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The Weaver Bride #2
The False Vow
Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 11:50:11
10 copies available
U.S. only
Love will be tested in this high-stakes, spellbinding sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Weaver Bride, hailed as “your next romantic fantasy obsession” (I. V. Marie, #1 bestselling author of Immortal Consequences).
Lovett Tamerlane is engaged.
A silkwitch whose magic can only be harnessed through marriage to a Weaver, Lovett was facing life in the cloisters when Eliot Lear offered the deal of a an invitation to the Vainglory to compete for wealthy Weaver heir Noé Alaire’s hand in marriage, in exchange for her solving his sister’s murder.
While they both got what they wanted, the competition was full of surprises. Lovett never expected to fall in love . . . and Eliot never anticipated that she’d betray him.
Now Lovett has one to take down her fiancé's father—Bastian Alaire—and end his corrupt Weaver reign at any cost. But though the Vainglory may be over, danger still lurks at Fortblanche. And when Bastian presents Lovett with one last challenge—solve a murder that occurred within his walls, before the day of her wedding—she realizes the tests aren’t over. To pass this one, she’ll have to partner with the only person she hates more than her future his son, Noé.
But as Lovett will learn . . . sometimes love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
Lovett Tamerlane is engaged.
A silkwitch whose magic can only be harnessed through marriage to a Weaver, Lovett was facing life in the cloisters when Eliot Lear offered the deal of a an invitation to the Vainglory to compete for wealthy Weaver heir Noé Alaire’s hand in marriage, in exchange for her solving his sister’s murder.
While they both got what they wanted, the competition was full of surprises. Lovett never expected to fall in love . . . and Eliot never anticipated that she’d betray him.
Now Lovett has one to take down her fiancé's father—Bastian Alaire—and end his corrupt Weaver reign at any cost. But though the Vainglory may be over, danger still lurks at Fortblanche. And when Bastian presents Lovett with one last challenge—solve a murder that occurred within his walls, before the day of her wedding—she realizes the tests aren’t over. To pass this one, she’ll have to partner with the only person she hates more than her future his son, Noé.
But as Lovett will learn . . . sometimes love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2026
About the author
Lydia Gregovic
3 books273 followersLydia Gregovic is a Brooklyn-based author and editor, whose identity is rooted in the Texas gulf and along the coastline of Montenegro. She currently lives in New York with her complete collection of the works of Jane Austen and several half-dead plants. The Monstrous Kind is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well this was a nice suprise
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
— 4 ☆ .ᐟ ⌗ 🪻 spoiler free + mini review
⤷ idk im a bit conflicted! does it deserve my rating?
⌗ ꒰ my thoughts ꒱💌
⤷ waitt those last 100 pages REALLY made it up for me. this was originally just going to be 3 star something, but i had to give it a 4 because it pleasantly surprised me! sadly, im still not OVERLY attached to anyone, but it's still fun. i also know how hard it can be to write sequels, so, props to lydia! 💐
after the ending of book one, it's really interesting to see where the story would go. i can appreciate the author for making it easy to fly thru (considering this was 500 pages) so it didn't seem so tedious! in the end, i want to reread this series one day. maybe with a clearer head because ive been kind of distracted lately LOL 😹 anyways, def recommend to fantasy reads and im excited to see what lydia does next!!
~ dont open if havent read!!
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𐔌 ♯┆8.24.26
⤷ making it a habit to finish series back-to-back! jumping into this one right after weavers bride (review soon) this cover is so so pretty and im eager to see how the story ends. thank you underlined 🥹 out in september!!
⤷ idk im a bit conflicted! does it deserve my rating?
⋆˚࿔ 81st review of the year | arc
⌗ ꒰ my thoughts ꒱💌
⤷ waitt those last 100 pages REALLY made it up for me. this was originally just going to be 3 star something, but i had to give it a 4 because it pleasantly surprised me! sadly, im still not OVERLY attached to anyone, but it's still fun. i also know how hard it can be to write sequels, so, props to lydia! 💐
after the ending of book one, it's really interesting to see where the story would go. i can appreciate the author for making it easy to fly thru (considering this was 500 pages) so it didn't seem so tedious! in the end, i want to reread this series one day. maybe with a clearer head because ive been kind of distracted lately LOL 😹 anyways, def recommend to fantasy reads and im excited to see what lydia does next!!
~ dont open if havent read!!
----------
🪻 — pre-read .ᐟ ⌗
𐔌 ♯┆8.24.26
⤷ making it a habit to finish series back-to-back! jumping into this one right after weavers bride (review soon) this cover is so so pretty and im eager to see how the story ends. thank you underlined 🥹 out in september!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
| rating: 3.75 ★
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
✎ᝰ.ᐟ review
I'm sorry for doubting you, Ms. Gregovic. Thank you for this meal.
Full review to be published closer to the release date: September 29, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the e-ARC!
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Started:
Finished:
| pre-read: LOVETT AND ELIOT COME BACK TO MEEEE
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
✎ᝰ.ᐟ review
I'm sorry for doubting you, Ms. Gregovic. Thank you for this meal.
Full review to be published closer to the release date: September 29, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the e-ARC!
