ashm21's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you NetGalley! This book was really interesting. I will say the first part of the book had me really confused and not really sure what was going on. However, it really picked up and I couldn't put it down!
minipanda's review
Zaria, a slave, is desperately trying to save her family. She entered a competition, hoping she could win her freedom. Instead, she was claimed by the Savage King (Harken). Zaria then agrees to help Harken find whoever is behind the Dark Rip; in return, he will help her save her family.
I was initially excited to start the novel since the concept sounds intriguing. Unfortunately, I was struggling to get into the story. First, too much telling instead of showing and info-dumping. The author could of focus on using more descriptive and immersive language to show the reader what is happening in the story, rather than simply telling them. Second, too many names were thrown around. I wish the author had introduced a few key characters first, giving us time to become familiar with them before introducing more. Lastly, the pacing was too slow.
I wasn't invested enough to want to pick the novel back up once I had put it down.
Overall, not for me.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Holden, and Fehu Press for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
I was initially excited to start the novel since the concept sounds intriguing. Unfortunately, I was struggling to get into the story. First, too much telling instead of showing and info-dumping. The author could of focus on using more descriptive and immersive language to show the reader what is happening in the story, rather than simply telling them. Second, too many names were thrown around. I wish the author had introduced a few key characters first, giving us time to become familiar with them before introducing more. Lastly, the pacing was too slow.
I wasn't invested enough to want to pick the novel back up once I had put it down.
Overall, not for me.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Holden, and Fehu Press for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
adrihean's review
4.0
In "Woven in Darkness" by Lucy Holden, readers are drawn into a captivating tale of resilience, freedom, and an unlikely romance set against a backdrop of dragons, magic, and an enigmatic dark king. Zaria, a determined slave, yearns for freedom not only for herself but also for her siblings. Her journey centers around winning the Arkady and the Maverick's race, a pivotal event that could secure her future and ultimately rescue her beloved family members from their dire fates.
The enigmatic Harken, known as the Savage King, becomes an unexpected player in Zaria's quest. During the Arkady race, he claims her as a partner, driven by his own motives: to uncover the identity of the culprit responsible for rift openings and to break Zaria's slave weave. As they navigate a treacherous path filled with intrigue and danger, both fight the undeniable attraction that simmers between them, steadfastly pursuing their individual goals.
In this slow-burn fantasy romance, Lucy Holden weaves a rich tapestry of a world brimming with dragons, magic, social hierarchies, and hidden riches. The narrative, while intriguing, occasionally left me grappling with elements of the unique world-building. It diverges from the conventions of popular fantasy literature, presenting a fresh and distinctive lore, though one that is shrouded in mystery. While this adds to the allure of the story, it also left me yearning for a deeper exploration of the intricacies of this fascinating universe in future books.
I connected with Zaria as the eldest sister needs to protect her siblings at all costs. Her struggles to protect them, even when her choices inadvertently cause harm, make her a relatable protagonist. Likewise, Harken's burdened by a heavy sense of responsibility and a need for self-isolation had me rooting for him. 4 out of 5 stars.
The enigmatic Harken, known as the Savage King, becomes an unexpected player in Zaria's quest. During the Arkady race, he claims her as a partner, driven by his own motives: to uncover the identity of the culprit responsible for rift openings and to break Zaria's slave weave. As they navigate a treacherous path filled with intrigue and danger, both fight the undeniable attraction that simmers between them, steadfastly pursuing their individual goals.
In this slow-burn fantasy romance, Lucy Holden weaves a rich tapestry of a world brimming with dragons, magic, social hierarchies, and hidden riches. The narrative, while intriguing, occasionally left me grappling with elements of the unique world-building. It diverges from the conventions of popular fantasy literature, presenting a fresh and distinctive lore, though one that is shrouded in mystery. While this adds to the allure of the story, it also left me yearning for a deeper exploration of the intricacies of this fascinating universe in future books.
