I wanted to like this so badly, but it just wasn't doing it for me. I listened to the whole thing so I would be able to give a fair review, but I honestly don't remember most of it. I got so lost in all the details and names, and the politics were so confusing. I was really frustrated with the enemies to lovers with basically no ground to switch to lovers. There was no connection that I could feel between the two main characters, so when they finally got together it felt very fake. The characters themselves felt two dimensional and underdeveloped. Finally, I know this is a personal preference, but the miscommunication trope is so very frustrating for me, and the fact that I could see it coming for the entire book was just ramping up my irritation.
There were elements about the book that I liked. I enjoyed the games and the setup for each of them. They could have used a little more fleshing out, but they were very entertaining as they were. I also loved the basis for the magic system, though I feel like there were too many moving parts that were underdeveloped, and it got a little muddy.

A beautiful mix of mythology and Throne of Glass, Woven in Darkness follows Zaria, a slave a question mark past who is thrust into a future she never saw coming. Unfortunately, after the riveting beginning, the book was somewhat difficult to get through until I reached roughly the 45% mark, at which point I could not put it down. I cant wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an audiobook of Woven in Darkness in exchange for an honest review.

Woven in Darkness follows a young slave woman Zaria as she attempts to free herself and her siblings from their hapless fates. Zaria is very likable and it’s easy to root for her as she completes different challenges, navigates complex political alliances, and her deal with the savage king.

I really enjoyed how complex the magic system and i found the world building very unique. That said, sometimes the story was bogged down by the complexity and I found it difficult to keep track of which details were relevant. Similarly, I felt there were too many characters to keep track of, which pulled me out of the story a few times. There were also a few moments when sentences were repeated, this was more of an editing issue than a reflection on the great story.

All in all, Woven in Darkness was compelling and really pulled me into its world. The characters motivations felt human and each sibling had complexities that that led to honest conflict.

I recommend this book to fans of Throne of Glass, particularly the first few books, and all those who like determined heroines with the brooding love interest.

Unbelievable!!! I have to start by saying that I have been in a reading slump for quite some time now. Well thank you Lucy Holden for reigniting my passion for reading!! Also, thank you NetGally for approving me to listen to this audiobook. That all being said this is by far my favorite book that I have read this year and for quite some time. Let’s start with the world building….. BEAUTIFUL and detailed to the point that if I closed my eyes I could see it. We have the enemies to lovers trope, found family and a bit of competition in there also. Zaria the FMC is very likable and her growth in this story will make you cheer for her, cry for her and hold your breath hoping for the outcome she deserves! The MMC Harkin is your broody, cranky yet lovable mystery that we all want to know better! There are some twists and turns that you won’t see coming and I was very happy with how it all wrapped up. Now the narrator for the audiobook was awesome AND she has a British accent which just makes it all the better! Her different voices are not vastly different but you know who is who so it really makes you forget it’s just one person reading. All in all this book is just brilliant and Lucy Holden has a new fan!

This was a pretty good fantasy novel, I absolutely loved the way slavery has been mentioned in this book. The female main character is strong and fearless. Thr male main character is strong, powerful but also comes with his own imperfections. The story is well written and well executed. Has no spice but good angst. Can be recommended to late teens.

I liked this but prepare for slowish pace of very detailed #worldbuilding & #slowburnromance #fantasybook #wovenindarkness by #lucyholden read by #HeatherTakano Thanks to #NetGalley & #FehuPress #myeyespreferaudiobooks🎧 #accessiblebooks

A complex, fantasy with a hint of romance.

After losing her brother to a dark rip and getting shot by a fellow braid race contestant, a dark stranger, who turns out to be Harken - the Savage King - takes an interest in the slave, Zaria. He heals her, claims her, and together they devise a plan to uncover the cause of these dark rips while Zaria trains for the Maverick's race to free her family.

This story is not really magic-heavy, though there is magic through the use of Weavers and needles, but it does have mention of vampires, demons, and other otherworldly beings. The main plot focuses on Zaria's journey to free herself and her family. Through this journey, she helps to uncover nefarious plans bent on bringing back an evil ruler and also fall in love.

I enjoyed this story, but it might have been too complex for an audiobook. It's an interesting magic system, but it requires (and delivers) a lot of world-building.

⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.
This book sounds promising, but I could not finish this book. it was hard to grasp what was going on in this world. It was slow for me and seemed to drag on.

His darkness will kill me . . . or set me free.
A Dark Rip took my brother.
Indigold lords bought my sisters.
Now the Savage King has claimed me.

