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Weavingshaw
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Expected 24 Feb 26In this debut gothic fantasy, a young woman who can see the dead strikes a deal with the magnetic and dangerous Saint of Silence, a purveyor of dark secrets, to save her brother’s life—the first book of a trilogy.
“One part sumptuous Gothic mystery, another part all the yearning and coy wordplay of a Jane Austen novel . . . I adored every minute of Weavingshaw.”—Shannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
Three years ago, Leena Al-Sayer awoke with a terrible power.
She can see the dead.
Since then, she has hidden herself away from the world, knowing that if she ever reveals her curse she will be locked up in an asylum.
When her beloved brother, Rami, falls fatally ill, Leena is faced with a terrible Let him die or buy the expensive medicine that will save his life by bartering the only valuable thing she has—her secret.
The Saint of Silence, a ruthless merchant who trades in confessions and is shrouded in unearthly rumors of cruelty and power, accepts her bargain, for a deadly price. Leena must find the ghost of Percival Avon, the last lord of Weavingshaw—or lose her freedom to the Saint forever.
As Leena’s search takes her and the Saint to Weavingshaw, she finds the estate and the surrounding moors to be living things—hungry for blood and sacrifice. Fighting against Weavingshaw’s might, Leena must also fight her growing pull toward the enigmatic Saint himself, whose connection to Percival Avon remains a mystery.
As the house begins to entomb them, time is running out on their desperate hunt for answers.
For Leena has come to see that here in Weavingshaw, the dead are not hushed—and some secrets are better left buried with them.
“One part sumptuous Gothic mystery, another part all the yearning and coy wordplay of a Jane Austen novel . . . I adored every minute of Weavingshaw.”—Shannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
Three years ago, Leena Al-Sayer awoke with a terrible power.
She can see the dead.
Since then, she has hidden herself away from the world, knowing that if she ever reveals her curse she will be locked up in an asylum.
When her beloved brother, Rami, falls fatally ill, Leena is faced with a terrible Let him die or buy the expensive medicine that will save his life by bartering the only valuable thing she has—her secret.
The Saint of Silence, a ruthless merchant who trades in confessions and is shrouded in unearthly rumors of cruelty and power, accepts her bargain, for a deadly price. Leena must find the ghost of Percival Avon, the last lord of Weavingshaw—or lose her freedom to the Saint forever.
As Leena’s search takes her and the Saint to Weavingshaw, she finds the estate and the surrounding moors to be living things—hungry for blood and sacrifice. Fighting against Weavingshaw’s might, Leena must also fight her growing pull toward the enigmatic Saint himself, whose connection to Percival Avon remains a mystery.
As the house begins to entomb them, time is running out on their desperate hunt for answers.
For Leena has come to see that here in Weavingshaw, the dead are not hushed—and some secrets are better left buried with them.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
December 12, 2025
If you asked me what my ideal Gothic Fantasy is, I’d say it’s this book.
Weavingshaw checked all the boxes for me:
✔️Atmospheric writing
✔️Rich and immersive world-building and lore
✔️Paranormal mystery with ghosts and demons
✔️Intricate political landscape
✔️A true, slow burn romance
✔️Strong-willed and honest FMC
✔️Tortured and secretive MMC
This is a slower-paced read, but I personally felt that it aided the story, granting the reader space to submerse themselves in the atmosphere and connect more deeply with the characters. This is largely a credit to the writing, which was beautiful and very well done, making it easy to stay engaged.
Another area where this book shines is with its romantic subplot. It’s a rarity in today’s era of books, but Weavingshaw delivered a true, slow burn romance, devoid of insta lust or love. Leena and St. Silas are such a strong pairing; their chemistry is palpable, and I loved seeing their connection slowly grow as the story progressed.
The ending left me immediately wanting to dive into book two, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Weavingshaw checked all the boxes for me:
✔️Atmospheric writing
✔️Rich and immersive world-building and lore
✔️Paranormal mystery with ghosts and demons
✔️Intricate political landscape
✔️A true, slow burn romance
✔️Strong-willed and honest FMC
✔️Tortured and secretive MMC
This is a slower-paced read, but I personally felt that it aided the story, granting the reader space to submerse themselves in the atmosphere and connect more deeply with the characters. This is largely a credit to the writing, which was beautiful and very well done, making it easy to stay engaged.
Another area where this book shines is with its romantic subplot. It’s a rarity in today’s era of books, but Weavingshaw delivered a true, slow burn romance, devoid of insta lust or love. Leena and St. Silas are such a strong pairing; their chemistry is palpable, and I loved seeing their connection slowly grow as the story progressed.
The ending left me immediately wanting to dive into book two, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2025
5.0 ★— Gothic Girl Winter has settled in, and I am happy to see Weavingshaw carrying forward the spirit of the season flawlessly.
Leena has been hardened by years of ghost hauntings, the only one able to see and interact with the beings. It’s a half-life, really, because that gift has stolen any chance at an ordered one. Her alienation — rooted not only in her ability but in her refugee identity in a country where her people are seen as Other — has marked her. And when she meets the book’s MMC, the Saint of Silence, you get an odd girl who sees ghosts encountering an equally odd, though in a very different way, shadowed man people sell their secrets to.
As a character, he didn’t disappoint. With his cool sharpness and the sense that he is always a step ahead, he immediately fascinated me. And as the book slowly, very slowly, showed him reacting to Leena and becoming more human through their interactions, I felt just as she did, wanting to see behind the curtain of this man’s hidden depths.
This book is undoubtedly a slow burn in the way it tells its story. It doesn’t rush, and there’s no fast revelations. Instead, it lets you stew in the unsaid, in the unknowns, as you watch Leena navigate her new life under the Saint. And, yes, there is a ton of yearning! So. Much. Of. It. Leena and the MMC’s dynamic is filled with distrust and animosity… until it isn’t, and I loved watching it slowly evolve.
The central mystery and story sharpen as the book continues, and while some revelations were more obvious, others left me in various states of emotions. I felt like I had to catch my breath after some parts of this story, and I still don’t know what got to me more: the beautifully dark atmosphere of the world, the tension between Leena and the Saint or the way this story completely consumed me.
_______________
Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Leena has been hardened by years of ghost hauntings, the only one able to see and interact with the beings. It’s a half-life, really, because that gift has stolen any chance at an ordered one. Her alienation — rooted not only in her ability but in her refugee identity in a country where her people are seen as Other — has marked her. And when she meets the book’s MMC, the Saint of Silence, you get an odd girl who sees ghosts encountering an equally odd, though in a very different way, shadowed man people sell their secrets to.
As a character, he didn’t disappoint. With his cool sharpness and the sense that he is always a step ahead, he immediately fascinated me. And as the book slowly, very slowly, showed him reacting to Leena and becoming more human through their interactions, I felt just as she did, wanting to see behind the curtain of this man’s hidden depths.
This book is undoubtedly a slow burn in the way it tells its story. It doesn’t rush, and there’s no fast revelations. Instead, it lets you stew in the unsaid, in the unknowns, as you watch Leena navigate her new life under the Saint. And, yes, there is a ton of yearning! So. Much. Of. It. Leena and the MMC’s dynamic is filled with distrust and animosity… until it isn’t, and I loved watching it slowly evolve.
The central mystery and story sharpen as the book continues, and while some revelations were more obvious, others left me in various states of emotions. I felt like I had to catch my breath after some parts of this story, and I still don’t know what got to me more: the beautifully dark atmosphere of the world, the tension between Leena and the Saint or the way this story completely consumed me.
