The Shadow Weaver

The Broken Sword Duology #1

by Ivy Cliffwater

Steel hides her secrets
Shadows hold her truth
Her fate is forged in fire

Caris Ironside crafts legendary swords and can wield them better than most men. But the shadowy power at her fingertips will be her death sentence if it is exposed.

Desperate for a way into the heart of Capita - to avenge her mother's murder - Caris enters a brutal tournament disguised as a man. In a city ruled by those who hunt her kind, Caris relies on the help of two Cillian, a fellow blacksmith, and Torgrin, the army captain who infuriates her - who is as cold and unyielding
as Cillian is warm.

As danger closes in, Caris finds herself at the centre of a much bigger plot, and it will take all her power to get her
and her friends out alive. Will love and loyalty be enough when the darkness inside begins to surface ... or will the shadows claim them all?

Welcome to Eritz. May the shadows guide you.

The Shadow Weaver is an epic romantic fantasy filled with forbidden power, deadly secrets and heart-pounding action.

Early Reader

"Exactly what I crave in a romantasy. I am dyyyying for the next book..."
"Instantly obsessed"
"The Shadow Weaver wove its way right into my heart"
"The world building in this is one of my favourites ... so beautiful"
"Absolutely recommend to any fantasy or romance lovers"
"Heartbreaking, hopeful, tense, funny and everything in between!"

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 28, 2025

About the author

Ivy is a romantasy author based in Auckland, New Zealand. Combining her love for romance and fantasy, Ivy writes captivating stories that transport readers to hidden lands brimming with magic and passion. When she’s not weaving tales, Ivy can often be found at the local beach, taking in the coastal beauty with her husband and their well-loved border collie, Poppy.


Reviews

[Linz_loves_books (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this debut dark fantasy novel from Ivy Cliffwater. Full of action and epic battles that had me clenching my kindle. This follows Caris, our FMC, who is a skilled blacksmith and the only woman known to craft legendary swords. However, secretly she is plotting revenge for her mother's murder which leads her into a tournament disguised as a man. Along this journey she runs into two men from her past, but she must be careful because in this kingdom the Cursed, women with magic, are hunted.

What to Expect
⚔️Medieval Setting
⚔️Captain of the Guard
⚔️Female Blacksmith
⚔️Found Family
⚔️Forbidden Magic
⚔️Prophecies
⚔️Love Triangle
⚔️Epic Battles

Loved the characters, the deadly secrets, the fascinating magic system, the world-building and the heart-pounding action. The plot was addictive and how could it not be with all these amazing tropes. Yes, this is a debut novel so like all debut novels there are some things that can be more developed and small aspects that can be worked out. However, overall I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next book in the duology.


Pre-read review: An epic romantic fantasy filled with forbidden power and deadly secrets...sign me up please!

[ari joy cave · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my heart, this is a 2.5 but I’ve rounded it up to 3 stars. I did enjoy this book to a point! I enjoyed the plot and kept reading to find out what happened to our characters! The romance was definitely pulling its weight, and I loved our adorable blacksmith, Cillian. (Although I think I always prefer the cold hearted love interest who has a soft spot for the main lead 🤭 and Torgrin definitely delivered in that area.) Caris was a decent character with that traumatic past that is required of all characters in the fantasy genre and future trauma to encounter for more delightful character development!

On the other hand, I don’t think the writing style in this book suited me. I think it was a bit simple and the pacing of the story suffered because of it at some points. It also felt like there was a lot that the author was wanting to do in this world in a short period of time, and by this, I mean the tropes that were included almost like someone had been ticking of their checklist as they were writing. It was a bit overwhelming for me and took me out of the story a little. I have some other critiques but they are mostly personal preference.

Overall, this book wasn’t really for me although I did enjoy parts of it. But!! I know there is a large audience that will love this book and I hope it finds them.

Go NZ authors!! Congratulations Ivy on your debut!!

[Krystina C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

The writing style is very easy to read with simple words and simple sentence structure. Something I appreciated because I have had a stresssssful August and didn't want something that made me have to think too hard. We follow Caris' POV, experiencing her thoughts and actions directly.

While enjoyable, I did feel like there needed a bit more in terms of development; deeper, more effective diving to bring a stronger connection to the world and characters. I wasn't as invested as I wanted to be in a Fantasy and felt because of this, the relationships didn't bring the suspense or tingly feelings. Her journey wasnt as exciting as it couldve been and this felt the same for the tension and all her relationships.

The pacing and simplistic tone made this a bingeable read. I enjoyed the setting and the characters were recognisable; your funny labradork guy, the older, caring boss, the young jealous other woman, your 'emotionless' dimpled man who's brooding nature is an act when deep down he wants you. A little cliche at times but still good.

Overall the story is great, just the journey and all the in betweens lacked a little for me in terms of depth, structure and connection - BUT I will be getting a physical copy on release and think Ivy done a great job for her debut. Curious to see what happens next :)

[Navarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me this ARC read.

