Truthwitch Read-along Discussion #3

The third week's Discussion Questions are hosted over on Dreaming in Libraries!  Check out her post for more information, and for a giveaway of a German Truthwitch paperback preorder!  If you like collecting foreign editions of beloved books, this is a wonderful opportunity!  I've now read up to Chapter 29, so have some thoughts to share:

Week #3 Discussion Questions

• A huge part of the story takes place on the sea. Do you love the ocean? Would you like to travel with the crew on the Jana? Or do you think you'd get seasick?

I do love the ocean!  Just not getting into the water or swimming.  I think there's something very relaxing and beautiful about looking out at the water, so I wouldn't mind traveling by ship.  However, I do like my creature comforts, so I'm not sure traveling on the Jana would be the best for me.  It seems like a very hard life, and the short supply of food is worrying!  I wouldn't mind traveling with Merik though - and seeing the windwitches and tidewitches at work - so maybe when Merik commands a much nicer ship? :)

• From the boys we've met so far - Merik, Aeduan, Kullen, Leopold - who would you choose to be your book boyfriend? OR: From the girls we've met so far - Safiya, Iseult, Evrane, Ryber - who would you choose to be your book girlfriend?

Actually I'm very partial to Leopold!  I just love his sense of humor and the fact that he's obviously pretending to be someone he's not.  He's much more honorable than he's letting on.  At least I hope his character won't take a turn for the worst!

• Did you imagine the sea foxes as described in the book? Do you think they'll play a greater part later in the series?

When I first heard about the sea foxes through the street team project, I really had no idea they would be as menacing and fearsome as they are in this book.   They really are pretty monstrous.  I loved the suspense they lended to the story, and I hope they will play a greater part later on.  Maybe someone will find a way to tame them!

• What is your first impression of Nubrevna?

Nubrevna seems a sad place actually - which makes me hurt for Merik since it's his homeland and it's clear he loves it so much.  And Nubrevna was once a great land.  It's sad that it's been downtrodden for so long.

• Character Spotlight: Merik | "Whenever there were wrinkles, Merik had to smooth them out." (p. 205) Do you think he succeeds in "smoothing the wrinkles out"? What do you think of his actions so far? Do you like Merik?

Merik can be a bit impulsive, but his heart is in the right place, and he is very noble and respected by his people, so I can't help admire him.  The strict restraint he has on himself also makes me sympathize with him because he works so hard to do the right thing and not give into his temper.  So he tries his best to smooth the wrinkles, and because he works so hard to keep control of himself, I think he succeeds most of the time.  He is a fun character to read about though - for all the times he loses control!

Next week's reading schedule:

Week 4

Feb 23-29 // Chapters 30-End

Hosted by Carine @ Ceres Book World

Character spotlight: Aeduan

Also don't forget that if you have done a second or third week Discussion post, you can use one of them for more entries in my giveaway of a Truthwitch design Tote bag!

Truthwitch Read-along: Discussion #2

The second week's Discussion Questions are hosted over on Candid Cover!  Check out her post for more information, and for a giveaway of a Truthwitch audiobook!  I've now read up to Chapter 19th, so have some thoughts to share:

Week #2 Discussion Questions

• Of the lands that we have visited so far in the book, where in the Witchlands would you want to live, given the choice?

Dalmotti Empire seems the most desirable - I picture Veñaza City like Venice, and the fact that it is a republic makes it seem a much more democratic and open-minded place.  Although all the Witchlands are on the verge of war, so it's probably not going to be a pleasant place for long...

• There have been quite a few mottos and words of wisdom used by a few of the characters so far. Which one is your favourite? Do you have any special phrases that help you get through your day?

"Stasis in your fingertips and your toes."   This is Iseult's reminder to keep herself calm and I love it because control of yourself and your emotions is something everyone has to (or should) master.  I've just started trying an introduction to meditation too which is very calming, and I feel like this quote is a mantra for mindfulness technique!

• Friendship is a main theme that pulses through Truthwitch. Do you have a relationship like Safi and Iseult? Is there someone out there who always has your back and will defend you?

I'm thankful that I do have a few people who I would call close friends, who I feel like I can count on.  I don't know if they can physically defend me, LOL, but I know that they are loyal and genuinely care for me, as I do for them.  It's wonderful to have those kinds of friendships, and wonderful to read about them in fiction as well.  Because you can feel more of a connection to the story and characters.