_______________
Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 29, 2025
deadass pulling out my computer to write this review so i can get serious. i’ve had a busy week with not a lot of time to read and every single second i couldn’t read i was thinking about Weavingshaw. this is already going to be one of my best books of 2026 i’m telling you right now. prepare to be absolutely sick of me talking about it. atmospheric, slow (positive), gothic/Victorian romantic fantasy mystery — it’s a little bit of everything that is immediately elevated by Leena’s background and her motivations. St. Silas feels like a mix of Kaz Brekker and Arin of Nizahl if they were the MMC/love interests in a gothic historical romance. i know people will likely find this slower paced but i think that’s exactly what this story needs to build up the world, the stakes, the eerie feeling to everything, and especially the tension. it’s clear the author’s background as a refugee, doctor, and book lover has shaped the story and it feels extremely personal as a story of her heart. you can just tell!
i am THRILLED and blown away by how much i enjoyed this. i’ll be sat for the next two books, trust!
i am THRILLED and blown away by how much i enjoyed this. i’ll be sat for the next two books, trust!
November 15, 2025
Took me a bit to get into it but once I was immersed it was chef's kiss, the yearning was unmatched, it was gothic, it was layered, there's secrets and ghosts and some unforgettable scenes. Need need the next book.
I'm so happy to finally see the hijabis thriving in trad pub and with stunning covers too!
I received a digital arc from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I'm so happy to finally see the hijabis thriving in trad pub and with stunning covers too!
I received a digital arc from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Read
January 3, 2026
5/5 Absolutely loved this book and thought about it during all the times I wasn't reading it.
This is a world of secrets-- secrets that consume, secrets that betray, secrets that indebt you to another. The atmosphere is slow and haunting, restrictive and also a little bit musty (in the way that many gothics are). And the main characters are all fierce and fleshed out, inextricably bound to their families whether they wish to be or not.
There are haunts and spooks that make this quite appropriate for Spooky Season, and an undercurrent of violence set against a backdrop of colonialism, unrest, and revolution. Though I questioned the title of the novel for the first half of the book (knowing this is a series and we were really slow to getting there in this first installment), by the end it couldn't have been named anything else.
And ohhhhh the slowburn was giving. I think a lot of people will see the Romantasy subgenre tag and make assumptions about what this book is based on other Romantasy, and I think that might be a disservice to it. I was truly spoiled for the number of scenes that made me think of the Mr Darcy hand gif and found the buildup and tension to be just delicious. Who knew chaste could be so steamy?
Overall:
I was so, so impressed that this was a debut and had me hooked from the beginning with the haunting atmosphere and villainous banter. I will be eagerly anticipating both the sequels and this book's eventual release so that y'all can finally read and talk about it with me!!
Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ps I listened to this "Dark Academia Piano and Cello" mood music while I was reading toward the end and it totally dialed up my enjoyment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20uf9...
November 19, 2025
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a chance to read this book.
Do you like regency romances? Gothic romances? Strong female character? Slow-burn? Secrets? Villains and a plot that is uncovered layer by layer? A debut written by someone you can't believe has never written anything before this?
Weavingshaw is your book. I love gothic stories, but I've been really disheartened by the gothic fantasies with hopeful plots but absolutely shit execution and characters (looking at The Knight and the Moth / One Dark Window). So I requested this hoping for something better and passable.
I hardly give 5 star reads. But this? This is something special, so special I hit up the author after finishing it to tell her. You have an author who is of color, writing about a female of color. Set in a world where demons are real and the supernatural is just a whisper away (or a veil away). Our main character mourns the loss of her father who spoke up for marginalized group that are thrown in jail. Her mother is dead and so she and her brother just barely survive. Her brother falls ill and she is desperate for a cure. So she decides to hit up the one person she was told to stay away from, which is our main male character. He purchases secrets for a price. However, awful stories have been told about him, that there is always a catch.
Her secrets is she can see ghosts. So she tells him, and this piques his interest. He indentures her to him, for he is after a ghost and this certain ghost will lead him to Weavingshaw. Weavingshaw is a castle, and the castle has a history of death and despair.
I loved the characters. Our character, Silas, is cruel, unflinching, has secrets, looks handsome, and absolutely terrifies her by glances, mere words, and his perfect aim with a gun. He is a mixture of a Byron hero and a Jane Austen male lead. It's not like he dislikes her, he has a mission and she is not part of it, but he has to use her to get what he wants.
Our female lead is absolutely head-strong, smart, hateful, and on a mission to rescue her father from jail. Her trepidation when it comes to him, and being in the same room as him fills her with dread. She would rather being possessed by the dead then being with him. She would do anything to get her father back and keep her brother safe.
I love how the story unfolded as each chapter went on. You meet the villain (or the final boss) early on. He shows up once or twice, but he has lackys and other people who are connected to him (I'm talking in code as to not really spoil). The story of Weavingshaw soon starts to be made clear and why St. Silas is after this castle. As I said, if you're familiar with gothic romances, you'll start seeing the resemblance. By the end of this book, so many things happen and are revealed that you need Book 2 out now.
I have a list of questions as long as my arm, and I am sure given how wonderfully the author pulled of this debut that they'll be revealed.
So thank you Ms. Al-Wasity, for writing a book that absolutely feels like a romantic whisper in a crypt. I'll be there for Book 2!
Do you like regency romances? Gothic romances? Strong female character? Slow-burn? Secrets? Villains and a plot that is uncovered layer by layer? A debut written by someone you can't believe has never written anything before this?
Weavingshaw is your book. I love gothic stories, but I've been really disheartened by the gothic fantasies with hopeful plots but absolutely shit execution and characters (looking at The Knight and the Moth / One Dark Window). So I requested this hoping for something better and passable.
I hardly give 5 star reads. But this? This is something special, so special I hit up the author after finishing it to tell her. You have an author who is of color, writing about a female of color. Set in a world where demons are real and the supernatural is just a whisper away (or a veil away). Our main character mourns the loss of her father who spoke up for marginalized group that are thrown in jail. Her mother is dead and so she and her brother just barely survive. Her brother falls ill and she is desperate for a cure. So she decides to hit up the one person she was told to stay away from, which is our main male character. He purchases secrets for a price. However, awful stories have been told about him, that there is always a catch.
Her secrets is she can see ghosts. So she tells him, and this piques his interest. He indentures her to him, for he is after a ghost and this certain ghost will lead him to Weavingshaw. Weavingshaw is a castle, and the castle has a history of death and despair.
I loved the characters. Our character, Silas, is cruel, unflinching, has secrets, looks handsome, and absolutely terrifies her by glances, mere words, and his perfect aim with a gun. He is a mixture of a Byron hero and a Jane Austen male lead. It's not like he dislikes her, he has a mission and she is not part of it, but he has to use her to get what he wants.
Our female lead is absolutely head-strong, smart, hateful, and on a mission to rescue her father from jail. Her trepidation when it comes to him, and being in the same room as him fills her with dread. She would rather being possessed by the dead then being with him. She would do anything to get her father back and keep her brother safe.
I love how the story unfolded as each chapter went on. You meet the villain (or the final boss) early on. He shows up once or twice, but he has lackys and other people who are connected to him (I'm talking in code as to not really spoil). The story of Weavingshaw soon starts to be made clear and why St. Silas is after this castle. As I said, if you're familiar with gothic romances, you'll start seeing the resemblance. By the end of this book, so many things happen and are revealed that you need Book 2 out now.