' 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘴. '

I was first lucky enough to experience this book in Beta format. at the time I knew it had potential. after reading the finished piece... wow. Ivy has not disappointed.

I intend to keep this review spoiler free, so it will be short.

The world we find ourselves in within The Shadow Weaver is complex, without feeling overwhelming. Cliffwater has created a unique magic system, but also a societal system that echoes a lot of the issues we face today.

The characters we come to love are individualized, and even the seemingly minor ones add value to the plot in ways you dont quite anticipate.

The level of detail put into things, down to how to forge a sword that bends before it breaks, makes me curious to see the authors' research folders - because they must be INTENSE.

This story was heartbreaking, hopeful, tense, amusing, and everything in between.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling dark fantasy debut from kiwi author Ivy Cliffwater, The Shadow Weaver is filled with action, forbidden magic, found family, a quest for revenge, and full-on rage against the patriarchy.

Caris is a skilled blacksmith (finally a heroine who isn’t a petite healer or princess 🙌) on a mission to avenge her mother’s murder. She’s six feet tall, strong, confident, and capable, yet layered with naivety that makes her feel real. Disguised in men’s armour, she enters a deadly tournament and crosses paths with two men from her past, all while navigating a kingdom where women with magic, the Cursed, are hunted.

The writing is approachable and easy to follow while still being immersive, making this perfect for readers new to fantasy or those who prefer lighter world-building. The magic system is only hinted at in this book, but it shows so much promise that I can’t wait to see it explored more in the next book. 👀 And every single action scene is strong, fast-paced, and gripping, keeping you on the edge of your seat!

If you love a good love triangle, this book delivers. Caris finds herself torn between the kind and gentle blacksmith who offers her refuge and the reserved, broody Captain of the guard from her past. For anyone asking, I’m team Torgrin! I definitely have a weakness for the strong, silent type with secrets (and I loved getting a glimpse into Tor’s inner thoughts via his journal entries).

Personally, I would have liked a little more build-up in the relationships between characters. That’s just my personal taste though, and I know plenty of readers will enjoy the faster pace and instant chemistry. I wanted to linger a little longer with those early interactions and watch them deepen.

This book is an emotional roller coaster, weaving together yearning romance, nail-biting action, villains you viscerally hate, and gut-punching moments of grief. Shout out to the found family and side characters that shine (Atlas is a personal favourite)!

And can we talk about that ending? 🤯 Absolutely brutal. I need book two asap. 🙏

What you can expect:

✨Tall, strong blacksmith FMC
✨Medieval tournament
✨Forbidden magic
✨Prophecy
✨Found family
✨Love triangle
✨Cinnamon Roll Blacksmith
✨Broody Captain
✨Rage against the patriarchy

⚠️ Please note there are dark themes throughout — be sure to check content warnings and read at your own discretion.

Thank you Ivy and Moa Press for the ARC!

[Anne Carty · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when youve been anticipating a book for so long and then you have it in your grubby little hands and your excited, on edge and also completely terrified to read it?

The Shadow Weaver was that book for me. I've been following Ivy for a very long time and this book has very easily become a brand new favourite.

Ivy's writing is so easy to fall into. I read The Shadow Weaver in a day. I devoured Caris' story - becoming a strong independent woman hell bent on revenge for the death of her mother and the two men she is infatuated with - a cinnamon roll black Smith and a badass slightly feral commander 🥵

Not only did I love the characters I also loved the world and the complex magic system we find throughout this story. Although it's complex Ivy does an amazing job of making it easy to understand.

The last part of the book kept me on the edge of my seat and honestly I dont know how I can look Ivy in the eye ever again after what she did 🙃

I loved this book so much and you need to read it as soon as it comes out!

[Kate Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Australia & NZ for giving me this opportunity to give my honest review of The Shadow Weaver!

This book was an experience like no other. It's taken me a while to write this review because I have so many thoughts and feelings about The Shadow Weaver, it's been so hard to put into words.

The Shadow Weaver is a dark (check your triggers), beautiful, enchanting tale about a tall 6ft female Blacksmith named Caris who is out for revenge, along her journey she meets another blacksmith, joins a tournament to become a Knight, meets people from her past (brooding, tall, dark, handsome Captain of the Guard) and new people along the way.

Found Family.
Love Triangle.
Forbidden Magic.
Revenge.
Prophecies.
Betrayal.

These are just some of the delicious things you will find in this book. The snippets that Ivy has been teasing on social media is just the BEGINNING! You are in for a treat as she is a master at weaving this tale.

'Impatient people annoyed me, but rude people made me angry. I considered dismounting and standing over the man, who was a head shorter than I, and telling him to be quiet.'

I have not read a book that has put me through such a roller coaster of emotions in such a very long time. I was giggling, laughing, screaming, crying, even cringing (in a good way) all through the book.

