For fans of books like The Inheritance Games and Trial of the Sun Queen. Full of secrets, backstabbing and a sprinkle of romance - this one kept me engaged from the beginning. Each character has their own motives that help to really since the story and keep you guessing on who you can really trust. It was unique and wonderfully written and I really wish I didn’t have to wait so long for the next one!

Lydia Gregovic’s Weaver Bride centers on a magic system where a subsect of the female population, silkwitches, have hair that can be woven by wizards into magical objects. These same females each have a special skill and have the three years past their eighteenth birthday to marry a wizard, else they are shut up in the mysterious Cloisters where they are never heard from again.

Lovett Tamerlane is one such silkwitch. She has given up on the marriage market in favor of using her skill for unlocking doors for more profitable purposes, but then she is approached by Eliot Lear who promises to find her a husband in return for her finding his sister’s killer. To achieve this, Lovett enters into the marriage competition for the prince—the same competition where Eliot’s sister died, killing the competition the year before.

Weaver Bride is a great story with a lot of twists and turns, and a surprise ending that will leave everyone excited for the sequel.

Fantasy books always take me a little longer to get into as I want to make sure I completely understand the magic system as well as the culture and traditions of the land the story takes place in. I also am not a huge fan of ebooks and prefer physical copies so getting into an ebook also take me a moment but as you can see we’ve made it! The beginning was a little slow and I almost DNF the book (because of the ebook thing), but I’m glad I didn’t.

I digress, the storyline had a fascinating premise and I enjoyed it generally.
The issue arises with both Lovett as a main character and her rushed romance. Lovett just wasn’t a super strong main character and her personality occasionally came off as flat. She had her moment where I was changing my mind but then she’d do a silly and I would just be sitting here like… why. I do approve of Lovett and Eliot as a couple, however I felt like the “romance” between them was kinda just… almost randomly added.

The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic weaves a captivating tale set in a richly imagined world of magic and intrigue. I felt like the author masterfully blended elements of fantasy, romance, and suspense, creating a fascinating story where love and betrayal are intricately intertwined. While I felt like the story was a little difficult to get into at first, the plot began to move along much more quickly as the competition continued. All in all, I felt like it was a good debut novel of forbidden love and a unique magic system.

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for letting me read the e-arc of The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic. The premise of this book’s magic system was a very interesting and unique, at first there were bits and pieces of it that made me skeptical but the reveal/twist at the end was extremely satisfying. This is one of the rare books where I was more interested in the plot than the romance, there’s definitely potential for book 2.

Looking for a book that feels like The Bachelorette but with witches, murder, and a dash of mystery? The Weaver Bride might just be your next obsession. Set in a lush, magical world, this romantasy follows Lovett Tamerlane—a silkwitch with the rare ability to open any door—who finds herself thrust into a deadly competition where marriage is power… and someone’s already died trying to win.

I was immediately hooked by the darkly enchanting premise and found the magic system, especially the silkwitches and their connection to Weavers, to be refreshingly unique. The stakes are high, the setting is eerie, and Lovett’s role as a thief-turned-impostor adds a delicious layer of tension. Oh, and the Weaver King? Creepy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

While the romance didn’t hit quite as hard for me, the central mystery and the book’s moody atmosphere kept me turning pages. The ending left me very intrigued—I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel (if there is one) to see where this story goes.

And let’s not forget: this book has a stunning cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books | Delacorte Press for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

⭐⭐⭐ "The Weaver Bride" had an intriguing premise with its silkwitches and the marriage competition, and the world-building definitely showed promise. Lovett's secret ability was a cool twist! However, I felt like the mystery aspect could have been more tightly woven in, and the romance didn't fully sweep me off my feet. While there were moments that held my attention, I wasn't completely captivated. It had potential, but some threads felt a little loose for me. Still an interesting read if you enjoy fantasy with a romantic element and a touch of intrigue.

