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Pirates & Politicians #1
The Webs We Weave
I wanted treason. Piracy. All I got was a wedding.
As the illegitimate daughter of a pirate, Evangeline’s greatest aspiration is to be left alone. Driven from her hometown and her livelihood, she finds herself caught up in a world of schemes and politics. This is her chance to finally make something of herself, but why should she fight for a kingdom that’s never cared for her?
Prince Alastair Cathmoore lost the throne and his family just weeks ago. Though the kingdom believes all the Cathmoores are dead, he knows his parents are being held captive by a traitorous king. Not knowing who he can trust, it’s up to him and his tutor, Roland, to rescue them and restore the throne—while pretending to be little more than commoners.
Such different people should never cross paths, let alone merge them. But after getting captured by pirates, Evangeline’s and Alastair’s hasty plan to save their lives unites them in matrimony. Or does it? Surely a wedding officiated by pirates isn’t legally binding…
With threats around every corner, Evangeline and Alastair find their lives have been woven together by something, and the fate of a kingdom is tangled in the web.
As the illegitimate daughter of a pirate, Evangeline’s greatest aspiration is to be left alone. Driven from her hometown and her livelihood, she finds herself caught up in a world of schemes and politics. This is her chance to finally make something of herself, but why should she fight for a kingdom that’s never cared for her?
Prince Alastair Cathmoore lost the throne and his family just weeks ago. Though the kingdom believes all the Cathmoores are dead, he knows his parents are being held captive by a traitorous king. Not knowing who he can trust, it’s up to him and his tutor, Roland, to rescue them and restore the throne—while pretending to be little more than commoners.
Such different people should never cross paths, let alone merge them. But after getting captured by pirates, Evangeline’s and Alastair’s hasty plan to save their lives unites them in matrimony. Or does it? Surely a wedding officiated by pirates isn’t legally binding…
With threats around every corner, Evangeline and Alastair find their lives have been woven together by something, and the fate of a kingdom is tangled in the web.
- GenresFantasy
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 13, 2026
What to expect: YA non-magical fantasy (18/19 yr old MCs), marriage of (in)convenience, secret identity, high-stakes plot, royalty x commoner, reluctant allies, forced proximity, slow-burn, descriptive prose
I may make a longer review later, but this was GOOOOOOD. I’ve read many, many YA and indie books, and this was one of the best, imo. It was well-crafted, adventurous, had deep themes of worth and identity, lots of banter, and interesting political intrigue. The pacing was slow to medium, but it stayed captivating to me the whole time. I loved the characters. Idk where to sign up for the fan club, but I’m in.
📖 content 📖
-kisses only (not descriptive)
-zero profanity (in-world cursing)
-You can expect typical fantasy violence (not graphic), there are references to a character being conceived out of r*pe (not graphic at all) and being looked down upon for it, parental death
I may make a longer review later, but this was GOOOOOOD. I’ve read many, many YA and indie books, and this was one of the best, imo. It was well-crafted, adventurous, had deep themes of worth and identity, lots of banter, and interesting political intrigue. The pacing was slow to medium, but it stayed captivating to me the whole time. I loved the characters. Idk where to sign up for the fan club, but I’m in.
📖 content 📖
-kisses only (not descriptive)
-zero profanity (in-world cursing)
-You can expect typical fantasy violence (not graphic), there are references to a character being conceived out of r*pe (not graphic at all) and being looked down upon for it, parental death
February 20, 2026
Oh wow, THIS is the book I wish I'd had 15 years ago as a hurting teenager. 🥹
The Webs We Weave will put you on the edge of your seat and KEEP you there until "The End," at which point you will scrabble desperately for book two.
The main characters, Eva and Al, are painfully and adorably realistic — and while their journey is fraught with peril, it's just as equally filled with laugh-out-loud banter and the kind of character growth that makes you feel genuinely proud of them by the end.
They are far from being the only wonderful characters, though. Every new addition to the cast felt real and natural — some of them I loved to love, and some of them I loved to hate. And y'all... I cried actual tears when bad things happened to these fictional people. But I was not left alone in my heartbreak.
Cassandra Grace has an unmatched ability to be perfectly matter-of-fact about trials and suffering and the genuinely-crappy things that happen in life, while offering us real comfort without platitudes. Her work boldly says, "Yes, this hurts, and it might not get better right away, but you will make it through. There is hope, God has a plan, and you have a purpose."
