This got better as it went on. However, I found that there was too much going on — particularly at the beginning — with not a lot of background or description. It could be chaotic and confusing, from all the histories and new words that weren’t explained, to the language that was clunky and highly repetitive, to the riddles and solutions that didn’t really make sense and had to be forcefully explained…

The premise was great, and the final battle was enjoyable to read but there was a lot of ‘filling-in-the-gaps’ that had to be done first for things to make sense (or to just brush over and ignore).

As a non-Armenian, the story felt original and fresh. The folklore and myth inspirations worked really well and I’d love to dive deeper. As the writer’s debut, I’m sure she will hone her craft and I hope there’ll be more Armenian-inspired books to come.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Light Weaver is a beautifully lyrical and emotionally resonant debut that breathes fresh life into YA fantasy through the lens of Armenian mythology. Lusine Torossian crafts a story that is both deeply personal and culturally rich, pulling readers into a world where grief, healing, and identity are just as powerful as any spell.

The novel follows a protagonist grappling with a quiet but profound loss, and as the story unfolds, we are drawn into a realm where the lines between myth and memory blur. Torossian’s prose is gentle yet powerful—each sentence feels like it was carefully spun, much like the light the title alludes to. The fantastical elements are deeply tied to cultural folklore, which gives the story a fresh texture that stands out in a genre often dominated by Western tropes.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its emotional depth. A particularly moving scene—a reunion long hoped for—struck a perfect balance between heartbreak and hope, showcasing Torossian’s gift for writing characters that feel achingly real. While some readers may wish for more detailed worldbuilding or a clearer structure to the magic system, the emotional and thematic resonance more than makes up for it.

Light Weaver isn’t just a fantasy novel—it’s a meditation on how we hold onto memory, tradition, and love even as the world around us changes. A tender, radiant debut that promises great things from Lusine Torossian.

Recommended for: fans of lyrical fantasy, cultural mythology, emotionally grounded storytelling, and readers who appreciate quiet magic with a strong heart.

Light Weaver felt like stepping into a dream. Lusine Torossian’s writing is gentle and lyrical, and the story carries this quiet power that sneaks up on you. It’s not fast-paced or flashy, but it hits in a deeper, emotional way.

Pros:
•The writing is beautiful. Every line feels intentional without being overdone.
•The magic system is unique and delicate. I loved how light and emotion were woven together, it gave everything this soft, glowing energy.
•The main character’s personal growth was heartfelt and really moving. Her grief, healing, and search for identity were written with so much care.
•Emotionally rich and reflective. It deals with loss and love in a way that feels honest.

Cons:
•The pacing is slow, so you definitely need to be in the right mood for it.
•Some moments felt a little too subtle. I wanted more clarity in a few scenes, especially toward the end.
•A few of the side characters felt distant or a bit underdeveloped.
•At times I found myself wanting a little more tension or urgency to push things forward.

If you’re into quiet, introspective stories with beautiful writing and soft magic, this is one to take your time with. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, not because it yells, but because it whispers the right things.

What a great book!!! The book from beginning to end kept me glued to the pages. The story starts with Satya stealing a resurrection artifact from the Golden King, with the intention to help her reunite her with her fallen family.
Although, after stealing the artifact, a series of dark secrets begin to unfold.
Satya then embarks on a journey, to find answers on how to use the artifact and learn the truth about her connection with the artifact.
The book is immerse with Armenian mythology and folklore. Which was so eloquently written.
The magic system was so captivating; consisting of Gods, demons, and ancestral gifts.
Satya coming into her powers and facing her inner demon was so heart wrenching.
Let’s not forget the slow burn romance between Satay and Reí !!! The connection between them was so intense and sweet!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I greatly appreciate NetGalley and Author Lusine Torossian, for the opportunity to review this amazing book.

Light Weaver is an upcoming young adult fantasy novel following a thief, Satya. what starts as a dangerous but clear-cut mission - steal a lost artifact that can bring back her family - leads to self-discovery and power unlike anything Satya has known in her lifetime.

Overall, this book was fun and interesting and kept me engaged pretty well! I liked all of the characters well enough, and each chapter left me curious as to what happens next.

Where this book fell flat for me, however, is that I felt like I knew all of the plot beats. The pacing and story line felt familiar, and not in a good way. I wasn't as attached to the characters as the book needed me to be for the emotional moments to hit hard. Honestly, it could be because i'm exhausted from work and it's been rainy and cold here so like. idk. But, overall while the individual details were interesting - the devs were cool - it didn't grab my attention the way that it could have if i'd read it maybe,,,,, 5 or 6 books-that-have-the-same plot-as-this-one ago? if that makes sense.

Another problem i had was Satya's sudden ability to make intricate and smart plans (some of them on the fly) without any schooling on such things. how she manages to come up with better plans than practiced and accomplished soldiers is beyond me. her sudden understanding of her relics and their powers, as well. i felt like we didn't get to see any of this apparent growth she had.

Overall, 3.25 stars!