do with myself tomorrow, for I have no more books out of this series to read until Thursday. Probably look at Canon and fanart, that’ll do.
My love for this series expands just when I didn’t think it could and I just KNOW I’m going to absolutely adore Bloodwitch and my reviews and 5 stars will never do it or the series justice.
Also these illustrations were so interesting??? It made me envision the story so much better and I kinda wish the novels had it as well even though they’re phenomenal without them. Well done to the illustrator and Queen Dennard, you make the ultimate OTP for creating a book together.
UGHHHHHH SO GOOOOOD
THIS BOOK BLEW ME AWAY
THE EASTER EGGS FOUND IN THIS BOOK AND THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN TRUTHWITCH AND WINDWITCH HAD ME SHOOKETH TO THE CORE
EVERYTHING MAKES SENSE NOW, EVEN WHEN I DIDN’T REALISE I NEEDED A REASON FOR SOME THINGS TO MAKE SENSE.
This book could either be book 0.5 or book 2.5 as the fact that this book is published before book 3 holds some significance to me and I think the Easter eggs scattered in this book definitely should be noted.
I’m very intrigued to see what happens in Bloodwitch with this new information and I am conspiring like a madwoman.
I do not know what I will do with myself tomorrow, for I have no more books out of this series to read until Thursday. Probably look at Canon and fanart, that’ll do.
My love for this series expands just when I didn’t think it could and I just KNOW I’m going to absolutely adore Bloodwitch and my reviews and 5 stars will never do it or the series justice.
Also these illustrations were so interesting??? It made me envision the story so much better and I kinda wish the novels had it as well even though they’re phenomenal without them. Well done to the illustrator and Queen Dennard, you make the ultimate OTP for creating a book together.
UGHHHHHH SO GOOOOOD
March 15, 2021
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I am going to keep this review fairly short as this is a novella and I think there is not much to say without spoiling it. I also seem to be liking this less than everyone less did. Looking at the reviews after finishing the book made me realize that maybe I should have read it after I finished book 2. I just went to GR and saw that it was a prequel and numbered book #0.5 so I read it before reading book 2 which may have affected my overall enjoyment of the book.
I think the story itself is interesting, maybe I was a bit confused by the journal and dream things but I got used to it after a few chapters. There are two timelines which make it even more confusing but the real problem in my opinion is that it was a bit too long for a novella in my opinion and I started losing interest at one point. I usually say that novellas are too short for my taste but this felt too long and I rarely say that.
I just preferred the plot in Truthwitch and expected more action and drama as in the first book!
Ryber and Kullen are good characters, I did not have such a strong connection to any of them but they were certainly not bad characters. I think I will like them more when I finish the next books in the series.
Summary: I think Sightwitch is a good novella with a good plot and characters. It was a bit too long for my taste and I think I recommend reading it but only after reading book 2. I am reading book 2 soon and hope this will give me an insight that other readers did not have when they read it.
“We value things more when we know they won’t last forever.”
I am going to keep this review fairly short as this is a novella and I think there is not much to say without spoiling it. I also seem to be liking this less than everyone less did. Looking at the reviews after finishing the book made me realize that maybe I should have read it after I finished book 2. I just went to GR and saw that it was a prequel and numbered book #0.5 so I read it before reading book 2 which may have affected my overall enjoyment of the book.
I think the story itself is interesting, maybe I was a bit confused by the journal and dream things but I got used to it after a few chapters. There are two timelines which make it even more confusing but the real problem in my opinion is that it was a bit too long for a novella in my opinion and I started losing interest at one point. I usually say that novellas are too short for my taste but this felt too long and I rarely say that.
I just preferred the plot in Truthwitch and expected more action and drama as in the first book!
Ryber and Kullen are good characters, I did not have such a strong connection to any of them but they were certainly not bad characters. I think I will like them more when I finish the next books in the series.
Summary: I think Sightwitch is a good novella with a good plot and characters. It was a bit too long for my taste and I think I recommend reading it but only after reading book 2. I am reading book 2 soon and hope this will give me an insight that other readers did not have when they read it.
February 3, 2018
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/02/03/...
I don’t know what it is about the Witchlands series, but both novels that are out thus far have received middling ratings from me when I reviewed them, and yet I just keep coming back for more! Still, if I had to guess, I would credit the simply sublime world Susan Dennard has created. Say what you will about her storytelling and characters, but the incredible imagination and effort that she has put into the world-building here is second to none. I probably would have continued the series anyway, so when I found out about this prequel novella which serves “as a set up to Bloodwitch as well as an expansion to the world”, I thought it would make sense to read it and learn more about the magic while waiting for the next novel installment.
Sightwitch takes place approximately a year before the main series starts, following a Sightwitch Sister named Ryber Fortiza (whom we first met aboard Prince Merik’s ship, if you’ve read Truthwitch). Told through a series of journal entries and other pieces of documents, her story will take us on an adventure into the mountain which houses the convent of her order, a close-knit sisterhood that worships the goddess Sirmaya.
They say Sightwitches are made, not born. Young acolytes serving at the temple are eventually called to receive the gift of Sirmaya, becoming blessed with her Sight. For years, Ryber’s mentors have told her that she is special, that one day she will be called under the mountain and become one of the greatest Sightwitches to have ever lived. But day after day, as others are called forth and not her, her hope begins to fade. As someone who always follows the rules, Ryber can’t seem to figure out what’s wrong or what more she could be doing to get her goddess to summon her.
Then one day, everything changes. Sirmaya still does not call upon Ryber, but she does call upon everyone else. Ryber’s threadsister Tanzi was the first to go beneath the mountain and not return, and after that, more are taken each day until Ryber is the only one left. Something is happening to the goddess, and it is now up to Ryber to seek the truth.
