A review by skconaghan
Weyward by Emilia Hart

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Firstly, before I read, I have to say: what an intricately gorgeous cover design! I know it’s not a done thing to judge a book by it’s cover, but if I were to do so, I’d be expecting a dark tale of an Eden-like garden that is quietly turning wicked, with the remnants of beauty clinging to a last blossoming flower, a ripe and ageing fruit, while an evil infestation creeps in and takes over… the ominous central raven, and even the careful title give me this premonitory sensation… 

 

But I haven’t cracked this beautiful cover yet, and I haven’t even read the synopsis, and that’s how I plan on going into the reading of this novel—with only the cover to set the stage… 

 

Some Time Later… 

I’ve now read the book. 

 

This is why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. 

 

While on a global timeless sense, this does have to do with the mutilation of humanity since the perfection of Eden, but it’s not that story, not exactly… 

 

Unexpected suspense creeps across several of these pages, like the gossamer legs of a quiet spider, and the chills and thrills are real. But there’s a social message glaring at us in these difficult stories, behind the herbalist/entomologist veneer. I was for sure creeped out, indignant a few times, but mostly felt the rising sisterhood scream back over centuries and decades and across the pond, clawing for justice. 

 

A beautiful story that kept a steady pace, increasing in intensity in the climax, and delivering all the dark cold Northern chills you want from a creepy cover, but it culminates with a satisfying power. 

 

A lovely debut.