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Walk the Web Lightly
Naya’s family is all about their art, their traditions, their secret ability to see time. They expect her to follow in their footsteps, creating art and keeping their powers concealed. But she wants to be a doctor—and you can’t do that if you’re hiding all the time! When a chance to go to medical science camp comes up, her family disapproves, but Grandmother challenges her to a if she can weave her soul wrap before the camp begins, she can go; if she fails, she has to say good-bye to her science dreams for good. With all of the knowledge of time at her fingertips, Naya is sure she can win. But someone is rigging events to learn her family’s secrets—and it turns out that what she doesn’t know could jeopardize everyone she loves.
296 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
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3641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 3, 2024
“Our gifts let us see so much…but it’s not really living if we’re not in our lives.”
Walk the Web Lightly by Mary Pascual weaves together crucial lessons about family and heritage with supernatural elements to create a world that is entirely its own. Walk the Web Lightly is Pascual’s second young adult novel, and it follows Naya, a young girl whose interests are piqued by science and medicine, trapped in a family that cares more about art and tradition. What sets this family apart, however, is their supernatural abilities to see through the webs and lines of time. Naya believes she is ready for science camp, but her family disapproves. In Naya’s attempts to prove her maturity, she comes to realize that her powers are more dangerous than she thought, especially in the wrong hands.
Walk the Web Lightly is an interesting young adult novel, to say the least. The age of the main character is difficult to place. At times, Naya feels like she is only ten or eleven, but as the book goes on, things get so dark that I thought Naya might be sixteen. By the end of the novel Naya’s age is confirmed, but the story feels too mature tonally to be middle grade, while the characters feel too young for this to be a story for young adults. The novel dragged for me in the first half, with Naya being a flat character with superficial interests that aren’t explored to their full capacity, and the grandmother character being far too mean and close-minded. The novel took a drastic turn in the second half, however, and shocked me immensely. Near the end of the novel, Naya is kidnapped, seemingly out of nowhere. While the novel established that the assumed “bad guy” in the beginning of the novel was watching Naya, the ending was genuinely terrifying. With the combination of the tonal switch and the characters coming across one-note, I cannot say that I fully enjoyed this story. In the final chapters, it becomes clear why Naya’s grandmother was so harsh and why their supernatural powers must remain a secret, but ultimately, the conclusion did little to progress Naya’s character motivations or establish how she could pursue her interests in the future knowing how powerful she is. Walk the Web Lightly has some imaginative ideas and explores both Naya’s and the villain’s powers in a fascinating way, but it feels like two separate novels for two different ages of readers.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio & SparkPress for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Walk the Web Lightly by Mary Pascual weaves together crucial lessons about family and heritage with supernatural elements to create a world that is entirely its own. Walk the Web Lightly is Pascual’s second young adult novel, and it follows Naya, a young girl whose interests are piqued by science and medicine, trapped in a family that cares more about art and tradition. What sets this family apart, however, is their supernatural abilities to see through the webs and lines of time. Naya believes she is ready for science camp, but her family disapproves. In Naya’s attempts to prove her maturity, she comes to realize that her powers are more dangerous than she thought, especially in the wrong hands.
Walk the Web Lightly is an interesting young adult novel, to say the least. The age of the main character is difficult to place. At times, Naya feels like she is only ten or eleven, but as the book goes on, things get so dark that I thought Naya might be sixteen. By the end of the novel Naya’s age is confirmed, but the story feels too mature tonally to be middle grade, while the characters feel too young for this to be a story for young adults. The novel dragged for me in the first half, with Naya being a flat character with superficial interests that aren’t explored to their full capacity, and the grandmother character being far too mean and close-minded. The novel took a drastic turn in the second half, however, and shocked me immensely. Near the end of the novel, Naya is kidnapped, seemingly out of nowhere. While the novel established that the assumed “bad guy” in the beginning of the novel was watching Naya, the ending was genuinely terrifying. With the combination of the tonal switch and the characters coming across one-note, I cannot say that I fully enjoyed this story. In the final chapters, it becomes clear why Naya’s grandmother was so harsh and why their supernatural powers must remain a secret, but ultimately, the conclusion did little to progress Naya’s character motivations or establish how she could pursue her interests in the future knowing how powerful she is. Walk the Web Lightly has some imaginative ideas and explores both Naya’s and the villain’s powers in a fascinating way, but it feels like two separate novels for two different ages of readers.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio & SparkPress for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
May 16, 2024
Actual Rating: 3.5/5 stars
“Our gifts let us see so much…but it’s not really living if we’re not in our lives.”