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Started:
Finished:
| pre-read: LOVETT AND ELIOT COME BACK TO MEEEE
April 21, 2026
Oh my god! I have no notes. I absolutely loved The False Vow and transparently, am annoyed it's over! This was a perfect conclusion to the duology, and I already want to go back and do a reread of the series. I enjoyed The Weaver Bride, but The False Vow totally captured me (and made Gregovic a must read author for me).
Without spoiling, the romance in this was next level. I don't think I've ever seen such palpable yearning, and I was giddy seeing the romance develop between our FMC and MMC. The protectiveness they had for each other, the trust that grew between them, and all the banter, it was just perfectly written. Also - dramatic love confessions in the rain?! I love. There are so many quotes I already want to go back and find. I don't think I've felt this way about two characters since reading The Folk of the Air series, and seeing Cardan and Jude's romance.
Outside of the romance, I also really enjoyed the plot. I found the pacing to be just right, the mystery unique and unpredictable, and the dynamics--both good and bad--between the other silkwitches fun. With all the twists, secrets, and alliances, I never knew where the story was going. But within that, I loved seeing Lovett, our strong, morally grey heroine, navigate it all, and learn to let down her walls and trust others along the way.
All in all, I loved this. It reminded me why I love YA romantasy, and was just overall a fantastic read. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes YA romance, fantasy, and/or romantasy, especially those who enjoyed The Rose Bargain, Thorn Season, or Heir of Storms. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Expected publication is 9/29/2026.
Without spoiling, the romance in this was next level. I don't think I've ever seen such palpable yearning, and I was giddy seeing the romance develop between our FMC and MMC. The protectiveness they had for each other, the trust that grew between them, and all the banter, it was just perfectly written. Also - dramatic love confessions in the rain?! I love. There are so many quotes I already want to go back and find. I don't think I've felt this way about two characters since reading The Folk of the Air series, and seeing Cardan and Jude's romance.
Outside of the romance, I also really enjoyed the plot. I found the pacing to be just right, the mystery unique and unpredictable, and the dynamics--both good and bad--between the other silkwitches fun. With all the twists, secrets, and alliances, I never knew where the story was going. But within that, I loved seeing Lovett, our strong, morally grey heroine, navigate it all, and learn to let down her walls and trust others along the way.
All in all, I loved this. It reminded me why I love YA romantasy, and was just overall a fantastic read. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes YA romance, fantasy, and/or romantasy, especially those who enjoyed The Rose Bargain, Thorn Season, or Heir of Storms. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Expected publication is 9/29/2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awarding myself an A+ for effort and sheer chaos <3
(Thank you all so much for reading this duology. Your support has opened so many doors for me, in more ways than one.)
(Thank you all so much for reading this duology. Your support has opened so many doors for me, in more ways than one.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded down.
In the acknowledgements the author says she always knew she wanted to write a sequel to the weaver bride but didn't know if she would get to do it, and you can clearly see it. The false vow is not a seamless continuation of the story, on the contrary, I don't see where some things came from.
I like the romance here a lot more than in the first book, their relationship is the epitome of "to be known is to be loved", I would love to see more of that. On that note, the end was really rushed, it didn't feel satisfying and I feel like we could have tied up more ends if it had more room to breathe. The mystery in this one wasn't as good as in the first book, it was honestly poorly done and very predictable.
But my biggest complaint is the complete character assassination of Eliot. I don't know where this Eliot came from but he's not the same character as the weaver bride's Eliot. All his development occurred off page so it just felt very jarring to have a character you feel you know start to behave in a way he never would. It could be my memory playing tricks on me but I doubt it, I know he wasn't that much of an asshole in the first book.
That being said, I LOVE noé in this book. And the same goes for Lovett, she's as vicious and determined as in the first book, love her a lot. And while talking about those too crazy how the thing I was most afraid would happen in book one was what I hoped for as I read the false vow...
Very confusing experience, I loved some parts and hated others, so this was a difficult rating for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte for the ARC.
In the acknowledgements the author says she always knew she wanted to write a sequel to the weaver bride but didn't know if she would get to do it, and you can clearly see it. The false vow is not a seamless continuation of the story, on the contrary, I don't see where some things came from.
I like the romance here a lot more than in the first book, their relationship is the epitome of "to be known is to be loved", I would love to see more of that. On that note, the end was really rushed, it didn't feel satisfying and I feel like we could have tied up more ends if it had more room to breathe. The mystery in this one wasn't as good as in the first book, it was honestly poorly done and very predictable.
But my biggest complaint is the complete character assassination of Eliot. I don't know where this Eliot came from but he's not the same character as the weaver bride's Eliot. All his development occurred off page so it just felt very jarring to have a character you feel you know start to behave in a way he never would. It could be my memory playing tricks on me but I doubt it, I know he wasn't that much of an asshole in the first book.
That being said, I LOVE noé in this book. And the same goes for Lovett, she's as vicious and determined as in the first book, love her a lot. And while talking about those too crazy how the thing I was most afraid would happen in book one was what I hoped for as I read the false vow...
Very confusing experience, I loved some parts and hated others, so this was a difficult rating for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte for the ARC.