• If you were inserted into one of the novel’s epic battle scenes, which witchery would you like to have in order to defend yourself?

For defense, I think the best witchery for me would be being a windwitch.  So I can get the heck out of there. LOL  I'm not a fighter, and would probably be lacking basic sword technique even in a fictional fantasy world.  So it would be defense for me and not offense!

• Character Spotlight: Iseult | Do you find Iseult to be a likeable character? How do you feel about the way she is treated like an outcast? Do you think she is a good influence on Safiya?

Iseult is my girl!  I identify with her the most in this book.  I think her outcast status makes her relatable because most people have felt outcast in their lives (though not as horribly discriminated as Iseult is in the novel - I hope).  She is a good influence on everybody probably with her tendency towards cool, rationality and her intelligence.  Even though Truthwitch has so much realism to the characters with their faults, I can't think of one for Iseult.... maybe she is too timid?  But I'm like that so I don't see it as a fault per say...

Next week's reading schedule:

Week 3

Feb 16-22 // Chapters 20-29

Hosted by Kim @ Dreaming in Libraries

Character spotlight: Merik

Also don't forget that if you have done a second week Discussion post, you can use it for more entries in my giveaway of a Truthwitch design Tote bag!

Truthwitch Read-along: Discussion #1 + Giveaway (INT)

It's the end (or near to the end) of the first week of our Truthwitch read-along. I hope everyone is loving (or re-loving?) the book so far!  I'm answering the first week's discussion questions today - if you haven't read it yet, there are some kinda spoilers (although not too bad if you are not a stickler for avoiding them) so fair warning.

There's also a giveaway below for a unique Truthwitch design Tote Bag I created especially for this read-along.  It's open to everyone, not just read-along participants (the giveaway is International!) but the participants in the read-along have the opportunity for more entries.  Don't forget that next week the discussion is hosted on Candid Cover!

Week #1 Discussion Questions

• Safi and Iseult are fantastic fighters.  Have you ever wanted to learn how to fight, take self-defense classes or have you already?  Tell us about your reasoning/experience!

I would love to know self-defense - not really how to fight aggressively, but to be able to turn someone's strength against them.  Just for the sense of security that would give me I think.  And how cool it would be to surprise a potential aggressor with a 'not this time!' moment. :D   It's seems fun know how to wield a sword though, but that's probably not for me.  If I was going for fantasy fighting skills I would probably go for being adept at the bow and arrow.

• Of these specialized witcheries revealed so far (truthwitch, threadwitch, bloodwitch, wordwitch, windwitch, voicewitch) which power would you like to have and why?

I'm fascinated most with the word witchery.  I would love to have the power of words changing people's minds or realities.  It's a manipulative power, but because words are so meaningful to me in terms of how I love to read, and delight in expressive and moving prose, it would be interesting to be able to wield that as a power.

• The beginning of the book already features political intrigue, Safi and Iseult trying to get away, and the mystery of cleaving.  Which plot point interests you the most so far, and why?

I'm loving how rich the story is just from the first 9 chapters, and I like every plot point so far (even the political intrigue, which normally doesn't grab my attention), but I think I'd have to choose Safi and Iseult's plight as the most interesting so far.  Especially when so many problems come up for them - the Bloodwitch in particular is a nervewracking menace on the horizon for them at the moment.

• Share a favorite quote from the book!

"He might've spent years mastering his family's famous temper, yet all it would take at this point was one more grain.  One more grain of salt, and the ocean would flood."

This quote about Merik, describes him perfectly - he always seems on the verge of succumbing to his temper.  He's fun. :)  I love the imagery too, which is so perfect since Merik is the Captain of a ship.

• Character Spotlight: Safiya |  Talk about what you like or dislike about Safi.  Do you identify with her in any way?  What do you think about her actions so far?

Safi is so smart and clever, but I really feel for Iseult in having to deal with her.  Safi is also impulsive and prone to rash actions, so I sometimes want to (lovingly?) yell at her for her behavior.  It's wonderful how Iseult bears it - truly a sign of how beautiful their friendship is.  But Safi is intensely loyal and very charming, so she's a wonderful character to get to know - she has her flaws, but she's awesome!