Walk the Web Lightly is a unique magical realism novel targeted at the upper end of middle-grade to lower end of YA. It tells the story of Naya, a 14-year old girl who shares her families gift of seeing the “web” of possible pasts and futures of people around them. Naya is interested in science and medicine, yet her family urge her to honor their traditions and persue a path of further developing her web-weaving skills.
What I liked:
Overall, I love this novels premise, and the magic system does come to fruition througout. I feared it would be difficult to picture, but the author does an amazing job of helping us visualise what the experience of having this gift is like for Naya and her family.
The book touches on some very important themes and messages that young readers will be able to relate to. Especially the family dynamics are really well developed. I loved seeing Naya and her mum navigate their differences (family tradition vs Naya’s individual wishes, the pressure of parental expectations, and the struggle of wanting to protect a loved-one vs letting them go) in a really loving and positive way.
On a small but related note: it’s wonderful to see this parental expectation trope “flipped” around here. There are plenty of YA-novels about parents wanting their child to become doctor vs persue a career in arts, but Walk the Web Lightly turns the tables on that end.
What I didn’t like:
My biggest critique would be that this novel struggles to match a single target audience. The story reads much like a middle-grade story, and initially, I would’ve guessed Naya to be around 11-years old. Our villain feels very one-dimensional and lacks the nuance that I’d expect if the book were targeted at an older audience.
Then half-way through the novel, some heavy topics are introduced in a way that doesn’t quite feel at home in a middle-grade novel. Don’t get me wrong: you absolutely CAN discuss heavy topics in middle-grade, but the flippancy with which it’s done here, and lack of discussion about it afterwards, does feel out of place.
Additionally, the book stumbles on its worldbuilding and pacing at times. Although the magic-system is well visualised, the first half of the novel is heavy on exposition and butler-dialogue. It takes the wind out of the books sails quite a bit, and I wish some of this would’ve been trimmed down.
Many thanks to Spark Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Our gifts let us see so much…but it’s not really living if we’re not in our lives.”
Walk the Web Lightly is a unique magical realism novel targeted at the upper end of middle-grade to lower end of YA. It tells the story of Naya, a 14-year old girl who shares her families gift of seeing the “web” of possible pasts and futures of people around them. Naya is interested in science and medicine, yet her family urge her to honor their traditions and persue a path of further developing her web-weaving skills.
What I liked:
Overall, I love this novels premise, and the magic system does come to fruition througout. I feared it would be difficult to picture, but the author does an amazing job of helping us visualise what the experience of having this gift is like for Naya and her family.
The book touches on some very important themes and messages that young readers will be able to relate to. Especially the family dynamics are really well developed. I loved seeing Naya and her mum navigate their differences (family tradition vs Naya’s individual wishes, the pressure of parental expectations, and the struggle of wanting to protect a loved-one vs letting them go) in a really loving and positive way.
On a small but related note: it’s wonderful to see this parental expectation trope “flipped” around here. There are plenty of YA-novels about parents wanting their child to become doctor vs persue a career in arts, but Walk the Web Lightly turns the tables on that end.
What I didn’t like:
My biggest critique would be that this novel struggles to match a single target audience. The story reads much like a middle-grade story, and initially, I would’ve guessed Naya to be around 11-years old. Our villain feels very one-dimensional and lacks the nuance that I’d expect if the book were targeted at an older audience.
Then half-way through the novel, some heavy topics are introduced in a way that doesn’t quite feel at home in a middle-grade novel. Don’t get me wrong: you absolutely CAN discuss heavy topics in middle-grade, but the flippancy with which it’s done here, and lack of discussion about it afterwards, does feel out of place.
