Overall 3.75

The Weaver Bride is the story of a silk witch thief who’s championed to enter a competition to be the wife of the Weaver King’s heir. The magic system took a little getting used to for me, but once I did, I was drawn into the story. I wish that the book had been paced a little more evenly because I did feel like it dragged in certain parts and the ending left me wanting more. Please tell me there will be a sequel?! The writing is beautiful and almost had a fairytale feeling for me similar to Once Upon a Broken Heart. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys trials, slow burn, and beautiful prose. Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for this beautiful story in change for an honest review.

If you liked The Selection, The Rose Bargain and/or the first Throne of Glass book, I think you’ll like this. This book is part murder mystery, part Romantasy.
Lovett Tamerlane, a silkwitch with magic hair, enters a dangerous bridal competition to escape a life of forced servitude. As she competes for the hand of a powerful Weaver, she uncovers secrets about a past bride’s mysterious death and forms a tense alliance with the bride’s brother, risking everything for freedom, truth, and love.
I’ve never read a book with a magic system like this. The mystery was intriguing. There was crazy tension between all the characters, and a few suspenseful moments where I thought Lovett was going to get caught snooping. I enjoyed this book a lot!

The Weaver Bride is a beautifully woven tale that mixes folklore and fantasy in such a dreamy way. The writing feels lyrical and atmospheric, pulling you into a world that’s both magical and haunting. The characters are layered and the story has this quiet, emotional depth that really stuck with me. If you love fairy-tale vibes with a bit of mystery, this one’s a great pick!

I really wish I had reviewed this one soon after reading it. I do remember quite enjoying it, though not enough for any of the characters to really stick with me. My favorite part - and not be facetious about it - is the ending. I absolutely adore the way this one ended, leaving it wrapped up in such a gut-wrenching way that is open to a sequel or as a delicious standalone. This book is worth a read. It's enjoyable, dark, and romantic. From what I can remember, I would definitely pick this one up again.

5/5 stars
Recommended if you like: fantasy, Gothic, mystery, competition, witchy vibes

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 4/6, Instagram as of 5/22, and to my review blog as of 7/3.

I really liked the premise of this book. Silkwitches come into their powers around puberty, when their hair takes on a gleam in the sunlight, though they themselves can only access their Wit, a particular bit of magic unique to each silkwitch. Through marriage to a Weaver, the rest of the silkwitch magic can be harnessed via weaving their hair into thread (very Rumpelstiltskin-y, imo), which can then be charmed and added to objects for a near infinite number of uses. Weavers also have a particular power, though this seems to be somewhat inherited. Due to the fact there are more silkwitches than Weavers, silkwitches who do not find a Weaver husband go to the cloisters so their magic hair can still be harnessed.

It was interesting to see how much care the author put into worldbuilding. Since silkwitch magic is present in their hair, people might try to steal hair from a silkwitch. This is considered illegal, but things happen, and so there are precautions against it. Many silkwitches cover their hair to prevent theft, or to save every strand for their husband, and Society girls will wear elaborate cauls to keep their hair secured. Lovett, obviously in hiding and so not wanting to obviously cover her hair, dyes it to keep the shine low. I found all the little rituals and thoughts around hair to be super interesting, particularly since even fallen strands can be used for magic (and anyone with long hair knows how it gets everywhere), and so there's just a level of awareness there that I think most people in our world don't have.

Lovett is a silkwitch with few means in a world where the best way to find a Weaver husband is to have money. Naturally, she turns to using her Wit, which is to open any door, to the matter of stealing items and secrets in order to make money. She's definitely stubborn and proud at various points, but Lovett is pretty good at owning up to her mistakes. She's also very good at getting close to people, and does very well against the other girls in the competition, even the ones with mind powers.

The other silkwitches were interesting and I wish we got to see more of them. At first it kind of feels like Lovett is ridiculously underpowered compared to them (one can see through mirrors, another can make you tell the truth with a kiss, another can see the past/present/future with a touch, etc.), but it ends up balancing out, I think. There was definitely a lot of scheming going around in the group, and I enjoyed watching everyone's interactions with one another.

