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The Gold Weaver Series: A 3-Book Dark Fantasy Romance Boxset
A dark fantasy romance perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Krista Street, and Sarah J. Maas.
Desperate to escape marrying a brutal king, Eleanor strikes a deal with a Fae Prince…
She claims she can spin gold, but it is a lie.
With her life at stake, she has no other choice.
She gets one chance to turn her lie into truth, and she is shocked when she succeeds.
But now the cruel human king demands she become his wife—passing between his bed and being locked away in a tower, spinning gold until her last breath.
Her only way out is to summon him.
A brutal Fae prince.
The deal she strikes is sickening, but it is the only way she will live after she is caught escaping.
In his realm of wicked fairies and sadistic games, the prince is her sole protector.
But he needs something from her in return. An iron-soaked curse haunts this land.
Only by uncovering the sinister plots woven through the court can she break the curse.
Magic runs through her blood, and every day she is closer to unlocking her true power.
But it is deeply entwined with the Fae Prince. And he is not to be trusted.
Nor can she trust herself around him.
His kisses draw her to him, even as his manipulations threaten to tear them apart.
Especially when a terrifying new prophecy comes to light.
Ruskin and Eleanor might not be the ones to save the fae… but the ones destined to destroy them.
"If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast & Rumpelstiltskin retellings that are chock full of Fae, metal magic, and star crossed lovers, this series is for you!" - Lauren V
Desperate to escape marrying a brutal king, Eleanor strikes a deal with a Fae Prince…
She claims she can spin gold, but it is a lie.
With her life at stake, she has no other choice.
She gets one chance to turn her lie into truth, and she is shocked when she succeeds.
But now the cruel human king demands she become his wife—passing between his bed and being locked away in a tower, spinning gold until her last breath.
Her only way out is to summon him.
A brutal Fae prince.
The deal she strikes is sickening, but it is the only way she will live after she is caught escaping.
In his realm of wicked fairies and sadistic games, the prince is her sole protector.
But he needs something from her in return. An iron-soaked curse haunts this land.
Only by uncovering the sinister plots woven through the court can she break the curse.
Magic runs through her blood, and every day she is closer to unlocking her true power.
But it is deeply entwined with the Fae Prince. And he is not to be trusted.
Nor can she trust herself around him.
His kisses draw her to him, even as his manipulations threaten to tear them apart.
Especially when a terrifying new prophecy comes to light.
Ruskin and Eleanor might not be the ones to save the fae… but the ones destined to destroy them.
"If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast & Rumpelstiltskin retellings that are chock full of Fae, metal magic, and star crossed lovers, this series is for you!" - Lauren V
1306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
41 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Zara Storm
22 books160 followersFor readers who love clever heroines and twisty plots that keep you thinking.
Zara Storm writes fantasy romance with dark, compelling heroes and sassy, competent heroines. Her debut series is The Gold Weaver series. Zara loves fast-paced books with adventure, magic, strong characters, a rough-edged hero, and spicy romance.
Zara lives in Colorado with her husband, their two kids, her scaredy cat pit-bull mix, and their feisty cat who is queen of the house. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, hike the mountains, and travel to new places, but she’ll cop to the fact that she spends too much time watching Tiktok videos and she can endlessly watch Lucifer and Vampire Diaries.
You can connect with Zara on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, and her website.
Zara Storm writes fantasy romance with dark, compelling heroes and sassy, competent heroines. Her debut series is The Gold Weaver series. Zara loves fast-paced books with adventure, magic, strong characters, a rough-edged hero, and spicy romance.
Zara lives in Colorado with her husband, their two kids, her scaredy cat pit-bull mix, and their feisty cat who is queen of the house. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, hike the mountains, and travel to new places, but she’ll cop to the fact that she spends too much time watching Tiktok videos and she can endlessly watch Lucifer and Vampire Diaries.
You can connect with Zara on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 19, 2025
I received this series as part of an ARC package, thank you Zara Storm, in exchange for an honest review.
Book 1:
The first book didn't start off strong for me with only a 3 star. I didn't know what to make of it as I wasn't really sucked into the characters or their stories. The FMC isn't my favorite but there's been worse.
My biggest hang-up ( throughout the whole series ) was the world building. I like details so I can really picture the characters and the world itself but I just didn't get that here. I cant even remember what color hair the FMC had lol.
I found the love interest in book one, between the FMC and MMC, was a little rushed and would have loved if it was bit more of a slow burn.
Enjoyed the ending and how the first book was based on the story of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale.
Overall, I gave this book 3 stars.
Book 2:
My expectations were set low for the second book but i was pleasantly surprised.
Again, lacks the world building I hoped would come but enjoyed the twists that were added to this one. The change of scenery from one realm to another was also nice.
Again, the FMC annoyed me with the back and forth but enjoyed the book as a whole.
Overall, I gave this book 3.75 stars ( rounding up to 4 )
Book 3:
This book was 100% the best out of the series.
Again, my biggest hang up about all three books, the world building. I really wish there was a bit more detail. Each book is under 400 pages so I think it would have really added to the story and not taken away from them by making each book too long.
This book is the third and final in the series and starts where we left off in the second. This book really allowed the reader to follow along with the FMC's journey and the changes her and the MMC are going through, separately and together. The pace was a little slow but allowed for side quests to be worked into the story, which meant you werent dealing with too much downtime between big and exciting moments.
The ending was good but could have been a bit more... not drawn out but embellished, especially with the villain.
Overall, I'll give this book a 4 star and the whole series 3.75 stars ( rounding up to 4 )
Book 1:
The first book didn't start off strong for me with only a 3 star. I didn't know what to make of it as I wasn't really sucked into the characters or their stories. The FMC isn't my favorite but there's been worse.
My biggest hang-up ( throughout the whole series ) was the world building. I like details so I can really picture the characters and the world itself but I just didn't get that here. I cant even remember what color hair the FMC had lol.
