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The Shadow Weaver's Gambit

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She'll marry her enemy to take back her crown. The city-states of Xaca and Anillo have fought for dominance in a blood feud spanning generations.Mariela, donita of Xaca, has spent her entire life punished and berated by her own family for her inadequate magic, despite being heir to the crown. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she is ready to step out of the shadows and prove her worth... until an assassin tries to end her reign before it begins.Alone and trapped in enemy territory, desperation turns Mariela to the most unlikely of a talkative firebird and her sworn enemy, the don of Anillo. To regain her stolen throne, she may have to sacrifice everything else.The crown of Xaca belongs to Mariela. But is she willing to pay the price?

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

22 people are currently reading
2660 people want to read

About the author

Kiersten Michele

4 books83 followers
KIERSTEN MICHELE is an author and bookworm who spends her mornings, evenings, weekends, and in-between times reading. She grew up on mysteries, fantasies, historical fictions, and any other story that would take her on an adventure. Her love of reading turned into a love of writing, and she took that love to college and…got a PhD in counseling psychology. Plot twist. But when she’s not writing extremely fascinating academic articles, she’s creating stories to take her on more adventures.

Her books so far include The Mage War Chronicles, The Shadow Weaver's Gambit, and Dragon Gods.

When not tucked into her reading chair, she’s out adventuring in the real world, climbing rocks, hiking rocks, and taking way too many photos of rocks.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
1,040 reviews88 followers
August 20, 2024
I was supposed to make a Happy Pub Day post for this book as part of the Hidden Hollow Book Tours.

But the blurb was like catnip since I'm a sucker for anything Latin-American. So I picked up the gifted copy. A big thank you to the author for that!

I picked up the book and started reading, one page and then another... And I found myself reluctant to set it down. Because this is NA fantasy the way it should be written. The kind that will have a reader hooked from the very first chapter and keep them turning pages till the end.

The Shadow Weaver's Gambit is a great enemies to lovers romantasy but, at heart, it's a lot more.
It is the story of donita Mariela, a lonely 18 year old girl, who refuses to break and give up, despite having lived in the shadows since she was a child, used to being unwanted and 'not enough', and being constantly mistreated by her stepfather.
And it starts with her decision to take back what is rightfully hers by birthright - the crown of Xaca. Because she wants to prove that she is worthy. Worthy of a family that considers her inadequate and perhaps, worthy of the crown she so desperately wants to claim.
But then her tale turns into so much more!!
Because that young woman trying to fight for her self-worth, slowly starts finding reasons to fight for a people, for what's good and right, and perhaps even for the sworn enemy she's supposed to kill, not love.

"It isn't about the truth. It's about what you can get others to believe."

Mariela's story is not just an enemies to lovers fantasy of the best kind. It's found family and learning to stand up not only for yourself but also for others. It's a story of perfectly imperfect youngsters trying to do their best for not just themselves, but also their people, in a perfectly fitting edge of the seat manner I should add.
20% great plans made only to have them go to hell in a handbasket and 80% flying by the seat of their pants while hoping the gods won't curse their luck quite that much to turn it all into a disaster.

YA and NA are often a miss for me because of the characters, who often end up falling flat or feeling unrealistic. But with these ones here, it was love at first sight. Well, first read line to be exact, but that's just semantics. :D

Very well written, in a nicely paced and flowing prose, this Mage World novel ticks all the boxes of a first class fantasy. Great magic and very well fleshed out imperfect characters to absolutely root for (side cast included), edge of the seat suspense, a solid wordbuilding with an irresistible Latin-American vibe I absolutely adored, and a hell lot of heart.
Oh! And don't even get me started on the firebird!! Miyo stole the show. I want my own Miyo too.

Happy reading Bookdragons,
and be kind.



Find this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
Profile Image for charlene ✿.
560 reviews134 followers
January 24, 2024
3.25 stars  

★★★☆☆




** I was provided with an ARC from Discovery for an honest review **
I also posted my review on my blog ✿


As the eldest child of the Xaca family, Mariela is will be the future Doña, the ruler of the city-state, Xaca. The only stipulation of the crown is that she must be married. After narrowly escaping an assassination attempt, Mariela finds herself in the neighbouring enemy city-state of Anillo, in the hope of gaining allies. In exchange for help in reclaiming her throne and stopping the generational blood feud between their people, Mariela makes a desperate bargain to marry the Don of Anillo, Alejandro.