I felt encouraged and seen, I laughed and I cried — everything this author writes feels like sitting with a friend who can't banishing your dark clouds, but who will stay with you, brew you a strong cup of tea, and make you giggle until you can see the silver linings again.
While this isn't a blatantly Christian book, the author's biblical worldview is woven throughout every plot line and character arc, making it a deeply edifying story. I would highly reccomend it to readers both young and old, and I fully intend to introduce it to my own children.
100/5. This is an instant favorite of mine that deserves a prominent spot on the shelf of every Christian fantasy lover.
The Webs We Weave will put you on the edge of your seat and KEEP you there until "The End," at which point you will scrabble desperately for book two.
The main characters, Eva and Al, are painfully and adorably realistic — and while their journey is fraught with peril, it's just as equally filled with laugh-out-loud banter and the kind of character growth that makes you feel genuinely proud of them by the end.
They are far from being the only wonderful characters, though. Every new addition to the cast felt real and natural — some of them I loved to love, and some of them I loved to hate. And y'all... I cried actual tears when bad things happened to these fictional people. But I was not left alone in my heartbreak.
Cassandra Grace has an unmatched ability to be perfectly matter-of-fact about trials and suffering and the genuinely-crappy things that happen in life, while offering us real comfort without platitudes. Her work boldly says, "Yes, this hurts, and it might not get better right away, but you will make it through. There is hope, God has a plan, and you have a purpose."
I felt encouraged and seen, I laughed and I cried — everything this author writes feels like sitting with a friend who can't banishing your dark clouds, but who will stay with you, brew you a strong cup of tea, and make you giggle until you can see the silver linings again.
While this isn't a blatantly Christian book, the author's biblical worldview is woven throughout every plot line and character arc, making it a deeply edifying story. I would highly reccomend it to readers both young and old, and I fully intend to introduce it to my own children.
100/5. This is an instant favorite of mine that deserves a prominent spot on the shelf of every Christian fantasy lover.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you yearn for a story with humor, wit, and profound themes of value, then look no further than The Webs We Weave. Cassandra Grace, the Queen of Salty Banter, has knit together a stunning tale of hilarious accidental adventures and bravery despite status. You will be left laughing and weeping as our hero and heroine overcome every obstacle imaginable. Already, the Pirates and Politicians series promises the thrill of a lifetime.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not only was The Webs We Weave one of my favorite reads of 2025, it was also one of my all time favorites.
There is so much I want to say about this book I’m not even entirely sure where to start. From the plot, the characters, the humor, and the themes, Cassandra Grace has done such an excellent job of (dare I say) "weaving" it all together in a thoroughly engaging and satisfying read. I stayed up far too late reading this book, and finished it in less than 48 hours. I just couldn't put it down! And when I did finish reading it, I distinctly remember wanting to start it all over.
This story just feels like home to me.
The characters populating this story especially stand out to me. They're genuinely incredible.They’re all so complex and layered, so very human. Evangeline and Alastair are, naturally, the best examples of this. They are wonderfully developed, with so many strengths, flaws, quirks, and personality to spare. It was a beautiful thing to watch them face trial after trial and grow—both individually and together. It was also a beautiful thing to watch them drive each other absolutely crazy, with the banter and antics to prove it.
Did I mention that there are so many antics in TWWW? Because there are. I laughed so much, perhaps as many times as I was moved. And that, in my opinion, is what makes this story so profound. There is humor. There are themes of suffering and hope. And they are inseparably intertwined in a dance that is most impactful. It serves as a great reminder that life is hard, but it is also beautiful. Life is hard, but God is in control, and nothing is wasted.
The Webs We Weave is as fun and witty as it is full of heart, and I can't recommend it enough. If you enjoy books with deep themes, complex characters, political intrigue, and plenty of banter, you don’t want to miss out on this one!
It was an absolute delight to ARC read this story, and I eagerly await the next installment!
~Content~
Romance: Non-descriptice kisses only
Violence: Fairly infrequent and Mild
Language: None; phrases like "he/she cursed" or fictional, in-world curses are used.
Faith Content: Biblical themes about suffering, God's sovereignty, and inherent human value; the characters themselves believe in Fate, but Cassandra doesn't present this as the true worldview reader should pursue, and Biblical truths shine through regardless.
Other Content Warnings: SA is discussed, but not in any detail, and I personally think Cassandra's handles it delicately.
At once point, a character is presumed pregnant when she is not, and there is a brief, non-descriptive discussion to clarify that she is *not* pregnant. Again, it's pretty tactful.