This was such a fun read. The magic system and world building were both unique and easy to follow. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect, it kept me intrigued and invested the whole time. The focus was definitely on the fantasy and mystery aspects of the book, while the romance was more of a subplot and all of it was done well. The twist at the end did surprise me and while the main plot was mostly wrapped up, it definitely ends on a very open note leaving me wanting more. I’m unsure if this is going to be a series or just a standalone (I’ve noticed a lot of fantasy books being unclear about this as of late). I’m hoping there will be at least another book as there’s still questions to be answered and plot to be explored. If this is just a standalone, the ending will have disappointed me a bit. I wish authors/the synopsis would be a bit more clear about this matter. Regardless, this was a fun YA fantasy and I enjoyed it the whole way through, well worth the read.

I Loved this book! The world of the characters is so interesting. The main character Lovett is a great herione! I can't wait for more installments of this story and to learn more!

Obsessed is an understatement. I love this story so much and the world building is so easy to follow. The characters are so well described and you feel like you are right alongside them. The descriptiveness of the surroundings make it so easy to imagine! Highly reccomend! It's lush and emotional and definetly a must read!

A stunning fantasy book that is almost eclipsed by its gorgeous cover! This is THE fantasy book that you need to read this year! From start to finish, I was hooked. Magic, murder, romance, and secret meetings all combine to create a delicious potion of a book.

--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.--

Don't let the pink cover fool you, this book is full of mystery, a few deaths, and a bit of romance. Lovett is a silkwitch which means her hair can be used to create magical things, but only by a male Weaver. At 18, Lovett only has 3 years to find a husband or she will be sent to the cloisters where no one has ever returned from. After trying to steal from the wrong person, Lovett is pulled into a contest to find the Weaver King's son a wife for the second time. Eliott, the man Lovett tried to rob, has entered Lovett to help him try to discover who killed his sister in the last contest. Will Lovett be able to solve the crime, will she end up in the cloisters, or will she find a husband along the way?

This was such a lovely fantasy read! The Weaver Bride really leans into the norms of this genre in a way that feels so familiar and comfortable; but at the same time, Gregovic has crafted a wholly unique and intriguing magic system.

Right off the bat, the story took off, and we got to witness some top tier banter and chemistry between Eliot and Lovett. Their dynamic was so fun to witness, and they really and truly ticked each other off from the first page (what more could you want?!). The actual setting of the novel was also so interesting. There was the glamour of the estate, but there was also the darker underbelly that grounded it and added the stakes and intrigue. The story also unfolds as you go along, revealing bits and pieces of the mystery, and I enjoyed the twists and revelations along the way. My favorite piece, though, was the magic system. I loved the individuality of it and was curious to see how it all played out (and was not disappointed in some of the bigger revelations either...).

One thing I will say about this book, though, is that it felt very much like a Lovett-centered narrative with not a lot of detail into the side characters. Each of the girls was super interesting, especially with their respective Wits (or magical talents), but we don't see a whole lot of development within the other girls or between them and Lovett. It wasn't necessarily a huge negative for me, but it is something to note if you're someone who really loves a full ensemble. The trials of the competition themselves are also more like games, I think. There were some moments of high-stake tension (and they had me fully hooked, let me just say!), but to fully enjoy them, I think it's best to go in thinking of them as challenges as opposed to true death-defying trials and competitions (well, for the most part. Again, the moments of action totally delivered when they came into play!).

When all is said and done, this was a really fun take on a common fantasy premise, and I really enjoyed being in this world for a bit! Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, and Delacorte Press for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my review.