I connected with Zaria as the eldest sister needs to protect her siblings at all costs. Her struggles to protect them, even when her choices inadvertently cause harm, make her a relatable protagonist. Likewise, Harken's burdened by a heavy sense of responsibility and a need for self-isolation had me rooting for him. 4 out of 5 stars.
snarkymotherreader's review
5.0
Zaria and her four siblings have been slaves as long as they can remember. Found as small children with shadow braids around their necks, they've dreamed of a day where they could be free.
Zaria sees their chance in the Braid Race, a race where slaves compete for their freedom. The winner has their braid unwoven; the losers are killed. If she can win the race, she can be free and find a way to buy her siblings' freedom.
Strange forces are at work to stop her. A tall, savage stranger saves her life, heals her wounds, and sparks her curiosity. Powerful enemies emerge. And a forbidden temptation may be Zaria's salvation...or her undoing.
Woven in Darkness is one of the best fantasy novels I've read this year. It has a strong FMC, morally grey hero, immersive worldbuilding without info dumps, a slow burn romance, intrigue, and a dragon!
What more could you ask for??
Harken is a fascinating character. I love that we're given glimpses into his past through their connection. It makes it more heart-wrenching to see it all unravel. His care for Zaria is exactly how I'd imagine someone created vs born would act.
Zaria and her siblings have so much potential, and I hope we get to see more about their futures. Her sisters have been through hell and her younger brother may rival her older brother for the title of Strong Stoic.
The cast of side characters made the story rich and easy to get lost in. Exactly how much does Gemory know? What happened to Huxley? Will the wolves play a pivotal role in the next book? Can Harken's sworn enemy be redeemed? I feel like that meme of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory - I MUST KNOW!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zaria sees their chance in the Braid Race, a race where slaves compete for their freedom. The winner has their braid unwoven; the losers are killed. If she can win the race, she can be free and find a way to buy her siblings' freedom.
Strange forces are at work to stop her. A tall, savage stranger saves her life, heals her wounds, and sparks her curiosity. Powerful enemies emerge. And a forbidden temptation may be Zaria's salvation...or her undoing.
Woven in Darkness is one of the best fantasy novels I've read this year. It has a strong FMC, morally grey hero, immersive worldbuilding without info dumps, a slow burn romance, intrigue, and a dragon!
What more could you ask for??
Harken is a fascinating character. I love that we're given glimpses into his past through their connection. It makes it more heart-wrenching to see it all unravel. His care for Zaria is exactly how I'd imagine someone created vs born would act.
Zaria and her siblings have so much potential, and I hope we get to see more about their futures. Her sisters have been through hell and her younger brother may rival her older brother for the title of Strong Stoic.
The cast of side characters made the story rich and easy to get lost in. Exactly how much does Gemory know? What happened to Huxley? Will the wolves play a pivotal role in the next book? Can Harken's sworn enemy be redeemed? I feel like that meme of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory - I MUST KNOW!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
cedesreads's review
3.0
3.5 / 5
This is a good read! It is a slower paced dark fantasy, but it will hold your attention if that’s what you are into. The world building is a bit complicated. There were times where the author dumped a lot of information that left me confused, but thankfully I ended up understanding it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy <3
This is a good read! It is a slower paced dark fantasy, but it will hold your attention if that’s what you are into. The world building is a bit complicated. There were times where the author dumped a lot of information that left me confused, but thankfully I ended up understanding it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy <3
addyreadsitall's review
3.0
Woven in Darkness had an interesting premise. Enemies to lovers, magic, found/made family. It had everything that I usually devour. *Usually*
This book started out extremely slow, in my opinion, and was more than a bit confusing. I know, I know... sometimes that happens. The problem here was that it happened for so long that it took me completely out of the story.
I will say that the characters were great and I loved them.
Thank you to Netgalley and Fehu Press for sending me this audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out extremely slow, in my opinion, and was more than a bit confusing. I know, I know... sometimes that happens. The problem here was that it happened for so long that it took me completely out of the story.
I will say that the characters were great and I loved them.
Thank you to Netgalley and Fehu Press for sending me this audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
prfctlymismtchd's review
3.0
Thank you to Lucy Holden/Fehu Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book and audiobook to Review.