Despite being a minor character in the main series, Ryber has always been a fascinating figure. We also know relatively little about her, so a novella telling her story was a very welcome addition. Not only does it reveal a lot about our protagonist’s life before Truthwitch, it also tells the origin story of how she became a Sightwitch Sister. The presentation of the novel was a nice touch as well, with the journal entries giving insight into Ryber’s unique voice. The in-depth exploration into her character gave me a better understanding of her motivations, and I liked how I got to see the way she viewed herself and how others viewed her.
The other major highlight of Sightwitch is, of course, the scene detailing the first meeting between Ryber and Kullen, the threadbrother of Prince Merik. The young man had somehow found himself deep underground, lost and bedraggled with no memory of how he got there. Terrified of this dirty and scary looking stranger who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, Ryber is reluctant to have anything to do with Kullen at first, but eventually she realizes they must work together in order to survive the many obstacles beneath the Sightsister mountain. Gradually, a friendship develops between them, and considering the limitations of the format and length of this novella, I felt this portrayal was done exceptionally well.
I also loved the magic in this. The world of The Witchlands is filled with many types of witches—individuals who possess the power to manipulate the forces and elements around them. These powers, called “witcheries”, can manifest in different ways, with some being rather straightforward (like an Airwitch’s ability to control wind and air currents) and others being quite complex and abstract (such as a Threadwitch’s power to allow him or her to read people’s emotions and see the literal ties that bind relationships). I’ve always felt that Sightwitch magic falls in the latter camp of being one of the more unique and complicated witcheries. The world-building is as exquisite as ever as we explore the mysteries of the Sight in Ryber’s story, learning the ways of the Sightwitch convent and the way Sisters are called forth to receive Sirmaya’s gift. With each chapter, our understanding of the Witchlands universe grows a little more.
What surprised me most about Sightwitch was how much I actually enjoyed it. Typically, I find most novellas to be too short for much story or character development, but in the case of Sightwitch, it worked well. There’s enough to feel a connection with the characters even if you are newcomer to this world, and the story was also relatively straightforward, so the more streamlined the better. I think overall this has given me a new enthusiasm for the series, and I look forward to seeing how everything will play out once we get back to the main novels.
Audiobook Comments: The Sightwitch audiobook is narrated by a full cast—a rare treat, especially for a relatively short piece like this. The voice actors and actresses were chosen well; everyone performed marvelously with varied accents, tones, feelings, and inflections. The only downside is that the print edition contains some art and illustrations so you’ll be missing out on those, but otherwise I would highly recommend the audio.
I don’t know what it is about the Witchlands series, but both novels that are out thus far have received middling ratings from me when I reviewed them, and yet I just keep coming back for more! Still, if I had to guess, I would credit the simply sublime world Susan Dennard has created. Say what you will about her storytelling and characters, but the incredible imagination and effort that she has put into the world-building here is second to none. I probably would have continued the series anyway, so when I found out about this prequel novella which serves “as a set up to Bloodwitch as well as an expansion to the world”, I thought it would make sense to read it and learn more about the magic while waiting for the next novel installment.
Sightwitch takes place approximately a year before the main series starts, following a Sightwitch Sister named Ryber Fortiza (whom we first met aboard Prince Merik’s ship, if you’ve read Truthwitch). Told through a series of journal entries and other pieces of documents, her story will take us on an adventure into the mountain which houses the convent of her order, a close-knit sisterhood that worships the goddess Sirmaya.
They say Sightwitches are made, not born. Young acolytes serving at the temple are eventually called to receive the gift of Sirmaya, becoming blessed with her Sight. For years, Ryber’s mentors have told her that she is special, that one day she will be called under the mountain and become one of the greatest Sightwitches to have ever lived. But day after day, as others are called forth and not her, her hope begins to fade. As someone who always follows the rules, Ryber can’t seem to figure out what’s wrong or what more she could be doing to get her goddess to summon her.
Then one day, everything changes. Sirmaya still does not call upon Ryber, but she does call upon everyone else. Ryber’s threadsister Tanzi was the first to go beneath the mountain and not return, and after that, more are taken each day until Ryber is the only one left. Something is happening to the goddess, and it is now up to Ryber to seek the truth.
Despite being a minor character in the main series, Ryber has always been a fascinating figure. We also know relatively little about her, so a novella telling her story was a very welcome addition. Not only does it reveal a lot about our protagonist’s life before Truthwitch, it also tells the origin story of how she became a Sightwitch Sister. The presentation of the novel was a nice touch as well, with the journal entries giving insight into Ryber’s unique voice. The in-depth exploration into her character gave me a better understanding of her motivations, and I liked how I got to see the way she viewed herself and how others viewed her.
The other major highlight of Sightwitch is, of course, the scene detailing the first meeting between Ryber and Kullen, the threadbrother of Prince Merik. The young man had somehow found himself deep underground, lost and bedraggled with no memory of how he got there. Terrified of this dirty and scary looking stranger who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, Ryber is reluctant to have anything to do with Kullen at first, but eventually she realizes they must work together in order to survive the many obstacles beneath the Sightsister mountain. Gradually, a friendship develops between them, and considering the limitations of the format and length of this novella, I felt this portrayal was done exceptionally well.
I also loved the magic in this. The world of The Witchlands is filled with many types of witches—individuals who possess the power to manipulate the forces and elements around them. These powers, called “witcheries”, can manifest in different ways, with some being rather straightforward (like an Airwitch’s ability to control wind and air currents) and others being quite complex and abstract (such as a Threadwitch’s power to allow him or her to read people’s emotions and see the literal ties that bind relationships). I’ve always felt that Sightwitch magic falls in the latter camp of being one of the more unique and complicated witcheries. The world-building is as exquisite as ever as we explore the mysteries of the Sight in Ryber’s story, learning the ways of the Sightwitch convent and the way Sisters are called forth to receive Sirmaya’s gift. With each chapter, our understanding of the Witchlands universe grows a little more.