October 5, 2026
5⭐️ This book was such a pleasant surprise!! In the Weaver Bride, I did like Eliot and was looking forward to his and Lovett’s relationship growing. BUT, the TENSION between Noe and Lovett and the YEARNING from Noe was spectacular, everything I didn’t know I needed. I also loved the friendships that were formed between Lovett and the other silk witches. An unexpected 5 stars😌
“There is not a part of me - not a single internal organ, not a blood vessel - that does not bear the scars of our acquaintanceship. “
“There is not a part of me - not a single internal organ, not a blood vessel - that does not bear the scars of our acquaintanceship. “
August 21, 2026
2.5 stars
✨The stars are for Noe!✨
I wanted to love The False Vow as much as I loved The Weaver Bride, but unfortunately I ended up frustrated!
This is definitely one of those sequel books where no one communicates properly. A lot of things could have been avoided or gone better if the characters talked to each other!!! Like just tell the other silkwitches what the situation is!!!! Y’all should be banding together and fighting back… hello!?!? A lot of the book was a slow burn as well and I had a hard time trying to stay invested.
Also, the romance from last book gets all angsty in this one and annoying. Eliot is such an butthurt crybaby and he annoyed me with that. I don’t like when books do such drastic character (negative) switch ups like that. I mean honestly everyone annoyed me so much! Except for Noe. I really liked him in this book and how he was with Lovett!!
I loved The Weaver Bride so much and I wish this one hadn’t fallen into the trap of romantasy book 2 tropes that I absolutely hate. Sadly, this one is not rated higher for me because of that. I liked it okay, there are a lot of good parts scattered in it for sure, but I definitely didn’t love this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 29, 2026 .
✨The stars are for Noe!✨
I wanted to love The False Vow as much as I loved The Weaver Bride, but unfortunately I ended up frustrated!
This is definitely one of those sequel books where no one communicates properly. A lot of things could have been avoided or gone better if the characters talked to each other!!! Like just tell the other silkwitches what the situation is!!!! Y’all should be banding together and fighting back… hello!?!? A lot of the book was a slow burn as well and I had a hard time trying to stay invested.
Also, the romance from last book gets all angsty in this one and annoying. Eliot is such an butthurt crybaby and he annoyed me with that. I don’t like when books do such drastic character (negative) switch ups like that. I mean honestly everyone annoyed me so much! Except for Noe. I really liked him in this book and how he was with Lovett!!
I loved The Weaver Bride so much and I wish this one hadn’t fallen into the trap of romantasy book 2 tropes that I absolutely hate. Sadly, this one is not rated higher for me because of that. I liked it okay, there are a lot of good parts scattered in it for sure, but I definitely didn’t love this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 29, 2026 .
April 19, 2026
I would give this 6 stars if I could, I enjoyed it that much. And with that ending, I would be more than happy to read a third installment if she chose to expand the series.
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of The Weaver Bride, and though I enjoyed it, I had a few minor issues with the pacing. The False Vow had no such issues, and honestly, I can’t think of a single complaint for the time being. If anything, I’m ready to get my hands on the physical copy just to reread it at a slower pace. I’m sure I missed several little details along the way this first go around as I was reading as fast as my little eyes would allow.
The False Vow picked up right where The Weaver Bride left off, and I felt that the stories merged wonderfully. The murder mystery, tension, found family, and yes- even the love triangle, had me by the throat and never let go. I won’t spoil anything for anyone, but I was so pleased with how this story wrapped up. 😇 Gregovic is officially on my radar and an auto-buy author from here on out.
Huge thanks to Lydia, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced digital copy. 🦊
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of The Weaver Bride, and though I enjoyed it, I had a few minor issues with the pacing. The False Vow had no such issues, and honestly, I can’t think of a single complaint for the time being. If anything, I’m ready to get my hands on the physical copy just to reread it at a slower pace. I’m sure I missed several little details along the way this first go around as I was reading as fast as my little eyes would allow.
The False Vow picked up right where The Weaver Bride left off, and I felt that the stories merged wonderfully. The murder mystery, tension, found family, and yes- even the love triangle, had me by the throat and never let go. I won’t spoil anything for anyone, but I was so pleased with how this story wrapped up. 😇 Gregovic is officially on my radar and an auto-buy author from here on out.
Huge thanks to Lydia, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced digital copy. 🦊
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5
The False Vow is quite the exceptional sequel. It’s daring, thrilling, and makes narrative choices I wanted to stand up and applaud. If there’s anything I’m left wanting is simply more. I fell in such love with the writing of Lydia Gregovic, in how she plots both romantic and non-romantic arcs, how she develops character journeys, and how she keeps us as readers on our toes with genuine high stakes. The excitement for this story increased throughout this duology. One I’m so happy to know and love.
This sequel follows the consequence of Lovett’s choice in entering a bargain and marriage with Noé. Eliot feels betrayed but Lovett makes the best of the situation at hand and her mission to discover truths and being down Bastian continues as strongly as ever, but heart begins to question what it truly feels.
