lucerez's review against another edition
3.0
Clio continues to be frustratingly dim and naive. There's also a feeling that her skills are unearned - she just naturally was born with them - and so the reader doesn't feel much when she's successful at anything. Lyre is much more compelling because he put work into his skills and talents, but he has a major character flaw I'd refer to as "not like other incubi", which the author doesn't seem to have any awareness of. He looks down on other members of his caste even as he suffers from the same stereotypes that he puts on them - it's a classic oppressed outgroup situation, and yet the author might be unfamiliar with the dynamic because she seems to lean into it. The plot and world-building is compelling enough to continue to finish the series, however.
steffi_au_penguinbooks's review against another edition
5.0
5 well deserved stars!
Annette Marie giving me heartattacks since 2018 continues with this book.
Is it possible to fall even more in love with characters?! I mean, I already deeply love Lyre since the Steel&Stone series (which takes place five years after the Spell Weaver trilogy. However .... Clio ... that girl has received a very special place in my heart. Although being a nymph and therefore being physicially weak, she keeps fighting and fighting and FIGHTING and she is so brave and determined but also caring and cute!!! I missed her being a walking disaster, but her character growth is amazing!
I loved and laughed out loud at Clio and Piper's interactions. Thirteen year old Piper was already such a mood! You don't have any idea how much I am longing to get the new series Blackfire ❤
Furthermore, the "bonding" of Ash and Lyre is definitely way different than I had imagined while reading S&S!
As for the writing - is as alaways - amazing. The story is fast paced with many many super cool magical fights and quiet romantic scenes. I'm so addicted to her books (despite of frequent heartattacks) I guess Annette Marie has become one of my favourite authors!
So, if you're looking for a fast paced magical urban fantasy - go for it!!
Annette Marie giving me heartattacks since 2018 continues with this book.
Is it possible to fall even more in love with characters?! I mean, I already deeply love Lyre since the Steel&Stone series (which takes place five years after the Spell Weaver trilogy. However .... Clio ... that girl has received a very special place in my heart. Although being a nymph and therefore being physicially weak, she keeps fighting and fighting and FIGHTING and she is so brave and determined but also caring and cute!!! I missed her being a walking disaster, but her character growth is amazing!
I loved and laughed out loud at Clio and Piper's interactions. Thirteen year old Piper was already such a mood! You don't have any idea how much I am longing to get the new series Blackfire ❤
Furthermore, the "bonding" of Ash and Lyre is definitely way different than I had imagined while reading S&S!
As for the writing - is as alaways - amazing. The story is fast paced with many many super cool magical fights and quiet romantic scenes. I'm so addicted to her books (despite of frequent heartattacks) I guess Annette Marie has become one of my favourite authors!
So, if you're looking for a fast paced magical urban fantasy - go for it!!
toastedbagel's review against another edition
4.0
A blackout and impending responsibilities didn't stop me from devouring this book. It has enough action and suspense to keep readers on the edge.
Clio is a gem and despite the naivety and innocence she's also fiercely loyal, determined and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Lyre, too, is definitely well-loved. He's smart, quick on his feet and simply, inherently, good at heart even with all that he has suffered. To see these two contrasting characters protect and rely on each other so naturally as they go through all the trials and tribulations of their journey, it's easy to develop a soft spot for them.
At this point it's safe to say I'm addicted to Annette Marie's writing and I'm craving for more!
Clio is a gem and despite the naivety and innocence she's also fiercely loyal, determined and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Lyre, too, is definitely well-loved. He's smart, quick on his feet and simply, inherently, good at heart even with all that he has suffered. To see these two contrasting characters protect and rely on each other so naturally as they go through all the trials and tribulations of their journey, it's easy to develop a soft spot for them.
At this point it's safe to say I'm addicted to Annette Marie's writing and I'm craving for more!
cricklewood's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Setting/Worldbuilding: 8/10
Main characters: 7/10
Side characters: 7/10
Dialogue: 8/10
Plot: 7/10
Technique: 8/10
Prose: 7/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Overall enjoyment: 8/10
Total: 76/100 (3.8)
This definitely did not have middle book syndrome!! I’m so pleased we get to go back to the Consulate (with a very cute, very important cameo) AND are treated to a wonderful expansion of the Overworld. The relationship between Clio and Lyre matured a little this time round, as has Clio as a character (thank goodness). Again, the antagonists are fairly obvious here, but that did not dampen the reading experience at all as it became clear very early on what the characters were working towards.
h3rbatka's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
bunnerz's review against another edition
4.0
Ratings - completed series:
#1 The Night Realm: ★★★★☆
#2 The Shadow Weave (this book): ★★★★☆
#3 The Blood Curse: ★★★★☆
#1 The Night Realm: ★★★★☆
#2 The Shadow Weave (this book): ★★★★☆
#3 The Blood Curse: ★★★★☆
jessdone's review against another edition
2.0
The Middle One! Good enough for me to keep reading but not good enough I recommend the series. This series isn't immersive. I'm asking myself "who was this series written for?" Marie's work caters to a YA audience but the conflict in this series feels like a watered down fairy tale. The story lacks both complexity or stakes. I'm missing the general teen "finding your place in the world" "making a place in the world" vibes. There is no rebellious spirit or questioning of authority, all the stuff that make the YA a fun market for non conformists of all ages to read. There's a desperation to fit into the worlds the main characters have been kicked out of, worlds that weren't so great to start with. I'm not compelled.
As always, Marie creates imaginative creatures and has interesting action pieces integrated into her story. Her writing is pleasant and her world feels lived in, it just seems like Clio and Lyre haven't live in this world long.
As always, Marie creates imaginative creatures and has interesting action pieces integrated into her story. Her writing is pleasant and her world feels lived in, it just seems like Clio and Lyre haven't live in this world long.
lifeofaliterarynerd's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
The Shadow Weave picks up right where The Night Realm left off. We follows Clio and Lyre after they’ve escaped from Asphodel and are determined to get back Lyre’s KLOC spell before it can be used to destroy all of their worlds. I just have such a love for urban fantasy and this world that Annette Marie has crafted. I really liked that we got more of Clio’s background, learning more about her pre-Earth life. It really added some depth to her character. Like her other books, The Shadow Weave is not short on action. The fight scenes are engaging and intense and feel like there are stakes. Each fight is hard fought and has consequences. I also really enjoyed the Easter Eggs we get to the Steel & Stone series - I LOVED seeing a young Piper and seeing the River Sytx again. I did think that some of the scene transitions were a little jarring. They weren’t as fluid as I would have liked - there was a bunch of location changes or micro time jumps that felt distinct. Overall I had a really fun time with this book and I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in The Blood Curse!
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Shadow Weave picks up right where The Night Realm left off. We follows Clio and Lyre after they’ve escaped from Asphodel and are determined to get back Lyre’s KLOC spell before it can be used to destroy all of their worlds. I just have such a love for urban fantasy and this world that Annette Marie has crafted. I really liked that we got more of Clio’s background, learning more about her pre-Earth life. It really added some depth to her character. Like her other books, The Shadow Weave is not short on action. The fight scenes are engaging and intense and feel like there are stakes. Each fight is hard fought and has consequences. I also really enjoyed the Easter Eggs we get to the Steel & Stone series - I LOVED seeing a young Piper and seeing the River Sytx again. I did think that some of the scene transitions were a little jarring. They weren’t as fluid as I would have liked - there was a bunch of location changes or micro time jumps that felt distinct. Overall I had a really fun time with this book and I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in The Blood Curse!
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.