The pretty cover (and OMG how pretty is this book? 5 stars to the designers!) is what drew me in, along with the intriguing description, but the plot is what kept me going! I'm a sucker for a good YA fantasy romance, but especially if it has a some level of games or trials, so this was right up my alley! I ended up giving this 4 stars, but while reading it there were times it felt more like a 3 star simply because of the repetitive nature of some her writing (for instance I'm pretty sure she used the exact same wording multiple times to explain how dark and rainy outside it was or describing how the rain was hitting the window in the same way chapter after chapter), or simply the similarity of the basic plot to books I've recently read (I read Weaver Bride pretty soon after reading The Rose Bargain and there are so many similarities I was a little thrown off at first), however I did really enjoy the magic system, the subtle (well, not so subtle) feminist themes, and the main characters. I've read Lydia's work before and really enjoyed it, and I can say without a doubt that she is a great writer, she really does pull you into her worlds and make you fall in love with her characters, even (if not especially) the side characters. The only thing that really prevented me from fully falling in love with this book aside from the repetitive nature and similarities to other recently released YA books, is the pacing of the book, and overall plot outlining. Without spoiling anything, there were times that a portion of the plot was so drawn out, but then really important things seemed to be glossed over very quickly, particularly the ending and "twist" style reveal-however this could be because the ending leaves it VERY open to a sequel (scratch that, this REQUIRES a sequel) so perhaps the author was rushing it all so we would feel ready for the next book to really delve further? That seems right, but man I haven't heard anything about a sequel and it would be upsetting if there isn't one considering it ends a bit cliffhanger-y (and this same thing happened to her last book and there also hasn't been a word on sequels with that one). This is me begging Lydia, WRITE SEQUELS NOW PLEASE! Anyway, I actually did love this book, I really loved the world, but WOW did I love the magic system and lore!!!! The whole weavers and silkwitches concept, phew that was unique and I really truly loved it, especially with the feminist themes woven through. (Being vague on purpose because its really worth reading and finding out on your own!) The side characters and the MMC's really shined, and I wanted more of all of them! AGAIN TICK TOCK LYDIA-GET TO WRITING! Especially setting this in the time period it was in, I was hooked. But our MMC, Eliot Lear, wow. I wanted more and more and more of him. As the blurb mentions, he wants our FMC, Lovett, to enter a competition for Noe's hand, which comes with protection and wealth, but in reality he really wants her to aide him in investigating his sisters death as she was a previous participant in this same competition. The mystery aspect of this book is really its strong suit, and kept me guessing (largely incorrectly) the entire time. Especially how the other girls powers (Wit) helped throughout. Lovett was truly intelligent, clever, stubborn and everything I've been wanting to read! I loved the competition and games aspect, but unfortunately this book is yet another where the games and trials really don't affect the plot or its outcome in any way. Why are there so many YA trials/games books lately that don't deliver on that? But I digress, Eliot and Lovett have chemistry, tension, banter and yearning-everything you want in a regency-ish witchy mystery romance, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that relationship can develop in the next one, because we did not get enough of it. They really were perfectly matched in every way. Noe, the rich weaver (male sorcerer) that this competition is based around, was CHEFS KISS! I can't say much more without spoiling the plot honestly, and I popped an allergy pill to deal with this awful Spring pollen season so I'm very much rambling here, but 4/5 stars, can't wait to read more from this series, and from this author in general!

This book is expected to come out in September, and I urge you all to try it for yourself! Thank you to Lydia, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my honest ones, and I am very grateful to you all! <3

*And sorry for the allergy induced rambling of this review lol

When I see a pink or pretty book cover, I have to request it! The Weaver Bride is a romantasy you won’t be able to put down.

What is love without a little betrayal?

Lovett is a silkwitch who uses her gifts to steal from wealthy families. Things go wrong when she steals from the wrong person, Eliot who is the son of a prominent weaver. She’s given the chance to enter the Vainglory and compete. Will she win the marriage competition?

This is book is different from anything I’ve read in a long time. So different and interesting. I love how it was part romance and part mystery. I really hope there will be another book!


Thank you NetGalley, Lydia and Random House Children's Books for the eARC!

Publication Date: September 30 2025
Rating: ✨✨✨

#TheWeaverBride #NetGalley

This is a really good book. I enjoyed the magic system. I enjoyed the interesting take on how magic is collected and used in this world. The main character was definitely a strong female character, and I enjoyed reading her figure things out. There is a murder mystery to this book and she must figure out what happened and who she can trust.

This book was amazing. Such a unique magic system. There was magic in the pages. Thanks so much for this ARC!!

