A sacred duty… An impossible love… A ruthless fate…
Valorie’s life revolves around two simple finish her final year at Sycamore University alongside her two best friends, and escape the clutches of her abuser. When she meets an interesting stranger one afternoon and a fast friendship sparks into existence, things seem to finally be looking up for her…if she can only stay alive long enough to enjoy them.
As a dehmi—a grunt class of benevolent immortals sent to facilitate the advancement of mortal realms—Conall spends his days using his healing affinity to complete missions assigned by the Paragons. Prove his worth, and he will eventually earn his place back on Avallea. After being shown a vision of a battered Valorie by the Paragons of the Underworld, he steels himself to do what he does best: defeat whatever, or whomever, is threatening her. Until he finds out his mission is not to save her…
It’s to kill her.
——
Strands in the Web weaves together a heart-wrenching tale of love, fantasy, and paranormal intrigue perfect for fans of Twilight, Disney’s Hercules, and the Flesh and Fire series. The captivating narrative follows Valorie’s struggle for autonomy alongside Conall’s quest to navigate the delicate balance between divine duty and unwelcome desire. As the threads of destiny tighten around them, will they be strong enough to forge their own path? Or will fate’s pull prove impossible to resist?
—— Content Warnings: Strands in the Web is a NA/Adult romance intended for ages 18+. While the romance itself is not dark, the book does contain dark elements that may be upsetting to some readers. These include, but are not limited descriptions of mental health issues, graphic descriptions of physical assault and SA, open-door intimacy, death and gore. Please prioritize your own mental health when reading.
K.T. Host has been writing in some shape or form since she could hold a pencil. From poems, to stories, to scientific papers and professional statements—if you can create it with words, she’s probably done it at least once. She has a degree in biological sciences, which gives her unique insight into the inner workings of world-building and character design and helps her flesh out her stories.
K.T. lives with her husband and daughter in a secret cavern in the deepest recesses of the cosmos, where she has beamed her books directly to you via a complex linked system of teleporters that are closely guarded by various international police agencies.
This book has such an amazing idea behind it. It is something that I honestly have not read before and I enjoyed it simply for that fact.
With that said, this book also has some issues (to me they are issues, another reader might be totally fine with them.) I feel like there isn't much character depth, there is a disconnect between some events, and the MFC is just too perfect. To me this very much felt like the fantasy you dream up while you're falling asleep where everything just falls perfectly into place without any hesitation. Because of that I wasn't able to connect at all.
There are chapters that are from the MFC and some from the MMC. I feel like the MMC chapters don't really give him any depth, he talks about his feelings but it feels more surface level. There is also this huge disconnect where around Halloween they decide to date, then it jumps forwards to Christmas and he is eating her out in her foyer... Like... What? They went from lets date to nom nom with no relationship building.
Then the MMC drops huge news on her that you would think would make her stop and think but no, she just accepts it with no fuss. It was kind of odd to me. It's like their relationship bloomed but we weren't there to see it. It's just suddenly there on paper. It was just all too perfect.
There is some violence in it, however the way it was written it was easier to read and was not triggering to me. That is about the only thing not perfect in this book.
Again, the idea was super cool and the book truly isn't a bad read. I don't think it was for me but that doesn't mean that other readers won't absolutely love it!
Honestly? K. T. Host absolutely slayed. She wrote the perfect heart-warming and winsome novel of the year. This one is definitely in the list of my favorite comfort books. It's a cuddle book, to take out and read in tough times. The protagonists are the part I appreciated most of the book, Valorie and Conall. Starting from my favorite character, Conall. I immediately felt extremely close to him, a sensitive character but with great strength of mind. The chapters from his pov are the ones I appreciated the most: I could feel Conall's emotions and empathize with him, especially with his anxiety (which is so well-portrayed). Without giving away spoilers, but at several moments, reading his POVs, I found myself wiping away a few tears, especially in the second half of the book. On the other hand, I wasn't able to empathize in the same way with Valorie. I found her povs to be less introspective than Conall's and more dedicated to the actual plot. But I appreciated the depiction of an abusive relationship and all the trauma that comes with it (hate on Xavier). I found the magic system original, it could have been more in-depth, but in the end it's fine as it is. The book is already full of important themes that have been treated well. There will be time for the magic system in the next book, because after that ending we all need a next book.