I actually didn't like Eliot that much. There were moments when he redeemed himself, but he was honestly just so stuck up his own ass and virtually never apologized for anything, even when he was clearly in the wrong. There are moments when he's vulnerable and shows a softer side, and I did like when these peeked through, but overall he's a pretty closed off person and is very good at keeping things to himself. Eliot is definitely a schemer, which I often appreciate in a character, but...he's honestly like if Kaz didn't have Inej or Jesper, and if he decided to take all that moral grayness and become a banker (socially upstanding, morally bankrupt, and no outlet).

While Lovett makes mistakes of her own and can be too proud/stubborn, she's pretty much the only one who ever apologizes, even in situations where Eliot instigated the incident. Plus, he consistently talks down to Lovett and insinuates she's this terrible person but...Eliot's the one who threatens and blackmails Lovett into helping. Eliot is the one who acts hot then cold, leaving Lovett dangling. Eliot is the one who consistently insults and belittles Lovett. Yeah, there are moments when he's nice but...why would you bank on that when 85% of the time he's terrible? I was only rooting for Lovett and Eliot at the surface level, for the sense that it seemed it would make Lovett happy, but I genuinely did not particularly like them together.

Noé is more slippery to get ahold of. Like both Lovett and Eliot, he wears many masks, making it hard to tell which one is the real him. He was an okay character for most of the book, with hints of someone more interesting peaking through. I became more interested in him later on though, once some of the reveals had happened. I was quite intrigued by him and the potential he held. While I don't think he and Lovett make a good love match, I was actually rooting for the two of them to end up together only because I think they're very similar people and could get a good amount accomplished. That being said, there's a scene toward the end that turned me off to him. Up until then, I'd've been happy with a loveless marriage between him and Lovett, but after that I was kind of ick about it.

All that being said, I'm still pretty satisfied with the way this book ended. I'm not sure if this is getting a sequel or not, the ending here was structured similar to how Gregovic ended The Monstrous Kind, which is a standalone, and things felt pretty wrapped up, so it's a satisfying ending if this book is a standalone. However, there are definitely some loose threads and I'm super curious about what Lovett is going to do next, so I'm interested to see whether this truly is a standalone or if there'll be a sequel.

I have to say, reading this back-to-back with To Bargain with Mortals was probably a mistake, lol. The two books are pretty different in terms of content and themes, but both bring up power dynamics, and reading this immediately after a book whose central premise is thoroughly exploring that theme (among others), I was a little let down it wasn't explored as thoroughly here. That being said, if I'd waited to read The Weaver Bride or read them in reverse order, I don't think I would've been left as disappointed by the lack of focus on the power dynamic theme in this book.

Things are pretty tilted in favor of the Weavers at the moment, and even among the silkwitches, there's a clear privilege hierarchy that benefits those with money, almost definitely sentencing those without to the cloisters. There was a good setup pretty here to explore the Weaver-silkwitch dynamic, and really challenge it, but I was kind of disappointed to see it take a backburner to everything else going on. That being said, if there is a sequel, I'm hoping we get a deeper exploration of the power dynamics in this world, particularly with the reveal at the end.

I was not prepared for how much I would be sucked into this book or the fact that it is part of a series. The world of The Weaver Bride is so complex and enthralling! It felt like part The Selection, part Caraval, and something uniquely haunting.

👑 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: The Weaver Bride
📖 Author: Lydia Gregovic
🏰 Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Royalcore, Mystery
🎀 Date Finished: July 3rd, 2025
🌟 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 4 tiaras

👠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟:
•The Selection by Kiera Cass
•Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
•Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
•Throne of Glass (1st book vibes)