I have a list of questions as long as my arm, and I am sure given how wonderfully the author pulled of this debut that they'll be revealed.
So thank you Ms. Al-Wasity, for writing a book that absolutely feels like a romantic whisper in a crypt. I'll be there for Book 2!
November 13, 2025
Loved loved loved.
The gothic vibes? The romance? A unique story that made sense??!!!!
We love to see it
The gothic vibes? The romance? A unique story that made sense??!!!!
We love to see it
December 23, 2025
4.25/5
What an absolutely delightful debut novel!! This was probably one of the best gothic fantasies I’ve ever read, mostly because it actually is gothic in tone and not just in aesthetic. This novel is one you can tell has been crafted with so much love, and I was thoroughly engrossed by it.
Leena is a stunningly well drawn main character. She uses her brain! She’s kind! Has empathy! Is strong! Listens to the supernatural messages and doesn’t brush them off!!!!!! Truly, I was in shock of how many of her decisions I would’ve done myself. She is someone that you instantly root for. I hope she reads that damn book soon!! I’m so curious about her past because I think something big happened that she’s forgotten. Her experiences as an immigrant were so heartfelt and important to read about.
Then we have St. Silas. 😭 a true gothic novel has a red flag of a love interest and this was no exception. Never trust a man who is emotionally stunted is my motto and it fit this man. I absolutely have empathy for him but WOW could I not relate to his great love for *that* thing. I would’ve left it alone! Signed out! He is not me, though, so expect suffering in his future. I didn’t love his character just because he is such a red flag but I think his potential for character development is immense.
The romance was also very well done. This is an extreme slow burn with not a lot happening in the first 75% of the book. I do sort of wish it had been even slower, extending into book 2, because I think St. Silas still does not match leena’s level lol.
I loved rami as a side character!!! And I loved the Hargreaves POVs, so fascinating. Excited for more of both of them for very different reasons in the sequel.
The world itself is so immersive and expansive. The world building is incredibly well done, and is done in a very subtle way. I loved learning about all the intricacies of the world and I have some theories cooking up in my head.
Gorgeous writing as well. Smooth, propulsive, and filled with emotion, it’s astounding for a debut to have such a great grasp on characters like this one does. Hats off to Heba!
That ending was 282902 bad things happening at once and I am not sure how we’re getting out of this one to be honest! 😭 Will 100% be reading the sequel. Everyone go set your calendars now for February 2026 and read this!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!
What an absolutely delightful debut novel!! This was probably one of the best gothic fantasies I’ve ever read, mostly because it actually is gothic in tone and not just in aesthetic. This novel is one you can tell has been crafted with so much love, and I was thoroughly engrossed by it.
Leena is a stunningly well drawn main character. She uses her brain! She’s kind! Has empathy! Is strong! Listens to the supernatural messages and doesn’t brush them off!!!!!! Truly, I was in shock of how many of her decisions I would’ve done myself. She is someone that you instantly root for. I hope she reads that damn book soon!! I’m so curious about her past because I think something big happened that she’s forgotten. Her experiences as an immigrant were so heartfelt and important to read about.
Then we have St. Silas. 😭 a true gothic novel has a red flag of a love interest and this was no exception. Never trust a man who is emotionally stunted is my motto and it fit this man. I absolutely have empathy for him but WOW could I not relate to his great love for *that* thing. I would’ve left it alone! Signed out! He is not me, though, so expect suffering in his future. I didn’t love his character just because he is such a red flag but I think his potential for character development is immense.
The romance was also very well done. This is an extreme slow burn with not a lot happening in the first 75% of the book. I do sort of wish it had been even slower, extending into book 2, because I think St. Silas still does not match leena’s level lol.
I loved rami as a side character!!! And I loved the Hargreaves POVs, so fascinating. Excited for more of both of them for very different reasons in the sequel.
The world itself is so immersive and expansive. The world building is incredibly well done, and is done in a very subtle way. I loved learning about all the intricacies of the world and I have some theories cooking up in my head.
Gorgeous writing as well. Smooth, propulsive, and filled with emotion, it’s astounding for a debut to have such a great grasp on characters like this one does. Hats off to Heba!
That ending was 282902 bad things happening at once and I am not sure how we’re getting out of this one to be honest! 😭 Will 100% be reading the sequel. Everyone go set your calendars now for February 2026 and read this!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!
December 8, 2025
This was *perfection* a gloriously gothic and ghosty tale with a haunting atmosphere and deliciously slow burn romance, the YEARNINGGGGG 😭 I absolutely loved this
January 15, 2026
4.5⭐️ Yearning is back 👏🏻
Ghosts, political discourse, family secrets, demons. This was a perfect Gothic winter read.
This was a bit on the slower side, but made sense for this story. Once all the pieces started coming together—I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN.
I loved the characters-the banter between the FMC and MMC was top tier.
This does end on a cliffhanger. You’ve been warned. I’m a bit disappointed that I have to wait at least a year for book 2. But, I will definitely be diving in as soon as I get the chance.
Thank you Del Rey/Random House and netgalley for an e-arc. All opinions are my own.
Ghosts, political discourse, family secrets, demons. This was a perfect Gothic winter read.
This was a bit on the slower side, but made sense for this story. Once all the pieces started coming together—I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN.
I loved the characters-the banter between the FMC and MMC was top tier.
This does end on a cliffhanger. You’ve been warned. I’m a bit disappointed that I have to wait at least a year for book 2. But, I will definitely be diving in as soon as I get the chance.
Thank you Del Rey/Random House and netgalley for an e-arc. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2025
oh this was WONDERFUL
November 19, 2025
WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK OMG!!!!!! i can't believe i was lucky enough to get my hands on the arc, and honestly this book did save me from the slump i was sinking in. it's everything i needed and more.
the plot -a gripping fantasy with twists and turns coming from each direction
the setting -a gothic masterpiece with a dark and eerie atmosphere just perfect for this month. it was giving wuthering heights which i love and which is a classic for a reason
the worldbuilding -humans, demons, ghosts, everything you could imagine with a crazy background where you still learn new things even on the very last page
the writing -flows, you don't even know when you're done with the book and to think that it's a DEBUT NOVEL???!!!! HOW!!????
omg the characters -chef's kiss. every one of them so unique and multilayered on their own ways. even the villains had such strong backstories that you just know everything is so well thought.
and the romance... well i was screaming, kicking my feet, blushing, doing a dancey dance every now and then because the slooowwwwwwest of slow burns was also one of the best yearnings i've read in a looong time. it was giving tahereh mafi level yearning if you know, you know how that is.
like there's literally nothing i can say about this book that is negative, i ate it up, i devored it, i loved it.
oh but i'm sad that THE FIRST BOOK ISN'T EVEN OUT YET SO HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE CONTINUATION???!!! but you're lucky because weavingshaw is coming out feb 26th (also my birthday lol) and you know what i love more than recommending you amazing books? giving you amazing books that are written by muslim women so run and add this book onto your tbr on goodreads, fable, or whatever app you're using and don't worry i'll remind y'all again once it's out because i don't want you to miss on this gothic slowburn fantasy book<33
the plot -a gripping fantasy with twists and turns coming from each direction
the setting -a gothic masterpiece with a dark and eerie atmosphere just perfect for this month. it was giving wuthering heights which i love and which is a classic for a reason
the worldbuilding -humans, demons, ghosts, everything you could imagine with a crazy background where you still learn new things even on the very last page
the writing -flows, you don't even know when you're done with the book and to think that it's a DEBUT NOVEL???!!!! HOW!!????