This book is heart-wrenching but flawlessly intertwines themes of duty, love, and destiny. I was captivated by Valorie’s struggle to balance her life at university while desperately trying to escape the clutches of her abuser. The introduction of Conall, an immortal with a mission, adds a layer of tension and intrigue that kept me turning the page.
Valorie’s resilience and Conall’s internal conflict are portrayed with such authenticity that I felt deeply connected to their journeys. The dual perspectives of Valorie and Conall not only enrich the narrative but also provide a comprehensive view of their intertwined fates.
The plot is masterfully crafted, with twists and turns that are both unexpected and thrilling. The climax is shocking and has me eager for the next book. (Asap please!)
The world-building is great, and the plot is slightly more character-driven than plot-driven, but I have a feeling that the next one will be more action driven.
If you’re looking for a book that will tug at the heart strings, make you laugh, and hold your breath in anticipation, you should grab this.
There are moments while reading this book that I am swept up in a story. Feeling seen in past traumatic events and knowing that the main character too can make it through stronger than before. I think any reader will be compelled to evaluate and appreciate their interpersonal relationships from this writing. K.T.’s ability to make you ugly cry at all the right moments is a skill I feel any debut author would kill for.
The story has more twists than a balloon animal. The resolutions aren’t immediately absolute but are in the end perfect. I didn’t see the ending coming and can’t wait for book two.
In my not so humble opinion this was one of my favorite books of the year.
I absolutely adored this book and think its message will resound with so many people that have escaped toxic relationships (or those looking for the courage to do so.) Valorie is the sweetest FMC ever, and as the reader we watch as she is hunted by her ex - Xavier.
Once Conall, a magical Dehmi, comes into the picture - everything changes. We see Valorie as she could be WITHOUT the constant storm cloud of Xavier hanging over her, and it is truly magical.
Unfortunately, Conall is fated to kill Valorie by the Paragons of the Underworld. This one ends on an insane cliff-hanger and I’m going to be anxiously checking for updates about book two until it releases! The writing in SotW is incredible and I will definitely be picking up anything this author puts out in the future.
Check this one out if you like fantasy, romance, incredible world-building, and strong FMCs!! This is outside my normal reading genres but my current read was putting me into a slump. I stopped halfway through and started Strands - binged right to the end over two days. Highly recommend switching it up and trying this one out!!
**Thank you to the author for gifting me with an ARC of this magical title!!**
I saw this book compared to Hercules and twilight which I totally agree with, if you enjoyed those you will love this. The story does a great job tackling anxiety, abusive relationships, found family in friendships, and of course love. Overall I enjoyed the book and characters, but that shock cliffhanger ending is what sealed it for me. Everything was going too well and you KNEW something bad was going to happen but I was not prepared and was at the edge of my seat. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out. However, I do agree with some other reviewers that the character development was lacking and could have been fleshed out a little more, but I understand not all readers are cool with reading a 700 page book full of details. As far as first book in a series goes I throughly enjoyed it, highly recommend it, and will be anxiously awaiting book 2. I got this as an ARC and the author is a gem, so reading good books by good people is always a happy bonus.
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨ Thank you so much to K.T. Host for my Advanced Reader Copy of 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐁! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
I can’t believe the day is here where SitW is finally out there for the world to read! Where do I even begin? This book was 𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐋. K.T. Host has done the damn thing with this book. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. If you’re looking for an emotionally immersive read, then this is the book for you. You will feel everything with this book - I laughed, I DEFINITELY cried, I swooned, and everything in between. On top of being emotionally invested, I LOVED the prose of this book. It flowed so well and every plot point felt like it had a purpose. One of my favorite things I loved about it was that all the world building details felt so purposefully placed - the info was sprinkled throughout the story in a really easily digestible way, and it was so captivating to me. We find out so much about Avallea and the Dehmi and I loved every single detail of the world building!
SitW follows our FMC, Valorie, and our MMC, Conall. Conall is a Dehmi (our immortal benevolent magical being), blessed with healing powers. He’s sent to 💀 Valorie on a mission from his superior beings, but finds himself befriending her and defying fate by falling for her. Valorie is an AMAZING FMC. From the get-go, I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug. She’s so strong, so resilient, and she’s been through so much at the hands of her ex, Xavier. I love her - she’s been through a lot but she still tries to find the good in things, and she’s truly just an inspiring character. Shes also just hilarious! I love her little one liners and quips, there were so many moments I was laughing out loud because of her! And David and Charlie are the friends I really think we all need in our lives! These three have the best friendship and I loved it when they were all together on page!