Woven in Darkness is the beginning of a multi-part Romantacy (Woven Saga). This book focuses on the freeing of Zaria a woman who was enslaved as a child. Zaria tries to be a fierce protector of her "siblings", other orphaned children who mysteriously appeared with her one night. At the beginning of this book Zaria encounters Harken who helps her in her quest to win freedom and riches enough to free her "siblings".
Stars: 3/5
Spice: 2/5
Things I liked about this book:
- the main character and most of the prominent side characters are described as distinctly not-white
- fun and fascinating world that has been built
- really enjoyed Zaria and Harken's personalities and reasonings for doing things.
- author has interesting ways to describe darker human concepts.
- the romance between Zaria isn't the central part of the story even though their emotions are a driving force in the book.
Things I didn't love about this book:
- the world created has a lot of its own language (which is cool but confusing), and makes it harder to get into the book and story. The world is completely unique to this author and not rooted in reality or well-established lore (say Harry Potter, Harry Dresden, Alpha and Omega, Emily Wildes's Encyclopedia of Faeries etc) I really wish that there was a glossary to help explain certain concepts or objects (ie the needles) better and maybe a map.
Specific Notes on the Audiobook: Narrated by Heather Takano
- In some places, the words narrated and the text on paper do not line up 100%. It does not change or detract from the experience/story but there are discrepancies (usually inconsequential words are missing).
- The narrator speaks very clearly but the intonation is a little flat. Heightened emotions and dramatic actions are often read in a similar manner as more mundane descriptions. I personally prefer a more dramatic reading that really pulls me along. But this narration was still very pleasant to listen to.
I'll definitely be looking for book two in 2024 to see how things unfold.
Woven in Darkness is the beginning of a multi-part Romantacy (Woven Saga). This book focuses on the freeing of Zaria a woman who was enslaved as a child. Zaria tries to be a fierce protector of her "siblings", other orphaned children who mysteriously appeared with her one night. At the beginning of this book Zaria encounters Harken who helps her in her quest to win freedom and riches enough to free her "siblings".
Stars: 3/5
Spice: 2/5
Things I liked about this book:
- the main character and most of the prominent side characters are described as distinctly not-white
- fun and fascinating world that has been built
- really enjoyed Zaria and Harken's personalities and reasonings for doing things.
- author has interesting ways to describe darker human concepts.
- the romance between Zaria
Spoiler
and HarkenThings I didn't love about this book:
- the world created has a lot of its own language (which is cool but confusing), and makes it harder to get into the book and story. The world is completely unique to this author and not rooted in reality or well-established lore (say Harry Potter, Harry Dresden, Alpha and Omega, Emily Wildes's Encyclopedia of Faeries etc) I really wish that there was a glossary to help explain certain concepts or objects (ie the needles) better and maybe a map.
Specific Notes on the Audiobook: Narrated by Heather Takano
- In some places, the words narrated and the text on paper do not line up 100%. It does not change or detract from the experience/story but there are discrepancies (usually inconsequential words are missing).
- The narrator speaks very clearly but the intonation is a little flat. Heightened emotions and dramatic actions are often read in a similar manner as more mundane descriptions. I personally prefer a more dramatic reading that really pulls me along. But this narration was still very pleasant to listen to.
I'll definitely be looking for book two in 2024 to see how things unfold.
lost_in_tome's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ashm21's review
4.0
Thank you NetGalley! This book was really interesting. I will say the first part of the book had me really confused and not really sure what was going on. However, it really picked up and I couldn't put it down!
rubycubes's review
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Unabridged audio for the opportunity to listen the Woven in Darkness.
Wow this story was so fun much and I couldn't get enough.
I see how others compare to Acotar. This was a fun read and once your start you will not be able to do anything else! **Zaria and Harken** my heart!
If you love Romantasy then do yourself a favor and read/listen to this story!
Great Job Lucy Holden! Can't wait to read or listen to more of your stories.
Wow this story was so fun much and I couldn't get enough.
I see how others compare to Acotar. This was a fun read and once your start you will not be able to do anything else! **Zaria and Harken** my heart!
If you love Romantasy then do yourself a favor and read/listen to this story!
Great Job Lucy Holden! Can't wait to read or listen to more of your stories.