When I read The Weaver Bride I left it unconvinced by Eliot as the love interest. I just wasn’t certain of him but was ready to be won over. What I should have said was, I wasn’t certain of him but remain open-minded where the romance may lead. Because boy oh boy does it take a turn! Enter Noé and a true love triangle. I didn’t think much of Noé in the first book, but all I could think in this sequel is how I needed more and more of him. I loved him! There are so many layers to his character we begin to get to know and I still longed for more. His presence indeed complicates the romance but I loved every narrative choice. Every choice leading to endgame had me shouting yesss! I thought it was all laid out so brilliantly. That said, I admit, as happy as I am with the resolution, I did find the endgame romance undeveloped. It’s the sole qualm I have. I did not feel convinced Lovett had fallen in deep love with her love interest and I also wished we could see when her love interest fell in love with her. I believed it, don’t get me wrong, I 100% believe those two are the right fit, but I wish we could have spent more time with them. I, for one, would adore a third book that allows for that opportunity. Because these two characters are my favorites!
Especially Lovett. She is radiant. I love how she’s this morally grey sort of heroine that you still easily root for. I love how unapologetic she is in her decisions and actions. She makes the choices she believes are best for her, and I had to respect that. She is pure cleverness, courage and resilience. I want to be more like her! And what she deserves is to be embraced only by those who love her as she is. This is why, even with my qualms, I love her endgame romance. One love interest diminishes her, finds her qualities lacking or wrong, but her other love interest lifts her up at every turn. He readily embraces her wit, her viciousness, her unrelentingness. She dims in the light one, but she shines in light of the other. And I’ll take shine always.
Not a quibble, more so me being petty: but I wish two other characters had more consequential endings. I was so mad by how much they hurt Lovett, that I thought they got off a touch scot-free. But I get it! That’s really just me being over protective of my girl! Lovett is a character who so very much deserves to triumph, and I was so glad to join her on her journey in achieving just that!
Lovett is a triumph as is this whole duology. It’s always such a rewarding feeling when a sequel hits right, and for me personally, this sequel hit right so hard!
Thank you Delacorte Press and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
_____
immediate post-read thoughts
I had a truly excellent time reading this one! That said, I'm going to let this one sit for a minute before deciding my rating. I spent 40-45% of this read fully convinced it would be a 5 star, but the second half left me a smidge uncertain of that. I 100% love its narrative choices, but I do believe certain aspects, particularly the endgame romance, were underdeveloped. I wanted it more and better explored!
I also wanted two characters' resolutions to come with heavier consequence, I couldn't help but think they got off a bit too scot-free. That part won't affect the rating, just me wishing again for a bit more.
So while it's less than a 5 star read, it's still close. I'm waffling between 4 or 4.5. Hoping my full review will settle things for me.
The False Vow is quite the exceptional sequel. It’s daring, thrilling, and makes narrative choices I wanted to stand up and applaud. If there’s anything I’m left wanting is simply more. I fell in such love with the writing of Lydia Gregovic, in how she plots both romantic and non-romantic arcs, how she develops character journeys, and how she keeps us as readers on our toes with genuine high stakes. The excitement for this story increased throughout this duology. One I’m so happy to know and love.
This sequel follows the consequence of Lovett’s choice in entering a bargain and marriage with Noé. Eliot feels betrayed but Lovett makes the best of the situation at hand and her mission to discover truths and being down Bastian continues as strongly as ever, but heart begins to question what it truly feels.
When I read The Weaver Bride I left it unconvinced by Eliot as the love interest. I just wasn’t certain of him but was ready to be won over. What I should have said was, I wasn’t certain of him but remain open-minded where the romance may lead. Because boy oh boy does it take a turn! Enter Noé and a true love triangle. I didn’t think much of Noé in the first book, but all I could think in this sequel is how I needed more and more of him. I loved him! There are so many layers to his character we begin to get to know and I still longed for more. His presence indeed complicates the romance but I loved every narrative choice. Every choice leading to endgame had me shouting yesss! I thought it was all laid out so brilliantly. That said, I admit, as happy as I am with the resolution, I did find the endgame romance undeveloped. It’s the sole qualm I have. I did not feel convinced Lovett had fallen in deep love with her love interest and I also wished we could see when her love interest fell in love with her. I believed it, don’t get me wrong, I 100% believe those two are the right fit, but I wish we could have spent more time with them. I, for one, would adore a third book that allows for that opportunity. Because these two characters are my favorites!
Especially Lovett. She is radiant. I love how she’s this morally grey sort of heroine that you still easily root for. I love how unapologetic she is in her decisions and actions. She makes the choices she believes are best for her, and I had to respect that. She is pure cleverness, courage and resilience. I want to be more like her! And what she deserves is to be embraced only by those who love her as she is. This is why, even with my qualms, I love her endgame romance. One love interest diminishes her, finds her qualities lacking or wrong, but her other love interest lifts her up at every turn. He readily embraces her wit, her viciousness, her unrelentingness. She dims in the light one, but she shines in light of the other. And I’ll take shine always.
Not a quibble, more so me being petty: but I wish two other characters had more consequential endings. I was so mad by how much they hurt Lovett, that I thought they got off a touch scot-free. But I get it! That’s really just me being over protective of my girl! Lovett is a character who so very much deserves to triumph, and I was so glad to join her on her journey in achieving just that!