The romance between Valorie and Conall is absolutely beautiful. They instantly feel connected to each other but are both so hesitant to act on anything, and rightfully so. I love the way that we can see Conall’s internal struggle with what his duty is, and what his feelings are. He’s sent on a mission to 💀 her, but his feelings and his heart are telling him otherwise. He grapples with this struggle for a good portion of the book and it created some amazing tension and angst! Valorie is hesitant because of everything she’s been through with Xavier. She and Conall are friends for a while and I just loved seeing their relationship unfold throughout the book. I loved seeing them open their hearts to each other! It was so wonderfully written and I loved how they were exactly what the other needed. It was just perfect!🥹
Overall, you need to read this book if you’re looking for your next Paranormal Romance read! It was amazing in every single way and I didn’t want it to end. Speaking of ending, this ending will have you screaming at your kindle at 2am because HOLY CLIFFHANGER. This ends in the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers! I cannot wait for Book 2 and can’t wait to see what K.T. does with these amazing characters! I have already started theorizing!
If you’re looking for a modern portal fantasy with star-crossed lovers, then this one is for you!
Blurb: Valorie’s life revolves around two simple desires: finish her final year at Sycamore University alongside her two best friends, and escape the clutches of her abuser. When she meets an interesting stranger one afternoon and a fast friendship sparks into existence, things seem to finally be looking up for her...if she can only stay alive long enough to enjoy them.
As a dehmi-a grunt class of benevolent immortals sent to facilitate the advancement of mortal realms-Conall spends his days using his healing affinity to complete missions assigned by the Paragons. Prove his worth, and he will eventually earn his place back on Avallea. After being shown a vision of a battered Valorie by the Paragons of the Underworld, he steels himself to do what he does best: defeat whatever, or whomever, is threatening her. Until he finds out his mission is not to save her... It’s to kill her.
He’s sent to kill her?? I ate it up! Their friendship throughout the story was my favorite. They both needed that from each other. When it turned into even more, I was melting. I absolutely loved Valorie! She is resilient and remains strong regardless of what she endures. This story sucked me in and left me wanting more of them and the side characters.
I’m going to be honest here and say… I had no idea what this book was about before starting it and being a mood reader, I was not excited about to starting it at the time. But I was hooked by chapter one and enjoyed every chapter after that. The storyline and plot is one I hadn’t read before and I loved the idea of it. Valorie is our FMC who Conall, our MMC, is tasked with killing. But it doesn’t take long for Conall to realize there is something special about Valorie and completing his task may be harder than he thought. Valorie is a human, college student just living her life and dealing with trauma from her past that keeps resurfacing as her abusive, stalker and manipulative ex boyfriend still thinks he has a claim on her. Conall is an immortal dehmi from another world who is given tasks that help the mortal worlds…. But this task is not his usual and killing someone is not something he likes to do. But he will see the task through…. At least he planned to.
Strands in the Web will captivate you from the first page… all the way to the last. You’ll love each and every character… the banter is great and the epic cliffhanger is going to leave you dying for book 2!!!
Strands In The Web Arc Review By: K.T. Host Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I went into this not knowing what to expect. It’s everything I love in one book. Host outdid herself with this. It was a battle to put this book down. It’s action packed, relatable, slow burn, and everything else you could ever want. Val and Conall are both characters you will fall in love with. The story is heart breaking and the way that it ends was just rude. With a cliffhanger. Be prepared for your heart to be ripped out and shredded into a million pieces.
Firstly, thank you K.T. Host for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
K.T. Host starts of the book introducing Connal and his mission. I absolutely loved how the relationship progresses from Connal having to kill Valorie to him falling in love with her. Host did a fantastic job of creating a bond between the two. She also did a great job of making you feel like you're reading a cozy romance before pulling the rug out from under your feet. The last quarter of the book is definitely a ride.
Valorie has a really good character development. She goes from a broken sad girl, to one who's becoming more confident and comfortable in her own skin. Connal is a protector and we can see how his task becomes difficult for him to complete. However, I did not see much of a character development for him and felt like I did not really get to know him.
I also felt that there were some holes in the book, and when she's given super shocking news, she totally okay with it, so it doesn't feel very realistic.
I absolutely love Val though so I'm curious to see what the second book is about. I hope that I learn more about who Connal is in that book.