I loved every second, Ivy kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what could happen next.

I admit, I don't get surprised in books much anymore, but Ivy kept surprising me, I may have guessed one thing or two but then she would throw something else in the works that would pull the rug out from under me, which was really refreshing.

We definitely have our cliche moments, but I ate it up! Ivy's writing is just so enchanting and refreshing, you can tell the love, research and effort she put into the book, with all little details and facts spread throughout the pages, that weren't glossed over and gave the book the structure and detail that I love to see.

It is so very fast paced, at first, I was like 'oh wow, its moving very quickly from one scene to the next' but it never felt jarring, or out of place, it felt right for the book and the characters and while I would always want more of Ivy's writing, I didn't need more to understand the progress of the story.

Now let's talk about the Characters, oh boy they are all amazing! So very many who I loved, but I will name just the main few.

Cillian, precious golden retriever.

Atlas is like the mischievous and adorable younger brother.

Captain Tor.... the love I have for this man, his utter selfless devotion he has for Caris is next level, the way he lives and breathes for her made me want to jump into the book and slap her when she let her own insecurities get in her way again and again and doubted him.

'I had struggled with a simple hand touch a few months ago, and now I craved his embrace.'

'Survive, no matter what'

'Death couldn't stop me coming back to you.'

Caris herself was such a refreshing FMC, she was strong in ways and had confidence in her craft but yes, she was naive in other ways and had massive insecurities, but she is only human and coming into herself and exploring a world much bigger than her little village. I did want to smack her several times though.

Lastly... the Villains, the depth of hate I had for some of these characters was absolutely next level! Well done, Ivy.

The magic is so very intriguing, we don't learn much in book one, as this is very much in Caris's perspective, therefore, as she is still in the dark with the magic, so are we. We learn along with her as she gets little tidbits of information here and there that opens up her world and cannot wait to learn more.

I could honestly talk about this book forever, I don't think I can do it justice with this review, but I hope everyone picks it up and gives it a go for themselves!

Because, if this is what Ivy is giving us with book one, I can't wait to see what she gives us in book two, let alone her future works.

Think Knights Tale meets Quicksilver, its beautiful chaotic fun.

[Deanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start other than HOLY SHIT I LOVED THIS BOOK! 🖤✨

I wasn’t even in a fantasy mood when I started this, and yet that changed within just a few pages. The story was engaging and had me wholly captivated. The last 25% was a wild that had me biting my lip, clenching my fists, and tearing up a bit too.

I don’t even know how to succinctly write a review for this without spoiling it but everything was perfect. Our main protagonist, Caris, was such a fascinating woman. I loved that she was tall, that she didn’t cower, and she felt so deeply. She was unapologetically herself and, it might be odd to say, butI hope her character can inspire others and help them feel seen.

I’m not usually a fan of love triangles but I didn’t actually mind this one! Mostly because no one came off as nasty, there was no bitter jealousy, it was just sweet and spicy.

I’m so intrigued by the magic system in this world. You have all sorts of weavers hiding in plain sight and getting to see glimpses of them and what they could do throughout Cari’s ’ journey was exciting and dangerously beautiful.

All of the characters in TSW are so nuanced and not at all what I thought they’d be when I started reading. There are so many hidden depths and stories in all these characters, even the villains, and it’s really interesting to see.

As I said earlier, the last 25% was a wild freaking ride. I absolutely devoured it because I needed to know what came next but it left me gutted, heartbroken, and ready to ride at dawn. The feminine rage is REAL. I do need to have words with Ivy because HOW DARE SHE but in the mean time I shall let this book live rent free in my mind until book 2’s release.

Thank you so much to Moa Press, Haus of Fables PR, and Ivy Cliffwater for providing me with the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Death couldn't stop me coming back to you,’

Umm... debut novel?! Excuse me?? Because this felt like the work of a seasoned pro. This was my first 5 ⭐️ read in ages.

This book has it all: forbidden power, deadly secrets, sizzling romance, and heart-pounding action. Caris Ironside - our fierce, blacksmith FMC - completely stole my heart. She's hiding a dangerous gift and hunting her mother's killer, and her journey throws her into a brutal tournament, a fearsome castle rescue, and men who would destroy her kind. Between her blacksmith ally haunted by a dark past and the brooding captain tied to her own - consider me completely obsessed.

The worldbuilding? Chef's kiss - rich and immersive without being overwhelming. The tropes? Troping like their lives depended on it. I adored every backstory, especially Torgrin's journal entries (emotional gut punch, but in the best way). Even the side characters felt alive and purposeful (even Nightmare Caris's horse).

And the ending. Let's just say... I sat there in stunned silence, blinking at the wall like "IVY. HOW COULD YOU?!" 😭 If book two was already out, l'd have purchased then and there to continue the series. I needed it like, yesterday!