What surprised me most about Sightwitch was how much I actually enjoyed it. Typically, I find most novellas to be too short for much story or character development, but in the case of Sightwitch, it worked well. There’s enough to feel a connection with the characters even if you are newcomer to this world, and the story was also relatively straightforward, so the more streamlined the better. I think overall this has given me a new enthusiasm for the series, and I look forward to seeing how everything will play out once we get back to the main novels.
Audiobook Comments: The Sightwitch audiobook is narrated by a full cast—a rare treat, especially for a relatively short piece like this. The voice actors and actresses were chosen well; everyone performed marvelously with varied accents, tones, feelings, and inflections. The only downside is that the print edition contains some art and illustrations so you’ll be missing out on those, but otherwise I would highly recommend the audio.
June 19, 2018
"Paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely."
1) Truthwitch ★★★★★
2) Windwitch ★★★★★
Not amazing, but enjoyable nonetheless!
I really liked Ryber. She's strong, smart, ready to fight for her loved ones and she never gives up. I hope she finds her happy ending at the end of the series. And I liked Kullen, too.
But to me what makes the series so special (BESIDES AEDUAN AND ISEULT MY BEAUTIFUL OTP) are the friendships. Ryber and Tanzi, Kullen and Merik, Safi and Iseult. I mean, I know that if Safi ever had to choose between Iseult and Merik, she'd always choose Iseult, and I think that's what makes this series worth reading, most of all.
Now please can I have Bloodwitch I can't wait an entire year to read my favorite character's book
------------------------------------------------
Excerpt review:
*I received an excerpt from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I've read the first 100 or so pages and I have to say, I'm not very impressed.
After a two years delay for Bloodwitch (I NEED THIS BOOK NOW DAMMIT I MISS YOU AEDUAN) I wanted this to be amazing but judging from the first half I'm afraid it won't be.
We basically see Ryber's, Kullen's girlfriend (Merik's threadbrother), past among the Sightwitches who are mysteriously disappearing. She's different from the other sightwitches and in the preview we can see the first part of her journey to save them and her threadsister.
Merik is briefly mentioned.
For now it's a 3/5 but after reading the second part the rating may change (I hope so, The Witchlands is one of my all time favorite series!).
1) Truthwitch ★★★★★
2) Windwitch ★★★★★
Not amazing, but enjoyable nonetheless!
I really liked Ryber. She's strong, smart, ready to fight for her loved ones and she never gives up. I hope she finds her happy ending at the end of the series. And I liked Kullen, too.
But to me what makes the series so special (BESIDES AEDUAN AND ISEULT MY BEAUTIFUL OTP) are the friendships. Ryber and Tanzi, Kullen and Merik, Safi and Iseult. I mean, I know that if Safi ever had to choose between Iseult and Merik, she'd always choose Iseult, and I think that's what makes this series worth reading, most of all.
------------------------------------------------
Excerpt review:
*I received an excerpt from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I've read the first 100 or so pages and I have to say, I'm not very impressed.
After a two years delay for Bloodwitch (I NEED THIS BOOK NOW DAMMIT I MISS YOU AEDUAN) I wanted this to be amazing but judging from the first half I'm afraid it won't be.
We basically see Ryber's, Kullen's girlfriend (Merik's threadbrother), past among the Sightwitches who are mysteriously disappearing. She's different from the other sightwitches and in the preview we can see the first part of her journey to save them and her threadsister.
Merik is briefly mentioned.
For now it's a 3/5 but after reading the second part the rating may change (I hope so, The Witchlands is one of my all time favorite series!).
December 9, 2018
The audiobook is the way to go with this one. The narrators were all fantastic, and I could really feel the characters’ emotions coming through with Dennard’s writing combined with capable narrators. The downside was I didn’t get to see all the illustrations, but that’s just because I borrow audiobooks with my library app.
I love interesting world building, and this novella delivers. It really adds to the fabric of the Witchlands, and you get lots of history of the world before the main series takes place. It’s been a while since I read the second book, so I couldn’t appreciate the overlap as much. But this novella is great on its own.
The isolation that comes from the insecurity of not being enough or not being the right sort was really well portrayed in this, and I loved the message that sometimes you need a little change to really shake yourself out of toxic complacency. I enjoyed this one more than I originally expected!
I love interesting world building, and this novella delivers. It really adds to the fabric of the Witchlands, and you get lots of history of the world before the main series takes place. It’s been a while since I read the second book, so I couldn’t appreciate the overlap as much. But this novella is great on its own.
The isolation that comes from the insecurity of not being enough or not being the right sort was really well portrayed in this, and I loved the message that sometimes you need a little change to really shake yourself out of toxic complacency. I enjoyed this one more than I originally expected!
April 25, 2018
This is more of a story for people who are already invested in the witchland series. It's a prequel book so it's not as long as the other two books but has great info about who they are and how they are created. I bought this book after reading this excerpt so I do recommend for fans of the series! The cover is gorgeous too! This definitely can be read before the other two books but it's more informative than story continuation so I would recommend reading it after the first book Truthwitch at least.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 24, 2018
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Is a 0.5 novella something you should read in a series? Well, it depends on the series in question, and for the Witchlands series, I would say definitely yes, but you don’t want to read it first. That is also the tricky part of adding a prequel to a series later. When should your readers actually read it? For Sightwitch ,I would say that you should have at least read Truthwitch to have a semi-understanding of threads, cleaving and some of the basic lore for the series. But as long as you have one of the full length novels under your belt, you’ll be fine.
Novellas as companions to series usually aren’t my thing. Except for a few of my absolute favorite authors and worlds, I don’t normally make a point to read them. But when I saw this was how Ryber and Kullen met, I was intrigued with their story. However, this is so much more, it is also an explanation to some of the lore behind the Witchlands Series and the twelve Paladins.