There is so much I want to say about this book I’m not even entirely sure where to start. From the plot, the characters, the humor, and the themes, Cassandra Grace has done such an excellent job of (dare I say) "weaving" it all together in a thoroughly engaging and satisfying read. I stayed up far too late reading this book, and finished it in less than 48 hours. I just couldn't put it down! And when I did finish reading it, I distinctly remember wanting to start it all over.
This story just feels like home to me.
The characters populating this story especially stand out to me. They're genuinely incredible.They’re all so complex and layered, so very human. Evangeline and Alastair are, naturally, the best examples of this. They are wonderfully developed, with so many strengths, flaws, quirks, and personality to spare. It was a beautiful thing to watch them face trial after trial and grow—both individually and together. It was also a beautiful thing to watch them drive each other absolutely crazy, with the banter and antics to prove it.
Did I mention that there are so many antics in TWWW? Because there are. I laughed so much, perhaps as many times as I was moved. And that, in my opinion, is what makes this story so profound. There is humor. There are themes of suffering and hope. And they are inseparably intertwined in a dance that is most impactful. It serves as a great reminder that life is hard, but it is also beautiful. Life is hard, but God is in control, and nothing is wasted.
The Webs We Weave is as fun and witty as it is full of heart, and I can't recommend it enough. If you enjoy books with deep themes, complex characters, political intrigue, and plenty of banter, you don’t want to miss out on this one!
It was an absolute delight to ARC read this story, and I eagerly await the next installment!
~Content~
Romance: Non-descriptice kisses only
Violence: Fairly infrequent and Mild
Language: None; phrases like "he/she cursed" or fictional, in-world curses are used.
Faith Content: Biblical themes about suffering, God's sovereignty, and inherent human value; the characters themselves believe in Fate, but Cassandra doesn't present this as the true worldview reader should pursue, and Biblical truths shine through regardless.
Other Content Warnings: SA is discussed, but not in any detail, and I personally think Cassandra's handles it delicately.
At once point, a character is presumed pregnant when she is not, and there is a brief, non-descriptive discussion to clarify that she is *not* pregnant. Again, it's pretty tactful.
February 28, 2026
What a fun ride.
Honestly, I don't know where to start. This was an amazing read.
The ending wrapped up so perfectly while leaving wanting the next one. Like, hurry up and write it!!
Adventure. ✅
Romance. ✅
Pirates. ✅
Politicians. ✅
One of these days I'll figure out how to write a stellar review.
For now, I'll do what I can.
If you like fiction, non-magical fantasy, and action (like Tangled and The False Prince) then you might enjoy this one.
I highly recommend!
Honestly, I don't know where to start. This was an amazing read.
The ending wrapped up so perfectly while leaving wanting the next one. Like, hurry up and write it!!
Adventure. ✅
Romance. ✅
Pirates. ✅
Politicians. ✅
One of these days I'll figure out how to write a stellar review.
For now, I'll do what I can.
If you like fiction, non-magical fantasy, and action (like Tangled and The False Prince) then you might enjoy this one.
I highly recommend!
December 8, 2025
I LOVED this! So much fun, a gripping adventure, and a gradual love story that's neither cloying nor overly antagonistic. I was grinning by the end of Chapter 1 as it became clear what the first trope would be, as it's one of my favorites (MoC)... and the story went from strength to strength. It's a bit on the lengthy side, but the pages really flew by for me, and now I just want the sequel.
What convinced me to give this debut novel a try? The author, Cassandra Grace, posted some of her chapter titles on Instagram, and I just couldn't help myself. Here's a selection: "Apparently Marriage Will Fix This," "The Man I Married Is, Unfortunately, Very Thoughtful," "No, Really, I Love Being Interrogated, and I Love That It Always Involves Being Married to a Stupid, Stupid Noble," "Oh Good, Another Man with a Plan," "I Have a Lot of Questions About This," "I Lower My Expectations That Everyone Will Get Along,"... and more.
This is a non-magical YA fantasy, which is a minority in my usual reading, but I didn't really think about genre while I was reading it: it was just pure enjoyment.
Thank you very much to Cassandra Grace for letting me read an ARC. This goes on sale Feb. 26, and I have NO doubt it will earn lots of love!