Additionally, the book stumbles on its worldbuilding and pacing at times. Although the magic-system is well visualised, the first half of the novel is heavy on exposition and butler-dialogue. It takes the wind out of the books sails quite a bit, and I wish some of this would’ve been trimmed down.
Many thanks to Spark Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 27, 2024
Naya is a young girl from a family with the unique ability to see time. Her family is deeply rooted in their artistic traditions and the secrecy surrounding their powers. However, Naya has a different dream: she wants to become a doctor, a path that demands openness and exposure, contrary to her family's insistence on concealment.
When Naya gets an opportunity to attend a medical science camp, her family disapproves, valuing their traditions over her ambitions. Nevertheless, her Grandmother offers a challenge: if Naya can successfully weave her soul wrap before the camp starts, she can go; if she fails, she must abandon her aspirations of becoming a doctor.
With the ability to see time and all its knowledge, Naya is confident she can meet the challenge. However, she soon discovers that someone is manipulating events to uncover her family's secrets. This unforeseen threat reveals that Naya's lack of knowledge about certain things could endanger everyone she loves.
Tropes
- Conflict of Traditions vs. Ambitions
- Coming of Age
- Magical Realism
- Family and Loyalty
- Mystery and Intrigue
Review
"Walk the Web Lightly" is an enchanting tale that combines the whimsical elements of fantasy with the grounded aspirations of a young girl determined to follow her dreams. Mary Pascual crafts a rich narrative that explores deep themes of tradition, ambition, and the complexities of family dynamics.
Naya is a relatable and determined protagonist whose struggle to balance her family's expectations with her own desires will resonate with many readers. Her journey is both inspiring and heartwarming, as she learns the importance of both her heritage and her personal goals.
The magical realism element of seeing time is woven beautifully into the story, adding depth and a unique twist to the traditional coming-of-age narrative. Pascual's prose is lyrical and vivid, bringing to life the world of Naya and her family's intricate and secretive powers.
The challenge set by Naya's Grandmother and the subsequent mystery surrounding the manipulation of events create a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged. The stakes feel real and urgent, emphasizing the significance of Naya's quest.
It is a captivating young adult novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and magical realism. Mary Pascual's storytelling is both imaginative and thoughtful, making this book a delightful read for anyone who enjoys tales of self-discovery, family, and the pursuit of dreams. Naya's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself while honouring one's roots.
When Naya gets an opportunity to attend a medical science camp, her family disapproves, valuing their traditions over her ambitions. Nevertheless, her Grandmother offers a challenge: if Naya can successfully weave her soul wrap before the camp starts, she can go; if she fails, she must abandon her aspirations of becoming a doctor.
With the ability to see time and all its knowledge, Naya is confident she can meet the challenge. However, she soon discovers that someone is manipulating events to uncover her family's secrets. This unforeseen threat reveals that Naya's lack of knowledge about certain things could endanger everyone she loves.
Tropes
- Conflict of Traditions vs. Ambitions
- Coming of Age
- Magical Realism
- Family and Loyalty
- Mystery and Intrigue
Review
"Walk the Web Lightly" is an enchanting tale that combines the whimsical elements of fantasy with the grounded aspirations of a young girl determined to follow her dreams. Mary Pascual crafts a rich narrative that explores deep themes of tradition, ambition, and the complexities of family dynamics.
Naya is a relatable and determined protagonist whose struggle to balance her family's expectations with her own desires will resonate with many readers. Her journey is both inspiring and heartwarming, as she learns the importance of both her heritage and her personal goals.
The magical realism element of seeing time is woven beautifully into the story, adding depth and a unique twist to the traditional coming-of-age narrative. Pascual's prose is lyrical and vivid, bringing to life the world of Naya and her family's intricate and secretive powers.
The challenge set by Naya's Grandmother and the subsequent mystery surrounding the manipulation of events create a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged. The stakes feel real and urgent, emphasizing the significance of Naya's quest.