The story is all told as journal entries and that does take a moment to get used to. But we don’t just get Ryber’s entries, there are some from Tanzi and one Eridysi, one of the Sightwitches from over a thousand years ago and a few other small entries. Ryber and Tanzi are best friends and even more than that, Threadsisters, so when Tanzi is called into the mountain by The Mother and never comes out again, Ryber is determined to find a way to save her from the sleep that has claimed her.
While I liked learning what it was like at the convent where Ryber grew up, part of the real meat of the story for me was the journal entries from Eridysi. These tell the tale of life with the twelve Paladins and how six turned on six and then one turned on them all. When that happened there was a huge war and that is when the magic of the world changed again. We learn of the Paladins and how they live many lives and I think it will be interesting to see how that will play into Bloodwitch.
The beginning takes a little to get into as it is just the day-to-day life of Ryber, and establishes her connection to the Sightwitches, and her Threadsister Tanzi. But once she goes into the mountain to save her sister witches, it is a lot of action.
I received the first 100 pages from Netgalley as preview and then bought the audio. The audio is really fantastic. There are two narrators - one specifically for Ryber’s journal entries and then another Eridysi’s journals from the past. Both really perform the story and I especially liked how Ryber’s narrator used an accent that seemed to come from some Islands. The narration completely added to my enjoyment of the second half of the story I listened to.
Listen to a clip here:
Is a 0.5 novella something you should read in a series? Well, it depends on the series in question, and for the Witchlands series, I would say definitely yes, but you don’t want to read it first. That is also the tricky part of adding a prequel to a series later. When should your readers actually read it? For Sightwitch ,I would say that you should have at least read Truthwitch to have a semi-understanding of threads, cleaving and some of the basic lore for the series. But as long as you have one of the full length novels under your belt, you’ll be fine.
Novellas as companions to series usually aren’t my thing. Except for a few of my absolute favorite authors and worlds, I don’t normally make a point to read them. But when I saw this was how Ryber and Kullen met, I was intrigued with their story. However, this is so much more, it is also an explanation to some of the lore behind the Witchlands Series and the twelve Paladins.
The story is all told as journal entries and that does take a moment to get used to. But we don’t just get Ryber’s entries, there are some from Tanzi and one Eridysi, one of the Sightwitches from over a thousand years ago and a few other small entries. Ryber and Tanzi are best friends and even more than that, Threadsisters, so when Tanzi is called into the mountain by The Mother and never comes out again, Ryber is determined to find a way to save her from the sleep that has claimed her.
While I liked learning what it was like at the convent where Ryber grew up, part of the real meat of the story for me was the journal entries from Eridysi. These tell the tale of life with the twelve Paladins and how six turned on six and then one turned on them all. When that happened there was a huge war and that is when the magic of the world changed again. We learn of the Paladins and how they live many lives and I think it will be interesting to see how that will play into Bloodwitch.
The beginning takes a little to get into as it is just the day-to-day life of Ryber, and establishes her connection to the Sightwitches, and her Threadsister Tanzi. But once she goes into the mountain to save her sister witches, it is a lot of action.
I received the first 100 pages from Netgalley as preview and then bought the audio. The audio is really fantastic. There are two narrators - one specifically for Ryber’s journal entries and then another Eridysi’s journals from the past. Both really perform the story and I especially liked how Ryber’s narrator used an accent that seemed to come from some Islands. The narration completely added to my enjoyment of the second half of the story I listened to.
Listen to a clip here:
March 29, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
I hope that you are super pumped to get some more of Susan Dennard’s The Witchlands series into your life because you are not going to want to miss this amazing novella! Sightwitch is so much more than a little novella. This whirlwind of a book has a format that is sort of like a scrapbook. It contains some incredible world building, interesting characters, and enough breadcrumbs to satisfy the hungriest fans of the series.
If you have been following the blog for a while, you will know that novellas aren’t typically something that I read. The Sightwitch novella, however, is one that I am so happy to have read because not only is it a really unique addition to the series, it is pretty substantial with just over 200 pages. The images that I was able to see in the e-ARC edition that I read were so amazing, and the songs were just so much fun to read.
The world building in Sightwitch is fascinating and quite amazing for a shorter book. Susan Dennard really takes her readers further into the Witchlands in this novella. Readers discover the exciting and unexpected story of how Ryber and Kullen first meet. Also, a greater understanding of the witcheries of the Sightwitches and Glamourwitches is gained by reading this story. It almost feels like you are reading a brief history of the Witchlands, as you are taken back further in time to find out how the story began.
There is no shortage of compelling and fascinating characters in Sightwitch. Told in differing points of view, we get the perspectives of Ryber, Tanzi, and Eridysi. Tanzi is Ryber’s friend and is also a Sightwitch who really understands Ryber and what makes her tick. It is so interesting to read Tanzi’s side of the story and her opinions of Ryber being a stickler for rules. The sections of Eridysi’s journal entries take the story even further back in time, and help to form an understanding of how so much came to be. Most notably, there is also a bird, The Rook, that plays a vital role in the story. The Rook is one of my favourite aspects of the story, as he is so intriguing and mysterious.
This book is one that fans of the series will want to read before picking up Bloodwitch next year, as there are some tidbits not to be missed.
I hope that you are super pumped to get some more of Susan Dennard’s The Witchlands series into your life because you are not going to want to miss this amazing novella! Sightwitch is so much more than a little novella. This whirlwind of a book has a format that is sort of like a scrapbook. It contains some incredible world building, interesting characters, and enough breadcrumbs to satisfy the hungriest fans of the series.
If you have been following the blog for a while, you will know that novellas aren’t typically something that I read. The Sightwitch novella, however, is one that I am so happy to have read because not only is it a really unique addition to the series, it is pretty substantial with just over 200 pages. The images that I was able to see in the e-ARC edition that I read were so amazing, and the songs were just so much fun to read.