I found the love interest in book one, between the FMC and MMC, was a little rushed and would have loved if it was bit more of a slow burn.
Enjoyed the ending and how the first book was based on the story of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale.
Overall, I gave this book 3 stars.
Book 2:
My expectations were set low for the second book but i was pleasantly surprised.
Again, lacks the world building I hoped would come but enjoyed the twists that were added to this one. The change of scenery from one realm to another was also nice.
Again, the FMC annoyed me with the back and forth but enjoyed the book as a whole.
Overall, I gave this book 3.75 stars ( rounding up to 4 )
Book 3:
This book was 100% the best out of the series.
Again, my biggest hang up about all three books, the world building. I really wish there was a bit more detail. Each book is under 400 pages so I think it would have really added to the story and not taken away from them by making each book too long.
This book is the third and final in the series and starts where we left off in the second. This book really allowed the reader to follow along with the FMC's journey and the changes her and the MMC are going through, separately and together. The pace was a little slow but allowed for side quests to be worked into the story, which meant you werent dealing with too much downtime between big and exciting moments.
The ending was good but could have been a bit more... not drawn out but embellished, especially with the villain.
Overall, I'll give this book a 4 star and the whole series 3.75 stars ( rounding up to 4 )
June 12, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and author Zara Storm for this arc of "The Gold Weaver Series" for my honest review below.
This was somewhere between a 4 and 4.5 Star read for me. I actually really enjoyed the world building, story line, and magical elements throughout all three books of this trilogy. I felt drawn and attached to all the protagonists of the story and very much disliked all the antagonists. I loved that this first story in this series was a fun adult mix of beauty and the beast meets rumplestiltzkin. I sped through both books one and two, but for some reason book three seemed to drag just a little for me. I do wish the MMC had been a little more developed. Ruskin never became a 'book boyfriend' for me and I didn't quite fall for his and Eleanor's love story. I think there may have been a bit too much why 'it will never work' and 'running away from love' for my liking and would have preferred more development of their relationship. Again, I loved the realms the author built, how the various high fae, low fae, and humans all interact and the dynamic between one another, the magical imagery she crafts, friendships she builds and then some. The only thing I feel fell short for me was the classic enemies to lovers trope meets fated love was lacking that special something for me.
This was somewhere between a 4 and 4.5 Star read for me. I actually really enjoyed the world building, story line, and magical elements throughout all three books of this trilogy. I felt drawn and attached to all the protagonists of the story and very much disliked all the antagonists. I loved that this first story in this series was a fun adult mix of beauty and the beast meets rumplestiltzkin. I sped through both books one and two, but for some reason book three seemed to drag just a little for me. I do wish the MMC had been a little more developed. Ruskin never became a 'book boyfriend' for me and I didn't quite fall for his and Eleanor's love story. I think there may have been a bit too much why 'it will never work' and 'running away from love' for my liking and would have preferred more development of their relationship. Again, I loved the realms the author built, how the various high fae, low fae, and humans all interact and the dynamic between one another, the magical imagery she crafts, friendships she builds and then some. The only thing I feel fell short for me was the classic enemies to lovers trope meets fated love was lacking that special something for me.
June 26, 2025
3.75⭐
I’d give the series a solid 3.75⭐ , fun, full of heart, and definitely worth the read. I had a great time with it and I’m excited to continue with another author’s work.
If you’re into fae, enemies to lovers, and some good old fantasy drama, this series might just hit the spot.
Respective book reviews below.
Book 1 – The Court that Bleads Gold – 4⭐
A Beauty and the Beast retelling with a Rumpelstiltskin twist. Eleanor, our fierce FMC, is a goldweaver trapped by a power and money hungry human king. Desperate to escape, she strikes a bargain with Ruskin Blackcoat, a mysterious and broody dark fae lord. But surprise, surprise, the deal doesn’t exactly get her back home. Instead, she’s swept into the eerie world of Faerie and tasked with helping Ruskin “ungold” things.
Eleanor's brain is her superpower, clever, crafty, and always thinking. The plot moves with just the right pace, the romance is romancing, and the banter between Eleanor and Ruskin? Absolutely tensioning. Such a great start to the series.
Book 2 – The Kingdom Cursed by Iron – 3.5⭐
In this book, Eleanor returns to Fearie, because Ruskin’s world starts unraveling and she’s the only one who can help put it together.
I had a good time with the story overall, the plot kept rolling, romance brought the mix of ache and spark. However, I was occasionally annoyed by Eleanor’s double standards, e.g. expecting some behavior from Ruskin but not doing it herself. Still, the book delivers on drama, yearning and that irresistible push-pull dynamic.
Book 3 – The Realm that Falls to Her – 3.75⭐
In this final installment, Ruskin and Eleanor stop resisting their bond and embrace being mates. With their solid relationship, they are fighting against big threat to Seelie kingdom and the Faerie realm. The stakes are high, the magic is wild and their connection only deepens as they fight side by side to save their kingdom.
Thank you NetGalley and author for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.
I’d give the series a solid 3.75⭐ , fun, full of heart, and definitely worth the read. I had a great time with it and I’m excited to continue with another author’s work.
If you’re into fae, enemies to lovers, and some good old fantasy drama, this series might just hit the spot.
Respective book reviews below.
Book 1 – The Court that Bleads Gold – 4⭐
A Beauty and the Beast retelling with a Rumpelstiltskin twist. Eleanor, our fierce FMC, is a goldweaver trapped by a power and money hungry human king. Desperate to escape, she strikes a bargain with Ruskin Blackcoat, a mysterious and broody dark fae lord. But surprise, surprise, the deal doesn’t exactly get her back home. Instead, she’s swept into the eerie world of Faerie and tasked with helping Ruskin “ungold” things.