What convinced me to give this debut novel a try? The author, Cassandra Grace, posted some of her chapter titles on Instagram, and I just couldn't help myself. Here's a selection: "Apparently Marriage Will Fix This," "The Man I Married Is, Unfortunately, Very Thoughtful," "No, Really, I Love Being Interrogated, and I Love That It Always Involves Being Married to a Stupid, Stupid Noble," "Oh Good, Another Man with a Plan," "I Have a Lot of Questions About This," "I Lower My Expectations That Everyone Will Get Along,"... and more.
This is a non-magical YA fantasy, which is a minority in my usual reading, but I didn't really think about genre while I was reading it: it was just pure enjoyment.
Thank you very much to Cassandra Grace for letting me read an ARC. This goes on sale Feb. 26, and I have NO doubt it will earn lots of love!
May 17, 2026
This was a fun adventure of a book. I thought the premise was so good, I was instantly hooked (well, I was hooked once they got on the pirate ship, which is at the very beginning!). I have to say one of my favourite things about it were the quirky chapter titles, they would make me smile and I thought some of them were so clever.
I found out the main characters are 18/19 after I had already been sucked in - having known that I may not have started the book because I've become a bit wearing of YA books. However, the adventure of this book kept me engaged to the end! It did feel like a debut novel, it did feel like an indie novel, and it did feel like a YA novel. That didn't bother me too much, though, because it IS those 3 things. So rating it 4 stars is a rating with those three caveats in mind. I wish I could go back in time and read this as a teenager. The youth and naivety of the characters did feel true to their ages in the story, and I think I would have connected more had I read it when I was younger. Oh also, squeaky clean and totally closed door, which is refreshing to see in a YA fantasy with romance. Overall, an enjoyable book that I had a lot of fun reading!
I found out the main characters are 18/19 after I had already been sucked in - having known that I may not have started the book because I've become a bit wearing of YA books. However, the adventure of this book kept me engaged to the end! It did feel like a debut novel, it did feel like an indie novel, and it did feel like a YA novel. That didn't bother me too much, though, because it IS those 3 things. So rating it 4 stars is a rating with those three caveats in mind. I wish I could go back in time and read this as a teenager. The youth and naivety of the characters did feel true to their ages in the story, and I think I would have connected more had I read it when I was younger. Oh also, squeaky clean and totally closed door, which is refreshing to see in a YA fantasy with romance. Overall, an enjoyable book that I had a lot of fun reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure of beta reading this book earlier this year, and it was just as fun a second time around via an ARC!
The Webs We Weave has an engaging plot that never left me bored and 2 MCs that, while very different from each other, are both relatable in different ways. I adore both Evangeline and Alastair, and I love their dynamic together, both in scenes when they're butting heads as well as the more heartfelt moments.
For a book promoted as a 'pirate book', I was hoping for a little more pirate content, but that didn't dim my enjoyment of it at all. And, based on some strong hints, I think I can say pretty confidently that there will be more to come later in the series, and I am very excited!
Happy sailing, friends <3
The Webs We Weave has an engaging plot that never left me bored and 2 MCs that, while very different from each other, are both relatable in different ways. I adore both Evangeline and Alastair, and I love their dynamic together, both in scenes when they're butting heads as well as the more heartfelt moments.
For a book promoted as a 'pirate book', I was hoping for a little more pirate content, but that didn't dim my enjoyment of it at all. And, based on some strong hints, I think I can say pretty confidently that there will be more to come later in the series, and I am very excited!
Happy sailing, friends <3
February 27, 2026
“Apparently marriage will fix this.”
“Oh Good, Another Man With a Plan.”
“Not Even a Baby Will Fix This.”
Cassandra Grace is a hilarious genius and some of the chapter titles and quotes literally almost made me spit out my tea. I laughed out loud. The banter in this book is absolutely unmatched! This was such a good use of book time and not to go full drama, but the fact that I couldn’t read the next one immediately felt like it would kill me. The people, the politics, and the pirates… 11/10 recommend.
“Oh Good, Another Man With a Plan.”
“Not Even a Baby Will Fix This.”
Cassandra Grace is a hilarious genius and some of the chapter titles and quotes literally almost made me spit out my tea. I laughed out loud. The banter in this book is absolutely unmatched! This was such a good use of book time and not to go full drama, but the fact that I couldn’t read the next one immediately felt like it would kill me. The people, the politics, and the pirates… 11/10 recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My new favorite book 🤩 The characters are so relatable and funny! I felt so immersed into the world of Breslin. This book has adventure and romance which is the best combo for a great read! It also dives into themes of worth that are so important especially for YA readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves stories that are witty and adventurous! I cannot wait to find out what happens next! Cassandra Grace is a highly talented writer! You have to get your hands on this book!