Thank you to K.T. Host for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my review. I’m new to reviewing so hopefully this helps someone on the fence take the plunge 🫶🏻
This book is not my usual genre as I’m super new to fantasy and pnr, but someone compared it to Twilight and of course the millennial in me had to read it.
I went through SO many feelings reading this. I laughed at the banter and jokes. I felt SO seen with the fmc’s internal voice and her journey with her mental health. I cried, and I usually don’t cry. I even yelled “WHAT” at my kindle multiple times.
I’m pretty sure I won’t recover from this book and the way it made me feel, but that’s a problem for my therapist🤷🏻♀️ Anyway, I truly did not think I would like this book and I was so pleasantly surprised and I cannot wait to see where this series will go.
“Arc” Review “Strands in the Web” is a Fantasy Romance, more Romance and emotional issues than a Fantasy story. Which I thought would have more that fantasy aspect ( the last chapters were the most enjoyable to me because I really wanted to read more about “ MMC Conall’s” immortal world) and too me this book read more like a angsty emotional teen novel , centering more on MFC Valorie ‘s college life and abusive relationship.
The pace of this book was very slow and sometimes overly descriptive in certain chapters ( which had me zoning out a lot ) the plot was interesting, the writing was good and the characters were likable. A little spice and a lot of deep personal issues ( so check your triggers) Ends with a lot of unanswered questions.
Overall …I really tried to get into this book but it just fell a little flat for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫3.5 🌶️🌶️
Strands in the Web is an urban fantasy romance that follows two POVs. First is Conall. He is a magical healer from Avallea that is tasked with missions to help worlds like Earth improve and his newest mission is the worst yet: to kill an innocent woman. Said woman, Valorie, is a 21 year old college student trying her best to free herself from the clutches of a narcissistic, abusive, stalker ex-boyfriend. As Conall gets to know Val, he begins to wonder if there might be another strand of fate that would allow him to not end her life because she is slowly because the reason for his.
KT weaves darkness with such a beautiful light in Valorie. Her heartbreaking grief, panic, ptsd, and fear are palpable (please check TW), but her sense of humor and the hope she holds onto is inspirational and her inner circle is such a precious support. We get to see Val grow confident apart from the lies she’s been told and how deserving she is of love and what that truly looks like.
The banter is top tier and had me laughing throughout the book; the villain is truly villainous and I hate him; the plot twists hurt; and the slow burn romance is perfection.
Tropes you may find in SITW are slow burn, cinnamon roll MMC, chosen family, betrayal, plot twists, witty banter, mental health rep, he washes her hair, who did this to you, forbidden love, secret identity, magical beings, spice 2/5, and a cliffy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It made me feel ALL of the things. I can’t wait for book two. Thank you so much for the gifted arc, KT! I now sit impatiently for the next one. 🫶
I kept forgetting that this is a debut novel as I read it!! The story was so well done and all the characters were so well developed. This is the perfect book for anyone who’s ever had anxiety, the voice in their head that they’re worthless, toxic relationships, and a lack of confidence (spoiler about myself I have had all of the above). This story put a magical spin on finding yourself and your courage through all the hard things, and holding out for that someone who thinks you’re the world. And who doesn’t love a hot man with powers? I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the second installment in this series!! Great job K.T. this book is amazing!! 💚
Love at first sight? That was me with this book. After the first chapter, I knew I was in for a wild ride. Without giving too much away, the balance between the warm and fuzzy love story and the looming dread of Xavier was perfectly executed. I found myself holding my breath anytime Valorie was alone, expecting him to pop up like that annoying zit before photo day.
Valorie’s silent struggle, despite having incredible friends and family, highlights the stark reality of how deeply trauma can take root. Her strength and perseverance were inspirational, and it’s easy to see why those around her loved her so much. I’m a sucker for found family, and the Dehmi were my favorite part of the book. I can’t wait to see more of that world in the following book(s).
Overall, this was a fantastic read. If you’re into strong FMC vibes and a hunky demi-god love interest, this book is a definite yes! As a big fan of fantasy worlds, I’m excited to see where the sequel takes us. I will definitely be first in line to read it because I NEED ANSWERS.
Sending a huge thank you to K.T Host for providing me this Advanced Reader Copy and for including me in her incredible Street Team. I can’t wait to scream how much this book ruined me from the rooftops.
First and foremost, I cannot thank the author enough for sending me this ARC!
I am at a loss for words. An incredible pageturner that is a must read.