The Shadow Weaver's Gambit is a vibrant Latinx inspired coming-of-age story that explores the dangers of propaganda and the journey in overcoming self-doubt. In her fight to reclaim her throne, Mariela unravels hidden truths, and must examine her preconceived ideas of the blood feud between the city-states.
"It isn't about truth. It's about what you can get others to believe."
Revolutions start with a single spark, and Mariela must put aside her prejudices and become that spark of change for her people. Her journey is rough, filled with setbacks, betrayals and danger as she gradually learns to trust others and believe in herself.

Unfortunately, I found the soft magic system was underdeveloped and under-utilised. Mariela's power lies in her ability to create shadows, and to talk to animals. Her power to talk to animals was the most interesting, but were surprisingly used sparingly, other than her friendship with a firebird. Other animals could have been introduced, helped in her schemes and shown the strength of the rarity of her power. However, despite my criticism of her use of magic, I was glad Mariela proves that her inadequate magic does not equate to inadequate strength of character. 
"But she knew that the strength of her magia wouldn't determine her ability to rule, despite what her stepfather tried to convince her and their people."
The Shadow Weaver's Gambit weaves a tale of a found family that tugs at the heart strings. Unfortunately, I found that the plot progressed too swiftly, causing the romance and friendships to also move just as fast, and suffer as well. I wish there were more moments between the allies turned friends, and that Mariela was seen individually building those connections without Alejandro present. Many of the earlier scenes of Mariela training with Leo and their growing friendship were told in a quick montage. I found the romance between Mariela and Alejandro developed too fast, with little space to explore the relationship as they went from enemies to tentative allies. I wish the book was more fleshed out, especially towards the end, when the group was trying to gain allies and fight the propaganda.

I recommend this book for younger readers entering into fantasy, especially those who want to read diversely. It has great political aspects, with intense action scenes, a rich world, and cute enemies-to-lovers romance. It is a book you can finish easily, within a short amount of time. Fans of Luminous would enjoy this book.

The Shadow Weaver's Gambit was set to be a standalone, but I believe this was not the last we saw of Mariala and Alejandro.

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Profile Image for Osiris Mancera.
48 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2024
I truly could not put this book down! The characters were so endearing, I loved the unique magical elements in this fantasy world, and adored all the cultural inclusion of food/music/language. Latin-based fantasy book/series are hard to come by (don’t think I’ve actually read another) so it’s lovely to find connecting points throughout.

Can’t wait for the sequel (SOON PLEASE!) 🙏🏼

Excited to dive deeper into the geography, characters background, magia, and more!
Profile Image for Liz.
494 reviews20 followers
March 30, 2024
This was a great Hispanic inspired fantasy book, which I am all about. The next Doña of the Xaca clan has to flee her home due to an assignation attempt and ends ups allying with the Don of the enemy clan to take back her land. What follows is an entertaining story of enemies to lovers, magic, animal companions, political strife, and lots of action and fighting.

I real enjoyed this book. I found the characters likable and well developed, (even the firebird) the world building was great, and the plot and action very engaging. There are instances of abuse, and recollections of past abuse by the stepfather, with a mother who turns a blind eye, so watch out for that trigger.

Otherwise, an incredibly well written and easy to read fantasy book which can be read alone, or leaves just enough open for the author to continue the story. Cant wait to see what she writes next!
Profile Image for Kaci Rehkemper.
149 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2024
Mariela, the donita, is set to rule...until she isn't. Struggling with an abusive relationship with her step-father and not being understood by the rest her family she will have to fight to get her kingdom back. She will have to prove she is powerful enough, find allies along the way, and fulfill one more element to get the crown...marriage.

This story is a true enemies-to-lovers. It is also a tale of found family, working alongside animals, and finding your inner strength. It is an absolute must-read.

When you finish this, read Wild for more of your favorite characters! This is set in the same world as the Mage War Chronicles and I highly recommend those as well if you are missing this wonderful world.
Profile Image for Meg  Wood.
60 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2024
I just finished reading this five minutes ago and my jaw is still on the floor. This was a gripping story throughout, but even if you pick it up only to read the finale, it'll be worth it.

The plot, pacing, and action is absolutely superb. All the blood and betrayal of Shakespeare with the added bonus of a stabby firebird who claws eyes out first and asks questions never.