February 28, 2026
Captivating right from the start, Cassandra's writing echoes of poetry and so much heart. Full of humor that will keep you gasping and smiling throughout. The Webs We Weave, is deeply touching, profoundly healing, and impossible to forget. Full of intrigue and defiant survival, this story is an inspired lifeline to those who have ever felt alone and unworthy.
March 2, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this new fantasy book from this fresh new author! The Webs We Weave by Cassandra Grace caught my attention and kept me hooked until the last word. Since this is the first of a series, I will be watching closely for the next one!! I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars!
March 17, 2026
Can't wait for the next one!
This was a nice clean political fantasy without magic which is so hard to find. I loved the characters and Evangeline wasn't one of those characters where you wanted to strangle her for being so stupid. It was genuinely a good story. I'm definitely ready to see what happens next.
This was a nice clean political fantasy without magic which is so hard to find. I loved the characters and Evangeline wasn't one of those characters where you wanted to strangle her for being so stupid. It was genuinely a good story. I'm definitely ready to see what happens next.
April 11, 2026
Enjoyable romance novel, that is very appropriate for younger readers! Well-written, easy to read with limited time. Toward the end, when Eva and Alastair are on at their destination for the big rescue, I couldn’t put it down and there were plot twists that I never saw coming.
Can’t wait for book two.
Can’t wait for book two.
April 24, 2026
I've not had a true 5-star book land in my lap for a while - and I never expected it to be a low fantasy read, full of banter, secret identities, seamstresses, and a country on the brink of war. I can hardly wait to read the sequel after losing sleep to read Book 1!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a way to kick off 2026! A wonderful 5 star read and a series I'm excited to continue!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely LOVED this book! It was such a refreshingly fun read!!
I was hooked from the very beginning. Alastair and Evangeline went on quite the adventure, and I loved every minute of it! Especially the nonstop witty banter! I stayed up for two nights to finish this book, and can't wait for Book 2!!
I was hooked from the very beginning. Alastair and Evangeline went on quite the adventure, and I loved every minute of it! Especially the nonstop witty banter! I stayed up for two nights to finish this book, and can't wait for Book 2!!
March 5, 2026
🌶️ Clean story, emphasis on the emotions, kisses only
💬 Mild
❗Death, violence, severe injuries, blood, grief, loss, drinking (under interrogation), discussion of SA of a non-POV character (no details given of the event)
.
My thoughts:
I absolutely LOVED this story!!! 😍😍😍 It was the perfect book, read at the perfect time! For 3 days in a row I stayed up 'til 1 a.m. reading about Eva and Al's crazy adventures, I really couldn't put this book down! The more I read about these characters, the more I wished I were them 🥹❤️ I adored their little quirks (like Eve's mumbling or Al's need for silence when he was thinking lol), it made them feel real and the reading experience even more compelling! 😌👌 The naturalness with which the relationships progressed left me in awe at how far the characters had come, though I didn't even notice it while reading! 🤯🥰 I am already waiting impatiently for a sequel to come out, so I can come back to the world of Breslin for new adventures! ✨🤩
.
The Webs We Weave releases Feb 26, 2026 and you can preorder it right now! Thank you SO MUCH to the author for giving me an ARC copy of this wonderful story 💖 All thoughts expressed are my own 🥰
💬 Mild
❗Death, violence, severe injuries, blood, grief, loss, drinking (under interrogation), discussion of SA of a non-POV character (no details given of the event)
.
My thoughts:
I absolutely LOVED this story!!! 😍😍😍 It was the perfect book, read at the perfect time! For 3 days in a row I stayed up 'til 1 a.m. reading about Eva and Al's crazy adventures, I really couldn't put this book down! The more I read about these characters, the more I wished I were them 🥹❤️ I adored their little quirks (like Eve's mumbling or Al's need for silence when he was thinking lol), it made them feel real and the reading experience even more compelling! 😌👌 The naturalness with which the relationships progressed left me in awe at how far the characters had come, though I didn't even notice it while reading! 🤯🥰 I am already waiting impatiently for a sequel to come out, so I can come back to the world of Breslin for new adventures! ✨🤩
.
The Webs We Weave releases Feb 26, 2026 and you can preorder it right now! Thank you SO MUCH to the author for giving me an ARC copy of this wonderful story 💖 All thoughts expressed are my own 🥰
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews