I really liked this! I think I definitely preferred The Witch's Heart, but this was still a super enjoyable read. I do wish we had gotten a bit better of an explanation of the magic system, or anything at all about any of the women's lives in the twelve year interlude between the first chapter and the rest of the book. I also didn't feel like there was enough setup regarding Gunnhild's friendship with the sisters: we were told that they were best friends, they make an oath, and then the story continues twelve years later after Signy and Oddny hadn't seen Gunnhild for over a decade. Other than that, the book did keep me engaged throughout, I love Gornichec's writing style, and I really liked Gunnhild's and Oddny's respective romances. Signy, being kidnapped for the vast majority of the book, wasn't really a present character even though the plot was driven by her kidnapping. This makes sense; it's not called, "The Weaver and the Witch Queen and the Weaver's Sister," but I still would have liked at least a couple of chapters from her perspective. I also really appreciated Gornichec's incorporation of a transgender character as a love interest.

This book had me hooked 75% of the way. I loved the sisterhood of the girls, the bond that they share is amazing. Yes, there is some relationship romance... but I do not feel like it should be the main focus. I did enjoy the enemies/lovers in one relationship. Since that is in the book, I feel like there is a little bit for everyone in this book. I wish the author went into more details about the "strings" that tie your soul to your body. At about 25% is where I felt like it was going to be a series or at least a sequel because there was still so much to cover. I felt like the author was rushed to finish the book. It definitely could have been made into two books. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but felt it was rushed at the end.

I'm Norwegian, so I wanted to love this book. Alas, it just wasn't for me. I didn't feel like it brought in the fun and beauty and magic of Norway that I grew up with. I stopped at 5%. I could see it at an easy 3, likely 4 stars for our usual visitors.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

“the weaver and the witch queen” is a historical fantasy novel that takes place in viking age pagan norway. we follow gunnhild, oddny, and signy, three young girls who are plunged into peril when raiders attack their village.

this is a novel about the power of women. these women have agency, magic, and bold personalities. they are imagined as strong, capable women who are able to defend themselves and change their fate. this is not a romance novel, no, it’s a novel about war, kingship, and honor. it is beautifully written and gripping. i read it in one sitting, unable to put it down.

it was so exciting to see trans representation in this novel, and it made me incredibly happy. it was so well done, not at all transphobic in any way. to see yourself in a novel that takes place so long ago is phenomenal.

thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

The Weaver and the Witch Queen follows Gunnhild and her sworn sisters, Oddny and Signy, in tenth century Norway as each of these women set out to fulfill their destinies. When they were children, a traveling seeress foretold their destinies, stating: “One of you clouds the futures of the others. For better or worse, your fates are intertwined.”

And so follows a tale of witches and witchcraft, sons of kings vying for power, and destinies foretold.