Slow burn fantasy
Woven in Darknes
Woven Saga Book #1
New Adult, Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Fehu Press
May 13, 2023
Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback
496
Her brother is lost to a Dark Rip. Indigold lords have bought her sisters. And now Zaria has been claimed by Harken, the infamous Savage King. Harken trusts no-one, not even the immortal Weavers he is sworn to protect. He keeps his Savage Court locked away behind the Woven mists. Along with his past. And his heart. But now Harken’s court is in danger from an old enemy. And whoever is behind the plot seems determined to kill Zaria, making her the most valuable piece in a savage game. In a bid to expose his enemies, Harken offers Zaria a bargain: play the part of his slave for Astria’s glittering season of Revels, and in return, he will help her win freedom and riches in the Maverick’s Race. But Zaria has secrets of her own. Secrets that bind her to Harken, body and soul, and show her the past he guards so fiercely. Telling him the truth means losing her chance at freedom. Concealing it means betraying his trust—and the Savage King doesn’t tolerate betrayal. But the darkness is coming, and when it does, Zaria’ssecrets might be the only thing that can save them all.
Should darkness be feared or embraced? Maybe both!
Woven in Darkness narrated by Jessica Harris is the first book in Lucy Holden’s new fantasy romance series The Woven Saga. An ancient land with a society that is woven throughout with magic is the backdrop for Zaria’s story. For as long as she can remember she has been marked as a slave with a braid around her neck, the end of which is kept by the master who controls her, and dreamed of the day she would earn her freedom and eventually the freedom of her “siblings” through the deadly braid race, where only the winner walks away alive. A chance encounter with the Lord of the Savage Court and unexplained attempts to kill her change the trajectory her life as her purpose becomes part of a bigger struggle between forces that are set on complete dominion of the world as they know it.
Billed as a slow burn fantasy romance, Woven in Darkness is conceptually an intriguing story with its exotic world, magic societal groups, and strong and gifted heroine. However, there were several things that kept it from reaching its full potential in my mind. As the first book in a new fantasy series, I realize that world building needs to be a big part of the first few chapters. I felt that there were so many foreign terms, titles, etc. and a lot of characters that a glossary of some type would have help immensely in keeping things straight. The opening scenes were riveting with action that was not matched until the very end of the story. It felt like a roller coaster ride I once got stuck on midway through the run and had to sit and watch the crew work on it for a while before it took off again. Lastly, Woven in Darkness is billed as a slow burn romance. For me it burned so slowly that my interest in their relationship fizzled out. Finally, too many lose ends were wrapped up in a much to convenient and timely manner that it did not feel natural.
The thing that got me through Woven in Darkness and kept me engaged was the wonderful voice of Jessica Harris. Her character variations and presentation really enhanced the feel of the book and took me to where I was not just listening to narration but a part of the story. I also loved the addition of the Sea Dragon, Huxley. She was so endearing and I hope we get to see more of her. I really think The Woven Saga has great potential and look forward to seeing how Zaria’s story plays out.
Tanya’s love for books has been a lifelong passion that she likes sharing with others. Reading is also the thing that relaxes her after a day of juggling the many responsibilities that come with being being wife to an amazing man, mother to four great kids spread around the world, business manager, and farm hand on their place in southwest Missouri; home to Akaushi cattle and a menagerie of pygmy goats, horses, chickens, dogs and cats.