It is a captivating young adult novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and magical realism. Mary Pascual's storytelling is both imaginative and thoughtful, making this book a delightful read for anyone who enjoys tales of self-discovery, family, and the pursuit of dreams. Naya's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself while honouring one's roots.
May 7, 2024
Fourteen-year-old Naya feels stifled by her family. She spends most of her time at school or helping out at her mother and grandmother’s fashion business run from their home. Whenever she is allowed out, she isn’t allowed to venture far. Her loved ones’ protective tendencies are warranted, though. All three of them share a gift—the ability to see other individuals’ pasts and their potential pathways in the future—and historically, their kind has not always fared well once discovered.
Something big is about to happen. Naya can feel it coming, but she can’t see what it is.
This coming-of-age, part-urban fantasy, part-magical realism tale has an interesting premise. Based on the descriptions, I could picture how Naya and her family can see that alternate world of threads connecting people to each other, their pasts, and their futures.
We get to see the family dynamics at play and how family history plays into how Naya is raised. We get to see Naya exploring who she will become within her family and friend group, where she can grow in her ability to walk people’s timelines, and how she values art but wants to pursue science, much to her family’s consternation and dismay.
After the day-to-day exposition in the story, events begin occurring that force Naya to reevaluate her perspective on her own past, present, and future.
***Spoilers below***
The first half-to-two-thirds of the book are heavy on exposition. There is a lot of day-to-day content with brief interjections from the villain watching Naya along the way.
Then there is an active shooter, and it almost feels like we step into a different novel. (Given the target age for this book, I do wish there had been more discussion around how people responded to and coped with this event.)
The cast of characters is still the same, but at this point, multiple major events start happening in the story.
The villain feels very one-note, and there are a few references to him being raised in the foster care system. I feel uncomfortable with the implication that having been a foster child may be the reason he turned out the way he is. There doesn’t seem to be another reason for the words “foster care” to be included in his backstory.
Overall, Walk the Web Lightly has an interesting premise, but I didn’t find myself as engrossed in the novel as I had hoped to be.
I received a copy of the book from BookSparks. All review opinions are my own.
Something big is about to happen. Naya can feel it coming, but she can’t see what it is.
This coming-of-age, part-urban fantasy, part-magical realism tale has an interesting premise. Based on the descriptions, I could picture how Naya and her family can see that alternate world of threads connecting people to each other, their pasts, and their futures.
We get to see the family dynamics at play and how family history plays into how Naya is raised. We get to see Naya exploring who she will become within her family and friend group, where she can grow in her ability to walk people’s timelines, and how she values art but wants to pursue science, much to her family’s consternation and dismay.
After the day-to-day exposition in the story, events begin occurring that force Naya to reevaluate her perspective on her own past, present, and future.
***Spoilers below***
The first half-to-two-thirds of the book are heavy on exposition. There is a lot of day-to-day content with brief interjections from the villain watching Naya along the way.
Then there is an active shooter, and it almost feels like we step into a different novel. (Given the target age for this book, I do wish there had been more discussion around how people responded to and coped with this event.)
The cast of characters is still the same, but at this point, multiple major events start happening in the story.
The villain feels very one-note, and there are a few references to him being raised in the foster care system. I feel uncomfortable with the implication that having been a foster child may be the reason he turned out the way he is. There doesn’t seem to be another reason for the words “foster care” to be included in his backstory.
Overall, Walk the Web Lightly has an interesting premise, but I didn’t find myself as engrossed in the novel as I had hoped to be.
I received a copy of the book from BookSparks. All review opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, however all opinions are my own
How I read this book: eBook
So the reason I wanted to read this is because I saw the description on Netgalley and it genuinely looked like such a cool concept and was something that really intrigued me. Unfortunately, I ended up being a little disappointed by this book. I'd first like to start off by saying the idea of this book and their magic was really cool, and I found it really interesting to read about their magic and how it works. However, the whole first half of the book was just talking about how their magic works, and then the various mundane tasks they do throughout their day with a small dual perspective of our secondary character keeping tabs on our main character. There wasn't a lot of excitement that happened within the first part out of describing their magic system and I really felt like it could have been condensed down to less than the 150 pages it took. I found this really difficult to read until we got to part 2 of the book. Part 2 was where everything that was exciting happened. It definitely made me want to the pick up more but then I had the opposite issue of feeling rushed through all of the information I got at once, I was left feeling wanting to know more about what we had learned about characters, and not getting the satisfaction of finding out. Overall, I enjoyed this book enough to have finished it, but will I pick it up again? Probably not. I just don't think this book was for me.