Someone is trying to free the Serpent Queen. It seems they also want to kill me.
Harken wants to use me as bait to catch them. I want to free my siblings from the slave braids that bind us all.
We strike a bargain. I will play the part of his slave for Astria’s glittering season of Revels. He will help me win freedom and riches in the Maverick’s Race.
But Harken trusts no-one, not even the immortal Weavers he is sworn to protect. He keeps his Savage Court locked away behind the Woven mists.
Along with his past.
And his heart.
I have secrets of my own. Secrets that have bound us, body and soul, and shown me the past he guards so fiercely.
I know I should tell him the truth. The Savage King doesn’t tolerate betrayal.
But when the darkness falls, my secret may be the only thing that can save us all.

Zaria dreams of freedom for herself and her four siblings, and she’s going to get it for them no matter the cost.
When her brother is lost to a rip and her sisters are taken as slaves to Indigold lords Zaria makes a deal with the Savage King, Harken; to play the part of his slave and draw out his enemies in exchange for her freedom prior to the Maverick’s race where Zaria will have the chance to fight for her families freedom.

I really enjoyed this story! The plot was engaging and I loved Zaria and Harken. Who doesn’t love a morally grey MMC?! I did find the first quarter of the book a bit confusing with all of the characters and not being sure of exactly what was going on in this new world, but things did come together and I really got to know the characters and the world. My big complaint is that I just could have used more of Zaria and Harken!

I thought the narration for the story was okay. The accent made some things hard to understand which added to my confusion with the complex world building.

Thanks Lucy Holden, NetGalley and Fehu Press for the opportunity to listen to this lovely story!

Thank you NetGalley and Fehu Press for granting me access to the book AND the audiobook as well in exchange for an honest review.

Woven in Darkness is the first book in a new "Woven Saga" fantasy romance series that is influenced by Greek mythology. The enticing synopsis and the fact that it was being compared to ACOTAR made reading this a no brainer for me! Is it similar to ACOTAR? Yes, it does have some of the same themes while being completely unique and unlike anything I have ever read. Needless to say, I had extremely high expectations!

In the beginning I struggled with the highly complex world building and terminology. The amount of information and worlds thrown at you all at once was a bit overwhelming. Honestly, about 50% into the book I wondered if it was worth continuing because of the complicated world building and the exceptionally slow pacing. Instead I decided to try the audiobook (a first for me) to see if it would help and I am so glad I did!! What a world of difference it made in my reading experience!! In addition, the last half of the book picked up pace and I found myself immersed in the story! Now on to what I loved about the book 🥰🥰!!!

Welcome to the unique and magical fantasy world of Astria! Zaira is a strong protagonist who is determined to free her siblings and herself from the braid bond slavery. When her brother, Doran, is lost into a Dark Rip, their situation becomes more dire and Zaira knows she must act quickly. Harken is a morally grey savage king who is the protector of the woven court. Learning of Zaire's problem, he offers her a deal that would be beneficial to both of them. This should be easy and nothing could go wrong, right?!?

I loved the banter, tension and chemistry between Harken and Zaira. Harken was all like who hurt you and let me heal you 🔥🥵! The nickname he had for Zaira was just so endearing. The secondary characters were wonderful and I just loved Huxley who is cutest flying dragon!!

The book does not end on a cliffhanger and it can be read as a stand alone. However, I will read the remainder of the trilogy once it is released. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a mix of Hunger Games and ACOTAR! ✨✨✨✨

It was a ok story. Some of the ideas in the book were quite unique and I like that. The audiobook could use some fine tuning. There were spots where the chapter took a bit to start the chapter. I’m not in love with the narrator she did good job I just had a hard time paying attention from time to time.

I received a copy of this audio book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.

Woven in Darkness by Lucy Holden is narrated by Jessica Harris. I had difficulty understanding the narration initially and listened to the beginning of the book again after several chapters. The complexity of the world and characters along with unfamiliar names and places spoken in a British accent led to confusion about what was happening. The last caveat, is the similarity of several names that left the listener wondering which character was being discussed.

That being said, the author provides a comprehensive history of her world through a variety of means. The novel is the first of a series, and it is epic.

If the following books live up to this one, they will also be worth reading. I think that I will try the Kindle version of the next.

Thank you Lucy Holden, NetGalley, and Fehu Press for the chance to listen and give my honest review for this advance audio book.
Lots of world building, more on the high fantasy side. This book has more fantasy than it does romance, but there is a slow burn romance with some spice and lots of fun banter. The characters are all very likeable, there is a strong, smart and caring female lead and morally gray love interest.
I'm more of a romance reader with some fantasy, and while this is more fantasy with some romance I still found this book very enjoyable.

⭐ 4,25 out of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Lucy Holden and Fehu Press for the opportunity to listen to this gem.

✒️
Zaria has one goal: Freedom for her and her siblings, all of whom have lived in slavery since childhood.

Unfortunately things doesn't go to plan, and Zaria instead is claimed by the Savage King, Harken.

Harken is trying to find out who's behind a plot to free an old enemy. Together they strike a deal; Zaria will play the role of a slave to help Harken, who in return will free her before the Maverick's Race; Zaria's ultimate chance at freedom for her and her siblings.