omg the characters -chef's kiss. every one of them so unique and multilayered on their own ways. even the villains had such strong backstories that you just know everything is so well thought.
and the romance... well i was screaming, kicking my feet, blushing, doing a dancey dance every now and then because the slooowwwwwwest of slow burns was also one of the best yearnings i've read in a looong time. it was giving tahereh mafi level yearning if you know, you know how that is.
like there's literally nothing i can say about this book that is negative, i ate it up, i devored it, i loved it.
oh but i'm sad that THE FIRST BOOK ISN'T EVEN OUT YET SO HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE CONTINUATION???!!! but you're lucky because weavingshaw is coming out feb 26th (also my birthday lol) and you know what i love more than recommending you amazing books? giving you amazing books that are written by muslim women so run and add this book onto your tbr on goodreads, fable, or whatever app you're using and don't worry i'll remind y'all again once it's out because i don't want you to miss on this gothic slowburn fantasy book<33
preorders
December 30, 2025Came here because of the shared name between myself and the author, and stayed for the most delectable gothic fantasy filled with suspense and romance. The most unique story I have ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I can't wait for the rest of the world to experience this story for the first time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Del Rey team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Del Rey team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Weavingshaw is an adult gothic fantasy steeped in secrets (and the most delicious slowburn), and it completely pulled me out of my fantasy slump. I honestly didn't expect to fall this hard!
A Saint who trades in confessions. A woman who can see the dead. A bargain struck out of desperation that irrevocably binds their lives together. From the very first pages, I was hooked on the premise, and Heba Al-Wasity's lyrical, atmospheric writing sealed the deal, capturing the quiet dread of the story so well!
Both characters are incredibly compelling and in stark contrast to each other, which makes their dynamic all the more intriguing. We have Leena, a deeply human protagonist who is driven by love for her brother and the Saint of Silence, who appears cold, distant, and unreadable.The slow burn tension between them is exquisite and MADDENING.
"You should be wary of how you are looking at me."
"How am I looking at you?"
"Like you no longer loathe me."
(SCREAMING.)
Another aspect of the book I adored was the setting, especially when the characters arrive in Weavingshaw. The manor, the moors, it all feels alive almost. The pacing is deliberate but effective, letting the unease build naturally rather than relying on shock. I also loved the layered social commentary and political intrigue woven throughout.
By the end, I was stunned and in dire need of the sequel. If you love gothic fantasy with a good dose of yearning, exquisite atmosphere, and prose you want to sink into, Weavingshaw absolutely delivers!!
A Saint who trades in confessions. A woman who can see the dead. A bargain struck out of desperation that irrevocably binds their lives together. From the very first pages, I was hooked on the premise, and Heba Al-Wasity's lyrical, atmospheric writing sealed the deal, capturing the quiet dread of the story so well!
Both characters are incredibly compelling and in stark contrast to each other, which makes their dynamic all the more intriguing. We have Leena, a deeply human protagonist who is driven by love for her brother and the Saint of Silence, who appears cold, distant, and unreadable.The slow burn tension between them is exquisite and MADDENING.
"You should be wary of how you are looking at me."
"How am I looking at you?"
"Like you no longer loathe me."
(SCREAMING.)
Another aspect of the book I adored was the setting, especially when the characters arrive in Weavingshaw. The manor, the moors, it all feels alive almost. The pacing is deliberate but effective, letting the unease build naturally rather than relying on shock. I also loved the layered social commentary and political intrigue woven throughout.
By the end, I was stunned and in dire need of the sequel. If you love gothic fantasy with a good dose of yearning, exquisite atmosphere, and prose you want to sink into, Weavingshaw absolutely delivers!!
November 16, 2025
“𝐋𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐰…”
Weavingshaw is a great gothic romantasy debut! Heba has a very poetic writing style which I found myself enjoying a lot. I however struggled a bit with the pacing, which took off a star from my rating. I did enjoy the intrigue, how nothing is what it seems & the ghosts and demons that somehow work very well for this story. The yearning between Leena and St Silas was insane. I cannot cope with that cliffhanger so I’m impatiently awaiting more work of Heba Al-Wasity.
the vibes ™:
- gothic romantasy
- eerie
- demons & ghosts
- nothing is what it seems
- intense yearning/slow burn
Weavingshaw is a great gothic romantasy debut! Heba has a very poetic writing style which I found myself enjoying a lot. I however struggled a bit with the pacing, which took off a star from my rating. I did enjoy the intrigue, how nothing is what it seems & the ghosts and demons that somehow work very well for this story. The yearning between Leena and St Silas was insane. I cannot cope with that cliffhanger so I’m impatiently awaiting more work of Heba Al-Wasity.
the vibes ™:
- gothic romantasy
- eerie
- demons & ghosts
- nothing is what it seems
- intense yearning/slow burn
December 21, 2025
2.75
Weavingshaw is one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, and I went into it genuinely excited, especially after the opening chapters, which felt like they were building toward something dark and layered story.
The beginning does its job well. The atmosphere leans gothic, the premise has promise, and the characters are introduced with personalities that feel distinct. For a while, it feels like you’re being guided toward a story that knows exactly what it wants to become.
But once the romantic tension between Leena and Saint Silas starts to surface, the story begins to lose its footing… like any other typical romantasy out there.
St. Silas is initially framed as this untouchable, feared, cruel villain of his own world. That edge fades far too quickly lol. Him starting to be ‘softer’ feels like it was simply triggered because of a girl, which you know, fair I guess?! But what’s the point of all that fuss around him being this alpha, scary and untouchable man? Gradually both characters lose depth. Leena and St. Silas stop feeling like people shaped by their world and start feeling like roles we’ve seen before. Oh and Rami? It just feels like bro is there for seasonings. His character doesn’t make sense at all.
As for the worldbuilding, it’s fine, but it’s not fully immersive. For a gothic fantasy, I expected a more intricate universe, something that presses in on the characters and shapes their choices. Instead, the setting often feels like a backdrop rather than a living world (yes I know, the reviews say otherwise) I understand this is the first book, but first books matter, they set the foundation, and this one doesn’t quite commit, let’s say?
It’s not a bad book. There’s clear potential here, and I can see the story it wanted to be. But the execution falls short, especially when it comes to character depth and the handling of romance, which you know, I shouldn’t be surprised by this point.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the early copy.
Weavingshaw is one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, and I went into it genuinely excited, especially after the opening chapters, which felt like they were building toward something dark and layered story.
The beginning does its job well. The atmosphere leans gothic, the premise has promise, and the characters are introduced with personalities that feel distinct. For a while, it feels like you’re being guided toward a story that knows exactly what it wants to become.
But once the romantic tension between Leena and Saint Silas starts to surface, the story begins to lose its footing… like any other typical romantasy out there.
St. Silas is initially framed as this untouchable, feared, cruel villain of his own world. That edge fades far too quickly lol. Him starting to be ‘softer’ feels like it was simply triggered because of a girl, which you know, fair I guess?! But what’s the point of all that fuss around him being this alpha, scary and untouchable man? Gradually both characters lose depth. Leena and St. Silas stop feeling like people shaped by their world and start feeling like roles we’ve seen before. Oh and Rami? It just feels like bro is there for seasonings. His character doesn’t make sense at all.
As for the worldbuilding, it’s fine, but it’s not fully immersive. For a gothic fantasy, I expected a more intricate universe, something that presses in on the characters and shapes their choices. Instead, the setting often feels like a backdrop rather than a living world (yes I know, the reviews say otherwise) I understand this is the first book, but first books matter, they set the foundation, and this one doesn’t quite commit, let’s say?