My Favourite Characters:
Isabella (Short Shorts): I honestly loved Isabella's character even though we didn't get too much of her in the book. She really went to bat for Naya and I loved her for it.
Mamma: I loved Naya's mum so much. You could truly tell she cared for her daughter so much and I love seeing those type of familial figures within stories.
My Least Favourite Characters:
Mr. Lindy: Mr. Lindy honestly grossed me out so much, he can actually get in the bin.
Sylvia: Honestly, for Sylvia's age she was a horrible, horrible character. I'm glad there wasn't a lot of her in the story.
(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)
How I read this book: eBook
So the reason I wanted to read this is because I saw the description on Netgalley and it genuinely looked like such a cool concept and was something that really intrigued me. Unfortunately, I ended up being a little disappointed by this book. I'd first like to start off by saying the idea of this book and their magic was really cool, and I found it really interesting to read about their magic and how it works. However, the whole first half of the book was just talking about how their magic works, and then the various mundane tasks they do throughout their day with a small dual perspective of our secondary character keeping tabs on our main character. There wasn't a lot of excitement that happened within the first part out of describing their magic system and I really felt like it could have been condensed down to less than the 150 pages it took. I found this really difficult to read until we got to part 2 of the book. Part 2 was where everything that was exciting happened. It definitely made me want to the pick up more but then I had the opposite issue of feeling rushed through all of the information I got at once, I was left feeling wanting to know more about what we had learned about characters, and not getting the satisfaction of finding out. Overall, I enjoyed this book enough to have finished it, but will I pick it up again? Probably not. I just don't think this book was for me.
My Favourite Characters:
Isabella (Short Shorts): I honestly loved Isabella's character even though we didn't get too much of her in the book. She really went to bat for Naya and I loved her for it.
Mamma: I loved Naya's mum so much. You could truly tell she cared for her daughter so much and I love seeing those type of familial figures within stories.
My Least Favourite Characters:
Mr. Lindy: Mr. Lindy honestly grossed me out so much, he can actually get in the bin.
Sylvia: Honestly, for Sylvia's age she was a horrible, horrible character. I'm glad there wasn't a lot of her in the story.
(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)
May 4, 2024
I’ve wanted to read this author, and I’m so glad I did! In this book, she weaves magic and family with art and science to create an enchanting story about a young girl trying to forge her own way.
I enjoyed getting to know Naya and her protective mama and grandmother. They are artisans—weavers and painters. But like their ancestors, they possess a magical gift: they can walk the lines (like delicate webs) and see time.
The family is incredibly secretive about this special gift, so Naya has been secluded and sheltered. She is beginning to make friends, and she loves science. Her dream is to be a doctor, but her family is not supportive of that.
Naya wants to go to science camp, but her grandmother challenges her to weave a soul wrap before she can. Meanwhile, someone is trying hard to learn the secrets of Naya’s family magic.
This was a creative way to use the gift of the knowledge of time. I enjoyed how the story weaved art and science in, yet it didn’t feel too sci-fi-like — just magical. Naya is bright, caring, and determined, which makes it easy to root for her, although I couldn’t place her exact age. (Sometimes she seemed quite young, while other times she seemed more mature.)
This is a vibrant coming-of-age story with sweet family relationships given to that usual push and pull and some fun friendships.
Thank you @BookSparks and @MaryTheWeirdGirl for having me on #SpringPopUp tour and gifting me a copy.
April 23, 2024
Mary Pascual's "Walk the Web Lightly" is a captivating exploration of family ties, tradition, and the magic that binds them. Set in a world where art and secret abilities intertwine, the novel follows Naya, a young girl torn between her family's expectations and her dream of becoming a doctor.