The world building in Sightwitch is fascinating and quite amazing for a shorter book. Susan Dennard really takes her readers further into the Witchlands in this novella. Readers discover the exciting and unexpected story of how Ryber and Kullen first meet. Also, a greater understanding of the witcheries of the Sightwitches and Glamourwitches is gained by reading this story. It almost feels like you are reading a brief history of the Witchlands, as you are taken back further in time to find out how the story began.
There is no shortage of compelling and fascinating characters in Sightwitch. Told in differing points of view, we get the perspectives of Ryber, Tanzi, and Eridysi. Tanzi is Ryber’s friend and is also a Sightwitch who really understands Ryber and what makes her tick. It is so interesting to read Tanzi’s side of the story and her opinions of Ryber being a stickler for rules. The sections of Eridysi’s journal entries take the story even further back in time, and help to form an understanding of how so much came to be. Most notably, there is also a bird, The Rook, that plays a vital role in the story. The Rook is one of my favourite aspects of the story, as he is so intriguing and mysterious.
This book is one that fans of the series will want to read before picking up Bloodwitch next year, as there are some tidbits not to be missed.
February 19, 2018
I love this series so much! It is so fascinating! This is a quick little prequel that just adds to the story. I enjoyed it very much and to me it was so magically written. It had a high fantasy feel for such a short, YA book. This only takes a few hours to read but is a great book to get readers through the wait for the next book!
My quick and simple overall: magical and fascinating!
My quick and simple overall: magical and fascinating!
April 8, 2019
”Paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely.”
Remember the Illuminae Files? Well, this one aims at the Sightwitch Files.
And misses.
There are two main reasons why Sightwitch can be recommended to the hardcore fandom only: format and format (with soft plagiarism in the background).
Sightwitch is a first-person diary entry format embellished here and there with other forms of writing like legends, songs and prayers, random document excerpts or other people’s journals (other Sightwitches, to be exact). There is also art, drawing, doodles, maps and whatnots, undoubtedly meant to make it all feel more authentic.
From the very beginning, it was obvious that Sightwitch is going to be a filler. It also means that I did not plan to make any serious investment in the main character(s) or to care too much for what is happening as it wasn’t crucial for the main story anyway. But the novellas have their own set of rule and requirements. Contrary to what you might believe, writing novella is not like writing a book but shorter; novellas are, I reckon, even more difficult to write and so authors who struggle with the main arc (as Ms Dennard reputedly has been) should not attempt them. They need to be concise, consolidated so to speak, well structured and focused. What you will find in Sightwitch is that there are way too many characters and sub-plots, innuendoes and important elements, forebodings and bits of information pertaining to different arcs to make sense.
And so you will find yourself in a precarious situation: reading just Sightwitch on its own makes no sense as the reader will be between bored and lost whereas reading the Sightwitch as a part of the main story gives the reader some background that is not necessary, some context that (at this point of the main tale) is still unclear and not directly affecting the main protagonists of the the series (if we still agree that those are Safi and Iseult) and so still feels like a waste of time.
This is also the main reason why I did not care too much for lack of integrity of the story or the protagonists. Even with the expectations bar set so low, I have to say that the only thing that was decent in Sightwitch was the pacing. The rest was either overworked or crude with none of the finesse between these two extremes that I grew to expect from Ms Dennard. For instance: The plethora of ideas behind organisation of spiritual life made them all ludicrous and at times contradictory
Sisters and acolytes and other characters sounded all alike. I understand that this is a by blow of the epistolary format which, especially in a short entry, is not conducive to building in-depth and layered introspective narrative necessary for proper characterisation. (And this is where I essentially put aside my main concern that the idea of writing a journal on a perilous journey is a little bit implausible because I have problems with imagining when exactly between one danger and another flight Ryber would have time to jot down: and now these awful things want to kill us.)
I think I would enjoy the story more if the motif on an overlooked/late-blooming magical talent was not employed in Lirael. As it is, the whole Sightwitch convent is a barely disguised copy of Clayr, and the only thing that saved the book for me was the fact that Ryber, is a focused and serious and down to earth girl that could be my friend in real life, while I am not sure I’d be able to sit with Lirael in one room.
Still, if I were Garth Nix, I’d consult my lawyers.
Though I am sure that Witchlands fans will like the book anyway.
Also in the series:
1. Truthwitch ★★★★☆
2. Windwitch ★★★★☆
3. Bloodwitch ★☆☆☆☆
Remember the Illuminae Files? Well, this one aims at the Sightwitch Files.
And misses.
There are two main reasons why Sightwitch can be recommended to the hardcore fandom only: format and format (with soft plagiarism in the background).
Sightwitch is a first-person diary entry format embellished here and there with other forms of writing like legends, songs and prayers, random document excerpts or other people’s journals (other Sightwitches, to be exact). There is also art, drawing, doodles, maps and whatnots, undoubtedly meant to make it all feel more authentic.
From the very beginning, it was obvious that Sightwitch is going to be a filler. It also means that I did not plan to make any serious investment in the main character(s) or to care too much for what is happening as it wasn’t crucial for the main story anyway. But the novellas have their own set of rule and requirements. Contrary to what you might believe, writing novella is not like writing a book but shorter; novellas are, I reckon, even more difficult to write and so authors who struggle with the main arc (as Ms Dennard reputedly has been) should not attempt them. They need to be concise, consolidated so to speak, well structured and focused. What you will find in Sightwitch is that there are way too many characters and sub-plots, innuendoes and important elements, forebodings and bits of information pertaining to different arcs to make sense.
And so you will find yourself in a precarious situation: reading just Sightwitch on its own makes no sense as the reader will be between bored and lost whereas reading the Sightwitch as a part of the main story gives the reader some background that is not necessary, some context that (at this point of the main tale) is still unclear and not directly affecting the main protagonists of the the series (if we still agree that those are Safi and Iseult) and so still feels like a waste of time.