It’s not a bad book. There’s clear potential here, and I can see the story it wanted to be. But the execution falls short, especially when it comes to character depth and the handling of romance, which you know, I shouldn’t be surprised by this point.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the early copy.
November 24, 2025
A twisty gothic oozing with angst that will have you turning the next page—but never guessing what’s next. With sharp haunted heroines and morally grey saints, Weavingshaw unfurls its shadows to examine how secrets are currency—and shields around your heart. I needed the next book yesterday!!!
November 12, 2025
I ate this up and would have gone back for dessert. Which is why I nearly flipped the table at the end when I realized that this is going to be a series.
The slow burn is burning in this gothic fantasy tale. It is more gothic tragedy than romance but it is heading down that path. There are so many plot reveals I don’t know how to describe it beyond the book description without spoiling it. But I can share some of the impeccable vibes:
secrets and confessions
dark contracts
horse drawn carriages
gloomy estates
fog and snow
the icy salty sea
swords
deeply tragic backstories
copper coins
salt and ghosts
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own. I don’t give out 5 stars lightly. I was and am so impressed by this debut gothic fantasy.
The slow burn is burning in this gothic fantasy tale. It is more gothic tragedy than romance but it is heading down that path. There are so many plot reveals I don’t know how to describe it beyond the book description without spoiling it. But I can share some of the impeccable vibes:
secrets and confessions
dark contracts
horse drawn carriages
gloomy estates
fog and snow
the icy salty sea
swords
deeply tragic backstories
copper coins
salt and ghosts
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own. I don’t give out 5 stars lightly. I was and am so impressed by this debut gothic fantasy.
November 29, 2025
4.5 Stars review to follow shortly
December 20, 2025
One of the most unexpectedly captivating books I’ve read. It easily makes my top five books I’ve read this year. I cannot simply describe how amazing this book is. But I’ll try…
The setting is phenomenal. It’s gothic and eerie in the best way possible. It’s smog and secrets waiting to be uncovered from a city scorned. And the plot?? I haven’t read anything quite like it before. The story follows of main character, Leena, a head strong, clever, and unwavering young woman who happens to have the singular ability to see ghosts. Following the illness of her brother, Leena is forced to sell her secret to the Saint of Silence in order to procure an antidote. This leaves her as his ward and on a quest to uncover the secrets of a long deceased lord and his estate, Weavingshaw. The entire story is woven with themes of the effects of colonialism and greed and the nuance of family. You can really feel the passion the author writes with.
And if that doesn’t immediately draw you in, gear up for an absolutely ruthless male interest. I questioned if he was even a love interest at first (that’s how slow burn this is), so when it started taking a suggestive turn I was at the edge of my seat! Not many authors can play stoic or intimidating in a way I find appealing but this author has the concept down to a science. The minute it made a turn where you could tell he found her interesting, I was OBSESSED.
And the dialogue and prose! Inherently clever, calculated, and sensual. It feels like they’ve made flirting into a game of chess. What can I concede? How can I unarm you? It’s the most perfectly laid out slow burn I’ve read in a while. There’s no instant inability to resist. Just a dangerous stranger who begins feeling more and more human. More and more unearthing, as the main character says. He’s desperate to know how she thinks of him before she’s uncovered it herself. It’s reminiscent to me of Mr. Darcy? The disdain in longing? Nevertheless, I think this author has effectively mastered tension, a lost art with recent romances. She conveys desire within a single brush of an arm and slow trailing eyes. Once again, I will say, I’m OBSESSED.
And the plot twists!!! And all the juicy foreshadowing leading up to it that I was blind to see!
I’m so glad to say that this book is entirely unique from many of the romantasy books that have been saturating the market. There’s no obligatory trials or immediate attraction. There’s no obligation to have the main characters end up together before the halfway point of the book. Any changes in perspective are done tastefully and with intent. The author takes her time building up these characters and the relationship, which almost becomes a character in and of itself. And for this to be a debut book?!? I’m in complete awe.
Finally, I would be remiss to end my review without mentioning the GIGANTIC cliffhanger the book ended on! The first book isn’t even officially out yet and I’m longing for the second. Pardon me while I go pout and cry!
A MASSIVE thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review! And while we’re being sentimental, thank you also to the author for writing such an amazing and refreshing novel!!
The setting is phenomenal. It’s gothic and eerie in the best way possible. It’s smog and secrets waiting to be uncovered from a city scorned. And the plot?? I haven’t read anything quite like it before. The story follows of main character, Leena, a head strong, clever, and unwavering young woman who happens to have the singular ability to see ghosts. Following the illness of her brother, Leena is forced to sell her secret to the Saint of Silence in order to procure an antidote. This leaves her as his ward and on a quest to uncover the secrets of a long deceased lord and his estate, Weavingshaw. The entire story is woven with themes of the effects of colonialism and greed and the nuance of family. You can really feel the passion the author writes with.
And if that doesn’t immediately draw you in, gear up for an absolutely ruthless male interest. I questioned if he was even a love interest at first (that’s how slow burn this is), so when it started taking a suggestive turn I was at the edge of my seat! Not many authors can play stoic or intimidating in a way I find appealing but this author has the concept down to a science. The minute it made a turn where you could tell he found her interesting, I was OBSESSED.
And the dialogue and prose! Inherently clever, calculated, and sensual. It feels like they’ve made flirting into a game of chess. What can I concede? How can I unarm you? It’s the most perfectly laid out slow burn I’ve read in a while. There’s no instant inability to resist. Just a dangerous stranger who begins feeling more and more human. More and more unearthing, as the main character says. He’s desperate to know how she thinks of him before she’s uncovered it herself. It’s reminiscent to me of Mr. Darcy? The disdain in longing? Nevertheless, I think this author has effectively mastered tension, a lost art with recent romances. She conveys desire within a single brush of an arm and slow trailing eyes. Once again, I will say, I’m OBSESSED.
And the plot twists!!! And all the juicy foreshadowing leading up to it that I was blind to see!
I’m so glad to say that this book is entirely unique from many of the romantasy books that have been saturating the market. There’s no obligatory trials or immediate attraction. There’s no obligation to have the main characters end up together before the halfway point of the book. Any changes in perspective are done tastefully and with intent. The author takes her time building up these characters and the relationship, which almost becomes a character in and of itself. And for this to be a debut book?!? I’m in complete awe.
Finally, I would be remiss to end my review without mentioning the GIGANTIC cliffhanger the book ended on! The first book isn’t even officially out yet and I’m longing for the second. Pardon me while I go pout and cry!
A MASSIVE thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review! And while we’re being sentimental, thank you also to the author for writing such an amazing and refreshing novel!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gothic fantasy readers - you've been summoned! 𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘸 is a phenomenal gothic fantasy debut, the first in a planned trilogy, hitting shelves in February 2026. It's perfect for fans of 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦 and 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.
Leena is desperate to save her brother from a fatal cough and strikes a deal with a mysterious, and notoriously ruthless, Saint of Silence. She must use her ability to see the dead to locate the Lord of Weavingshaw and earn her freedom.
𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘸 is extremely compelling with complex character work delivered in atmospheric prose! The setting is dark and moody, deliciously gothic, and rather dangerous, addicting to readers eager for plot knowledge. It's spooky and supernatural - there's ghosts and demons!
It's at times a well-paced, gripping page-turner with mysterious bread crumbs about the world, but at other times it drags with filler material. It was slightly inconsistent, and I especially felt the drag near a third of the way through.