Pascual skillfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of passion. Through Naya's journey, readers are immersed in a richly imagined world where artistry and mysticism converge.
The magic in "Walk the Web Lightly" is enchanting, from the intricate soul wraps to the subtle manipulation of time. Pascual's vivid descriptions bring this world to life, captivating readers with its beauty and complexity.
The plot is filled with suspense and intrigue as Naya grapples with forces determined to uncover her family's secrets. With brisk pacing and expertly crafted twists, the story keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
As a fan of Mary Pascual's work, I found "Walk the Web Lightly" to be another captivating read. Her ability to blend magic and realism creates a compelling narrative that will enchant readers of all ages. With vibrant characters and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a shining example of Pascual's talent as a storyteller.
Pascual skillfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of passion. Through Naya's journey, readers are immersed in a richly imagined world where artistry and mysticism converge.
The magic in "Walk the Web Lightly" is enchanting, from the intricate soul wraps to the subtle manipulation of time. Pascual's vivid descriptions bring this world to life, captivating readers with its beauty and complexity.
The plot is filled with suspense and intrigue as Naya grapples with forces determined to uncover her family's secrets. With brisk pacing and expertly crafted twists, the story keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
As a fan of Mary Pascual's work, I found "Walk the Web Lightly" to be another captivating read. Her ability to blend magic and realism creates a compelling narrative that will enchant readers of all ages. With vibrant characters and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a shining example of Pascual's talent as a storyteller.
May 20, 2024
Walk the Web Lightly: A Novel, is a perfect fit for readers who delight in stories about self-discovery, family secrets, and the struggle to balance tradition with personal ambition, with a dash of magical realism and a thrilling mystery to keep them on the edge of their seats.
📖 Walk the Web Lightly
✍🏻 by Mary Pascual @marytheweirdgirl
🗓️ May 7th 2024
📚Publisher SparkPress @booksparks
I love this novels premise, and the magic system does come to fruition throughout. I was worried it would be difficult to get into this world, but the author does an amazing job of helping us visualise what the experience of having this gift is like for Naya and her family. We are immersed in a detailed world full of artistry and mysticism, where time is manipulated, and Mary Pascual captivates us with complexity and profound beauty.
The book touches on some very important themes and messages that young readers will be able to relate to. Especially the family dynamics are really well developed. I think this is where the book is mostly focused on. And takes up about 2/3 of the book so this may feel slower to some as all of this family history and backstory take a lot of space in the book. I am wondering if this isn’t a deeper setup because it will become a series?!? 🤷🏻♀️
The last part of the story seems more YA to me and there becomes a situation, that has been building, but it explodes and this book becomes a heavier, that’s why I say YA. This is faster paced and not as flushed out compared to the beginning of the book.
I’m grateful to #booksparks #springpopup #booksinbloom #marypascual for the #gifted book and swag as well as being a part of this book tour and the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
📖 Walk the Web Lightly
✍🏻 by Mary Pascual @marytheweirdgirl
🗓️ May 7th 2024
📚Publisher SparkPress @booksparks
I love this novels premise, and the magic system does come to fruition throughout. I was worried it would be difficult to get into this world, but the author does an amazing job of helping us visualise what the experience of having this gift is like for Naya and her family. We are immersed in a detailed world full of artistry and mysticism, where time is manipulated, and Mary Pascual captivates us with complexity and profound beauty.
The book touches on some very important themes and messages that young readers will be able to relate to. Especially the family dynamics are really well developed. I think this is where the book is mostly focused on. And takes up about 2/3 of the book so this may feel slower to some as all of this family history and backstory take a lot of space in the book. I am wondering if this isn’t a deeper setup because it will become a series?!? 🤷🏻♀️
The last part of the story seems more YA to me and there becomes a situation, that has been building, but it explodes and this book becomes a heavier, that’s why I say YA. This is faster paced and not as flushed out compared to the beginning of the book.