Lovett is a triumph as is this whole duology. It’s always such a rewarding feeling when a sequel hits right, and for me personally, this sequel hit right so hard!
Thank you Delacorte Press and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
_____
immediate post-read thoughts
I had a truly excellent time reading this one! That said, I'm going to let this one sit for a minute before deciding my rating. I spent 40-45% of this read fully convinced it would be a 5 star, but the second half left me a smidge uncertain of that. I 100% love its narrative choices, but I do believe certain aspects, particularly the endgame romance, were underdeveloped. I wanted it more and better explored!
I also wanted two characters' resolutions to come with heavier consequence, I couldn't help but think they got off a bit too scot-free. That part won't affect the rating, just me wishing again for a bit more.
So while it's less than a 5 star read, it's still close. I'm waffling between 4 or 4.5. Hoping my full review will settle things for me.
October 4, 2026
I liked this book, but not as much as the Weaver Bride.
I think the plot and the mystery aspect were both well done, especially the fact that it kept me guessing throughout the whole story. I liked Lovett’s detective efforts and how she was frequently discovering new details that led to new guesses. I appreciate that the plot was paced well and didn’t feel like all the reveals were dropped out of nowhere or all at the same time.
What I didn’t like as much as the first book was the love triangle aspect, the constant question of who is she going to end up with? At various points throughout both books, Lovett goes from hating to loving to hating to loving both Elliott and Noé, and it kind of got old and repetitive after a while. You don’t really know who she’s going to pick until the book ends. You think you know, but then you change your mind, then you change it back, etc. I did greatly appreciate that the romance was no-spice though.
Overall, I enjoyed this duology, and I would recommend it to fans of clean romantasy with a historical feel, competition element, and various mystery components throughout. It’s a strong duology and I look forward to reading what this author writes next.
I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley.
I think the plot and the mystery aspect were both well done, especially the fact that it kept me guessing throughout the whole story. I liked Lovett’s detective efforts and how she was frequently discovering new details that led to new guesses. I appreciate that the plot was paced well and didn’t feel like all the reveals were dropped out of nowhere or all at the same time.
What I didn’t like as much as the first book was the love triangle aspect, the constant question of who is she going to end up with? At various points throughout both books, Lovett goes from hating to loving to hating to loving both Elliott and Noé, and it kind of got old and repetitive after a while. You don’t really know who she’s going to pick until the book ends. You think you know, but then you change your mind, then you change it back, etc. I did greatly appreciate that the romance was no-spice though.
Overall, I enjoyed this duology, and I would recommend it to fans of clean romantasy with a historical feel, competition element, and various mystery components throughout. It’s a strong duology and I look forward to reading what this author writes next.
I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley.
August 28, 2026
The False Vow by Lydia Gregovic
Release date:September 29th
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Age rating:14+
Spice:closed door
Thank you Netgalley for this arc! YALLLLL. This was so whimsical and stressful so just perfect. When I started this book I thought I’d knew where it was going, but right away I was quickly proven wrong. I absolutely LOVED where it went. Lovett is my baby and I adore her and her anger. Yes I wanted to shake her multiple times but like…she just a girl. And the romance was like SO GOOD. Had me crying at one point cause it was so sweet. The setting is also just so fun. Yeah I’d be terrified if I went there but I wanna go. Someone take me away please. I can’t wait to reread this duology. Preferably on a rainy autumn day. If you were curious about this duo PLEASE READ IT.
Release date:September 29th
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Age rating:14+
Spice:closed door
Thank you Netgalley for this arc! YALLLLL. This was so whimsical and stressful so just perfect. When I started this book I thought I’d knew where it was going, but right away I was quickly proven wrong. I absolutely LOVED where it went. Lovett is my baby and I adore her and her anger. Yes I wanted to shake her multiple times but like…she just a girl. And the romance was like SO GOOD. Had me crying at one point cause it was so sweet. The setting is also just so fun. Yeah I’d be terrified if I went there but I wanna go. Someone take me away please. I can’t wait to reread this duology. Preferably on a rainy autumn day. If you were curious about this duo PLEASE READ IT.
Read
July 5, 2026💟 The False Vow 💟
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• YA Romantasy
• Murder Mystery
• Marriage Competition
• Enemies to Lovers
• Political Intrigue
• Magical Society
• Silk Magic
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Thank you to Random House Children's Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• YA Romantasy
• Murder Mystery
• Marriage Competition
• Enemies to Lovers
• Political Intrigue
• Magical Society
• Silk Magic
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Thank you to Random House Children's Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
October 3, 2026
huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
after fully enjoying the weaver bride, this was a bit of a letdown but also not. gregovic takes us on a journey with this, especially with our love interests and who we are supposed to be rooting for. i think this novel really showcased noé and what he was lacking in the previous book. a solid duology end! i didn't hate it. just not that full five stars.
after fully enjoying the weaver bride, this was a bit of a letdown but also not. gregovic takes us on a journey with this, especially with our love interests and who we are supposed to be rooting for. i think this novel really showcased noé and what he was lacking in the previous book. a solid duology end! i didn't hate it. just not that full five stars.
Want to Read
April 5, 2026Why am I getting love-triangle vibes from that synopsis? PLS NO.