👗 Characters:
➸ Lovett Tamerlane ❀ She’s so cute!! Such a well developed character, and I’m forced to not say much without spoiling the whole book. Everything about her character screamed real. The author did a wonderful job.
➸ Eliot Lear → O la la. Perfection. He’s so sweet and kind and again I can’t say too much without spoiling everything.
💋 Romance:
➸ Slow-burnish, the author paced it all really well, and never did I feel like it was being rushed. Never went too far, thankfully.
🏰 Worldbuilding:
➸ Well done. Good describing of the past and present in this world, and all the complicated dynamics, rulers, and politics that the author created.
🎭 Plot:
➸ DEEP. Richly thought out, full of mysteries and secrets. Questions that are asked to the reader, and only by continuing to read will they find out.
🖋 Writing Style:
➸ The prose is wonderful, lavish descriptions, with an occasional clunky sentence here and there. Gives off intense OUABH vibes.
📌 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
➸ “And you–you–are ruining all of it.” I pressed a palm to my chest, where my heart beat fiery and sore- his work. Before him, I had only ever run cold. “You are ruining me.”
“And you think you're not doing the same to me?”... “You are ruining me, Lovett,” he asserted softly. “You have destroyed me.”
🕯 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭:
➸ Absolutely wonderful!!!!! I loved this so much, and I can’t wait for it to come out!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR THE eARC!

You have to read The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic. It’s got magic, murder, and a marriage competition that’s basically The Bachelor but make it dark fantasy. The world is so cool—there are silkwitches who literally lose their magic if they don’t marry a Weaver, and the vibes are totally gothic fairytale.

There’s a slow-burn romance, a twisty mystery, and the writing? GORGEOUS. I flew through it. Some parts were a little fast, but I didn’t even care—I was hooked. Seriously, if you like romantasy, dramatic competitions, and a touch of spooky magic, go read it. Right now. You won’t regret it.

I really enjoyed this book! I was first hooked by the cover and the story did not disappoint! I love the trope and similarities to The Selection or The Rose Bargain. I loved the vibes and the complexity of the characters and how the book made me feel about them. Overall really enjoyed this!

Just finished this book and I really enjoyed it! The story has this beautiful mix of magic, history, and romance that draws you in from the very first page. Lydia’s writing is so vivid and lyrical, it's like stepping into a world where every detail feels alive. I loved how the characters’ journeys of self-discovery and love are woven together with rich folklore and a touch of mystery. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I did feel like a few of the plot points wrapped up a little quickly, especially toward the end. But overall, it’s a beautifully written story that transports you to a mystical, enchanting world. Definitely a good pick if you’re into fairy-tale vibes and lush, atmospheric storytelling.

Okay, I loved this one! The vibes were an immaculate mix of Trial of The Sun Queen, Belladonna and Throne of Glass, but a refreshing completely new story. It was fast paced and easy to follow, twists and turns all over the place. A delicious slow-burn, tension filled, fade to black romance. The ending had me shocked and the character arc of the FMC just got better and better. I need more answers immediately 😭
I am honored to have gotten an ARC copy and I absolutely cannot wait for more books to come!

What a unique book! There are some things that going in felt a bit familiar, who doesn’t love a good marriage competition trope? But this book put a spin on it that made it all feel suspenseful and almost gothic. The magic system is also very unique. There are only two things I didn’t love about this book. 1- lots of necessary infodumping in the first few chapters made it feel slow but it helped build the foundation for the world and story, and 2- this is not a standalone. I totally thought this was going to be a standalone. Alas, I have something to look forward to. I will definitely be recommending this book to others and can’t wait for official release date to buy it!

Not particularly a personal fan of marriage tropes but the concept of the murder mystery plus a unique magic system left me wanting more

If you love a good slow-burn romance and a murder mystery, this book totally delivers. It’s got morally grey characters, a super intense marriage competition, and witches—like, what more could you want? Honestly, the characters were my favorite part. They're sneaky, ruthless, and so fun to root for (or hate). It’s the perfect mix of magical, suspenseful, and just the right amount of cozy. I had such a good time reading it—I’m obsessed.

Wow, I absolutely loved this. Already excited about the sequel, especially after that crazy but not OTT ending. Definitely going on my preorders list for this year. Finally I judged a book by its beautiful cover and sprayed edges and it paid off for once.

Lovett is a silkwitch in hiding, forced into thievery when she finds out that only wealthy silkwitches have luck on the marriage market. But thievery suits her better, with her cleverness and her talent at opening any door without a key. In this world, the hair of silkwitches powers magesilk, a magical power that supplies the wealth and technology of this world, but only if silkwitches are bound in heterosexual marriage to a Weaver man. They also have a Wit, a talent, along with the power of their hair.