Connal and Valorie’s stories were really well rounded and their families were absolutely brilliant. The warm towel scene was such a cozy and nice touch that I just had to mention it here 🫶🏼
P.S. I hope someone is creating a Xavier hate group 😅
I received this book as part of the authors ARC team and was told to give an honest review of the book!
I absolutely LOVED this book! I’m going to post a more in-depth review on my instagram. But man, if you want a “touch her and you die” plus “who did this to you,” while being wrapped up in modern fantasy, THIS is the book! It is a must read and now I’m dying for the next book!! <3
CW: anxiety/trauma rep, depictions of abuse/attempted r@pe, violence, some gore, spice, some others.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! “Strands in the Web” releases June 25, 2024!
Okay, I was entirely unprepared for how amazing this book was. You are also unprepared.
Life as a dehmi has worked well for Connal thus far. He goes where he’s sent, does what he’s told, and he gets to help the world along the way. But when his newest task is to kill a woman he’s never met, Connal encounters a problem. Namely, that this woman, Valorie, immediately captures his attention like no other. Valorie, meanwhile, is just doing her best to survive. Her two best friends mean the world to her, but an abusive ex is making her life a living hell, and it’s taking everything she has just to keep going.
First things first— a warning. This book, though amazing, deals with some heavy subject matter. There are graphic depictions of our FMC’s ex perpetrating acts of physical and emotional abuse, including attempted SA/r@pe. There are also depictions of our FMC dealing with a lot of anxiety and trauma revolving around these events, as well as other chronic anxiety. These depictions will undoubtedly be a bad fit for some potential readers, and I think it’s important that those potential readers be aware that these are not scenes you’ll be able to avoid or skip around. Having stated this, let’s move on to the actual review.
First things first, let’s discuss our characters. Our MMC is the absolute sweetest, most adorable character I’ve read about lately and I love him. Our FMC kicks off the book in a really fragile state, and yet somehow she’s still going. The strength and willpower she has to push forward is incredible, and it makes her someone you really end up rooting for. The depictions of her mental and emotional states, especially early on, feel incredibly real, and it made me both so sad and so enraged on her behalf. For a book to elicit such a visceral reaction in me while reading is uncommon, and I think it speaks to the author’s ability to convey some really complicated emotions really well. The FMC’s struggle with anxiety and panic attacks in particular is something I’ve dealt with personally, and it was strangely comforting to see it manifest in someone else, even a fictional character, in the same way it can show up for me. On a happier note, the dynamic between our MC’s? Amazing. I loved every second of it. The side characters? Also amazing. I want to be best friends with them. 10/10 characters.
Plot and worldbuilding are getting combined into one section, as I feel they’re pretty solidly linked. The overarching storyline was so good! I was hooked from chapter 1, and the only reason I put the thing down at all was because it was almost daylight outside and apparently sleep is important or something (which I found to be a highly inconvenient problem). The story is set in our world in modern times, so in that sense there wasn’t a lot of new information. The locations we see in the story were all so wonderfully described that it felt like we were just looking at a picture; I’m not convinced even a little that all of these places don’t exist because they were so lifelike and beautiful. While the MMC’s job is a vital part of the story existing at all, we really don’t get a lot of information about it until about a third of the way into the story. Normally, this would bug me, because I’m very much the sort of person who wants all the information right away. In this particular book, though, I didn’t even notice because the developing dynamic in our MCs was so adorable that I kind of forgot there was a catalyst for them meeting in the first place. You could have given me another 300 pages of just the two of them living and interacting and I would have been completely okay with it.
This book gave me all the things— emotions, entertainment, all of it. I *needed* to know what was going to happen next, and I’m fairly certain I’ve developed at least 2 new wrinkles on my face reacting to the story. I loved every moment of this book, even those parts that were less than pleasant for our characters. I finished reading and instantly had to fight the urge to demand the author present book 2 at once. If you’re looking for a story that fits both the fantasy and contemporary romance categories, and that has some of the most adorable characters ever, then this is the book for you. I seriously can’t recommend it enough.
It’s as if things that makes us who we are, those ephemeral pieces, have merged their organs and nerves and systems into one beast with two bodies, inextricably linked forevermore
After months of not touching a book, Strands in the Web was the first one I picked up. Due to personal reasons, I had to take a step back from all ARCs, collabs, and reading in general, and this book was one of them. If you’ve been in a reading slump like I was, this story is a great choice to pull you out of it.
The world-building in Strands in the Web is particularly well done. In many fantasy books, I often find myself lost in the first few pages, but this wasn’t the case here. The author’s clear and engaging descriptions made it easy to get into the story.