This is also the main reason why I did not care too much for lack of integrity of the story or the protagonists. Even with the expectations bar set so low, I have to say that the only thing that was decent in Sightwitch was the pacing. The rest was either overworked or crude with none of the finesse between these two extremes that I grew to expect from Ms Dennard. For instance: The plethora of ideas behind organisation of spiritual life made them all ludicrous and at times contradictory
Sisters and acolytes and other characters sounded all alike. I understand that this is a by blow of the epistolary format which, especially in a short entry, is not conducive to building in-depth and layered introspective narrative necessary for proper characterisation. (And this is where I essentially put aside my main concern that the idea of writing a journal on a perilous journey is a little bit implausible because I have problems with imagining when exactly between one danger and another flight Ryber would have time to jot down: and now these awful things want to kill us.)
I think I would enjoy the story more if the motif on an overlooked/late-blooming magical talent was not employed in Lirael. As it is, the whole Sightwitch convent is a barely disguised copy of Clayr, and the only thing that saved the book for me was the fact that Ryber, is a focused and serious and down to earth girl that could be my friend in real life, while I am not sure I’d be able to sit with Lirael in one room.
Still, if I were Garth Nix, I’d consult my lawyers.
Though I am sure that Witchlands fans will like the book anyway.
Also in the series:
1. Truthwitch ★★★★☆
2. Windwitch ★★★★☆
3. Bloodwitch ★☆☆☆☆
April 29, 2019
3.5 Stars
"Paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely."
This reminded me of how little I remember of The Witchlands series, so yes, I was a bit lost at times, but I actually remembered everything quite quickly. It also reminded me of how much I love this world.
It took me a little bit to figure out when the story was being told, but after that, it was quite easy to get into it.
The beginning is quite slow though, it wasn't until around halfway through the book, when Captain appears, that I couldn't put it down anymore, before, well, it took me 2 days to read 100 pages or so, and just a few hours to read the rest, so you can compare.
Once it picked up, it was quite interesting, specially Dysi's POVs. We learn more about the world and what the main goal needs to be, as well as some intriguing history that's obviously very important.
"But there is another Sight, a simpler Sight--one that is rooted in clarity of purpose. An ability to see the path that matters most and stay firmly gripped upon it."
The characters were another thing altogether. Ryber I couldn't connect with or any of the other Sisters. It was just a total complete disconnect with them. It wasn't until Dysi and Captain, and well the Rook too, that I could connect with any character.
It wasn't that they were bad or anything, it just was that I couldn't connect with them. I cared little for her struggle and that also made me go slower in the progress I was making.
It has illustrations I didn't know that. They were very pretty and helped me to understand better a lot of the things that were being described. And who doesn't likes illustrations on books? I haven't met anyone yet.
Could have been better, could have been worse, one thing I know for sure it was a one-time-reading for me.
"We value things more when we know they won't last forever."
"Paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely."
This reminded me of how little I remember of The Witchlands series, so yes, I was a bit lost at times, but I actually remembered everything quite quickly. It also reminded me of how much I love this world.
It took me a little bit to figure out when the story was being told, but after that, it was quite easy to get into it.
The beginning is quite slow though, it wasn't until around halfway through the book, when Captain appears, that I couldn't put it down anymore, before, well, it took me 2 days to read 100 pages or so, and just a few hours to read the rest, so you can compare.
Once it picked up, it was quite interesting, specially Dysi's POVs. We learn more about the world and what the main goal needs to be, as well as some intriguing history that's obviously very important.
"But there is another Sight, a simpler Sight--one that is rooted in clarity of purpose. An ability to see the path that matters most and stay firmly gripped upon it."
The characters were another thing altogether. Ryber I couldn't connect with or any of the other Sisters. It was just a total complete disconnect with them. It wasn't until Dysi and Captain, and well the Rook too, that I could connect with any character.
It wasn't that they were bad or anything, it just was that I couldn't connect with them. I cared little for her struggle and that also made me go slower in the progress I was making.
It has illustrations I didn't know that. They were very pretty and helped me to understand better a lot of the things that were being described. And who doesn't likes illustrations on books? I haven't met anyone yet.
Could have been better, could have been worse, one thing I know for sure it was a one-time-reading for me.
"We value things more when we know they won't last forever."
January 25, 2022
Next time I want to skip a novella while reading a series I'll think about Sightwitch and hopefully I'll go, nah, do the thing.
March 1, 2020
A fantastic extra story that gives extra depth to a few of the characters in Truthwitch.
I adore this series so it was nice to read more background to the sightwitches.
I loved the book but thought the illustrations could have been better.
I adore this series so it was nice to read more background to the sightwitches.
I loved the book but thought the illustrations could have been better.
April 8, 2018
This was so good. Really enjoyed the way it was written and the illustration throughout it.
I am really enjoying the world building in this series, although the second book wasn't the best. This novella was really good, and has so much informaton about the history of the world, would definitely say this novella is a must read for this series. So much important information. I am very interested in seeing how this will be in effect in bloodwitch. because Kullen O.o
I am really enjoying the world building in this series, although the second book wasn't the best. This novella was really good, and has so much informaton about the history of the world, would definitely say this novella is a must read for this series. So much important information. I am very interested in seeing how this will be in effect in bloodwitch. because Kullen O.o
January 15, 2022
3.75 stars.
I really like that we get to know Ryber and Kullen in a different setting. Seeing Ryber growing up and how she meet Kullen. I understand Ryber more now too.
I really like that we get to know Ryber and Kullen in a different setting. Seeing Ryber growing up and how she meet Kullen. I understand Ryber more now too.
May 26, 2018
History might easily be rewritten, but someone somewhere always remembers what truly happened.
