Susan Dennard

Susan Dennard is an American fantasy author best known for her young adult series The Witchlands, which began with Truthwitch in 2016. She has also written the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy, a young adult historical fantasy series set in the Victorian era. Before becoming a writer, Dennard earned a master's degree in marine ecology and worked as a professional scientist. She transitioned to writing full-time after the publication of her first novel, Something Strange and Deadly, in 2012. The Witchlands series has been her most commercially successful work, with multiple books appearing on the New York Times bestseller list. The series follows two young women in a fantasy world where certain people possess magical abilities tied to natural elements and forces. Dennard is known for providing writing advice and resources to aspiring authors through her website and newsletter. She has also taught writing workshops and maintains an active presence in the young adult publishing community.

Readers consistently highlight Dennard's world-building in The Witchlands series and her character development, particularly the focus on female friendship. Many readers praise her magic system for its unique elemental approach and rules. Readers appreciate: - Complex platonic relationships between main characters - Fast-paced action sequences - Detailed magic mechanics - Writing style that balances description and plot movement - Strong character growth across series Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in middle books of series - Multiple POV switches that can be hard to follow - Romance subplots sometimes overshadow main storylines - Worldbuilding can feel overwhelming initially Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Truthwitch: 3.9/5 (75,000+ ratings) - Something Strange and Deadly: 3.7/5 (20,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Truthwitch: 4.4/5 - Windwitch: 4.5/5 One reader noted: "The friendship between Safi and Iseult carries the entire story - refreshing to see in YA fantasy." Another commented: "Too many characters and plot threads by book three - lost track of who was who."

The Witchlands Series: Truthwitch - Four friends navigate politics and magic in a world where different types of witchery grant distinct powers. Windwitch - The story continues as a Threadwitch's vision of a coming war drives the main characters to separate paths. Bloodwitch - A powerful Bloodwitch pursues answers about his past while protecting those he's sworn to defend. Sightwitch - A standalone prequel novella focusing on a young Sightwitch's journey through ancient ruins. Witchshadow - The fourth main installment follows the characters as they confront an empire's dark secrets.

The Something Strange and Deadly Series: Something Strange and Deadly - In 1876 Philadelphia, a girl joins Spirit-Hunters to fight the walking dead and find her missing brother. A Darkness Strange and Lovely - Eleanor travels to Paris, developing darker powers while continuing her quest. Strange and Ever After - The trilogy concludes in Egypt as Eleanor faces the ultimate battle against an ancient evil.

Stand-Alone Work: The Luminaries - A teenager trains with a secret society of monster hunters while investigating her father's disappearance.

Sarah J. Maas writes fantasy series featuring female protagonists who develop strong powers and face political intrigue. Her books contain romance subplots and magical world-building similar to Dennard's Witchlands series.

Julie Kagawa creates fantasy worlds with elemental magic systems and complex character relationships. Her Iron Fey series includes forbidden romance and court politics that parallel themes in Dennard's work.

Alexandra Bracken focuses on characters with supernatural abilities who navigate dangerous situations while questioning their loyalties. Her books incorporate historical elements and magic-based combat scenes comparable to Something Strange and Deadly.

Leigh Bardugo builds fantasy worlds with detailed magic systems and ensemble casts caught in power struggles. Her Grishaverse novels share Similar themes of found family and magical warfare with Dennard's writing.

Rachel Hartman writes about societies where humans interact with magical beings while exploring themes of identity and duty. Her books feature strong worldbuilding and political complexity that would appeal to readers of the Witchlands series.