Outstanding YA pirate fantasy!
Nightweaver
Nightweaver
YA, Teen, Dark Fantasy, Pirate Fantasy, Action and Adventure
Merlin's Pen Publishing
October 13, 2023
Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback
482
Violet Oberon had never stepped foot on land.
Six hundred years after the Nightweavers claimed human lands for their own, the ocean is a haven for seventeen-year-old Violet and her family. Notorious pirates of the Western Sea, the Oberon clan are undefeated in battle—until an Underling murders Violet’s brother, and she discovers there are monsters more fearsome than the Nightweavers that have taken them captive.
When the son of a wealthy Nightweaver shows Violet and her family mercy, offering employment at his estate rather than enslavement, Violet vows not to forget that he is everything she hates. But as she adjusts to her new role as a kitchen maid at Bludgrave Manor, she finds that hatred is a curious thing. Arrogant, entitled, right hand to the wicked prince, William Castor might be the key to avenging her brother—and reclaiming her freedom.
But mercy always comes with a price. As Violet hunts the Underling responsible for her brother’s death, dark secrets threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew about the Nightweavers, herself, and her world. Torn between family loyalty and a chance at revenge, the cost of learning the truth about her brother’s murder could be her life.
I am the one they fear. I am the monster in the dark. I am the judgement.
RM Gray’s debut novel, Nightweaver, is the beginning of a fantastic experience into a fantasy world of pirates, supernatural beings, and a battle for dominion. Violet Oberon had a violent upbringing as part of an infamous pirate clan but even with their rebel lifestyle her close knit family was learned, loving, and loyal. The death of her favorite brother and the family’s capture by the Nightweavers puts Violet rips her from that life and leads her to discoveries that will shatter everything she thought she knew about herself and the world she lives in.
Gray nailed it with Nightweaver! It really is everything you could want in a YA fantasy: a great story with action and intrigue, complex characters with budding relationships, and multi-layered, fascinating themes. The fact that Violet is a pirate is just icing on the cake. Its no secret that Gray is a professed pirate lover and this focus is evident in that she writes this facet of the story with depth and quality, not just a regurgitation of The Pirates of the Caribbean. And that cover! That alone was enough to entice me to read this book.
“But the truth remains: dangerous, deadly things are often the most beautiful.”
If ever there was a quote that describes Violet, it would be that. She is physically a formidable foe and mentally tough as nails but has a heart that has not been corrupted by all the violence she has been a part of. She is also “cursed” with a supernatural gift that allows her to see the evil spirits that move about and posess other beings. This ability is what makes her wanted by both the angelic descended Nightweavers and the fallen Underlings. And it is this ability that will equip her as she embarks into unkown waters.
Nightweaver is the first book in a multi-book series so it is definitely setting the stage for different struggles, conflicts, and relationships. For me one of the most intriguing is Violet’s developing relationships with powerful Nightweavers: Lord William Castor, the Prince of the Eerie, and the elusive Captain Shade. All are dangerous men with the capability and influence to threaten the existence and safety of Violet and her family. Yet each is drawn to Violet in explicable ways. The slow and suspicious build Violet is experiencing with each is one of the best parts of the book and will keep you guessing as you follow her journey to avenge her brother’s death and keep from being forcibly recruited by the Queen of the Fallen.
“There is only one thing more powerful than fear, Violet,” he says, his voice dark and deep, as rich as honey and as smooth as velvet as he tucks the rose behind my ear.
“What?” I whisper, near breathless.
His boyish grin reveals a single dimple in his right cheek. “Love.”
Nightweaver was definitely a strong five star book for me, but even more so after I had the opportunity to visit with RM Gray. She is such a joyous person whose passion for writing and books and pirates is evidently what makes her stories come alive. For more of the discussion about Nightweaver and RM Gray herself watch our chat on The Lit Buzz Youtube channel.
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.