Leena and St Silas should be the blueprint for a romance subplot in fantasy; with mutual intrigue and questionable moral compasses, the pair are wary of each other yet can't fight the draw between them. This natural development with appropriately paced reveals allows for highly enjoyable yearning.
Watch out, book community, for Heba Al-Wasity is a masterful storyteller and potential new auto-buy author for fantasy romance readers!
Thank you to Del Rey for the advance reading copy!
Leena is desperate to save her brother from a fatal cough and strikes a deal with a mysterious, and notoriously ruthless, Saint of Silence. She must use her ability to see the dead to locate the Lord of Weavingshaw and earn her freedom.
𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘸 is extremely compelling with complex character work delivered in atmospheric prose! The setting is dark and moody, deliciously gothic, and rather dangerous, addicting to readers eager for plot knowledge. It's spooky and supernatural - there's ghosts and demons!
It's at times a well-paced, gripping page-turner with mysterious bread crumbs about the world, but at other times it drags with filler material. It was slightly inconsistent, and I especially felt the drag near a third of the way through.
Leena and St Silas should be the blueprint for a romance subplot in fantasy; with mutual intrigue and questionable moral compasses, the pair are wary of each other yet can't fight the draw between them. This natural development with appropriately paced reveals allows for highly enjoyable yearning.
Watch out, book community, for Heba Al-Wasity is a masterful storyteller and potential new auto-buy author for fantasy romance readers!
Thank you to Del Rey for the advance reading copy!
January 14, 2026
3.5*** rounded up
I loved the FMC, Leena, in this and her ability to see ghosts. When we initially meet St Silas I was imagining Severus Snape which eventually changed halfway through reading this book.
This had a good interesting plot which was not difficult to understand, as well as the easily digestible description of the political backgrounds, corruption, and Demons.
This is marketed as a gothic fantasy but other than a few ghosts Leena sees at the beginning, it doesn’t become gothic until you get to 50% of the book where the characters make it to the titular Weavingshaw. Then there were some true lovely gothic descriptions (think the Moors of Withering Heights and the beaches of Jamaica Inn).
While I enjoyed this fantasy book, it did not deliver to the marketing of a “gothic fantasy” - which I expected from the outset/the beginning.
I loved the FMC, Leena, in this and her ability to see ghosts. When we initially meet St Silas I was imagining Severus Snape which eventually changed halfway through reading this book.
This had a good interesting plot which was not difficult to understand, as well as the easily digestible description of the political backgrounds, corruption, and Demons.
This is marketed as a gothic fantasy but other than a few ghosts Leena sees at the beginning, it doesn’t become gothic until you get to 50% of the book where the characters make it to the titular Weavingshaw. Then there were some true lovely gothic descriptions (think the Moors of Withering Heights and the beaches of Jamaica Inn).
While I enjoyed this fantasy book, it did not deliver to the marketing of a “gothic fantasy” - which I expected from the outset/the beginning.
November 9, 2025
The vibes were soo good with this one. There was just the right amount of world building to get a clear sense of the layered politics, without ever feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by lore-dumping. The relationship between our two main characters felt believable; the changing circumstances around them seemed to naturally push them closer together, in a way that managed to not feel contrived or forced. I loved that I had no idea who or what the Saint was for like 85% of this book. I’d call it more “gothic-lite” than a true gothic novel, but it did ramp up once we finally got to Weavingshaw.
There is a tension that builds steadily, and by the halfway mark I couldn’t bear to put it down until I knew what happened next. There were a few things that didn’t quite work in my opinion, which keep it from being a 5 star read (the last few chapters felt very rushed, and ended a bit too abruptly for my tastes, and I didn’t really like most of the chapters where we got a different POV, they felt out of place and a bit shoehorned in), but overall I really enjoyed this one.
Its definitely a more slow & steady, plot-first type of romantasy, which is generally my preference - we get to know the characters individually first, and only then do we get to start with all the yearning and the will-they won’t-they.
For a debut novel this is a home run, and I can’t wait to see what else Al-Wasity has to offer!
Thanks to NetGalley & Del Rey for this arc.
There is a tension that builds steadily, and by the halfway mark I couldn’t bear to put it down until I knew what happened next. There were a few things that didn’t quite work in my opinion, which keep it from being a 5 star read (the last few chapters felt very rushed, and ended a bit too abruptly for my tastes, and I didn’t really like most of the chapters where we got a different POV, they felt out of place and a bit shoehorned in), but overall I really enjoyed this one.
Its definitely a more slow & steady, plot-first type of romantasy, which is generally my preference - we get to know the characters individually first, and only then do we get to start with all the yearning and the will-they won’t-they.
For a debut novel this is a home run, and I can’t wait to see what else Al-Wasity has to offer!
Thanks to NetGalley & Del Rey for this arc.
Want to read
November 26, 2025⭒˚｡⋆ ୭ | pre-read
just got approved for this arc!!!! really excited to read this i've really been enjoying the gothic genre lately
just got approved for this arc!!!! really excited to read this i've really been enjoying the gothic genre lately
January 1, 2026
My last book of 2025 and first review of the new year… and it could not have been a more excellent choice.
I absolutely LOVED this incredible debut by Heba Al-Wasity. It was beautifully written; moody, romantic, dark, atmospheric - the perfect gothic fantasy.
There is so much depth to this story. It has a unique, evocative plot, and I enjoyed the supernatural and fantasy elements SO much. I couldn’t pick a favorite component if I tried. The ghosts that Leena encountered were always nightmarish and captivating. The business run by The Saint of Silence was absolutely macabre, but also so mysterious and intriguing. And Weavingshaw, with its deeply unsettling history and almost sentient presence, felt like both a setting and yet another insidious character that couldn’t be trusted.
In addition to crafting an excellent gothic fantasy plot, Heba Al-Wasity also incorporated so many meaningful details and themes into the intricate world she created. Leena, an outsider in this world as both a refugee and someone with the ability to see the dead, faces social inequity and alienation. The story revolves around political unrest and upheaval, corrupt systems and revolution. It is all incorporated masterfully. The world building is done slowly and carefully, but it is never dull or confusing. There were a few moments where I thought I should take notes to make sure I kept character information and historical/ political details straight, but the writing was so well done that I never actually needed to revisit them.
Finally, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t rave about the romance. While not really the main focus of the story, it still had me absolutely transfixed. It is a gorgeous, excruciating slow burn, with so much tension it had me forgetting to breathe at times. St. Silas, in my opinion, is the perfect male main character for a romantic fantasy story. Dark, tortured, sarcastic, morally gray… and he falls first. I loved the way that Leena stood her ground and returned his energy with equal force. Enemies, lovers, or somewhere in between, their banter and interactions were always crackling with chemistry, and I couldn’t get enough. And it’s still just getting started! I cannot wait for their relationship to develop even further as the series continues.
… Like I actually cannot wait. I finished it yesterday, and I can’t let it go; I’m like one of the ghosts, still haunting the story in my mind. What am I supposed to do now? I need the next one desperately, but the first book has not even officially released yet. I suppose all there is to do is recommend it to everyone I know, reread, and keep my fingers crossed that when the time comes, I am lucky enough to get my hands on that arc too!
Thank you so much to Heba Al-Wasity, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Weavingshaw in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely LOVED this incredible debut by Heba Al-Wasity. It was beautifully written; moody, romantic, dark, atmospheric - the perfect gothic fantasy.