Eleanor's brain is her superpower, clever, crafty, and always thinking. The plot moves with just the right pace, the romance is romancing, and the banter between Eleanor and Ruskin? Absolutely tensioning. Such a great start to the series.
Book 2 – The Kingdom Cursed by Iron – 3.5⭐
In this book, Eleanor returns to Fearie, because Ruskin’s world starts unraveling and she’s the only one who can help put it together.
I had a good time with the story overall, the plot kept rolling, romance brought the mix of ache and spark. However, I was occasionally annoyed by Eleanor’s double standards, e.g. expecting some behavior from Ruskin but not doing it herself. Still, the book delivers on drama, yearning and that irresistible push-pull dynamic.
Book 3 – The Realm that Falls to Her – 3.75⭐
In this final installment, Ruskin and Eleanor stop resisting their bond and embrace being mates. With their solid relationship, they are fighting against big threat to Seelie kingdom and the Faerie realm. The stakes are high, the magic is wild and their connection only deepens as they fight side by side to save their kingdom.
Thank you NetGalley and author for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2025
Just finished The Goldweaver Series by Zara Storm and I’m emotionally destroyed in the best way. Dark fae courts, a deadly magic system, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and so much emotional payoff. Each book raised the stakes and ripped my heart out just a little more. Highly recommend if you love morally gray magic, sharp heroines, and devastatingly good finales.
Thanks to Zara Storm and NetGalley for the ARC! 💛✨
Thanks to Zara Storm and NetGalley for the ARC! 💛✨
January 14, 2025
Fans of Raven Kennedy, Krista Street, Sarah J. Maas will love The Gold Weaver Series by Zara Storm.
In this box set you are going to find all three volumes of this series and you will get to enjoy and rejoice easily in the joys, the ups and the downs of all that this series has to offer.
The Court That Bleeds Gold #1
Here, we have the first book in the Gold Weaver Series. I feel like this was a great opening book to the series and a perfect way to introduce these characters. I love the romantasy genre, so I know what to expect from these books, but the plot and romance are not always one and the same. Sadly, we often see that one or the other is sacrificed.
I was thrilled that in this book we didn't get that, rather we get the best of both worlds, the plot is perfectly balanced with the romance and we walk along a perfectly balanced sword and neither the MMC and FMC are perfect and they both have their flaws and imperfections and yet they find that they are drawn to each other for who they are both inside and out.
I really enjoyed the world building. It was beautifully and thoughtfully done. You can really tell that Zara has taken her time with setting up the world and really exploring everything that she wants to do with the world and building it up and making it really different and unique to pull in the reader and keep the reader intrigued.
Eleanor, our FMC, is a human alchemist attempting to create gold through metallurgy. A magical science she thinks she's on the cusp of breaking through. The only way she makes a living is by selling her stuff at fae markets, and there she is able to get get the fae metals that she feels and believes are needed and materialistic in her gold transformations.
The Court that Bleeds is a blended tale of Rumpelstiltskin and Beauty and the Beast. It's really interesting how Bell, at least the Bell in this version, is ensnared. She becomes his servent as she needs to repay him. He paid the bail for her friend, this worlds version of Gaston. This version of Gaston is stupid, dump, and unintelligent. He has done the one thing everyone knows never to do, poached from the king. Now Bell is his servant to pay for 'Gaston's' release.
Eleanor, she's everything that I love in an FMC. She has the strength, beauty, brains, passion for the craft she's devised, and talented. She has everything one would want in an FMC of this kind. Ruskin/Rumple, on the other hand, actually belongs to the Seelie Court we learn.
We learn that Rumple is actually half-Unseelie, so he is an unwanted ruler due to his origns. I love how he wasn't portrayed as scary as he was in the original story, and he is truly a villain in his own right in this book. This Rumple loves people, and you can tell how deeply he loves the people around him even though the people around him hate him. And yet, even though those around him hate him so deeply, he still loves, defends, and cares for them without wanting anything in return.
This book offers such a unique story with its own fun elements that stand on their own. This is truly an enemies-to lovers with a torturous, slow burn, hate to love dynamic that's honestly so cheesy that it's just adorable. This story will call to the ACOTAR/Beauty and the Beast Girlies. I'm going to be deep diving into book 2 right away. Warning: This book does end on a cliffhanger. But, thankfully, all the books are published, so getting your hands on book 2 right away is no problem.
The Kingdom Cursed By Iron #2
This is the 2nd book in the Gold Weaver series. I was glad that I could start The Kingdom Cursed By Iron right after I finished the first book after the cliffhanger. And I was really happy to see that this book picked up right where the first book left off. I was surprised to see that things are only intensifying and honestly getting more complicated between Ruskin and Eleanor. And now we find out there is a new evil that is now threatening the Seelie court. It appears that only Eleanor can stop it, and she can probably only stop it with Ruskin's help.
There were a few things that I really enjoyed in this 2nd book, Eleanor coming into her own and gaining control over her own magic. I loved seeing her confidence in herself grow, especially as she was learning to control her magic and fight for herself and defend herself. I really loved that she didn't act like she was already a fighter and a know it all. I loved how stubborn, brilliant, dedicated, willing, and determined she was. It really helped me to relate to her more. And then the twist at the end, wow, I was not expecting that. I never saw that ending coming.
I do wish Zara had slowed the pacing a bit. It just felt a bit too fast. I felt like I was running through this book, and it felt off. The entire pacing just felt wrong. I wish I could have gotten to see more of the sword training that Eleanor received from Halima. I adored those scenes. The last thing that I felt was wrong with this book was the ending. It all felt wrong in the pacing again. I felt like the pacing was pumped up at the end from a run to a marathon, and there were things that were missed. I felt like I was in the middle of a page, and I had to go back and figure out if I had missed something because it felt wrong and missed.
I know the series is quick paced. This book was just a bit quicker paced than I would have liked. And this ending was just pumped up too much in speed, and yet I still really enjoyed it. And I can't wait to dive face first into book 3!!