Valorie, the main female character, goes through a lot, and I really empathized with her. She’s so strong, and the author handles such delicate topics with sensitivity and depth. Conall, the main male character, is literally perfect. He finds himself in a difficult situation at the beginning of the story, but almost immediately falls for Valorie. However, his perfection is also where the story falters a bit for me.
While I understand that fantasy requires a departure from reality, some dynamics in their relationship felt surreal. Their love story wasn’t rushed, but it also felt like it happened all at once, making it hard for me to connect with their romance. I would have loved to see more of their real character flaws, as their lack of imperfections made the story feel somewhat flat.
Additionally, some of Conall’s dialogue came off as cringe-worthy to me, though this might just be due to my personal taste. Despite these issues, the story kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot was original, and I didn’t expect the finale at all. I never lost interest, which is something not every book manages to achieve.
Overall, I highly recommend reading Strands in the Web if you’re looking for an original fantasy-romance, just be prepared for some darker themes and ensure you prioritize your mental health while reading.
Despite its flaws, I really enjoyed it and I’m eager to find out how the story progresses!
I immediately fell in love with the characters in this book… well most of the characters. There’s one very special character who gives off creepy, real-life villain vibes and I absolutely hated him. Xavier reminds me of all the scummy men I’ve met and continue to meet throughout my life. The fact that he ignites such a rage within me is a testament to how well K.T. Host writes her characters.
Strands in the Web follows Conall, a magical being tasked to kill Valorie, a human, for the greater good. Valorie is no villain, she’s a victim of repeat abuse and her situation tugs at the heartstrings. Conall’s lack of emotion at the beginning of the book makes for such great comedy. I found myself laughing out loud at his straightforward tendencies and how Valorie undoes it all. Their chemistry is to die for, I wanted to scoop these characters up and give them the biggest hugs.
“She’s Snow White’s poison apple, tantalizing and sweet, and I want to taste every forbidden inch of her. Looking this way, she might kill me before I can kill her.”
K.T. Host wrote a beautiful book that made me laugh, yell at the characters, and hurt my soul all at once. Strands in the Web felt like a wayyyyyyyyy less cringey twilight with so much more to look forward to. Also, Valorie is such a strong woman for what she goes through. I hope you give this book a chance and we can yell at the real villains together.
How could I resist a book with this many good comparisons! This book has all the best vibes: Hercules, New Adult Twilight, Flesh and Fire combo plus romantasy/paranormal romance! It was all those things and more. I can totally recommend this book. Our FMC Valorie is so resilient and I enjoyed her journey in this book. I liked the bond she had to our MMC Conall. I was truly swept away in their story.
The book does contain some moderate spice with 3 open door scenes in the end of chapter 20, chapter 29 and chapter 32. These scenes could easily be skipped. This book does come with a lot of trigger warnings and these should not be ignored. Those are domestic violence, sexual assault, vulgar language, stalking and explicit sexual content. I know that list looks intimidating, but for me the book was so worth it and these were incorporated out of necessity for the storyline and character development. The author did an excellent job of showing the horrors of domestic violence and sexual assault without taking it too far. There was only one problem with the book for me and that was that the author did me dirty with that cliffhanger ending!! I need book two now. 🙏
Favorite quotes: ❤️🩹 “At first, I thought it was grief. I thought it was fear, and pain, and loneliness. But, I’m starting to think that maybe…all along…it’s been hope.”
💜 ”Am I prepared to jump in and risk everything, including my siblings, all for a chance to rescue the woman I love? Absolutely.”
🤍 Immortal beings 🩶 Mental Health Rep 🖤 Secret/Hidden identity ❤️ Forbidden love 🧡 Magic Powers 💛 Other worlds 💚 Found family 🩵 Defying fate 💙 Secret societies
Thank you to the author K.T. Host for the electronic advanced copy of the book.
We open up this book to a Dehmi receiving his assignment, but it's different then his usual assignments, he's delivering death.
This book was filled with many moments of laughter, Valories bestfriends David and Charlie are so funny! She is 2 years out from ending a abusive relationship with her Xavier that she truly never ended. It's hard to get away when you go to the same University. She's hidden the truth from her parents and her bestfriends to the extent of what Xavier has done to her.
Enter Conall a Dehmi god with instructions to kill Valorie for the greater good. He is a healer by trade and taking life isn't something he does. But it's his job, can he screw this up and therefore change the future of the world?