I’m grateful to #booksparks #springpopup #booksinbloom #marypascual for the #gifted book and swag as well as being a part of this book tour and the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Partners @BookSparks and @MaryTheWeirdGirl for my #giftedbook and super fun swag! I'm happy to have been chosen to participate in the #SpringPopUp book tour.
I have heard a lot about this author and this is my first book of hers. This book did not disappoint. The author does an excellent job of interweaving art, family, magic, and science to create a unique story of a young lady trying to find her own way in the world.
Naya is a great main character, I found myself identifying with her on many levels when I think back to my younger self. We also met her mother and grandmother who like their ancestors are artisans (weavers and painters) but with a special gift of magic. They are able to walk the lines (think delicate webs) and can see time.
Because the family is very secretive, Naya spent most of her life hidden away. As she begins making friends and dreams of becoming a doctor her family is unsupportive. This forces the family to begin the delicate dance of push and pull that comes with growing up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age story. The author did an excellent job of creating a fun story full of family challenges and the friends who get us through those times. I look forward to reading more from this author and would love to see the book become a series!
I have heard a lot about this author and this is my first book of hers. This book did not disappoint. The author does an excellent job of interweaving art, family, magic, and science to create a unique story of a young lady trying to find her own way in the world.
Naya is a great main character, I found myself identifying with her on many levels when I think back to my younger self. We also met her mother and grandmother who like their ancestors are artisans (weavers and painters) but with a special gift of magic. They are able to walk the lines (think delicate webs) and can see time.
Because the family is very secretive, Naya spent most of her life hidden away. As she begins making friends and dreams of becoming a doctor her family is unsupportive. This forces the family to begin the delicate dance of push and pull that comes with growing up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age story. The author did an excellent job of creating a fun story full of family challenges and the friends who get us through those times. I look forward to reading more from this author and would love to see the book become a series!
May 7, 2024
I was intrigued not only by the fact that the family in this book possessed a special gift, allowing them to see the lines of people's lives and see through time in a way - but also by the fact that this book really centered around family and tradition. I will admit, Naya as a main character was not the most likeable. Any pre-teen or teen is going to have issues as they are growing up and learning who they really are, but at times I felt Naya's attitude towards her family and her occasional flippancy towards her mother's and grandmother's teachings/warnings was a little grating. As the story continued she became easier to like and understand, which was likely the intent, her character grew as she worked through all the things she needed to work through. The initial premise, the fact that Naya wants to be a doctor while her family wants her to continue in the family "business" or tradition is a common one we see everywhere, so the addition of the mystical gift as well as the danger of the individual who's trying to discover the family's secret was a great way to shape a story. A great coming of age story with some intrigue and magic woven through it.
May 8, 2024
Walk the Web Lightly follows Naya, a teen who feels pulled between her family's expectation to continue in their artisan tradition and her dream of becoming a doctor. Naya's painter mother and weaver grandmother also have the magical ability to see the lines of people's lives and their possible fates, as does Naya. This gift is kept a highly guarded secret and Naya's family is overprotective because of this. The story takes a dark turn halfway through as Naya takes a risk leading her into terrible danger. She grows to better understand her family's motivations and behaviors.
Walk the Web Lightly is a beautifully written coming-0f-age story which explores the themes of the balance between following family tradition and forging your own path. It also offers the perspective that holding information back from your children can actually endanger them more than honesty. The supernatural element was an interesting way to explore these ideas.
Thank you to Book Sparks, Spark Press and the author for a gifted copy.
@BookSparks @MaryTheWeirdGirl #WalkTheWebLightly #SpringPopUp #BookSparks #BooksInBloom
Walk the Web Lightly is a beautifully written coming-0f-age story which explores the themes of the balance between following family tradition and forging your own path. It also offers the perspective that holding information back from your children can actually endanger them more than honesty. The supernatural element was an interesting way to explore these ideas.
Thank you to Book Sparks, Spark Press and the author for a gifted copy.