Perfect for readers who love:
⚔️Fierce FMC blacksmith
🔥Forbidden powers
🏰Medieval fantasy settings
💀Trials + tournaments
❤️‍🔥Fated mates & tension
👊F*** the patriarchy
🖤Touch her/him and 💀

This debut seriously knocked me off my feet - I was obsessed from page one. If it's not on your TBR, add it now and preorder your copy ASAP!! 🖤

Thank you so much @haus.of.fables_pr @ivycliffwater @moapress for this ARC copy of The Shadow Weaver.

[Faith Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I clearly flew through this!! This was totally fun!! I’m seriously loving the influx of “Lady Knights” in fantasy recently just such a fun trope!!!

I really enjoyed the easy flow of this story, it was just enjoyable, engaging and fun all the way through. The magic system was very cool, I love the concept of the different weavers ( mind, shadow, anatomy, iron etc) it was just a really interesting but still easy to understand system!!

I’m usually not a fan of a love triangle — this one however I actually really enjoyed!!

Character wise, I loved that this was a larger cast of characters because I think it adds way more depth to the story for us as a reader, it also has you rooting for more than just the main characters, I always think that little side stories about side characters make or break a book and it was very well done here.

Overall I had a great time!! Looking forward to book two!!

You will like this if you liked things like Quicksilver, Shield of Sparrows, The Night and The Moth and The Second Death of Locke. 🤍

[Morgan Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟 I freaking loved this Dark Romantasy!!! Devoured in one sitting, I could not put it down! The pacing was so on point and I instantly fell in love with the characters. A stunning debut filled with rage fuelled plot, interesting magic that i can't wait to learn more about and some delish tension filled romance.
We love a 6 foot lady knight and Caris has to be one of my new fav FMCs. And the MCs well I loved them both - who doesn't want a golden retriever dad bod blacksmith and a dark brooding captain?!? I can't wait for book 2- tears were shed and I'm worried for what's next!

[Rachael Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

Firstly I'd like to thank Netgalley, @moapress & Ivy for an Advance Reader Copy of The Shadow Weaver!

Wow, I went into this after a little bit of a reading slump and it absolutely threatened to put me in a hangover!

What an amazing debut fantasy romance!
The world building in this is probably one of my favourites I've read, it's not too overwhelming and Ivy describes the world in such a beautiful way!

The characters are diverse and not bland at all! If you are a lover of side characters like I am you will not be disappointed, my favourite character! 🤭

I absolutely recommend The Shadow Weaver to any fantasy or romance lovers!

I don't want to say too much and potentially give any spoilers so that's all I will say for now! 🤐🥰

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adored this romantasy! It was so refreshing to read characters in this genre who feel mature yet still flawed. This book was addicting and so well written. I’m honoured to have received an ARC of this to read. Definitely recommend everyone add this to the top of their TBR.

[Tahlia Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNFed 25% in.
This book is in desperate need of developmental editing. It was messy, chaotic and confusing. Very much read like a first draft. I found the dialogue cringey and there was also a huge cliche thrown in during the tournament. There was also mention of naked minors having pubic hair? Very weird and completely unnecessary.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette for this eArc to review.

[Sarah-Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book really addictive and I loved the strong FMC. She was cool, witty and heroic! Plus welds an amazing sword!.

I think this is a brilliant duvet book and extra awesome that she’s a fellow Kiwi. I’m looking forward to reading the second book.

[Belinda Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forged from iron and shadow, Caris Ironside’s story pulled me into her dangerous world of vengeance, secrets, and forbidden magic. 🔥⚔️ She was an outcast, a blacksmith hiding a deadly secret, and the only woman known to craft legendary swords. Her search for her mother’s killer took her into a brutal tournament (disguised as a man—yes 👀🙌), and then into Capita, a city ruled by The Order of Men, who were determined to eradicate the Cursed. Along the way, she found herself entangled with two very different men: Cillian, the sweet blacksmith with golden-retriever energy 🐶, and Torgrin, the brooding captain who saved her life as a child and had that “emotionless but actually soft” vibe 🖤.

I did enjoy the plot itself—it kept me turning pages. The forbidden magic element ✨ and the mystery surrounding Caris’s past and powers intrigued me, and I loved the tournament-to-palace progression. The settings felt immersive and atmospheric, and I definitely wanted to know what happened next. The ending left me with so many questions, which is always a good sign when it comes to duologies. 👏

That said, I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be. 💔 The pacing was quick, making it bingeable, but sometimes I wished for more depth and slower build-up, especially in the character development and relationships. The romance didn’t quite give me the butterflies I usually look for in romantasy—it felt a little rushed and at times told rather than shown. The love triangle wasn’t my favorite (personal preference!), but I know many readers will love that dynamic. Cillian was adorable, but I’ll admit I always have a soft spot for the cold-hearted one who secretly cares… and Torgrin definitely delivered there. 😏

The characters leaned into recognizable archetypes—the sweet puppy-love boy, the jealous rival woman, the older mentor, the broody man with dimples—fun, but I wished for a bit more complexity to make them stand out beyond the tropes. The dialogue also felt a little too simple for me at times, which made the emotional beats less impactful.