“I have a feeling you’re able to open a great many doors, Miss Lovett Tamerlane,” he went on, gazing down at me. “Perhaps you’ll even open one for me.”

rating: 3.75
after reading lydia gregovic's debut novel, the monstrous kind, i was excited to see what she would write next.

the weaver bride is like gothic bridgerton meets the bachelor with a murder mystery and fantasy. i found the magic system really interesting; the silkwitches are women born with magic powers (Wit) and spotted by their glowing hair, which can be used to transfer their powers, while the weavers are the male sorcerers who they must be married off to in order to avoid being locked up far beyond when their powers fade around 25.

“With silkwitches about, a man may never be sure whether his thoughts are truly his own.”

lovett, a resourceful pickpocket with the Wit to open any door locked or not, is propositioned by Weaver Eliot Lear to help solve the murder of his sister in a competition the year before to marry, Noé Alaire, his best friend and son of the most powerful Weaver.

i found the magic system original and the various powers different silkwitches had was interesting, including the charmed objects that could be made from their powers and how it was were harnessed. the mystery kept me interested in the story and i really couldn't put this down, with maybe a slight lull in the story around 60%. i enjoyed the setting, the writing, and the lush descriptions.

some things that didn't work for me: i found the romance was a bit fast-tracked for my liking, i wish there had been more development between lovett and eliot. i even wish there was more of a love triangle w noé considering he's the fiancé she's vying for - and we don't know his guilt or innocence. dorian also was an intriguing character but we just didn't get enough of him (how're you gonna say he's the most beautiful man she's ever seen and then barely feature him???).

i also felt like there was some info dumping in the beginning and the reveals toward the end were simply told. i also wanted to competitions to up their game a little.

“You are far too interesting to be good, Lovett.”

overall though, i enjoyed the cliffhanger ending and i do want to see what's going to happen in book 2 👀

an honest arc review ♡

The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5| 🔥.5

The Weaver Bride is a story that leaves the reader spellbound. Silkwitches are special, their hair holds magic and each has a unique power. But their power can only be fully harnessed by a Weaver, and there are far more silkwitches than weavers. If not wed to a weaver, a silkwitch is deigned to a life locked away.

We follow a particularly prickly and clever silkwitch–Lovett Tamerlane. She lacks all things society expects a suitable match for a weaver husband to have: status, money, and the refined manners of a lady. While Lovett is resigned to never finding a weaver husband, she refuses to be locked away in the cloisters. Those who enter the cloisters never return. Instead, she uses her unique ability to unlock any door to try to live life as someone without the burden of magic. At first, Lovette is successful, hiding the gleam of her magic hair and using her power to steal from wealthy families. However, success leads this clever witch into a trap when she attempts to steal from the wrong man, the son of a weaver.

He offers her a bargain: for helping her enter a competition to marry the heir to the wealthiest Weaver family, she must help him learn how his sister died at that same competition the year prior. Lovette accepts but soon learns the competition is ruthless and opening some doors opens oneself up to love, knowledge, and betrayal.

This book has crossed my mind often since finishing it weeks ago. It is a refreshing entry for the genre, with a poignant social commentary woven into the story and a mysterious plot that sweeps the reader off their feet. The author has heavily hinted that another installment is coming (I volunteer as a tribute to read any version). I promise you, too, will be slack-jawed and running to the author’s Instagram for updates after reading the ending!

This read is perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, The Crimson Moth, The Selection, or anyone who loves a snarky, smart girl who refuses to accept the hand life has dealt her. Thank you to Penguin Random House and the author for an eARC.

Okay this one took me a bit to warm up to, but that ending has me wanting more!

Honestly the writing is gorgeous, but what had me hesitating was the world building. As I read I kept feeling like there was something missing. I never quite understood what Alair's family importance was since we never are shown only told that they're powerful but like how? How is their power used in this society?

The trials aspect wasn't my favorite, but the mystery and interactions with other characters kept my reading. I loved the feminist themes throughout the novel.

The set up for a sequel leaves so much room for the story to take us to some really interesting places. I hope we get to see more of how this world operates.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Definitely, recommend to fans of romantacy.