Can I just say how much I love this world? I mean, when you first go into it you might get a bit confused about all the witch types, but holy damn this place is incredible!
Ryber is someone that I didn't feel like I quite understood in the full-length novels. She felt more like a side-character, someone there to be the romantic interest of Kullen, so I was instantly intrigued when this book was revealed to be about her. Because that meant she was most likely a whole lot more than what I had believed.
And the story didn't disappoint. I found that I related a lot to Ryber and she was really fun to read about - but this story isn't just about her. It is also about a different event, a different Sightwitch, and something that had been set into motion long, long ago. In a way, the parallells between the two stories reminded me of the Deverry series. However, at times it was also difficult to know who was telling the story - and at what point in time. Which is what lowers my rating by one star. In terms of characters, plot, writing and entertainment - yep, this is definitely a book that you should read as part of the Witchlands series!
February 25, 2018
Looooooved. I ADORE this series. (I've also been playing a lot of Dragon Age: Inquisition lately, so this book's maps, text excerpts, etc reminded me of the different codexes and finding my way through a quest which was an aspect I really enjoyed)
December 7, 2018
I can't say I expected to enjoy this novella the most of anything in this series. I'm really impressed by how much this series has grown on me since Truthwitch. I'm really looking forward to Bloodwitch.
November 6, 2021
This was a tiny bit of a slog to get through only because it felt like it took a long time to understand the point of it all. I was also a bit confused by the timeline so that threw me off. I'm definitely clear about it all now but also.. I have soOoO many questions. Much like book two this ended on a really good note but, again somewhat like book two, it just took a long time for that piece to click into place.
That being said.. the fact that she knew this about him the whole time? Mind is a wee bit blown. That definitely changes things.
2.5 stars
That being said.. the fact that she knew this about him the whole time? Mind is a wee bit blown. That definitely changes things.
2.5 stars
January 28, 2019
“Paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely.”
I honestly don’t know how she does it but, with every book I read of The Witchlands series, Susan Dennard manages to fascinate me even more with the intricate world she has created and with the complex plot around which this series revolves. And I can assure you that this novella isn’t an exception.
Sightwitch is a story about Ryber Fortiza before the events that take place in Truthwitch. As we already knew, Ryber is a Sightwitch, but in this novella we get to know about her past as a Sister in the Sightwitch Sisters Convent, how she really met Kullen and the events that led her to her current mission.
Through journal entries, documents and illustrations, Dennard introduces us to new aspects of The Witchlands, especially regarding the Sightwitches, the goddess Sirmaya and the tale of the Twelve Paladins. The majority of the entries are from Ryber and Eridysi Gochienka’s respective journals. Eridysi was a famous Sightwitch that disappeared a thousand years ago, when the legendary Twelve Paladins still lived. There are also a couple of entries from Tanzi Lamanaya’s journal (another Sightwitch and Ryber’s Threadsister) and an entry from Kullen Ikray’s journal (an Airwitch, First Mate of the Jana and Merik’s Threadbrother).
Some of the questions that have been raised since Truthwitch and Windwitch have their answer in Sightwitch. At the same time, this novella brings up several new questions about how the Twelve Paladins and the Cahr Awen are connected, in addition to the possible role the characters play in all this.
I liked getting to know Ryber through her own POV, because we only knew her thanks to other characters’s POVs until this novella. I was surprised about what she had to face in the Sightwitch Sisters Convent and her mission. I wasn’t expecting her to be an important piece of the plot, so I was pleasantly surprised about everything we discover about her in Sightwitch. Although I have to confess that some parts of her storyline weren’t as fascinating for me as Eridysi’s entries. And speaking of Eridysi, we get to know some of the Paladins through her POV, which I loved. Also, I have a crazy theory about Lisbet and I literally can’t wait to get some answers about her.
The illustrations were a delightful addition to this book. Personally, I found them very helpful in order to visualize a couple of settings and especially some symbols that are very important in the series. I liked how these were interspersed with the journal entries and some documents.
Overall, I think Sightwitch is an enjoyable novella that provides information of great relevance about the series. I definitely preferred Eridysi’s story over Ryber’s and I also found both romances unnecessary, although fortunately these weren’t at the forefront of the book. But I really think this was an interesting addition to the series. I can’t wait to read the next instalments in The Witchlands.
“The beginning,” Tanzi would say if she were here. “Start your tale at the beginning.”
P.S.: English isn’t my native language, so I apologise if you see any mistakes.
April 7, 2018
A fun, unique novella for the Witchlands series - loved the illustrations, maps and diagrams and the diary entries to tell a story. I adore Ryber and how she's a stickler for rules, but learns to break free of them in order to become a Sightwitch. Kullen makes an appearance but he's more of a side character. Definitely worthwhile reading before the next book in the series comes out!
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
January 22, 2024
I did think I was gonna love this more than I did but I found the beginning kind of boring and slow so I thought this would be like a solid 3 Star but then all the good stuff started happening and I was here for it! This is definitely one of my all time favorite series now! I love that world and the atmosphere of these books! Ryber is everything she’s so strong and brave and I can’t wait to get to know her more in the later books
February 24, 2018
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH SO SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 18, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reread 2025: I'm glad I reread this novella. It contains some important information for the larger series that I'd forgotten. It also reminded me a lot more of Lirael on this read through. Review from 2019 below.
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Sightwitch is a novella in The Witchlands by Susan Dennard. It is the back story for Ryber Fortiza, a side character from the main series. The story is told as a series of journal entries primarily by Ryber, with the occasional entry by her threadsister Tanzi and historical entries by the famous Sightwitch Sister Eridysi Gochienka. I find this style of storytelling hit or miss and this one ended up working for me better than I expected. One of the neat things is all the art included as part of the journal. I'm very glad I read this as a physical copy as the drawings may have been shrunk too small on my Kindle.