Realm That Falls To Her #3
The conclusion to our series. Here we are with the Realm that Falls to Her the 3rd book of The Gold Weaver Series by Zara Storm.
At the end of book 2 we left Eleanor and Destan on their way to the Unseelie Kingdom, Ruskin was locked away in some room, locked in a battle with his evil mother trying to buy Eleanor and Destan time. Everything was falling apart around them it seemed.
I loved how this book picked up maybe a minute after book 2 ended, and I wasn't sorry that this was the case. I knew that book had some issues and I had hoped that Zara corrected those in this book. But, that said, I still loved the story as a whole and I really didn't want to miss a thing. And honestly this book didn't pick things up too soon, we were put right back with our friends of old and we got to meet new friends too. And we got to see our heroes try and save the Seelie Kingdom, they want to try and keep the Kingdom from falling victim from the cold ion curse that Evanthe has unleashed.
The ups, the down's, new creature's, old enemies, faerie traditions, magical upgrades, the roller-coaster ride this book takes you on is thrilling. It's an emotional ride from start to finish.
Eleanor keeps on growing in her magic, her importance in the kingdom, in her strength, her courage, and her love for her naminai Ruskin.
Ruskin, he learns to embrace both sides of himself, the Seelie and Unseelie, letting both sides flow within him, to flow seamlessly, to keep himself and those he loves and holds dear safe and more than that free.
Destan, keeps on flirting with the world, dressing impeccably, surprises us with a few new tricks that he keeps hidden up his sleeve.
I loved how we get to meet new friends even in this, the third book. And this includes some very fun and interesting creatures, and I love how everyone comes together in the end to fight together to fight in the final battle, all fighting together to fight for the freedom of every one they all love and hold dear and want to see free.
I loved this trilogy, I love Zara Storm. This isn't the first Zara Storm books I've read and I can say with authority that this isn't going to be the last. The fun, found family, magic, how fresh it was, super cool, the romantasy highs and not so tropy. I loved it. And I adored how Zara corrected the mistakes she made in book 2 and fixed them in book 3.
In this box set you are going to find all three volumes of this series and you will get to enjoy and rejoice easily in the joys, the ups and the downs of all that this series has to offer.
The Court That Bleeds Gold #1
Here, we have the first book in the Gold Weaver Series. I feel like this was a great opening book to the series and a perfect way to introduce these characters. I love the romantasy genre, so I know what to expect from these books, but the plot and romance are not always one and the same. Sadly, we often see that one or the other is sacrificed.
I was thrilled that in this book we didn't get that, rather we get the best of both worlds, the plot is perfectly balanced with the romance and we walk along a perfectly balanced sword and neither the MMC and FMC are perfect and they both have their flaws and imperfections and yet they find that they are drawn to each other for who they are both inside and out.
I really enjoyed the world building. It was beautifully and thoughtfully done. You can really tell that Zara has taken her time with setting up the world and really exploring everything that she wants to do with the world and building it up and making it really different and unique to pull in the reader and keep the reader intrigued.
Eleanor, our FMC, is a human alchemist attempting to create gold through metallurgy. A magical science she thinks she's on the cusp of breaking through. The only way she makes a living is by selling her stuff at fae markets, and there she is able to get get the fae metals that she feels and believes are needed and materialistic in her gold transformations.
The Court that Bleeds is a blended tale of Rumpelstiltskin and Beauty and the Beast. It's really interesting how Bell, at least the Bell in this version, is ensnared. She becomes his servent as she needs to repay him. He paid the bail for her friend, this worlds version of Gaston. This version of Gaston is stupid, dump, and unintelligent. He has done the one thing everyone knows never to do, poached from the king. Now Bell is his servant to pay for 'Gaston's' release.
Eleanor, she's everything that I love in an FMC. She has the strength, beauty, brains, passion for the craft she's devised, and talented. She has everything one would want in an FMC of this kind. Ruskin/Rumple, on the other hand, actually belongs to the Seelie Court we learn.
We learn that Rumple is actually half-Unseelie, so he is an unwanted ruler due to his origns. I love how he wasn't portrayed as scary as he was in the original story, and he is truly a villain in his own right in this book. This Rumple loves people, and you can tell how deeply he loves the people around him even though the people around him hate him. And yet, even though those around him hate him so deeply, he still loves, defends, and cares for them without wanting anything in return.
This book offers such a unique story with its own fun elements that stand on their own. This is truly an enemies-to lovers with a torturous, slow burn, hate to love dynamic that's honestly so cheesy that it's just adorable. This story will call to the ACOTAR/Beauty and the Beast Girlies. I'm going to be deep diving into book 2 right away. Warning: This book does end on a cliffhanger. But, thankfully, all the books are published, so getting your hands on book 2 right away is no problem.
The Kingdom Cursed By Iron #2
This is the 2nd book in the Gold Weaver series. I was glad that I could start The Kingdom Cursed By Iron right after I finished the first book after the cliffhanger. And I was really happy to see that this book picked up right where the first book left off. I was surprised to see that things are only intensifying and honestly getting more complicated between Ruskin and Eleanor. And now we find out there is a new evil that is now threatening the Seelie court. It appears that only Eleanor can stop it, and she can probably only stop it with Ruskin's help.
There were a few things that I really enjoyed in this 2nd book, Eleanor coming into her own and gaining control over her own magic. I loved seeing her confidence in herself grow, especially as she was learning to control her magic and fight for herself and defend herself. I really loved that she didn't act like she was already a fighter and a know it all. I loved how stubborn, brilliant, dedicated, willing, and determined she was. It really helped me to relate to her more. And then the twist at the end, wow, I was not expecting that. I never saw that ending coming.