My only reason for withholding that final star is a desire to see more from the main characters. Mariela to an extent, but definitely Ro didn't feel as though they existed except to service the needs of the plot. We learn very little about Ro as a person independent from Mariela and never get closure on several dangling threads in his backstory.

I highly recommend this one if you're into enemies-to-lovers, a heroine fueled by vengeance and beautifully constructed fantasy worlds reminiscent of Central America.
3 reviews
July 9, 2023
Kiersten Michele has a fabulous way of writing complex, flawed characters that you end up loving and supporting their growth through every page. This story is so much more than an enemies to loves tale. It is found family. It is grief. It is attitude. It is fighting for yourself and learning that it’s a hell of a lot easier when you actually trust trustworthy individuals. I cannot wait to hear how the magia continues!
Profile Image for Chelsea Lamb.
76 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
This book has pretty much everything you could ask for. Adventure, betrayal, perseverance, love interest- all wrapped up in a world of magic that is unique to this book. I feel like sometimes when I read fantasy I feel like each author has me in the same magical world - this one was different which I found exciting.

You have some great banter between love interests and I loved how the MMC really pushed the buttons of the FMC.

Lots of tropes:
-enemies to lovers
-one bed
-found family (FMC actually found family vibes with a group of people that should have been considered her enemies)
-he falls first
-touch her and die
-marriage of convenience

I feel like in a lot of romantasy books you read about romanticized relationships that when you truly dive into them they are actually toxic. I loved this book because it is labeled YA and it truly shows a wonderful MMC who sticks by the side of the FMC and encourages her to no end. I am so happy to see a book aimed at such a confusing age where people can read about what a healthy relationship/partner should provide.

There is one scene that is closed door where you can assume what happened between the main characters without it giving too much depth to the experience. IMO this book would be safe for even a middle school aged kid who is an advanced reader - due to the fade to black scene.

The only suggestion I would have for the author is that there are some Spanish words in the book as it is related to Spanish culture - which was something that makes this book stand out. However, I took years of Spanish and could follow along pretty easily, but even I did not know the Spanish word for pig until I read this book. It might be helpful if the author provided a simple glossary of the Spanish terms used so that readers (especially younger ones) don't have to look up every word they don't know in an online dictionary. I hate how reliant my students are on Google and I love to teach them to check for other resources before resorting to Google so I personally would've loved to see a glossary (but maybe that is just the middle school teacher in me that wants that).
Profile Image for Plots and Reviews.
259 reviews6 followers
December 12, 2023
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: A Tale of Two Kingdoms and Heirs
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Alejandro
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Novel
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Fantasy, Adventure, Kingdoms
2.8/𝟱

🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁
~ somewhere in fantastical South America
~ a somewhat manageable naive FMC
~ initial actions that make sense
~ hot male lead 💀

Teeny tiny, unwanted, martyr complexed female, who swears she is more competent than she actually is, has been forced to run into the sexy arms of her enemy because her stepfather is a dastardly psychotic. As she schemes her way back to her home, to take her position as rightful heir of the throne, she will need her Doctor Doolittle magic (which she doesn’t use AT ALL except for one bird), her sexy enemy, lots of fermented something, all the luck in both kingdoms & all the help she can find, in order to survive & become the great ruler of them all (after MANY mistakes).

✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.

🦖This story had potential, but I wasn’t sold on the capabilities of the FMC & the overall ‘abilities’ displayed (including the disappointing speech after they prepared for HOURS?! DAYS?!). Although uniquely positioned in a fantasy South American location, I found that most of the characters lacked depth & charisma. 😔

🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗵
~ wasn’t convinced of this girl’s ability to rule
~ we must redefine what constitutes “stupid decisions”, because causing a death, bodily harm or injury isn’t “stupid” it is devastating

♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)
Profile Image for Rid.
283 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2025
If you know me, you know I very rarely read books without any spice AND when I do I have high expectations for them to suck me in and keep me reading. All the tension and yearning but no actual burning?!? Drives me crazy if the story isn’t TOP TIER.

WELL, The Shadow Weaver’s Gambit exceeded all of my expectations for a spice free, enemies to lovers romantasy. The world building was excellent and the characters sucked me right in from the very beginning.