A forbidden love story becomes woven into the web, ending with a cliffhanger that had me frustrated book 2 wasn't here already!
Strands in the Web absolutely wrecked my soul. I was not ready. I started out thinking this was going to be a cute modern fantasy set in a college where the guy gets the girl with an HEA. K.T. Host definitely pulled my heartstrings, ripped them up, and threw them into the Underworld.
Valerie is an absolute marvel. I saw myself in parts of her struggle with anxiety and mental health. She was very authentic throughout the story, even when it's hard. She learned extremely difficult lessons in managing anxiety and overthinking that a lot of people could learn from.
Conall is the perfect opposite to Valorie. Stoic and calm in all situations, he can serve as the voice of reason or at least support. He is kind, caring, delicate, loving, and all the good things in one - almost the definition of a cinnamon roll MMC. He also has the power to flip a switch and be the protective partner he needs to be.
I was graciously made an ARC reader for my honest thoughts and review on the book.
Strands in the Web is a compelling romance fantasy that balances dark themes with humor and beautiful relationships that remind you that inner strength is something you always have. A Dual-POV narrative, which I vastly prefer to just one POV, split between our main characters Valoire and Conall. Their voices are definitely distinct from each other, allowing their chapters to compliment each other every time there is a POV switch.
The shortest way I can describe Valorie and Conall is that Valorie is the sun and Conall is the moon, shining brighter with the light that Valorie gives off. Their romance is sweet, intense, and even painful at times. The character relationships are dynamic with dialogue that is genuinely so fun to read through. It also makes it hurt all the more when get to the twists and turns and wonder how anything can go back to how it was before.
It's a very easy read with some beautifully written imagery. You'll finish it in a few days, if not a few hours with how you won't want to put the book down. The sequel with be an absolute relief to have when it's out. Highly recommend to those who love a romance that both parties have to work hard for to achieve.
Don't forget to read the warnings before starting, there are some dark and heavy topics.
This beautful looking book is Book 1 of the Fate of the Dehmi Series - I absolutely love the artwork on the cover. It's gorgeous!
The story revolves around 2 characters - Valorie (a human) and Conall (a dehmi)... with Conall sent to kill Valorie...
Straight away with this book, in the very first chapter, you are hooked... Korey doesn't mess around!
I absolutely love Valorie... she is a survivor from some terrible things, and though she needs to heal, she's come out fighting, and I admire this.
It took a while for me to warm to Conall... I didn't really like him to begin with, but I think that's probably because I knew what he was up to 🤣.
By the end, though, I loved him too.
The story and setting are incredibly unique, and while there is a fantasy element to the story with Conall being a demhi (and that backstory), with it being set in our world, it is highly relatable
There are also many, many, many hilarious moments in this book to balance out the darker themes.
It is a fantastic book, and I loved reading it, although that ending... get out those tissues!
"You are my eternity, my immortality. Without you, there is no life for me."
⭐️ 3.5 🌶️ 2
This story is not what I expected and a bit new to me, but I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did.
The relationship between the two main characters, Conall and Valorie, was truly beautiful and intimate but slightly unrealistic. The constant use of nicknames was overkill.
The writing style really brought you into their world. It was an immersive experience in a realistic setting.
The story is heavily centered around romance/overcoming abuse/mental health issues with a little bit of suspense and a sprinkle of magic intertwined.
Valorie did have a lot of character development which we love to see for a FMC. I would have liked to see more depth from Conall, as he was nearly perfect the entire read.
The slow burn was killing me, but I absolutely loved it and the spice was definitely spicing!
Then ending was so good and that’s exactly what I am hoping to see more of!
I am really excited to see what happens in book two as I feel book one was really building up the relationship between Valorie and Conall and setting us up for something bigger. I’m hoping to see a bit more magic and a little more action.
K.T. Host had me absorbed with her debut from the beginning. Strands in the Web is an engaging romantasy/paranormal romance that explored the themes of found family and how far you are willing to go for love. And there was magic! The book follows the journey of college student Valorie Vargas and her unexpected friendship with dehmi (an immortal) Conall.
Valorie’s struggle for independence and escaping her abusive ex made her a relatable character, and I admired her resilience. Learning about everything she endured was not at all easy while reading her POV. I was downright on pins and needles any time Xavier was in the picture, making my skin crawl. Although Valorie showed growth, it was a continuing struggle for her when her anxiety took over, and I respected her determination to control her reactions. She was such a sweetheart, and I loved her snark, which made her banter with Conall quite entertaining.