The hair was kind of treated like a limitless resource, when I have frizzy hair and I end up cutting mine about twice a year. (A minor quibble.)

Lovett spies a wealthy, handsome man at a bar and intends him to be her next mark. But Eliot Lear has other plans for her. He wants to sponsor her in a marriage competition run by his best friend, Noé, the son of the Weaver King. He didn't spend much time training a comparative gutter rat to do well in the world of royals. But he has another game in mind; he wants Lovett to find out the truth of who murdered his sister.

Eliot, an idealist who refuses to marry a silkwitch for noble but naive reasons, and Lovett are soon fighting a growing attraction to one another as the competition turns fierce.

They betray each other over and over again, but in this instance I did not mind the betrayals because their dynamic was sizzling with slow-burn tension and heat. The betrayals only raised the stakes of their forbidden love. Their romance was tortuous without being overly angsty. That ending just killed me, in a way that makes me yearn for Book 2.

I loved these characters and fell in love with both of them. I even liked the love triangle because Noé was such a cunning, complicated character, not the spoiled rich boy he first seems. I also loved the worldbuilding and this fascinating, unique universe (though not sure it entirely got all its sewing terms right. I did not think spinning wheels had bobbins!)

I also loved how the story didn't shy away from the ethical ramifications of the oppression of the silkwitches and the power dynamics between the silkwitches and Weavers.

Overall though this hit all my favorites in a romantasy that was charming, swoonworthy, and fun, and it featured a gripping murder mystery and vast political conspiracy.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow! Loved this book! It felt unique with such an intriguing magical system that I want more of.

I absolutely love the FMC and MMC. It’s kind of like the bachelorette but make it dark and witchy. 😆 The darker undertone reminded me of One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig which I also inhaled, so if you loved that book I feel like you would love this!

I highlighted so many moments in this book. The writing is gorgeous (it is definitely very whimsical so I can see some not liking it, but I thought it was perfect for the book). There are so much good dialogue. The mystery and romance was so well done. I really am no longer in the stage where I enjoy the YA genre but this was really good.

I feel like a lot of romantasy books overdo the competition plot, but this was done in a nice way that felt unique. I wish we could have known more about the world and the other maidens’ wits so I’m excited for more books to come!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book! It was a delightful read!

this was a decent YA fantasy read but there was nothing about it that really stood out to me.

the magic system itself and concept of the plot were both really interesting - though i wish we got a bit more about how the magic works.

the romance fell flat for me. i was not rooting for either love interest and just didn’t connect to either of them. to be honest, they were both pretty irritating to me.

it felt like the side characters were very static and served one purpose: to be a SIDE character and further the plot - if that makes sense? i would have liked more depth, especially with sybil, manon, & anais.

the trials and murder mystery were interesting as the story progressed, but the resolution to both felt anticlimactic. the ending felt a bit rushed - i really do wish we could have seen a certain someone’s reaction to what happened. that small detail alone would have raised the stakes & made me care more.

overall, i was entertained and enjoyed the magic system, vibes, and plot for the first 80% of the book.

this reminded me of the rose bargain, the selection, the cruel prince, and heartless hunter.

Lydia Gregovic delivers an achingly romantic and beautifully woven story in The Weaver Bride. At its heart is a slow-burn, forbidden romance that captures every glance, every whisper, every moment of longing between its captivating leads.

The chemistry between the characters is palpable — a tension that builds page after page until it’s absolutely irresistible. Gregovic crafts a love story that’s as tender as it is passionate, wrapped in threads of magic and fate.

For readers who crave a dreamy, character-driven romance that lingers long after the final page, The Weaver Bride is an enchanting must-read.

It was a good story line for the younger adults, the story line was a well planned out slow deep build.

I enjoyed this book! The plot was strong and the characters grew on me in all the best ways. I will not spoil anything but the twists were so well executed! The romance stole my breath and burned at a beautiful pace. Loved this book’