I do wish Zara had slowed the pacing a bit. It just felt a bit too fast. I felt like I was running through this book, and it felt off. The entire pacing just felt wrong. I wish I could have gotten to see more of the sword training that Eleanor received from Halima. I adored those scenes. The last thing that I felt was wrong with this book was the ending. It all felt wrong in the pacing again. I felt like the pacing was pumped up at the end from a run to a marathon, and there were things that were missed. I felt like I was in the middle of a page, and I had to go back and figure out if I had missed something because it felt wrong and missed.
I know the series is quick paced. This book was just a bit quicker paced than I would have liked. And this ending was just pumped up too much in speed, and yet I still really enjoyed it. And I can't wait to dive face first into book 3!!
Realm That Falls To Her #3
The conclusion to our series. Here we are with the Realm that Falls to Her the 3rd book of The Gold Weaver Series by Zara Storm.
At the end of book 2 we left Eleanor and Destan on their way to the Unseelie Kingdom, Ruskin was locked away in some room, locked in a battle with his evil mother trying to buy Eleanor and Destan time. Everything was falling apart around them it seemed.
I loved how this book picked up maybe a minute after book 2 ended, and I wasn't sorry that this was the case. I knew that book had some issues and I had hoped that Zara corrected those in this book. But, that said, I still loved the story as a whole and I really didn't want to miss a thing. And honestly this book didn't pick things up too soon, we were put right back with our friends of old and we got to meet new friends too. And we got to see our heroes try and save the Seelie Kingdom, they want to try and keep the Kingdom from falling victim from the cold ion curse that Evanthe has unleashed.
The ups, the down's, new creature's, old enemies, faerie traditions, magical upgrades, the roller-coaster ride this book takes you on is thrilling. It's an emotional ride from start to finish.
Eleanor keeps on growing in her magic, her importance in the kingdom, in her strength, her courage, and her love for her naminai Ruskin.
Ruskin, he learns to embrace both sides of himself, the Seelie and Unseelie, letting both sides flow within him, to flow seamlessly, to keep himself and those he loves and holds dear safe and more than that free.
Destan, keeps on flirting with the world, dressing impeccably, surprises us with a few new tricks that he keeps hidden up his sleeve.
I loved how we get to meet new friends even in this, the third book. And this includes some very fun and interesting creatures, and I love how everyone comes together in the end to fight together to fight in the final battle, all fighting together to fight for the freedom of every one they all love and hold dear and want to see free.
I loved this trilogy, I love Zara Storm. This isn't the first Zara Storm books I've read and I can say with authority that this isn't going to be the last. The fun, found family, magic, how fresh it was, super cool, the romantasy highs and not so tropy. I loved it. And I adored how Zara corrected the mistakes she made in book 2 and fixed them in book 3.
January 24, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this boxset in exchange for an honest review. This review contains spoilers…
It took me a good few chapters to really get engrossed and invested in the story, it wasn’t until Eleanor was taken by the King that I was hooked. However, once I was invested in the story I ended up absolutely loving it.
The book is not a high fantasy book, it has world building and a great cast of characters but none of this is overwhelming or difficult to follow.
I am a very big fan of ‘found family’ and Halima and Destan were some of my favourite characters throughout, I loved their dynamic with each other and also how their approaches differed towards Ruskin and Eleanor.
I adored Eleanor Thorn, she was not a damsel in distress and was more than capable of saving herself and others whilst navigating an unfamiliar world and dealing with ever changing powers herself. She was not afraid to call people out and hold them accountable and I absolutely loved it and her.
Ruskin is an incredible MMC; conflicted, jaded and guarded but undoubtedly loyal. His sass and sarcasm was great and really allowed you to warm up to him and his blossoming relationship with Eleanor. My favourite Ruskin is post memory reinstated Rus; it was so refreshing that once he had his memories back he didn’t just revert to being guarded and untrusting. He actually learnt from the experience and was open to telling the truth and not hoarding secrets which was refreshing.
I really enjoyed the story and it ended up being a very comforting read. The format of having all 3 books in a box set was great too as there was no pause in between books, the next was there at the turn of a page.
I really enjoyed the story and am very excited to see what Zara comes up with next.
It took me a good few chapters to really get engrossed and invested in the story, it wasn’t until Eleanor was taken by the King that I was hooked. However, once I was invested in the story I ended up absolutely loving it.
The book is not a high fantasy book, it has world building and a great cast of characters but none of this is overwhelming or difficult to follow.
I am a very big fan of ‘found family’ and Halima and Destan were some of my favourite characters throughout, I loved their dynamic with each other and also how their approaches differed towards Ruskin and Eleanor.
I adored Eleanor Thorn, she was not a damsel in distress and was more than capable of saving herself and others whilst navigating an unfamiliar world and dealing with ever changing powers herself. She was not afraid to call people out and hold them accountable and I absolutely loved it and her.
Ruskin is an incredible MMC; conflicted, jaded and guarded but undoubtedly loyal. His sass and sarcasm was great and really allowed you to warm up to him and his blossoming relationship with Eleanor. My favourite Ruskin is post memory reinstated Rus; it was so refreshing that once he had his memories back he didn’t just revert to being guarded and untrusting. He actually learnt from the experience and was open to telling the truth and not hoarding secrets which was refreshing.
I really enjoyed the story and it ended up being a very comforting read. The format of having all 3 books in a box set was great too as there was no pause in between books, the next was there at the turn of a page.
I really enjoyed the story and am very excited to see what Zara comes up with next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
2.75 Stars
The Court That Bleeds Gold
A little predictable but overall good writing. It also was a little rushed but the author does acknowledge it in the books. I wish there was more development of the MC relationship because the declarations of love didn’t feel genuine. It was fine and the concept is great but I wish it just was more. The villain got defeated so easily. A nice mix of beauty and the beast and rumplestilskin.