There is so much depth to this story. It has a unique, evocative plot, and I enjoyed the supernatural and fantasy elements SO much. I couldn’t pick a favorite component if I tried. The ghosts that Leena encountered were always nightmarish and captivating. The business run by The Saint of Silence was absolutely macabre, but also so mysterious and intriguing. And Weavingshaw, with its deeply unsettling history and almost sentient presence, felt like both a setting and yet another insidious character that couldn’t be trusted.
In addition to crafting an excellent gothic fantasy plot, Heba Al-Wasity also incorporated so many meaningful details and themes into the intricate world she created. Leena, an outsider in this world as both a refugee and someone with the ability to see the dead, faces social inequity and alienation. The story revolves around political unrest and upheaval, corrupt systems and revolution. It is all incorporated masterfully. The world building is done slowly and carefully, but it is never dull or confusing. There were a few moments where I thought I should take notes to make sure I kept character information and historical/ political details straight, but the writing was so well done that I never actually needed to revisit them.
Finally, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t rave about the romance. While not really the main focus of the story, it still had me absolutely transfixed. It is a gorgeous, excruciating slow burn, with so much tension it had me forgetting to breathe at times. St. Silas, in my opinion, is the perfect male main character for a romantic fantasy story. Dark, tortured, sarcastic, morally gray… and he falls first. I loved the way that Leena stood her ground and returned his energy with equal force. Enemies, lovers, or somewhere in between, their banter and interactions were always crackling with chemistry, and I couldn’t get enough. And it’s still just getting started! I cannot wait for their relationship to develop even further as the series continues.
… Like I actually cannot wait. I finished it yesterday, and I can’t let it go; I’m like one of the ghosts, still haunting the story in my mind. What am I supposed to do now? I need the next one desperately, but the first book has not even officially released yet. I suppose all there is to do is recommend it to everyone I know, reread, and keep my fingers crossed that when the time comes, I am lucky enough to get my hands on that arc too!
Thank you so much to Heba Al-Wasity, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Weavingshaw in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ I was locked into Weavingshaw immediately. The gothic setting is immaculate, I could smell the dampness of the crypt halls and feel the chill of the northern air in my bones. This is an intricately built world, and what hooked me just as strongly was Leena. She’s strong-willed with clear, grounded motivations, and I never questioned her choices, they all made sense for her. We’re also never told she’s weak or in need of protection… thank you! I think we’re all tired of FMCs who can’t fend for themselves.
To protect what matters most, Leena makes a deal with a less-than-savoury man. While St. Silas is dark, grumpy, and foreboding, don’t mistake Leena for his sunshine counterpart, she very much holds her own.
Bound together, they set out to find a lost soul who may hold the answers St. Silas is seeking. All the while, Leena is kept in the dark about his true motivations and the full extent of what she’s up against. As secrets surface, a much uglier reality of the world around her begins to take shape.
Weavingshaw is a true slow burn, no insta-love in sight. The story progresses with little reliance on the romance, and for much of the book, very little develops between them… like it’s a slowww burn. This is both refreshing and slightly disappointing. While we eventually get a taste of yearning, Leena’s restraint may be a little too effective. I understand this choice allows the world-building and plot to shine, but I could have used more emotional tension.
I loved seeing this story through a Middle Eastern lens, from the language and cultural touchpoints to the political, war, and refugee elements woven throughout.
With that, there’s a lot happening here. The scope sometimes felt too broad, with several threads introduced only to be lightly explored, even when they seemed like they should be significant priorities for Leena. While this clearly sets up the sequel, there are many loose ends left open, including the romance itself. I was left wanting more (which is good!) but also wondering if I got enough.
The final pages had me scratching my head a bit, as Leena and St. Silas arrive at a realization that felt implied all along, making the moment land oddly for me. And finally, a small stylistic note: referring to St. Silas as (Mr.) St. Silas throughout the book became a bit of a mouthful and occasionally disrupted my reading flow.
Overall, this is a very strong debut with compelling main and side characters, an intriguing world, and an eerie atmosphere I couldn’t get enough of. I’m hoping for a tighter focus in book 2 so some plot lines (including the romance!) have more room to breathe. I’m definitely curious to see where this story goes next.
To protect what matters most, Leena makes a deal with a less-than-savoury man. While St. Silas is dark, grumpy, and foreboding, don’t mistake Leena for his sunshine counterpart, she very much holds her own.
Bound together, they set out to find a lost soul who may hold the answers St. Silas is seeking. All the while, Leena is kept in the dark about his true motivations and the full extent of what she’s up against. As secrets surface, a much uglier reality of the world around her begins to take shape.
Weavingshaw is a true slow burn, no insta-love in sight. The story progresses with little reliance on the romance, and for much of the book, very little develops between them… like it’s a slowww burn. This is both refreshing and slightly disappointing. While we eventually get a taste of yearning, Leena’s restraint may be a little too effective. I understand this choice allows the world-building and plot to shine, but I could have used more emotional tension.
I loved seeing this story through a Middle Eastern lens, from the language and cultural touchpoints to the political, war, and refugee elements woven throughout.
With that, there’s a lot happening here. The scope sometimes felt too broad, with several threads introduced only to be lightly explored, even when they seemed like they should be significant priorities for Leena. While this clearly sets up the sequel, there are many loose ends left open, including the romance itself. I was left wanting more (which is good!) but also wondering if I got enough.
The final pages had me scratching my head a bit, as Leena and St. Silas arrive at a realization that felt implied all along, making the moment land oddly for me. And finally, a small stylistic note: referring to St. Silas as (Mr.) St. Silas throughout the book became a bit of a mouthful and occasionally disrupted my reading flow.
Overall, this is a very strong debut with compelling main and side characters, an intriguing world, and an eerie atmosphere I couldn’t get enough of. I’m hoping for a tighter focus in book 2 so some plot lines (including the romance!) have more room to breathe. I’m definitely curious to see where this story goes next.
January 3, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Weavingshaw is a gothic fantasy that leans hard into atmosphere, yearning, and slow burn tension, and once it finds its footing, it became hard to put down. The opening portion of the book is intentionally slow and somewhat surface-level, focusing on setup and mood rather than momentum. While I didn’t immediately connect with the characters, the writing itself is immersive and beautifully styled, and in hindsight, that deliberate pacing was doing important groundwork for what came later.
Leena is an FMC who grew on me over time. I didn’t strongly resonate with her at first, but as the story progressed, her choices and limitations began to make sense within the world. Her ability to see the dead is foundational to the plot and is used effectively, including a late reveal that adds depth without feeling contrived. She works particularly well opposite the Saint of Silence, whose moral ambiguity, secrecy, and internal resistance make him far more compelling than the other cast of characters.
The relationship dynamics are where this book truly shined! The slow burn is driven by emotional restraint, buried secrets, and mounting external danger, and the yearning is exceptional. The romance remains a subplot to the larger gothic mystery, but it’s woven in so naturally that it enhances rather than distracts from the story. We do get occasional glimpses into the Saint’s POV, which added a lot to the story, but also felt a little inconsistent.
Once the story reached Weavingshaw itself, the momentum ramped up significantly. The manor feels like a living, watching presence, and the final stretch of the book is packed with revelations and tension. The ending hit me with true “I need book two immediately” energy, both a natural stopping point and a genuine cliffhanger. Weavingshaw is a strong, atmospheric debut that delivers exactly what it promises: gothic mystery, paranormal intrigue, and a fantastic slow burn romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Weavingshaw is a gothic fantasy that leans hard into atmosphere, yearning, and slow burn tension, and once it finds its footing, it became hard to put down. The opening portion of the book is intentionally slow and somewhat surface-level, focusing on setup and mood rather than momentum. While I didn’t immediately connect with the characters, the writing itself is immersive and beautifully styled, and in hindsight, that deliberate pacing was doing important groundwork for what came later.