Still, for a debut, this was solid! 💫 Ivy Cliffwater built a world I’d like to see more of, and Caris as a tall, strong, weapon-wielding FMC was a highlight. 💪 I loved that she wasn’t fragile or shrinking but fully capable in her own right. That alone makes me excited to pick up book two.

✨ Tropes you’ll find here:
⚔️ Tournament disguise as a man
🖤 Broody captain of the guard with a hidden soft side
🐶 Sweet blacksmith with golden retriever energy
🩸 Traumatic past + more trauma incoming (because fantasy loves this 😅)
🔥 Forbidden magic / cursed heroine
💔 Love triangle vibes
👑 Court intrigue + dangerous Order
🔪 Vengeance quest

Overall, this book wasn’t fully for me, but I did enjoy many parts of it, and I know it will find its audience. If you love forbidden magic, tournaments, swordsmith heroines, and a mix of golden retriever vs. broody romance, this might just be for you. 💕

Thank you to the author and Haus of Fable for the ARC opportunity! 🙏

[Sian Atherton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exquisite debut novel!

Caris travels with the intention of infiltrating the heart of Capita with one aim revenge. After witnessing the brutal slaughter of her mother, Caris is determined to bring justice to the maliciously cruel man who inflicted such pain. Disguising herself as a man, she competes in a tournament to gain access, but in a city that hunts gifted women, every action has the potential of her demise.

I was engaged on every page as the twists just kept on coming – and WOW!!! There was no predicting how the plot was going to play out, and at times, it was wretched. Ivy Cliffwater knows how to encompass dark elements that had me shifting in my seat, from the sheer horror and cruelty inflicted on many of the characters. But nothing felt foreign to the story being spun - just prepare for some shocks.

The world-building was deeply enriched and so immersive - my only issue was a bit with the prophecy and gifts. But I think the cliffhanger of an ending definitely indicates to my questions being answered in book 2.

Practical, strong, and devoted is the best way I can sum up Caris. Taught by her guardian in the trade of a blacksmith, she excels at her craft, and she knows how to handle the weapons she creates. Her ability to wield weapons was not overshadowed by her gift, which I loved.

The cast of characters were depicted brilliantly. Each was well developed, even for brief appearances, and I feared for all of them in Caris' close circle. I was so pulled in by the mystery of Torgrin's character that there is so much to decipher, and the majority left my mouth agape.
________________
Favourite Quotes:

"I think they are trying to say the only one who is afraid of you here, is you."

"They call it a curse to keep people ignorant and make sure women are powerless."

"One woman is Cursed, then they start looking for more."

"I’m a nobody."
"You, Caris, are most definitely not a nobody." His voice was deep and smoky.

Torgrin had confided in his journal that he cared for me. He’d walked into a camp of soldiers unarmed for me. He had shared so little of his feelings directly, but his actions spoke loudly.

"Wait, the world is round?"

Was a shared past life what drew us to each other? If so, what had happened in our past lives to make it so hard for us to communicate in this one? We pushed and pulled as if we carried unhealed wounds that we didn’t remember.

"Survive, no matter what."

A second full moon in one calendar month was rare, and according to legend, its appearance foretold impending misfortune.
________________
🌶.5/5

Thank you Ivy Cliffwater and Haus of Fable, for providing me with an ARC of this gorgeous novel. I'm obsessed with the cover.

[Taylor Chown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this book doesn’t leave a mark on your heart, I don’t know what will. The Shadow Weaver absolutely blew me away. From start to finish it held me in its grip—this is what I want from a fantasy book.

One of the things I appreciated most was not having a prophecy spelled out ahead of time. It meant the mystery had weight. I couldn’t predict everything; the revelations felt earned. Some plot points felt familiar, but because the world and characters were so strong, the familiar parts didn’t feel stale.

The characters are incredibly well done. Caris Ironside stole the show for me — a blacksmith, an outcast, a fighter in more ways than one. Watching her face judgement, power, fear and hope made me root for her so hard. Also, the side characters are brilliant; even minor characters had moments that mattered.

Oh, and my heart is very much broken (in the good, painful way). I also found myself talking to myself through this book. My partner gave me weird looks, but honestly, that’s how I know the story’s hitting its mark.

The villains are truly despicable—and that’s a compliment. Ivy Cliffwater doesn’t let the antagonists be one-dimensional; they have motivations and bring real danger. Their presence elevates the stakes and makes the eventual wins (and losses) all the more visceral.

World-building is gorgeous, it’s detailed without being overwhelming. I loved the craftsmanship, the forging, the textures of metal, shadow, fire. The way the magic and the society interweave—how being “Cursed” impacts how people behave, the prejudices, the tournaments, the dangers—is strong and evocative.

