Weaver's Folly is the first book in the new NA/YA Shadowspinner Chronicles series by Sarah Madsen. Released 15 March by Curiosity Quills, it's 263 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This was a nice start to a new urban crossworlds fantasy series with a fair bit of shadowrunner technomancy. It's well written and entertaining. I am not really the target audience (in that I am not in any way young/new, and most would dispute the 'adult'), but I found it well plotted and (for a fantasy) believable.

There are fae and other magical humanoids with their own desires and agendas. Their interactions with 'normal' humans are interwoven around a sort of 'mission impossible' framework; break into the most secure target imaginable, steal prints, acquire the target, etc etc.

At the end of the day, it's a techno-magic shadowrunner thriller with a hiiiiint of romance thrown in. The female lead is strong and relatively normal and I liked her relationship with her roommate/bestie Rose.

There is some mildly strong language as well as some (f/f) sexual content, and implied sex. There really isn't anything that would upset most readers of urban fantasy.

The author is a capable writer and has produced a well fleshed out world and enjoyable magic system. It did occasionally feel like everything that the main character Alyssa did was more or less guaranteed to go right in the end. I never felt much tension or threat and the denouement was well written, but not a surprise.

I liked this one a lot and will seek out the next book in the series. There's potential here.

Four stars.

A fun, futuristic, fantasy from debut author Sarah Madsen. Madsen's creative world full of engaging characters sets the stage for both a satisfying first novel but also the rest of the series. Sometimes you just want to read a fun book, and this hits the spot.

Weaver’s Folly is my kind of read. Fae (okay Elf) based with a mystery to solve, suspense, action, an underdog type protagonist and to top it off with some romantic tension, this book had everything that I absolutely adore in my reading material.

Allyssa is an elf living in the human world. She makes a legit living selling cell phones, but is a “runner” on the side. A Runner is someone who will acquire, mostly illegally, objects for a price.

In Weaver’s Folly, Allyssa finds herself running against a human techie named Logan. When the job becomes more complicated, Logan and Allyssa team up only to draw the attention of someone targeting the magically inclined.

Great characters, a fantastic plot and a perfect balance of all the things I love in a story!

New, fresh and straight up amazingly original fae based read. 4.5 stars Full Review to follow

I received this ARC copy of Weaver's Folly from Curiosity Quills Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. Weaver's Folly is set for publication March 15, 2018.

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Written by: Sarah Madsen
Series: The Shadowspinner Chronicles #1
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication Date: March 15, 2018
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Weavers-Folly-...

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Weaver’s Folly is the first of a new paranormal series by Sarah Madsen and introduces elf Alyssa D’Yaragen who works as a freelance thief. She is an elf weaver and can perform magic, though she can’t handle technology without shorting out her brain. There are potential love triangles in the making: Alyssa and her hot new lover, Seraphina, plus another thief, Logan Turner; the second is Alyssa, Turner and Alyssa’s old beau, Tristan.

When mystical beings (trolls, etc) begin hunting Alyssa, she knows something is up. Her feelings are confirmed by a seer, Jeremiah, who sees doors opening, some of which should remain closed.

Set in the near-future in Atlanta, magic and technology exist side-by-side. Weaver’s Folly is exciting and full of twists and turns. This is an innovative blend of worlds with a strong original heroine.

As part of a series, the original plot is completed, but there’s enough of a cliff-hanger to urge readers to buy the next book.

Review goes live on Butterfly-o-Meter Books on March 14 2018 at 00.00 am gmt+2 and will show up on Goodreads sometime later.

In a Flutter: Exciting new series!
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: Fifth District, Atlanta setting, in a futuristic world where there are neurocoms and techy body mods, but also fantasy elf world of Arcadia, and paranormal elements – clairvoyance/psychic, magic, eldgergloom (really cool concept), elementals, trolls – all in badass, punky style xD.
Characters: Alyssa is a runner and a biker chick of action. I liked her. She’s an elf with a human best friend and a complicated past. I liked the fact that she questioned herself and her culture where it was due, it made her seem well-grounded.
Logan was pretty fun too. I loved his punky style and kickass skills, and his loyalty was also a big plus.
Tristan comes across as a major ass in the beginning, but as the story unfolds he becomes more layered.
Plot: The mystery of who was after Alyssa was pretty fun and full of action, though my suspect turned out to be the guilty one. I enjoyed the red herring there, but it didn’t fool me, mwahahaha! The romantic tones were a nice touch, with a bi-curious main character.
Writing: First person, past tense narrative, Alyssa’s POV. I really enjoyed her voice and sense of humor.
Curb Appeal: The stunning gorgeousness of this cover!! Fabulousness galore. Also hooking blurb, so impulsive buy material for my UF cravings.

I recommend Weaver’s Folly to fans of blends of fantasy and futuristic settings, fans of elf stories, and of diversity.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Curiosity Quills Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. I am rating this a 3.5, mainly due to lack of information. I felt at a disadvantage the entire book. Would have liked more information on the elf world. Alyssa was duped from lack of information. Loved Logan and Jeremiah! Liked Alyssa. Left room for future stories so not everything gets resolved. Overall, I would say it was pretty fun and I read it fairly quickly. I say try it!! Let me know what u think.