@BookSparks @MaryTheWeirdGirl #WalkTheWebLightly #SpringPopUp #BookSparks #BooksInBloom
May 7, 2024
This book was not quite what I expected when I started it. It is a beautifully written story that explores the difficulties of familial tradition and expectations, depicting the challenges of not fitting in and the pressures imposed on us from a young age. Naya desires to defy her family's wishes and goes out of her way to prove herself throughout the narrative. However, what you don’t anticipate is how swiftly it takes a dark turn, revealing the risks associated with taking chances. I appreciated the inclusion of supernatural elements, as they added depth to the story and prevented the main character and her grandmother from being overly superficial. While I wished for more character depth and exploration, particularly regarding Naya and other family members, I still found the book's unique ending enjoyable.
Thank you BookSparks!
Thank you BookSparks!
March 5, 2024
Walk the Web Lightly è una sorta di retelling della mitologia delle tre Moire, protagonista è infatti sempre accompagnata dalla madre e dalla nonna, tutte e tre con il potere di vedere i fili della vita e delle decisioni future.
Si tratta di un Urban Fantasy, non ho ben capito l'età della protagonista ma dal tenore delle conversazioni direi che non ha più di 12/13 anni.
È un libro scorrevole, semplice, a tratti purtroppo noioso. La trama però è interessante, nessuno fa mai un retelling del mito delle Moire.
Senza infamia e senza lode
#WalktheWebLightly #NetGalley
Si tratta di un Urban Fantasy, non ho ben capito l'età della protagonista ma dal tenore delle conversazioni direi che non ha più di 12/13 anni.
È un libro scorrevole, semplice, a tratti purtroppo noioso. La trama però è interessante, nessuno fa mai un retelling del mito delle Moire.
Senza infamia e senza lode
#WalktheWebLightly #NetGalley
February 5, 2025
My favorite books help me find the magic in the everyday while illuminating something new about the nature of our world. Walk the Web Lightly does both in the most beguiling way. On its surface, it's a story about growing up and the strength, patience, and mistakes it takes to truly come into our own. At its heart, however, it explores the big questions--the true nature of family, art, love, loss, and the threads that connect us to each other and all there is. Emotional, enthralling, and beautifully written, this novel is one of the best coming-of-age stories I've ever read.
July 19, 2024
Walk the Web Lightly is a poignant coming-of-age story that captures the love of family even amidst secrets, the burdens of magic, and modern world dangers. At turns dreamy and fraught with tension, this story’s unique take on psychic/time abilities is unexpected and one not to miss. I fully enjoyed Naya as a realistic (magical) heroine! A really good read!
December 17, 2024
I thought that this was a beautiful book that really looked deep into family and what that means to you.
The ending was rushed and went way too fast for no reason. Honestly, I wished the main conflict happened earlier and not as short as what we got.
The ending was rushed and went way too fast for no reason. Honestly, I wished the main conflict happened earlier and not as short as what we got.
March 30, 2024
Just started. Love this author! Such a cute premise.
March 30, 2024
Great story and characters with beautiful imagery. I enjoyed escaping into this fantasy world, devouring the book just a little too quickly. I'll definitely read again and again.
March 4, 2025
To Come
July 7, 2025
Really enjoyed this YA fantasy. The premise was fresh and compelling, and the characters were well developed and engaging. Well done!
July 18, 2024
Walk the Web Lightly is an extraordinary book that works so well on many intersecting levels. It’s a coming-of-age story; it’s magical realism, with an elaborate world with secret psychic powers; it’s a thriller that kept me up late because I had to know how it ended. Perhaps most intriguing, though, is its metaphysical aspect. Pascual takes a sophisticated approach, delving into the responsibilities that come with psychic ability—Should it be hidden? Can it be misused? What is mind control? If questions like these interest you, this book won’t disappoint.
May 15, 2024
This book transported me back to that formative edge of childhood… where you are building lifelong friendships, discovering your talents, and realizing just how strong you are… but layered with suspense and supernatural spirit.
November 17, 2024
A wonderful coming-of-age novel. The story feels fresh and engaging. It's not necessarily something I would normally pick up at the age of 33 however I know as a teenager I would have devoured this book over and over again.
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