I gotta say this book has me all confused 😅
Starting off with such a heavy hitting first couple of chapters, I was flabbergasted at the amount of action and felt very engrossed in the story. Pirates surviving in the water because all lands is occupied by flesh eating creatures? Let’s do this!
It took a long way to get there, but I did appreciate the story! The world building fits for a great YA story, with enchanting magic and a mystery plot that keeps you guessing.
My only issue is just as quickly as the action started in the first couple chapters, the story goes into a lull for the next 200 pages and totally changes the premise from “pirates on the water” to “family becomes servants on land”. It wasn’t until the last 50 pages on the book, that any part of the middle actually makes the story full circle.

If you’re looking for a YA romantasy with clean romance and whimsical elements, Nightweaver by R.M. Gray might just be worth exploring. While the story didn’t entirely capture me, I can see it being a delightful read for a younger audience venturing into the world of young adult fantasy romance.

R.M. Gray’s prose is vivid and easy to read. The world being crafted has the potential to be breathtaking and atmospheric. Personally, I found the world-building a bit sparse at times, with the author providing much of the details about the world as chunks of information. I do think, however, that this style is well suited to younger audiences who can benefit from material being given to them in clean/clear chunks, versus interwoven throughout the greater narrative. Pacing felt a little off to me despite there being constant action. The romance, while sweet, lacked the spark to truly captivate me. That said, Nightweaver may still be a great fit for younger readers who enjoy gentle fantasy adventures with a touch of romance.

While Nightweaver didn’t fully meet my expectations, it has its charms. Younger YA readers or those new to romantasy might find it a magical introduction to the genre. If you’re looking for a story with light romance, clean themes, and a whimsical setting, this might be worth adding to your TBR.

3.5

The world building was good. The idea of nightweavers taking over the land, making the humans go to the sea was creative. Meeting Aster as a pirate was a new FMC point of view I hadn’t read in a while. When Aster and her family get captured it gets more confusing. I was quite lost when the magic and politics of this world were explained and I admit it was hard for me to keep reading. Ince we get to some action and getting to know more of other characters it gave me a bit more motivation.

Will and Aster’s short time together was interesting but it lacked the chemistry. I guess I saw Aster with the captain Shade more, however towards the middle of the book it was obvious who this Captain Shade really was. A little too predictable. But I enjoy his character. When he appears in his second persona, I liked him more and how he saw Aster. Basically he knew her even way back and I liked that in a way they have history.

Aster is a very noble character. She chooses not based on herself but what is best for her family. Getting to know all the secrets at the end, which a couple did surprise me, it built a lot of character for Aster. I hope I see more of

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I literally just finished this book and I am so obsessed with it now. I am desperate for book two to come out (even though book one hasn’t even been released yet). I really want to know what’s going to happen next!

Gray created a complex fantasy world full of creatures, monsters, and beings with powers that I was easily able to lose myself in. The writing was spectacular and the plot twists were so good. I loved the characters, especially Aster and Will. I really enjoyed their interactions and I am looking forward to what happens in book two!

I'm really sad to say that this didn't work for me. It had such a strong start, but some things just magically worked out? Also I felt like I was being told about this romantic connection but I didn't feel it. It's just one of those reads that wasn't the best fit but I will say that I really enjoyed the blend of so many magical aspects. You have pirates of course, but monster pets, pixies and other magical beings etc. My personal vibes aside, this is creative, fun and I think readers will eat this one up!

Thank you so much to Little Brown Books for my ARC, I appreciate it!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Mind blowing! What a page turner!
I was absolutely captivated by this book. From the first chapter, I was drawn into a world rich with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters. The author’s writing style is incredibly immersive, effortlessly blending descriptive prose with sharp dialogue that brings the world to life.

The main character’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. I loved watching their growth as they face challenges and discover secrets about themselves and the world around them. The way R.M. Gray balances action, emotion, and intrigue is truly impressive, and I was hooked from start to finish.

The world-building in A Nightweaver is absolutely stellar. The magic system is intriguing and unique, and the author does a fantastic job of making it feel integral to the plot without overwhelming the story. The setting is so vivid that I could easily imagine the landscapes and the complex societies that the characters navigate.

The romance and relationships in the book felt natural and well-developed, adding depth to the characters without overshadowing the main plot. The tension and chemistry between characters were palpable, making each interaction feel meaningful.

Overall, A Nightweaver is a beautiful, gripping read that I can wholeheartedly recommend. If you’re a fan of fantasy with deep character development, captivating world-building, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book is a must-read!

🤯

I first want to thank Netgalley, Little, Brown and company, and the novl, for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are all my own.