Mariela, a lonely 18 year old girl, next in line to rule her city state, Xaca, finds herself having to escape from her evil, greedy stepfather. While escaping and trying to formulate a plan to take back her birthright, Mariela finds herself behind enemy lines. Will she be able to see the truth and trust in the unlikely new allies she’s been conditioned to hate? Or will her loneliness and fear of trust leave her burned?

You’ll love this book if you love:
💍 marriage of convenience
🔥💧🌱💨 elemental magic
🐦‍🔥 back-talking firebird companion
🔪 enemies-to-lovers
📕 fast-paced, standalone
🫑 spice free, but full of banter
Profile Image for Amber Crook.
811 reviews11 followers
November 20, 2023
Thank you, Kiersten and Hidden Hollow Book Tour for a copy of this book for a review!

I really enjoyed this book and would be a great read for YA fantasy lovers! I loved the Hispanic culture theme, the magic system was great, and the development of found family was awesome. i also love our firebird sidekick. Who doesn't love an animal sidekick?! The relationship development between Mariela and Ro was great too. Ro is pretty dreamy. I'm really excited to check out more books from this world and magic system!

Mariela is next in line for her throne, but when her stepfather hires an assassin to kill her, she runs to hire some mercenaries to help her take back what will be hers. She ends up running into a group of warriors of her enemies, and turns out their king (the don) is with them. They decide to partner up and take her throne together.

Romance is closed door and is appropriate for middle school aged +
Profile Image for Melody.
56 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2025
So this is the book you recommend to people who think indie authors can’t write good books. Overall a highly enjoyable read. I read this book while getting a tattoo and also while on my Peloton and STILL enjoyed myself. I was invested from the first chapter, this is not one of those books that takes awhile to get interesting. Our FMC is trying to escape an assassin and ends up in enemy territory where she finds a group of unlikely allies and chaos ensues. I will say I kept expecting our FMC to come into her magic in some big reveal where she is suddenly all powerful, or so the trope goes but this was not the case. My hunch is that this was the authors intention. Sometimes a heroine doesn’t need fancy god given gifts, sometimes she only needs will and determination to succeed. We can root for an underdog and we most definitely should be rooting for her magic fire breathing Firebird that she can talk to telepathically. What?! Yeah, read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alyssa ☀️ (stories.and.sunshine).
23 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2025

This book grabbed me from page one. Mariela, born into a patriarchy that demands she marry to inherit her throne, is furious with the system stacked against her. Her stepfather has manipulated her life from the shadows, and an attempt on her life forces her to question who, if anyone, she can trust. Determined to survive and one day rule, Mariela seeks allies in unexpected places, even if it means considering her enemies.

What I loved most was how this story blended Latin American folklore, court intrigue, and tropes I adore (marriage of convenience, one bed, fierce animal companion). Mariela’s journey isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being flawed, angry, and learning what it really takes to rule. That balance of vulnerability and ferocity made her easy to root for.
If you enjoy political fantasy with sharp edges, heroines who rage against the cage built for them, and familiar tropes with a refreshing cultural twist, this one is for you.
Profile Image for AJ Nadolsky.
27 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! The Shadow Weaver’s Gambit starts with a feeling much akin to a classic fairy tale, before folding in aspects of political (and personal) intrigue that kept me wanting to see what was next from start to finish. I don’t generally seek out romance - but even for folks like me that don’t, the romantic aspects and the connections that develop between the characters felt genuine and enjoyably impactful. The story is set in a Central/South American inspired world that made me savor every second of the glimpses into daily life you get throughout the story.

I absolutely see myself re-reading this again before the year is through.
Profile Image for Critter.
921 reviews43 followers
May 15, 2024
I received an ARC from a Goodreads giveaway.

This was the first book in this set in this world I have read. It's set in the same world as another series and it stands strongly by itself. I would highly recommend this book and the others in its series. The characters are interesting and well developed. I loved that the MC wasn't perfect and struggled a lot. The magic described is interesting, and the world is well developed. Overall, it was a great read.
Profile Image for Cambria Findley-Grubb.
54 reviews
June 13, 2023
Reading Project Firebird was a pure delight! Immersive storytelling, witty banter, fantastic world building, and an enemies to lovers romance that had me rooting for the leads. I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Project Firebird, and I will definitely be recommending it to friends and family.
1 review
June 14, 2023
An exciting and entertaining mix of magic, mystery, young love and fun fantastic beasties.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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