Read
February 4, 2026OH MY GOD IT'S COMING COME BACK TO ME LOVETT AND ELIOT I MISSED YOU!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Random House Children's Books/Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this one. I will say, I had to go back and scan the first book again and read my review so I could remember what happened. This book picks up right where the first one ended. We follow Lovett as she gets closer and closer to marrying Noé.
I'm not sure what I was expecting in this book but it was not the hint of a love triangle for sure. Noé always struck me as self-centered and not someone Lovett would ever fall for. But watching their relationship blossom in this book as they tried to solve the mystery of Sybil's death was delightful. Their banter was great. I really enjoyed watching their push and pull as enemies to friends and then them giving into the attraction that was building beneath it all.
Elliott pissed me off for most of this book. He was so whiny and jus self-destructive. He pinned it all on Lovett, but she was just trying to do what was right to save the Silkwitches from a fate she didn't agree with. He actually reminded me of Adam from Shatter Me when he basically alienates himself from Juliette. I spent much of this book wanting to punch Elliott for all the things he was doing. It's no wonder Lovett turned away from him.
We see the same cast of characters from book 1 return her. Lovett's fellow silkwitches, many of whom she befriends. Noé father, who is just gross and deserved whatever became of him, and a host of others.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this one. I will say, I had to go back and scan the first book again and read my review so I could remember what happened. This book picks up right where the first one ended. We follow Lovett as she gets closer and closer to marrying Noé.
I'm not sure what I was expecting in this book but it was not the hint of a love triangle for sure. Noé always struck me as self-centered and not someone Lovett would ever fall for. But watching their relationship blossom in this book as they tried to solve the mystery of Sybil's death was delightful. Their banter was great. I really enjoyed watching their push and pull as enemies to friends and then them giving into the attraction that was building beneath it all.
Elliott pissed me off for most of this book. He was so whiny and jus self-destructive. He pinned it all on Lovett, but she was just trying to do what was right to save the Silkwitches from a fate she didn't agree with. He actually reminded me of Adam from Shatter Me when he basically alienates himself from Juliette. I spent much of this book wanting to punch Elliott for all the things he was doing. It's no wonder Lovett turned away from him.
We see the same cast of characters from book 1 return her. Lovett's fellow silkwitches, many of whom she befriends. Noé father, who is just gross and deserved whatever became of him, and a host of others.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lydia and her publishing team for sending me an ARC copy of this book!
Wow wow wow. I was so excited to receive this arc, and it lived up to my expectations—exceeded them, actually. This book was a rollercoaster. I felt every emotion. You name it, I felt it. Anger, sadness, annoyance, excitement, giddiness, and many more.
The direction Lydia went with in this book was so different and unexpected. I respect her for it, and it paid off incredibly.
Honestly it’s so hard for me to say almost anything about this book because I would spoil it, so I’ll keep this review short. But there are many thoughts I want to write out, but alas, I can’t 😭 (if you have read this PLEASE message me and we can discuss).
First of all. Lovett. My baby. She is now one of my all time favorite FMCs. Her strength, her cunning and rage. The way she learned to be vulnerable and love in this book was incredible. I felt so seen by her in many ways (I may or may not have sobbed over a certain part because I felt it so deeply…)
Speaking of her learning to love: I absolutely adored her relationships with the silkwitches in this. I thought they were so intriguing in book 1, and each one of them was really expanded upon in book 2. They all had such distinct personalities and their wits were so fascinating. I loved Anais, Marie-Louise, Manon, and Nathalie so much!
Ok, let’s talk about Noé. At the start I was so annoyed by him. But he grew on me gradually. I love him so so much omg. His character is so complex and lovable. The banter between him and Lovett, mmm chefs kiss.
Also the plot was so intriguing and kept me hooked. I could not put this book down. When I wasn’t reading I wanted to read it. I spent the whole work day wanting to come home and read 😭
Overall this duology is absolutely incredible. New Roman Empire. I’m sad it’s over but it ended in a great way. Although… I wouldn’t be opposed to a third book with more adventures 🤭
Spice: none
Language: moderate
Wow wow wow. I was so excited to receive this arc, and it lived up to my expectations—exceeded them, actually. This book was a rollercoaster. I felt every emotion. You name it, I felt it. Anger, sadness, annoyance, excitement, giddiness, and many more.
The direction Lydia went with in this book was so different and unexpected. I respect her for it, and it paid off incredibly.
Honestly it’s so hard for me to say almost anything about this book because I would spoil it, so I’ll keep this review short. But there are many thoughts I want to write out, but alas, I can’t 😭 (if you have read this PLEASE message me and we can discuss).
First of all. Lovett. My baby. She is now one of my all time favorite FMCs. Her strength, her cunning and rage. The way she learned to be vulnerable and love in this book was incredible. I felt so seen by her in many ways (I may or may not have sobbed over a certain part because I felt it so deeply…)
Speaking of her learning to love: I absolutely adored her relationships with the silkwitches in this. I thought they were so intriguing in book 1, and each one of them was really expanded upon in book 2. They all had such distinct personalities and their wits were so fascinating. I loved Anais, Marie-Louise, Manon, and Nathalie so much!