This book had me in its grips from start to finish!
Epic pirate action right from the start with a smooth fantasy transition. We follow Aster Oberon, middle child of a famous pirate family. As she navigates life as a captive while trying to seek vengeance for her brother. But things aren't as they seem. She starts to admit she has feelings for her captor. Her new life isn't as bad as she initially anticipated. But her feelings for Will lead to suspicions. Will gets sent to war again, and while he is away, she goes on a hunt for the truth. Secrets become revealed to more truths than she was prepared for. Things aren't as they seem.
Its so hard to write this review without giving away spoilers.

Just know that if you read this book, you will be set on a road of an epic pirate's adventure, flourishing young love, self-discovery, mystery, secrets, and betrayals. The cliffhanger ending will have you begging for more.

R.M. Gray wrote this perfectly in a way that worked with the genre and how the characters were used in this story. I was invested in what was happening and enjoyed the feel of this. I was engaged with the world that was built and enjoyed the forbidden romance going on. I enjoyed the overall feel and how everything worked together to tell this story.

The story is set in a world dominated by the shifting Nightweavers and Underlings, vicious monsters that feed on humans and have driven the humans out to the sea for survival. Aster Oberon is known to be a fierce fighter and comes from a long line of pirates known as undefeated Oberons, rulers of the Western Sea. Her life is turned upside down when the creatures attack their ship, and her brother is killed. Devastated and broken, Aster is taken, captured, and sold to a wealthy Nightweaver, William. Aster hates everything he represents, and her intense quest for vengeance against the Nightweavers complex when she is drawn to him. She must find what is stocking her in the dark and get her and her family back to sea.

The fast-paced, high-stakes narrative keeps the reader invested, especially as Aster's internal struggle between her loyalty to her family and her drive for revenge intensifies. As Aster and William's relationship develops, it softens them and adds emotional layers to the story. Aster is tough but compassionate. The love of family grounds her and makes what she fights for more human against the other more animalistic beings.

I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story, trying to figure out the political system and who is on which side. The story is not for the faint of heart. There are dangers and battles that amp up the action. The story intertwines action and intrigue in the best way. I can not wait to get my hands on the next book.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown Books.

Nightweaver takes place in a world where humans have mostly been pushed off the land and forced to live on ships on the ocean. Those left on land are the servants of "higher" beings, called Nightweavers, that came from a higher plane six hundred years earlier. Aster is a human who lives on a ship with her pirate family. They are attacked by Nightweavers and sold into servitude on land. Aster realizes that she is more than she thought she was. As she faces life changing peril, she realizes that she isn't weak and that her "curse" may be the salvation of all humankind.

This book is well written and highly engaging. There are scenes of violence and death, but no strong language or graphic scenes. It is appropriate for middle grades on up. I look forward to adding it to our library shelves.

After 600 years of humans being forced from land to sea by the Nightweavers, Aster and her family are forced to return to land after being captured. Aster has heard all of the horror stories of what Nightweavers do to humans, but are all of the stories true? In this page turning fantasy, readers are swept into Aster’s world to discover amazing creatures, terrifying monsters, and twists and turns in the story. I can’t wait for book 2 so I can find out what happens next!

That was fan-friggin-tastic! Holy cow! It's been a long time since I've read a book this captivating. The only problem is that I have to wait forever for the second one because this one isn't even out yet (thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy).
I will say that for about the first fourth of the book, I was pretty confused. But it wasn't anything I couldn't get over. It felt almost like reading Shadow and Bone. There was just a lot of terminology to understand and get through before the real meat of the story began.
Once the story really began, though, I couldn't put the book down. It really was fantastic. I loved the characters, and the magic system is so fascinating. There was a twist in there that I didn't catch (I thought it was something totally different, and I love when things take me by surprise!).
I would recommend this YA novel to anyone who loves a good pirate fantasy. It was fantastic, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

I really enjoyed this book! I’m a sucker for anything fantasy with pirates, gothic romance vibes and gods/legends.

I also loved Violet the FMC. I think characters for feel out of place in the world and have to live by adapting but can still be strong and fierce is something I relate too in some ways.

Also love a slow burn romantic relationship, it felt well paced and I had a huge crush on the MMC

The plot overall was very captivating and the ending was a legitimate roller coaster and left me shocked and needing book #2 right now.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book during it's rerelease under a new imprint. Nightweaver is an unforgettable ride. I absolutely love the world Ms. Gray paints for the readers, and the characters are chefs kiss. I am no-so-patiently waiting for book two to come out, because I simply can't get enough. It's fresh, unique and FUN.