The Kingdom Cursed by Iron
This book was okay but not as good as the first one. It felt more like a filler book that was rehashing the same old miscommunication and doubt that was driving the conflict between the two leads. I also wish there was more character development with the side characters because the major death at the end of this book, while sad didn’t really have that big of an impact on me since we don’t really spend that much time with this character. It was still an enjoyable book and the author really does know how to make a cliffhanger.
The Realm That Falls to Her
I do like the how the ending turned out. A lot of callbacks were made in this book and things did come full circle. I will say that the majority of this book felt slow and disconnected. So many chapters were focused on side quests, that yes did help the characters come to realizations that moved the main plot along, but it felt dragging at times because I wanted to get to the main plot. This also made the actual final battle feel a bit rushed as everything fell into place and ended so quickly. I also didn’t really like the forgetting memory plotline - the rehashing of her doubts started to get old and it didn’t make sense to me how quickly they were totally in love with how his memories were gone. I again wished that the side characters were more fleshed out because the final deaths didn’t really have an impact except one.
Overall I still thought the entire series was pretty entertaining and it was a fresh take on the Rumplestiltskin story.
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Court That Bleeds Gold
A little predictable but overall good writing. It also was a little rushed but the author does acknowledge it in the books. I wish there was more development of the MC relationship because the declarations of love didn’t feel genuine. It was fine and the concept is great but I wish it just was more. The villain got defeated so easily. A nice mix of beauty and the beast and rumplestilskin.
The Kingdom Cursed by Iron
This book was okay but not as good as the first one. It felt more like a filler book that was rehashing the same old miscommunication and doubt that was driving the conflict between the two leads. I also wish there was more character development with the side characters because the major death at the end of this book, while sad didn’t really have that big of an impact on me since we don’t really spend that much time with this character. It was still an enjoyable book and the author really does know how to make a cliffhanger.
The Realm That Falls to Her
I do like the how the ending turned out. A lot of callbacks were made in this book and things did come full circle. I will say that the majority of this book felt slow and disconnected. So many chapters were focused on side quests, that yes did help the characters come to realizations that moved the main plot along, but it felt dragging at times because I wanted to get to the main plot. This also made the actual final battle feel a bit rushed as everything fell into place and ended so quickly. I also didn’t really like the forgetting memory plotline - the rehashing of her doubts started to get old and it didn’t make sense to me how quickly they were totally in love with how his memories were gone. I again wished that the side characters were more fleshed out because the final deaths didn’t really have an impact except one.
Overall I still thought the entire series was pretty entertaining and it was a fresh take on the Rumplestiltskin story.
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2025
I was excited about reading this series but went into it almost expecting something of what I’ve read before from other authors. I was very pleasantly surprised. Yes, it has the enemies to lovers trope that we all love to read but it was also so much more than that.
The world Zara created within her books was opulent and lavish one minute and dark and dangerous the next. The depictions of both the Seelie and Unseelie kingdoms were well written and, unlike some other popular books of the same genre, easy to picture and imagine yourself and the characters in.
Both the FMC and MMC were characters that you instantly liked and their progression throughout the series was believable and yet some of the twists they faced made them even more exciting! The side characters were actually some of my favourites, all with their own very unique personalities and always adding something to the story rather than just being there to make up numbers.
This series was wonderful! I read the first book in a day and was desperate to get into the next. This has become a new comfort read of mine and I would recommend for anyone interested in Romantasy to read this ASAP!!!
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
The world Zara created within her books was opulent and lavish one minute and dark and dangerous the next. The depictions of both the Seelie and Unseelie kingdoms were well written and, unlike some other popular books of the same genre, easy to picture and imagine yourself and the characters in.
Both the FMC and MMC were characters that you instantly liked and their progression throughout the series was believable and yet some of the twists they faced made them even more exciting! The side characters were actually some of my favourites, all with their own very unique personalities and always adding something to the story rather than just being there to make up numbers.
This series was wonderful! I read the first book in a day and was desperate to get into the next. This has become a new comfort read of mine and I would recommend for anyone interested in Romantasy to read this ASAP!!!
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
January 20, 2025
If you're looking for a slow paced story about a couple picking daisy's on a long walk , you're in the wrong place.
If you want a fast paced action packed romantasy with the best of the tropes we all know we've come to crave then this is the book series for you. Ruskin is charmingly mysterious and Eleanor matches with her intelligence and wit. One could say they're 2 sides of the same coin.
Every chapter had me on the edge of my seat wishing and waiting for more. The spice is a delight, and the romance will have you sighing with glee. The worst part for me on this journey is that the series came to an end. I cannot wait to read more from Zara ! She knows her stuff. Nothing seems cliché or had me rolling my eyes due to predictability or cringe. Every character ( both main and side) are well fleshed out and the world feels lived in and expansive from the start.
If you read and liked Quicksilver, ACOTAR(series), or Gild(series), then you will LOVE this series! It's a must read !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you want a fast paced action packed romantasy with the best of the tropes we all know we've come to crave then this is the book series for you. Ruskin is charmingly mysterious and Eleanor matches with her intelligence and wit. One could say they're 2 sides of the same coin.
Every chapter had me on the edge of my seat wishing and waiting for more. The spice is a delight, and the romance will have you sighing with glee. The worst part for me on this journey is that the series came to an end. I cannot wait to read more from Zara ! She knows her stuff. Nothing seems cliché or had me rolling my eyes due to predictability or cringe. Every character ( both main and side) are well fleshed out and the world feels lived in and expansive from the start.
If you read and liked Quicksilver, ACOTAR(series), or Gild(series), then you will LOVE this series! It's a must read !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2025
The Goldweaver Series is an amazing and intriguing paranormal series that's full of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed every single book in this boxset, and I know it's a series that I can read again and again. I absolutely loved Ruskin and Eleanor (Nora) story, and I think it's one all paranormal readers will enjoy. There was never a dull moment in this series, and it has everything that I needed in it to make this an amazing story for me. The side characters were great and of course there will be some you love and dislike. There are great friendships, second chances, romance, love, steamy scenes, laugh out loud moments, magic, secrets, promises, regret, betrayal, enemies, allies, threats, deaths, survival, action and so much more and it ends with a HEA. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books from this author and I will be recommending this series to all of my paranormal romance book loving friends.