Ok, let’s talk about Noé. At the start I was so annoyed by him. But he grew on me gradually. I love him so so much omg. His character is so complex and lovable. The banter between him and Lovett, mmm chefs kiss.
Also the plot was so intriguing and kept me hooked. I could not put this book down. When I wasn’t reading I wanted to read it. I spent the whole work day wanting to come home and read 😭
Overall this duology is absolutely incredible. New Roman Empire. I’m sad it’s over but it ended in a great way. Although… I wouldn’t be opposed to a third book with more adventures 🤭
Spice: none
Language: moderate
Review of advance copy received from Author
a book that makes me feel sick to think about (complimentary) (deeply personal) (deeply violent) (deeply unfair) (deeply upsetting)
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
i seem to be the outlier based on other early reviews but i wish i hadn’t read this because it’s actively tainted my love of the first book. i was the weaver bride’s biggest fan and this is just NOT what i wanted from the sequel, at all. a massive disappointment and to say i’m devastated would be a huge understatement.
editing my review because upon further thought, it actually was laughably bad. never thought i would say these words about this book, but life can surprise you in the worst ways.
no one is sadder than me that i hated this book, but i did hate it, and that’s how i feel.
editing my review because upon further thought, it actually was laughably bad. never thought i would say these words about this book, but life can surprise you in the worst ways.
no one is sadder than me that i hated this book, but i did hate it, and that’s how i feel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes:
🔎Murder mystery
🪭Regency
🔒Forced proximity
💍Arranged marriage
🔺Love triangle
🏰Court intrigue
🎭Masked balls
🔪Betrayals
🗯️Miscommunication
Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. Disclaimer: spoilers
I was really excited to read this book. Truly, I was. But it was sorely disappointing.
Honestly speaking, the love triangle was horrid. The FMC was fake from the start to the end. She had some really bad communication issues and expected a certain someone to just read her mind!! I did not agree with the pairing at all. It made no sense. It diminished everything that happened in the first book. . . Especially cause the other guy was in the first book and wasn’t a newly introduced character in this book. But yes, FMC was very annoying in this book, and she was 100% in the wrong. Moreover, the MMC??? Hello why are you talking to her like she’s your prisoner and a useful object to enact revenge on your father. . . 0/10. Red flag. And blackmailing her, forcing her to have him help her in the investigation, otherwise he would restrict her from meeting someone? Be so for real. And talking negatively to her cause her hair was a bit messed. And the banter was cringe. Like. . . “You are quite hateable yourself, you know”, and “ I don’t think many people know you well enough to hate you as I do, I hate you very specifically.” So cringe. Like he doesn’t even know anything about her. 🙄 I lowkey was close to DNF this book cause of how annoying this guy is. And bargaining for her price with her brother like she’s an object?😭😭 and lowering the prices after he himself said that she’s worth a lot more??? Also, does he even know how to read a room? He was so stubborn with her even when she was hurting and needed to be alone!!!! Even the villain (who was trying to get her killed) knew when to back off and give her privacy cause she was hurting!!!! I was so glad seeing her getting mad at him cause he deserved it. And the weaver king himself was helping more with the investigation than the MMC, who butted in forcefully trying to help, but genuinely getting nothing done. The only information he “uncovered” was stuff the FMC already figured out, and all he did was exchange theories. And in all honesty, she genuinely despised him. This is the first book I’ve read where there was zero chemistry between the two MCs, like come on, sf one point she gave him a condition to not speak to her. And then he did. Zero self-respect. She didn’t even willingly tell him anything that she had uncovered until later on or until he figured out himself, which she never did with the other guy in the first book. Clearly she didn’t want his help. And come on. . . The fact that he was complimenting and talking good about the other MMC (the one she was with in the first book). That tells you enough. And please. Making a spectacle in front of all their guests, and embarrassing her by going and smoking. When he told her he quit cause of her? Wowwwww. And she wouldn’t hold hands with him, or confess feelings, which says a lot, as she is going to get married to him. And him acting like he’d let her do whatever she wants when he was stubbornly a thorn in her side the whole book. And he doesn’t honor promises either. Even near the end, she didn’t fully trust him. She was about to throw up at the wedding.
Meanwhile, the other MMC was being painted as a villain when he was the only one who had valid arguments, and he was never harsh with her. All he did was show her a mirror. And her feeling betrayed when he did the exact same thing she did to him? Crazy work. Kind of glad that happened lowkey, cause she deserved it! She expected him to not be hurt or jealous which is insane cause why wouldn’t he be?? Honestly, this book undermined how well him and the FMC worked together. And at the end, he was doing everything for her safety, even if he looked bad doing so.
I did absolutely love the first book though. Besides the romance aspect, which was 90%, this book was good. It was easy to read and the writing style was good. The investigation aspect was better in the first book.
🔎Murder mystery
🪭Regency
🔒Forced proximity
💍Arranged marriage
🔺Love triangle
🏰Court intrigue
🎭Masked balls
🔪Betrayals
🗯️Miscommunication
Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. Disclaimer: spoilers
I was really excited to read this book. Truly, I was. But it was sorely disappointing.