I enjoyed the story. Ryber's portion focuses on her life in the Sitewitch Sisters Convent about a year before the start of the main series and her original meeting with Kullen. It explains nicely what it means to be a Sightwitch and is a decent, if short, adventure story. More interesting were the historical flashbacks provided by Eridysi's journal entries. These added another layer to the world building of the Witchlands that I found fascinating. I wish there had been more of them.
Without going into too many details for fear of spoilers, I'm excited to see how this will tie back to the main series with Bloodwitch.
Reread 2025: I'm glad I reread this novella. It contains some important information for the larger series that I'd forgotten. It also reminded me a lot more of Lirael on this read through. Review from 2019 below.
-------------
Sightwitch is a novella in The Witchlands by Susan Dennard. It is the back story for Ryber Fortiza, a side character from the main series. The story is told as a series of journal entries primarily by Ryber, with the occasional entry by her threadsister Tanzi and historical entries by the famous Sightwitch Sister Eridysi Gochienka. I find this style of storytelling hit or miss and this one ended up working for me better than I expected. One of the neat things is all the art included as part of the journal. I'm very glad I read this as a physical copy as the drawings may have been shrunk too small on my Kindle.
I enjoyed the story. Ryber's portion focuses on her life in the Sitewitch Sisters Convent about a year before the start of the main series and her original meeting with Kullen. It explains nicely what it means to be a Sightwitch and is a decent, if short, adventure story. More interesting were the historical flashbacks provided by Eridysi's journal entries. These added another layer to the world building of the Witchlands that I found fascinating. I wish there had been more of them.
Without going into too many details for fear of spoilers, I'm excited to see how this will tie back to the main series with Bloodwitch.
November 8, 2020
[Basing this on the 118 pages I got to read, so minor changes will be made when I read the finished copy]
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for letting me get to take a sneak peek at this book!
Guys, its looking good! No seriously, its got artwork in it and of course the images are gorgeous! Now you're probably wondering why there's artwork and that is because this is being told in diary format.
Which completely works! Its got multiple POV's and this gave credence to the story as well as a flair of the dramatic.
Sightwitch gives the background story of Ryber and how she met Kullen but its got more to it than that. It is also the story of how she became a Sightwitch and insight into one of the coolest figures from the history of this world.... ERIDYSI HERSELF Y'ALL!!!!!!!! We finally will get some insight into this ancient history of her lament, the 12 paladins, and honestly a super cool history lesson about magic.
I continue to love and appreciate Dennard's way of answering questions I didn't know I had, ones I already had waiting for answers, and giving me new questions to ponder while I wait for her next book!
This novella will definitely add to the world and make the wait for Bloodwitch far more bearable.
[Current star rating is temporary until I've read a finished copy]
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for letting me get to take a sneak peek at this book!
Guys, its looking good! No seriously, its got artwork in it and of course the images are gorgeous! Now you're probably wondering why there's artwork and that is because this is being told in diary format.
Which completely works! Its got multiple POV's and this gave credence to the story as well as a flair of the dramatic.
Sightwitch gives the background story of Ryber and how she met Kullen but its got more to it than that. It is also the story of how she became a Sightwitch and insight into one of the coolest figures from the history of this world.... ERIDYSI HERSELF Y'ALL!!!!!!!! We finally will get some insight into this ancient history of her lament, the 12 paladins, and honestly a super cool history lesson about magic.
I continue to love and appreciate Dennard's way of answering questions I didn't know I had, ones I already had waiting for answers, and giving me new questions to ponder while I wait for her next book!
This novella will definitely add to the world and make the wait for Bloodwitch far more bearable.
[Current star rating is temporary until I've read a finished copy]
October 3, 2019
Hmmm I have some issues with this but it also was good!
First of all, you should know that this novella is essential if you plan on reading this series!
There's so much history in this, and therein lies the problem. Why would leave the previous books lacking and shove it all in this small story?! Not only I almost skipped this but tbh there were moments in the previous books that I lost interest and wanted more!
Besides that, the book is basically told thru dreams and memories of two characters written in a journal. This just screams at me that it could've been part of the other two books, especially that they weren't big books, but I understand if the author had to keep to a certain word count.
The plot, if you could call it that, was good tho and I love that I get to know a couple of characters more, it was enough for me to like this book and to appreciate the series in general.
I just can't help thinking of how good this series would've been if the reveals were slow, if all the things we learned here were in Truthwitch and Windwitch, I totally would've 5 stared at least one of them!
First of all, you should know that this novella is essential if you plan on reading this series!
There's so much history in this, and therein lies the problem. Why would leave the previous books lacking and shove it all in this small story?! Not only I almost skipped this but tbh there were moments in the previous books that I lost interest and wanted more!
Besides that, the book is basically told thru dreams and memories of two characters written in a journal. This just screams at me that it could've been part of the other two books, especially that they weren't big books, but I understand if the author had to keep to a certain word count.
The plot, if you could call it that, was good tho and I love that I get to know a couple of characters more, it was enough for me to like this book and to appreciate the series in general.
I just can't help thinking of how good this series would've been if the reveals were slow, if all the things we learned here were in Truthwitch and Windwitch, I totally would've 5 stared at least one of them!
May 22, 2020
22/05/2020
I had debated if it was necessary to reread this before going on to Bloodwitch, and yes. Yes it is vey much necessary. It explains some things that are happening in the story, and starts other storylines at the same time. I really hope more of this gets explained in the next books, because i still have so many questions.
22/06/2018
This was so good?? I really need the next book in the series, there are so many questions that are left unanswered
I had debated if it was necessary to reread this before going on to Bloodwitch, and yes. Yes it is vey much necessary. It explains some things that are happening in the story, and starts other storylines at the same time. I really hope more of this gets explained in the next books, because i still have so many questions.
22/06/2018
This was so good?? I really need the next book in the series, there are so many questions that are left unanswered
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