Conall was such a great cinnamon roll hero. He was appointed the mission to unalive Valorie, but his conscience was not having any of it. Conall demonstrated some Edward (from Twilight) vibes, and I was here for it. He was protective and quite smexy without trying to be.
One of the things that stood out after the romance was the found family. Both Valorie and Conall had an amazing support system in their found family. Valorite through her two besties, Charlie and David, and Conall through his fellow dehmis.
After the cliffhanger, I'm looking forward to following the upcoming journey into the unknown.
⁂Tropes Included⁂ ⁂ Found Family ⁂ Who did this to you? ⁂ LGBTQ+ rep (side characters) ⁂ Mental health rep ⁂ Forbidden love ⁂ Defying fate ⁂ Hidden identity ⁂ Secret societies ⁂ Magic powers ⁂ Benevolent immortal beings ⁂ Other worlds ⁂ Moderate spice ⁂ Friends to lovers
Strands in the Web is an impeccable debut from K.T. Host. The strengths don’t just lie the sum of the pieces like characters and world building, but also in the flawless writing itself. There were so many times I marveled at how well the story was told as I read it. It’s beautifully done and a testament to the capability of K.T.’s writing.
I was immediately drawn into the characters and how they grew through the story. Valorie is smart and sassy with an impeccable sense of humor. She is a survivor of a horrific abusive relationship and draws the final lines for her own well being. Her besties, David and Charlie, create the best kind of found family. Conall, an other world being, is perhaps the most interesting of characters and has the most interesting story to be told. When he and Valorie start falling in love, it begins with friendship. I love Valorie and Conall together. I love how they lift each other up and give the other a reason to fight for a better life and a better world.
Strands in the Web ends on an insane cliffhanger, and I’m honestly still trying to process what I read. It’s the first out of five book series and I can’t wait to read the next one. If you’re looking for A cross between Twilight, Hercules, and Fire in the Flesh, Strands in the Web is the perfect book for you (it’s the perfect paranormal/romantasy combo you didn’t know you needed in your life).
Readers, do be mindful of the TW’s for Strands: sexual assault, vulgar language, stalking, and explicit sexual content. It’s important to take care of your mental health.
Favorite quotes: “You are not the sum of the experiences you’ve been put through. they are a testament to your strength, but they are not the beginning and end of your story.” David to Valorie
I decide here and now: I am meant for more than a supporting role in my own life. -Valorie
“No matter where I go, if you are not there it is no place for me. I want nothing to do with riches and wonder of the cosmos without you by my side. Youare my eternity, my immortality. Without you, there is no life for me.” Conall to Valorie
These are just a few of my favorites, there are literally 50 highlights in my copy. <3 --- Thanks for letting me be apart of your ARC team and trusting Strands in the Web, K.T. It’s been a pleasure reading your first book!
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗯 Fate of the Dehmi : Book 1 K.T. Host June 25, 2024
This was a wonderfully engaging debut novel from K.T. Host, that had me immersed from the first page. There are not many authors who can sway me me from my beloved thrillers, but this one did.
I loved the setup of this story. The atmosphere , the skillful storytelling. It's a romantasy mixed with magical elements and otherworldly beings, and I was caught up in every word. The story follows two POV. Conall, an immortal whose mission is to kill an innocent (for the greater good ) He wants to save her but is fated to kill her.
And Valorie -the target. A twenty-one year old strong-willed college student who is funny, snarky, and quietly struggling to overcome her personal demons from an ex who constantly stalks and abuses her. I loved Valorie and her funny, snarky attitude. She's strong and resilient and has an incredible support system in her best friends.
KT's world building was amazing with beautifully descriptive settings. The plot was creatively intriguing and character driven, and I loved getting to know the whole cast. The build-up of tension and intrigue, twists and turns, makes for a fantastic read. She crafted all of the unforgettable characters with flaws and deep emotions, and I connected with them on a deeper level than most books in this genre. And this being a debut novel, I think she did an incredible job, and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Read it if you enjoy: ♥︎ Moderate spice ♥︎ Found family ♥︎ Mental health rep ♥︎ LGBTQ+ ♥︎ Secret societies ♥︎ Forbidden love ♥︎ Benevolent immortals and beings And more!
Thank you, K.T. Host for allowing me to read your wonderful arc.