June 8, 2025
The Gold Weaver trilogy offers a light and accessible fae fantasy world that blends familiar tropes with a unique magical element: the manipulation of metals. The concept of magical metals is genuinely intriguing and gives the world a fresh twist.
However, for me personally, the series never fully delivered on its potential. I often found myself wishing for more depth—both emotionally and in terms of character development. The story moves forward and the stakes increase, but key moments that should feel powerful—like major character deaths—left me surprisingly unaffected. I think that’s largely because the emotional buildup and the sense of connection just weren’t strong enough.
Still, I can imagine this trilogy being a cozy, enjoyable read for those who love fae stories with Beauty and the Beast vibes, magical metals. It wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but I’m sure others will find something to love here.
However, for me personally, the series never fully delivered on its potential. I often found myself wishing for more depth—both emotionally and in terms of character development. The story moves forward and the stakes increase, but key moments that should feel powerful—like major character deaths—left me surprisingly unaffected. I think that’s largely because the emotional buildup and the sense of connection just weren’t strong enough.
Still, I can imagine this trilogy being a cozy, enjoyable read for those who love fae stories with Beauty and the Beast vibes, magical metals. It wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but I’m sure others will find something to love here.
January 25, 2025
I received this as an ARC, thank you so my for letting me read this book before publishing. I haven't finished reading yet but I love the story so far. The main characters are complex. The villain is mysterious, attractive and hard to read. The FMC is strong and smart but also very conflicted about her situation. There are some well known fantasy aspects to this realm such as the seelie versus the unseelie, there being a kind of veil between the human world and the far world, but also some new aspects like the way the fae live and treat each other. The story develops in a way that keeps me very curious and keen about what will come next. It's an easy read, has a nice flow to it. I can't wait to see where this story will take me from here.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2025
I love this entire series, from the first page to the last it was pure perfection. This trilogy blends a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale with the twist of Fae courts, Seelie and Unseelie, and consequences of magic and curses. I loved how each book had it's own plot but they wove together to create this overarching plot line that was for lack of a better word stunning. Throughout the books we continue to see this character development of the main characters, Eleanor and Ruskin. Plus their chemistry was sizzling. While I loved the main characters, I thrilled that side characters carried through out the books and we were able to follow those subplot lines. Hands down this was one of my favorite series.
May 27, 2025
If you're a Rumple x Belle fan but want it ✨fae✨—this series is 100% for you. It’s got that fairytale mix vibe (a little bit of everything you grew up loving), but with a nice and entertaining plot that actually keeps you interested.
Not gonna lie, the FMC, Eleanor, was really annoying at first—she was so naive—but by the end of book three I really appreciated how much her character has grown and evolved over time.
The best part is that you can binge all three books in one go, and I really appreciated it. The Gold Weaver is basically everything I wanted from the Plated Prisoner series but never got (no ickiness here). Also, Rumple is super sweet and so easy to love :)
Big thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
Not gonna lie, the FMC, Eleanor, was really annoying at first—she was so naive—but by the end of book three I really appreciated how much her character has grown and evolved over time.
The best part is that you can binge all three books in one go, and I really appreciated it. The Gold Weaver is basically everything I wanted from the Plated Prisoner series but never got (no ickiness here). Also, Rumple is super sweet and so easy to love :)
Big thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
January 18, 2025
Firstly I have to say I absolutely loved that fact I had ALL three books in the series I could binge read.
What a read it was! I was enthralled with the series, the plot develops as the books progress. What starts with a simple plea to ‘Ruskin’ to help Eleanor save her those important to her, progresses into a story of epic Romantasy proportions. Seelie, unseelie, lower fae, magic, enemies to lovers, soul mates, spice, adventure and action it really has a little bit of everything.
I highly recommend to anyone who is a lover of Romantasy. I devoured all 3 books in a matter of days.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a read it was! I was enthralled with the series, the plot develops as the books progress. What starts with a simple plea to ‘Ruskin’ to help Eleanor save her those important to her, progresses into a story of epic Romantasy proportions. Seelie, unseelie, lower fae, magic, enemies to lovers, soul mates, spice, adventure and action it really has a little bit of everything.
I highly recommend to anyone who is a lover of Romantasy. I devoured all 3 books in a matter of days.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2025
If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast & Rumpelstiltskin retellings that are chock full of Fae, metal magic, and star crossed lovers, this series is for you! I found this series to be a bit lighter in tone than most books I read and it was a refreshing change. It has great world building, unique magic, and really great side characters. Eleanor and Ruskin were 🔥🔥🔥 but it took a bit to really get there. Overall, this is a great series that should definitely get more attention than it does. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
January 20, 2025
I absolutely LOVE the Gold Weaver series, and this box set is gorgeous! I've read this series a few times and it has yet to lose it's luster. I love the romance, the spice, the plot twists, the MAGIC! The world is complex and unique. Watching the characters develop through each book, and seeing Eleanor come into her own and work through all the challenges and problems she faces, has yet to get old. Zara Storm is a brilliant author.
January 23, 2025
I went into this boxset blind, hardly having read the synopsis, let alone any pages previewed. And I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was ensnared in the story. Eleanor is strong, smart, and passionate about her craft. Ruskin becomes the Fae he was meant to be: caring, protective and fierce. Together, they navigate the perils that threaten the Seelie Court, the discoveries of their natures, and the hope for the future.
July 11, 2025
A Rumplestilkin retelling but good.
It’s not perfect but I was too busy turning the pages to care too much.
I didn’t luuuurve it but it absolutely kept my attention and kept me pressing on the screen for the next page on my kindle.