Everything about this book is heartbreaking, hopeful, tense, amusing, and everything in between. The Shadow Weaver will stay with me for a long, long time.

Thank you very much for this gifted ARC from Haus of Fables

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Survive, no matter what'
'Death couldn't stop me coming back to you.'

A royal baby presumed lost forever, hidden away for years and taught how to make and wield a sword (while also concealing her forbidden powers from the world). Now Caris is seeking revenge for the death of the woman who raised her and will do anything to get it. She makes her way back to the capital, where she finds comfort in the arms of a fellow blacksmith Cillian (an absolute cutie), but also cannot escape the cosmic pull towards the two Captains of the Guard Tor and Atlas - as if the three of them know each other from another lifetime - all while competing in a tournament to become part of the Kings Guard and hunt down the man responsible for ruining her life. From there, the truths, lies, and more magic and mysteries unravel, with epic battles, loves and losses. 

I LOVEEE the mystery of how Caris knows Tor and Atlas and how their lives are fated to be intertwined, I especially love Altas being this 'brotherly' best friend or protector - like a fated friendship? - rather than being romantic.

The fact that men wielding magic is extremely rare, so whenever a woman is discovered to have magic ('Weaving') it's quickly labelled as a curse, evil and threatening, and they must be hunted down for it. This has massive F*** the patriarchy vibes and I'm HERE FOR IT. The "weaver" magic system is so unique to what I've read before but easy enough to understand as the FMC herself is learning about it all too.

ALSO, the last line of the epilogue had me SCREAMING, I love a good cliffhanger and something to keep me going until the next book but WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT AFTER READING THAT?! I need book two immediately please and thank you!  

- Tall, strong blacksmith & 'Lady Knight' FMC
- Medieval fantasy setting 
- Forbidden magic (that women are hunted down for)
- Prophecies and Secret Identities 
- Found family & Fated Friendships
- Love triangle
- Golden Retriever Blacksmith
- Broody Captain of the Guard (with a secret soft side)
- Rage against the patriarchy

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩
𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦
𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴
𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘴
𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴
𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘺

✨ This cover is 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, and the map inside? 𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠! ✨

What a fantastic debut! 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤 𝑊𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟 is an epic romantic fantasy brimming with forbidden power, deadly secrets, and heart-pounding action. It has it all—passion, danger, heartbreak, and a heroine you can’t help but root for.

Caris Ironside is the only woman blacksmith, hiding her forbidden power while secretly hunting her mother’s killer. Her quest pulls her into a brutal tournament and a perilous rescue mission inside the castle, where the ruthless Order of Men hunts her kind without mercy. To survive, she must rely on a scarred blacksmith and a brooding captain from her past. But vengeance has a cost, and the greatest danger may come from the darkness within.

I 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 this book. The storyline was addictive, full of the tropes I love most. Torgrin’s journal entries were a standout addition, adding depth and emotional weight—I savored every one. This story will make you swoon, it will make you cry, and it will linger long after the last page. To say I’m excited for book two is an understatement.

✨ A sweeping romantasy packed into just two books. Romantasy readers, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤 𝑊𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟 belongs on your TBR. 📚

✦ Thank you @haus.of.fables_pr + @moapress + @ivycliffwater for the early copy of this fantastic book!
Rating: 4.5/5

[Kelsbookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

As a 6ft girly myself it was so incredibly refreshing to read about a female main character who was my height, but also strong, with a frame built for sword weilding and who wasn't uncertain in her abilities in the least. I loved the way Ivy wrote Caris.

The language used throughout the book is simple and easy to follow along with, the storyline intriguing and full of mystery and the love triangle was beautifully executed and not done purely for conflict, there were genuine connections (which is refreshing).

In a land where women are condemned for having the 'curse' Caris, a master blacksmith and sword fighter, must hide the Shadows that come to her fingertips or face death. On the hunt for the monster who killed her adoptive mother, she crosses paths with a soft and kind blacksmith, Cillian, and the enigmatic Captain Torgrin, with whom she shares a horrific past encounter with, yet who she's drawn to helplessly.

Entering a men's only tournament to further her revenge agenda, she ends up facing her greatest fears, finding and losing friends and family and embarking on a quest that puts her on a path she can't look back from.

If you love:

- strong and tall blacksmith FMC
- touch her and die vibes
- soft cinnamon roll MMC
- morally grey and mysterious MMC
- love triangle
- death and violence
- forbidden magic
- epic battles

Then add this to your TBR! I read this one prior to the release date.

[Aleshia Chalklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW📚

TITLE: The Shadow Weaver
AUTHOR:@ivycliffwater
RELEASE DATE: 21st October

"Three souls bound across eternity. Fated to find each other in every life."