Continue reading →

Truthwitch Read-along Kick-off

Today's the start of our Truthwitch read-along!  To re-cap - it's for the month of February and we will feature discussion questions and giveaways every week, culminating in a twitter chat for all the participants and Witchlanders. Here’s the planned schedule for the read-along:

Week 1

Feb 1-8 // Chapters 1-9

Hosted by Charlene @ Bookish Whimsy

Character spotlight: Safiya

Week 2

Feb 9-15 // Chapters 10-19

Hosted by Olivia @ Candid Cover

Character spotlight: Iseult

Week 3

Feb 16-22 // Chapters 20-29

Hosted by Kim @ Dreaming in Libraries

Character spotlight: Merik

Week 4

Feb 23-29 // Chapters 30-End

Hosted by Carine @ Ceres Book World

Character spotlight: Aeduan

Feb 28 - Twitter Chat at 10am EST, use #TWReadalong

By February 8th, we hope you will have read the first nine chapters of Truthwitch, and to help you prepare here are some questions to answer for your first week's discussion post:

Discussion Questions

1. Safi and Iseult are fantastic fighters.  Have you ever wanted to learn how to fight/take self-defense classes or have you already?  Tell us about your reasoning/experience!
2. Of these specialized witcheries revealed so far (truthwitch, threadwitch, bloodwitch, wordwitch, windwitch, voicewitch) which power would you like to have and why?
3. The beginning of the book already features political intrigue, Safi and Iseult trying to get away, and the mystery of cleaving.  Which plot point interests you the most so far, and why?
4. Share a favorite quote from the book!
5. Character Spotlight: Safiya |  Talk about what you like or dislike about Safi.  Do you identify with her in any way?  What do you think about her actions so far? 

This Friday, February 5th, I'll post my answers to the discussion questions, but feel free to post your discussion at any time!  Please do add your discussion post link to the linky below when it's ready.  I'll also have a special giveaway of a Truthwitch tote bag, so check back on the 5th to enter!



Oh and there's still time to sign-up for the read-along!  We would love for everyone to join us!  Check out this post for all the details.

Join the Truthwitch Read-along!

Turns out, it's too much fun to be a part of the Truthwitch Street Team to just stop!  My clan in the team - the Waterwitch Babes - decided to host a read-along of the novel as a way to continue our shenanigans.  I will be re-reading it as I read it earlier last year (my 5 star review!), but I'm excited to revisit the story and the characters!  For more updates, our Waterwitch Babes twitter and tumblr will keep everyone informed.

The Truthwitch read-along will be held in February and will feature discussion questions and giveaways every week, culminating in a twitter chat for all the participants and Witchlanders. Here’s the planned schedule for the read-along:

Week 1

Feb 1-8 // Chapters 1-9

Hosted by Charlene @ Bookish Whimsy

Character spotlight: Safiya

Week 2

Feb 9-15 // Chapters 10-19

Hosted by Olivia @ Candid Cover

Character spotlight: Iseult

Week 3

Feb 16-22 // Chapters 20-29

Hosted by Kim @ Dreaming in Libraries

Character spotlight: Merik

Week 4

Feb 23-29 // Chapters 30-End

Hosted by Carine @ Ceres Book World

Character spotlight: Aeduan

Feb 28 - Twitter Chat at 10am EST, use #TWReadalong

Non-spoilery discussion questions will be posted at the beginning of every week on the blog of the hosting Waterwitch, and all the participants are encouraged to share their thoughts - by answering the questions, or by just talking about the book on their blog by the end of the week. There will be a linky on the host discussion page for everyone to link their post to, and special giveaways as a way to thank everyone for reading and sharing the love of this wonderful book.  To clarify - for the first week's discussion, my blog will have the information - for the subsequent weeks, it will be on the other Waterwitches blogs.

In addition, every week we want to focus on one of the four main characters and encourage everyone to talk about what they like or dislike about them, if they identify with them, and what they think about their actions and motivations so far. Week 1 we will spotlight Safiya, Week 2: Iseult, Week 3: Merik, and Week 4: Aeduan. They are all such interesting and varied characters, that it will be great to read how everyone sees them!

So please do sign up below! If this is your first time reading Truthwitch, or a much needed re-read, we would be thrilled if you would join us in on our read-along!  Plus you can also enter for a giveaway of a Truthwitch bookmark!

Continue reading →