Would definitely read the author again.
Recommended if you like ACoTaR, fae romantasy, and classic fairy tale retellings.
Thank you to Relay Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC
It’s not perfect but I was too busy turning the pages to care too much.
I didn’t luuuurve it but it absolutely kept my attention and kept me pressing on the screen for the next page on my kindle.
Would definitely read the author again.
Recommended if you like ACoTaR, fae romantasy, and classic fairy tale retellings.
Thank you to Relay Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC
January 23, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading all three books. The Court that bleeds gold, The kingdom cursed by iron and The realm that falls to her. I couldn't stop reading. A beautiful enemies to lovers story that you don't want to miss.Love, love, loved all three books and eagerly awaiting the next great story by Zara.
January 23, 2025
I didn't get into it right away, but once I did get sucked in I was in it for the long haul. There were times when I was sick of the FMC but in general enjoyed the characters. The popular fantasy genre tropes are there, and there is some predictability but still enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2025
4.5 stars, great story
Loved this story, loved the 3 dimensional characters, and loved the well-built world. I would very much enjoy a little more on the ending.
I'm a daily reader (my kindle says over 3k days of reading in a row lol) and this is a story I will remember, which truly says a lot when I read at least 4 books a week.
Loved this story, loved the 3 dimensional characters, and loved the well-built world. I would very much enjoy a little more on the ending.
I'm a daily reader (my kindle says over 3k days of reading in a row lol) and this is a story I will remember, which truly says a lot when I read at least 4 books a week.
January 16, 2025
I loved that I was able to binge these three books back to back and am truly devastated that I finished. I didn’t expect to enjoy this story, these characters, and this whole magical world as much as I did. Hands down, this is a top series of the year for me!
January 23, 2025
I love this series so much. I devoured these 3 books and I enjoyed Eleanor’s journey and growth through the books. I loved Ruskin. This series has it all the fantasy the love the friendships. Trust me you will devour this boxset.
July 2, 2025
The Goldweaver Series by Zara Storm. Thanks to the author, NetGalley and publishers. What an absolute ride. Dark fae courts and magic. I love a good enemies-to-lovers, especially an sloooow burn. Read the series, you’ll love it.
January 23, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The FMC and MMC both undergo so much character development throughout this series. The FMC is very smart, and I loved the journey she found herself on with learning about herself and her past. The battle scenes were very intense and I found myself nervous for the characters I came to like over the series. I very much enjoyed the love between the main characters as well as the friendships that were developed. This series was filled with betrayal, love, battles and friendship. Each book brought more to the story and they got better and better. The world building was fantastic. I could picture the world vividly and I believe the series ended on a perfect note.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I know so little about you, and yet I also know you with my very soul.”
Rumplestiltskin meets Beauty & the Beast
Book 1 The world Ella becomes immersed in with the fae is full of darkness and evil. But not everyone is vengeful and out to get her for being human. As Ella and Ruskin begin to work together after the deal Ella makes with him. An attraction begins to bloom between them. And Ella lets herself fall.
Book 2 is full of turmoil throughout Ruskins fae kingdom and he still needs Ella and her gold weaving magic. Hoping to awake the Queen, Ruskins mother, Ella must hone her gift in ways she never imagined. She discovers Ruskin is tied to her in a deeper way than she wants. But as they succeed in awakening the Queen, the worst thing imaginable happened.
Book 3 Ella must find Ruskin and bring him home. When they find him and bring him back he is not who she thinks he his. And they must find a way to bring him back. While fighting for Ruskin to become himself again they must prepare to fight the Queen, Evanthe.
This series was amazing!! I loved the twist of the gold weaving magic.
Thankfully this series is complete and you can keep reading through the cliffhangers 😆
The twists and turns were amazing and always had me on the edge of my seat. The side characters were some of my favorite, Destan 👀
The character growth for our FMC and MMC through the series was amazing to experience. The ties from past to present made my heart melt.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“I know so little about you, and yet I also know you with my very soul.”
Rumplestiltskin meets Beauty & the Beast
Book 1 The world Ella becomes immersed in with the fae is full of darkness and evil. But not everyone is vengeful and out to get her for being human. As Ella and Ruskin begin to work together after the deal Ella makes with him. An attraction begins to bloom between them. And Ella lets herself fall.
Book 2 is full of turmoil throughout Ruskins fae kingdom and he still needs Ella and her gold weaving magic. Hoping to awake the Queen, Ruskins mother, Ella must hone her gift in ways she never imagined. She discovers Ruskin is tied to her in a deeper way than she wants. But as they succeed in awakening the Queen, the worst thing imaginable happened.
Book 3 Ella must find Ruskin and bring him home. When they find him and bring him back he is not who she thinks he his. And they must find a way to bring him back. While fighting for Ruskin to become himself again they must prepare to fight the Queen, Evanthe.
This series was amazing!! I loved the twist of the gold weaving magic.
Thankfully this series is complete and you can keep reading through the cliffhangers 😆
The twists and turns were amazing and always had me on the edge of my seat. The side characters were some of my favorite, Destan 👀
The character growth for our FMC and MMC through the series was amazing to experience. The ties from past to present made my heart melt.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2025
The story reminded me of a cross between rumpelstiltskin and beauty and the beast. I could have used a little more character development from Ruskin but I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and it was a fast story to read. 4 or 4.5 stars but definitely would recommend to anyone needing a good book to read over the weekend. I was dying for a good rumpelstiltskin fae story so it filled my criteria. This was a lot of fun and the development between characters was fantastic.
The series is spicy and full of tension and thrilling plots.
I wasn't a huge fan of the ending of the series but I still had a lot of fun and enjoyed the stories.
The series is spicy and full of tension and thrilling plots.
I wasn't a huge fan of the ending of the series but I still had a lot of fun and enjoyed the stories.
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