Thank you to @haus.of.fables_pr for my ARC of this debut from Ivy. I guess also thank you to my bookwife @navarda.reads
for ensuring that there was no chance i was making it through life without reading this.

Book one in The Broken Sword Duology, this story hooked me from the prologue, my mind already wanting to churn out theories. The characters themselves, chefs kiss. We love a strong FMC and Caris embodies that and more despite what she carries. Our men, well each had their moment that I wanted to throttle them and then the rest of the time I'm pretty sure I was a puddle 🥵🫠 The villain was villaining and there were a few characters who received death threats.

Without giving too much away I highly recommend you pick this up if you enjoy any of the following;

⚔️ Love triangle
⚔️ Prophecy
⚔️ Fated mates
⚔️ Hidden powers
⚔️ F*** the patriarchy
⚔️ Touch her/him and 💀
⚔️ Woman blacksmith

Ivy, sorry not sorry for spamming your DMs with voice notes as I embarked on this journey alongside Caris.

@moapress

#theshadowweaver #ivycliffwater #fantasybook #duology #nzauthor #fantasyrecs #uocomingrelease #arcreview
#nzbookstagrammer #bookstagramnz #fantasyromance

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadow Weaver pulled me in from the very first page. Caris Ironside is exactly the kind of heroine I love—fierce, stubborn, and carrying a secret that could destroy her if it’s ever revealed. The blend of blacksmith grit, hidden magic, and deadly tournaments made the world feel sharp and alive. I could almost smell the forge and feel the tension in every shadowed alley.

The magic system was fascinating—dangerous, beautiful, and threaded with a cost that kept me on edge. I especially loved how the story balanced action with character depth. Caris’s internal struggle between survival and vengeance gave the stakes real weight, and every choice she made felt earned.

Romance-wise, it’s more tension than heat for now, but the chemistry is there, simmering under layers of distrust and danger. The supporting cast added intrigue, though I occasionally wished a few side characters had more depth to match the complexity of the leads.

Why 4 stars instead of 5? A few twists were predictable, and there were moments where I wanted a little more intensity in the confrontations. But the atmosphere, the sharp writing, and the promise of what’s coming in book two easily make this a series I’ll keep reading.

If you love dangerous magic, slow-burn tension, and heroines who fight for their own power, this is one to watch.

Thankyou to Haus of fables for this gifted e Arc

[Tara 🦈 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5

The Shadow Weaver is a fast paced debut that blends vengeance, forbidden magic and found family with a strong willed heroine. Caris Ironside is tall, fierce and unapologetically skilled. She is the only woman known to craft legendary swords and is hiding a deadly secret. I loved her blacksmith background and the determination that carried her through the brutal tournament arc.

There’s a lot packed into this book: secret identities, a cursed heroine navigating a kingdom that wants her dead and two very different love interests... golden retriever Cillian and the brooding duty bound Torgrin (you know which one I was rooting for). The romantic tension had its moments, though I wanted more build up and emotional weight behind some of the key connections.

The writing leans more bingeable than lyrical which made this an easy read, even if I wished for more depth in the dialogue and worldbuilding. A few character moments and scene transitions felt a bit rushed, but the core of the story held my interest especially the darker reveals toward the end. Caris is still coming into herself and I’m curious to see how the magic system and character arcs evolve in the next book.

A solid debut with great bones and strong romantasy appeal. Thank you to Hachette Australia & New Zealand | Moa Press and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Ashley Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

*Thank you to Haus of Fables & MOA Press for providing a digital copy to review*

I love a fantasy with a strong and independent FMC, so I was really looking forward to reading it. While I did like it, there were issues that just stopped me from being truly invested in the story.

I did like Caris as an FMC. The book is mostly her POV, and we more or less know her motivations from the very beginning. Revenge. Which I am a fan of. She’s a Blacksmith, so she’s capable with a sword and can hold her own against most men. There’s also a softness to her, which I thought made her a bit more well-rounded as a character.

As it’s just one POV, we don’t really get much from the other characters, and I found myself not really fully trusting them. I also really struggled with the pacing. The events at the beginning of the book, including Caris’ relationship with Cillian, felt like they developed so quickly, and I just couldn’t feel invested in their relationship.

Torgrin was a real mystery, which I guess was the point. I also wasn’t really sold on their relationship, but I did find it more appealing. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a dark and mysterious man. I also really liked Atlas. I think he’s quite an important character, so I definitely want more of him in the next book.

The book ended on a good cliffhanger, leaving some questions that need to be answered. There was one particular plot point that I was really invested in, so hopefully the next book goes into that more, which I am excited for.