Leena is an FMC who grew on me over time. I didn’t strongly resonate with her at first, but as the story progressed, her choices and limitations began to make sense within the world. Her ability to see the dead is foundational to the plot and is used effectively, including a late reveal that adds depth without feeling contrived. She works particularly well opposite the Saint of Silence, whose moral ambiguity, secrecy, and internal resistance make him far more compelling than the other cast of characters.
The relationship dynamics are where this book truly shined! The slow burn is driven by emotional restraint, buried secrets, and mounting external danger, and the yearning is exceptional. The romance remains a subplot to the larger gothic mystery, but it’s woven in so naturally that it enhances rather than distracts from the story. We do get occasional glimpses into the Saint’s POV, which added a lot to the story, but also felt a little inconsistent.
Once the story reached Weavingshaw itself, the momentum ramped up significantly. The manor feels like a living, watching presence, and the final stretch of the book is packed with revelations and tension. The ending hit me with true “I need book two immediately” energy, both a natural stopping point and a genuine cliffhanger. Weavingshaw is a strong, atmospheric debut that delivers exactly what it promises: gothic mystery, paranormal intrigue, and a fantastic slow burn romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for the opportunity to read and review this book!
December 22, 2025
4 ⭐️ Weavingshaw took me completely by surprise. This is a gothic fantasy unlike any I’ve read before, following two compelling main characters, Leena and St. Silas, as they navigate a world governed by bargains, contracts, and long-buried secrets. In this story, everything has a price, and no one escapes unscathed.
The setting strongly evokes late 17th-century England at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Dukes and Lords loom large, but the narrative also gives weight to the lives of the working class, grounding the world in a lived-in realism. One of the novel’s most powerful elements is its exploration of the refugee experience: the disorientation of living on land that is not ancestrally yours, and of existing in a body that marks you as an outsider. Leena, who was a refugee before she was even born, carries this legacy with her, and it shapes not only her identity but the entire trajectory of the story.
Overall, the book is unflinchingly dark, populated by morally gray characters willing to do whatever it takes to survive. While the story can be gritty and bloody at times, none of it feels gratuitous; every action serves the plot and deepens the stakes. My one critique is that many of the classic gothic elements don’t fully emerge until the latter half of the novel, when the characters finally arrive at the grand estate of Weavingshaw. For much of the first half, it reads more like a dark fantasy than a gothic one. While the genres overlap, the distinctly gothic atmosphere takes time to fully settle in.
As for the romance, this is a masterful example of how a true slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers arc should be written. The tension is earned, the progression feels natural, and the payoff is deeply satisfying. I’m incredibly excited to see where the story goes next, especially knowing this is the first book in a planned trilogy.
Thank you Net Galley and Del Rey publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
The setting strongly evokes late 17th-century England at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Dukes and Lords loom large, but the narrative also gives weight to the lives of the working class, grounding the world in a lived-in realism. One of the novel’s most powerful elements is its exploration of the refugee experience: the disorientation of living on land that is not ancestrally yours, and of existing in a body that marks you as an outsider. Leena, who was a refugee before she was even born, carries this legacy with her, and it shapes not only her identity but the entire trajectory of the story.
Overall, the book is unflinchingly dark, populated by morally gray characters willing to do whatever it takes to survive. While the story can be gritty and bloody at times, none of it feels gratuitous; every action serves the plot and deepens the stakes. My one critique is that many of the classic gothic elements don’t fully emerge until the latter half of the novel, when the characters finally arrive at the grand estate of Weavingshaw. For much of the first half, it reads more like a dark fantasy than a gothic one. While the genres overlap, the distinctly gothic atmosphere takes time to fully settle in.
As for the romance, this is a masterful example of how a true slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers arc should be written. The tension is earned, the progression feels natural, and the payoff is deeply satisfying. I’m incredibly excited to see where the story goes next, especially knowing this is the first book in a planned trilogy.
Thank you Net Galley and Del Rey publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 25, 2025
This is what getting lost in a book feels like. This story completely drew me in and each scene had me guessing what would happen next. This is gothic fantasy, intrigue, yearning and mystery. This book gives you a strong female character you can root for. Leena has a tough life and a secret she's willing to trade with the notorious Saint of Silence (collector of secrets) but only out of desperation and love for her brother. She finds herself locked into employment with him but it's balanced precariously on leveraging her usefulness and 'gift'. She gets a front row seat to his dealings and struggles to stay composed and keep her wits about her. Each chapter leaves you with a sense of foreboding and eagerly reading on to see what will be revealed as a "will they or won't they" tension builds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and abandoned my other reads in favor of this one. I smiled to myself at points and even said aloud "this book is so good!". 5 stars!
Thank you DelRey and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you DelRey and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
December 23, 2025
What an absolutely wonderful gothic fantasy — this was such an incredible debut! This story is so well crafted, and I’m blown away by how poetic and beautifully written it is.
This is a slow-paced, plot-driven story, but for me it worked perfectly. The characters are well fleshed out, and I loved every atmospheric detail we got. The world-building is immersive, with political themes woven in seamlessly, and the setting is perfectly moody and gothic. The plot is packed with mystery, secrets, and suspense, and I was completely captivated.
Leena is a phenomenal FMC — intelligent, empathetic, and unwavering in her love for her family. And then there’s St. Silas… he’s ruthless, layered, and utterly compelling. He felt like a mix of Damon Salvatore and a darker version of Mr. Darcy, and I LOVED him. I couldn’t get enough of his flirtatious nature.
I absolutely adored the romance sub-plot in this book. It’s the slowest of slow-burns, with intense yearning that is exquisite. The way desire and longing are portrayed throughout this story is what I’ve been desperately needing. It was PERFECT.
The dynamic between Leena and St. Silas was completely consuming.
Weavingshaw is a haunting and beautifully written gothic fantasy with compelling characters, an atmospheric world where the supernatural lurks, a mystery that slowly unravels, and a slow-burn romance that is to die for. And the ending has me desperate for book 2!
Thank you so much Netgalley and Del Rey for the e-arc!
This is a slow-paced, plot-driven story, but for me it worked perfectly. The characters are well fleshed out, and I loved every atmospheric detail we got. The world-building is immersive, with political themes woven in seamlessly, and the setting is perfectly moody and gothic. The plot is packed with mystery, secrets, and suspense, and I was completely captivated.
Leena is a phenomenal FMC — intelligent, empathetic, and unwavering in her love for her family. And then there’s St. Silas… he’s ruthless, layered, and utterly compelling. He felt like a mix of Damon Salvatore and a darker version of Mr. Darcy, and I LOVED him. I couldn’t get enough of his flirtatious nature.
I absolutely adored the romance sub-plot in this book. It’s the slowest of slow-burns, with intense yearning that is exquisite. The way desire and longing are portrayed throughout this story is what I’ve been desperately needing. It was PERFECT.
The dynamic between Leena and St. Silas was completely consuming.
Weavingshaw is a haunting and beautifully written gothic fantasy with compelling characters, an atmospheric world where the supernatural lurks, a mystery that slowly unravels, and a slow-burn romance that is to die for. And the ending has me desperate for book 2!
Thank you so much Netgalley and Del Rey for the e-arc!
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