📖
If you've followed me for just a month, you'll probably know by now how much I enjoy romantasy in general.

The theme, title and cover was what sold me on this when I went to Netgalley to look through potential listens. I was, unfortunately, not quite into the story at first, at actually thought I would DNF. The story was hard to get into, the lore hard to place and narrator, Jessica Harris, wasn't really my cup of tea.

Fortunately it got better as the story progressed, and the lore and story slowly merged together, and made for some fantastic world building. Harris also grew on me.

The universe is lovely crafted, when you finally get into it, and the pacing works very well too. The story slowly sprinkles in small hints and details that'll wrap up nicely by the end. I absolutely loved Zaria, and enjoyed her dynamic with Harken.

This book fits lovely into the current trend for romantasy, and you can find some similarities with ACOTAR with the themes in both books, though I personally prefer the more intriguing universe of Woven in Darkness.

This book works nicely as a standalone, but I'm still going to preorder the next in the series, this time as an ebook, and I'm excited to revisit this universe next year.

Thank you to NetGalley, Fehu Press, Lucy Holden, and the rest of those involved in allowing me to listen to, and review this audio book.

4.5 for me!

This story takes place in a dark and magical world, filled with violence and greed. It has a complex set of fully realized characters and an intricately woven plot.

Swoonworthy fantasy romance, with deep lore. The imagery pulls from mythology, and echoes of Greek and Persian influences thread some familiar elements through this unique fantasy world.

I really enjoyed this book, and hope to read more from this author.

I will be posting a review on Instagram and Goodreads!

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.

Woven in Darkness by Lucy Holden
Narrated by Heather Takano

This is a fantasy which is abosuelty fantastic. The background for the characters has been brilliant and helps emmerise yourself into this world of woven.

Right away, there was a LOT going on. There was simply a lot to take in at once—the globe, the people, the magic, and then the factions within each of those components. So I carried out my usual imaginary practises. I took in as much as I could and figured that if it was significant, it would come back to me later. I was entirely correct!

The story's layers were fantastic. Yes, there was a lot to process, but for me, it didn't overshadow the overall plot. The braided slaves, the weavers, the shadows, but most of all, the people, stuck out to me more than others obviously.

Woven In Darkness is a book you need to add to your collection if you love fantasy.

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice rating: 🌶🌶
Format: audiobook

I was instantly drawn into this book, and intrigued by everything within it. I don't think I've ever come across a story quite like this one, and loved the uniqueness!

I listened to the audiobook while sick, so I was a pretty captive audience, but sometimes found myself zoning in and out a little, and I'll admit I did struggle with the complex worldbuilding, which meant I had to go back and re-listen to some portions. Whether this would have been a problem if I were at full capacity, I'm not sure.

I loved the dialogue and banter between the characters, especially Zaria and Harken -- the chemistry between them was palpable, and I cannot get his nickname for her out of my head!

Gemory was such a suprise and delight! I loved the gender fluid rep within this book, and adore how stories like this are helping to normalise the use of pronouns such as 'they/ them'.

The narration was absolutely fantastic! Each voice was completely unique, and I could always tell whether I was listening to the book narration or dialogue from each of the different characters.

I'm considering buying a physical copy of this book, because, even though I had some struggles re worldbuilding, I did thoroughly enjoy the story and would love to give it another chance.


💢 TW: violence, death, servitude, brief mentions of sex work, brief threats of being forced into sex work


☆I recieved an audio ARC of this book from the author and Netgalley. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.☆

Woven in Darkness by Lucy Holden is the first story in a new fantasy series. This is the story of Zaria, who was found with four other foundling children with shadow slave braids and no memories of the first five years of her life. The book starts when she was twenty years old scraping to save coin and find a way to earn freedom for herself and her siblings. She met Harken in the woods when he saved her life, and their lives seemed to be connected from that point onward.

I listened to this story as an audiobook and loved it. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing this story to life. This author was new to me and I really enjoyed the original story world she created which was mixture of fantasy and romance and apparently Persian and Greek mythology. The hero was complex and the heroine independent and determined. She succeeds despite the terrible odds against her, thanks to the help of her hero. There is a small amount of spice, but it isn’t a large part of the book. The story reached a satisfying ending for those who don’t like to commit to many books in one series, but it is obvious that there will be more to come for those of us who do love a series. I would recommend this to fantasy and romance lovers. I am voluntarily submitting this honest review after listening to an advanced complementary copy of this audiobook thanks to NetGalley and Fehu Press.

This is a YA fantasy book with some light romance. There's dark ripples, a kraken, a bad ass fmc, and a dragon.

I did get lost with the world building a bit. And I got confused with some of the characters at times. Everyone introduced had an important part to play, but they were mostly skimmed over.

The ending definitely has me wanting to read the next book. I'm hoping for a little more romance, though 😌