[✨️ The Reading Trove ✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
SPICE RATING: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

Thankyou to NetGalley and Hachette ANZ for an ARC of The Shadow Weaver by Ivy Cliffwater.
This was a super-fast paced easy read that I read in like 2 days.
The writing is very YA – simple writing that’s not difficult to understand or follow but lacks the depth that an older audience would expect.
If you are after a literary fantasy masterpiece – this isn’t for you. In contradiction to the writing style, the spice was very adult.
This book kind of felt like it had every trope under the sun shoved into it, as well as every cliché in a fantasy book.
There was no mystery whatsoever in this story – the author literally told you everything as you went – there was no suspense.
The end-game love interest was super insta-attraction and there was no basis for their affection. The love story between Caris and Cillian on the other hand was nice, we got to watch it grow slowly and I loved them together!
This book could have been so much better if the story was fleshed out a bit more, with a lot more suspense and mystery to the plot. Even writing the scenes more in depth and longer would have added more to the story – everything seemed so fast and too easily overcome.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I would continue in hopes the writing and story evolves more!

[Lynda Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow Weaver

Wow, I think I have just found a new favourite fantasy/romantasy writer. How is this a debut novel? It was sooo freaking good.

Starting off with the seperation of new-born twins, not only from their mother but from each other, we learn a little about "The Cursed" as we focus on Caris as she is taken away by a newly minted knight.

Several years pass and we meet up with Caris as a young woman seeking revenge. The men she meets on her journey mould her life. Having locked down her feelings for so long, she suddenly has two men who make her feel things but how does she choose between them? She turns her focus back on her self appointed mission and fights her way into a strong position and it is then that she is given a task to care and protect those who are gentler and weaker than her. Her powers, which she has always kept hidden, may be more important than she ever knew. Using them can save lives but can also destroy them.

Full of magic, mysterious pasts, hidden agendas, betrayal, vengence and fated destinies, this book will keep you enthralled to the last word. And, oh boy, what a final sentance. I am eagerly awaiting the second book in this duology to uncover all of the secrets and get the answers for all of the questions that are running through my head. Well done Ivy, this book is amazing. I'm giving it a 5 star but it is so much more than that

[thebookishstephanie]

Caris is an outcast hiding a deadly secret. She is a skilled blacksmith, much to the chagrin of her male counterparts, and the only woman to craft legendary swords. It is all a cover to seek vengeance for her mother's murder, and to do so she needs to enter into a deadly tournament disgusted as a man. In her pursuit of vengeance, she has two allies: a fellow blacksmith and a captain who saved her life as a child, but their loyalty may not be enough when her secret surfaces.

Dark, enchanting, and brimming with secrets, The Shadow Weaver is the kind of gothic fantasy that pulls you in and refuses to let go.

Ivy Cliffwater weaves a hauntingly dark tale full of mystery, forbidden magic, and a world where nothing is quite as it seems. The writing is immersive and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The atmosphere is so thick and evocative it feels like actually stepping into this world. I loved watching the tension build with every chapter - secrets unraveling and alliances shifting, and emotions brimming to the surface.

If you enjoy morally grey characters, slow-burning intrigue, and a story where magic comes at a price, you will absolutely love The Shadow Weaver.

Thank you Hachette for an e-arc of The Shadow Weaver, all opinions are my own.

[Dominique Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that you devour piece by glorious piece until you are so mentally satisfied that you need to sit listening to Florence and the Machine at maximum volume.

We follow the story of Caris… a badass FMC who has gone through such trials and tribulations in her life that, as a reader, your heart breaks into a million tiny pieces. From the beginning I was hooked.. the writing drawing me into the world of our strong, loyal Brienne of Tarth coded heroine. Then we have our fiercely protective Captain Torgrin and our warm, golden retriever blacksmith Cillian added to the mix.

I don’t want to share too much as I truly feel that it should be experienced blind but some of the highlights for me.

✨Shadow Mommy
⚔️Medieval Setting
✨Love Triangle
⚔️Forbidden Magic

It actually blows my mind that this is a debut novel as it was so beautifully written that it will be sitting with me for days.

This was hands down a 5 ⭐️ read and should be read by all when it officially releases on 21st October.

Thank you for this gifted ARC from Haus of Fables @haus.of.fables_pr @haus.of.fables #hausoffables_pr #TheShadowWeaver

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shadow Weaver by Ivy Cliffwater is an intriguing fantasy that follows Caris trying to avenge her mothers death while hiding a secret curse that could see her killed.

This book was good and I enjoyed the plot but I did find the the first 50% was quite slow and the second 50%, where things got really interesting was rushed. Personally for me I would have liked to have dived deeper into the second 50% and spend more time exploring the themes there.

That being said what we did learn in the second half was super interesting, I'll keep it spoiler free here but there was definitely some great fantasy elements introduced and while we didnt touch on them too deeply in this book I think the second book will explore them more and I am so excited to learn more about these characters and this world.

The writing is very simplistic which made for an easy read but personally (and this is just personal preference and might be completely different for others) I would have liked some more depth in the writing and the characters. I feel that would have given me a stronger connection to the characters and the story.

This was definitely a solid book though and very enjoyable. Its releasing on October 21st and should definitely be added to your TBR