Honestly speaking, the love triangle was horrid. The FMC was fake from the start to the end. She had some really bad communication issues and expected a certain someone to just read her mind!! I did not agree with the pairing at all. It made no sense. It diminished everything that happened in the first book. . . Especially cause the other guy was in the first book and wasn’t a newly introduced character in this book. But yes, FMC was very annoying in this book, and she was 100% in the wrong. Moreover, the MMC??? Hello why are you talking to her like she’s your prisoner and a useful object to enact revenge on your father. . . 0/10. Red flag. And blackmailing her, forcing her to have him help her in the investigation, otherwise he would restrict her from meeting someone? Be so for real. And talking negatively to her cause her hair was a bit messed. And the banter was cringe. Like. . . “You are quite hateable yourself, you know”, and “ I don’t think many people know you well enough to hate you as I do, I hate you very specifically.” So cringe. Like he doesn’t even know anything about her. 🙄 I lowkey was close to DNF this book cause of how annoying this guy is. And bargaining for her price with her brother like she’s an object?😭😭 and lowering the prices after he himself said that she’s worth a lot more??? Also, does he even know how to read a room? He was so stubborn with her even when she was hurting and needed to be alone!!!! Even the villain (who was trying to get her killed) knew when to back off and give her privacy cause she was hurting!!!! I was so glad seeing her getting mad at him cause he deserved it. And the weaver king himself was helping more with the investigation than the MMC, who butted in forcefully trying to help, but genuinely getting nothing done. The only information he “uncovered” was stuff the FMC already figured out, and all he did was exchange theories. And in all honesty, she genuinely despised him. This is the first book I’ve read where there was zero chemistry between the two MCs, like come on, sf one point she gave him a condition to not speak to her. And then he did. Zero self-respect. She didn’t even willingly tell him anything that she had uncovered until later on or until he figured out himself, which she never did with the other guy in the first book. Clearly she didn’t want his help. And come on. . . The fact that he was complimenting and talking good about the other MMC (the one she was with in the first book). That tells you enough. And please. Making a spectacle in front of all their guests, and embarrassing her by going and smoking. When he told her he quit cause of her? Wowwwww. And she wouldn’t hold hands with him, or confess feelings, which says a lot, as she is going to get married to him. And him acting like he’d let her do whatever she wants when he was stubbornly a thorn in her side the whole book. And he doesn’t honor promises either. Even near the end, she didn’t fully trust him. She was about to throw up at the wedding.
Meanwhile, the other MMC was being painted as a villain when he was the only one who had valid arguments, and he was never harsh with her. All he did was show her a mirror. And her feeling betrayed when he did the exact same thing she did to him? Crazy work. Kind of glad that happened lowkey, cause she deserved it! She expected him to not be hurt or jealous which is insane cause why wouldn’t he be?? Honestly, this book undermined how well him and the FMC worked together. And at the end, he was doing everything for her safety, even if he looked bad doing so.
I did absolutely love the first book though. Besides the romance aspect, which was 90%, this book was good. It was easy to read and the writing style was good. The investigation aspect was better in the first book.
April 23, 2026
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TO THE WONDERFUL INCREDIBLE FABULOUS PEOPLE AT NET GALLEY, DELACORTE, AND RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOK FOR ALLOWING ME RO READ AN ADVANCED COPY!! (okay sorry had to shout my gratitude from the rooftops)
i don’t even know where to begin. anyone who has ever had a conversation about books with me in the last year knows that i adore the weaver bride. it was my most recommended book of 2025 and i cannot fathom ever keeping my mouth shut about it. to say that the false vow is one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 feels like an understatement. reading this book felt like the most wild fever dream in all the best ways. at every turn i was terrified of what would come next, what fate would befall my beloved characters. this sequel is in NO WAY what i expected or even hoped for, and for that i am grateful, because this was better than anything i could’ve planned. lydia took this book in a bold direction, and i think it paid off brilliantly. the character dynamics are shifting constantly, the banter is on another level, and THE YEARNING!!!!!! my jaw lived on the floor and honestly it might still be there. it kills me that i have to wait months to squeal over the details with everyone, but i will use that time to force more people to read the weaver bride. truly a gorgeous gothic atmospheric masterpiece that i will be thinking about likely forever.
i don’t even know where to begin. anyone who has ever had a conversation about books with me in the last year knows that i adore the weaver bride. it was my most recommended book of 2025 and i cannot fathom ever keeping my mouth shut about it. to say that the false vow is one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 feels like an understatement. reading this book felt like the most wild fever dream in all the best ways. at every turn i was terrified of what would come next, what fate would befall my beloved characters. this sequel is in NO WAY what i expected or even hoped for, and for that i am grateful, because this was better than anything i could’ve planned. lydia took this book in a bold direction, and i think it paid off brilliantly. the character dynamics are shifting constantly, the banter is on another level, and THE YEARNING!!!!!! my jaw lived on the floor and honestly it might still be there. it kills me that i have to wait months to squeal over the details with everyone, but i will use that time to force more people to read the weaver bride. truly a gorgeous gothic atmospheric masterpiece that i will be thinking about likely forever.
April 15, 2026
4.5/5 stars for me!
I was ecstatic to see a sequel come out and obsessively check for an e-arc. This one took a comfortable ~24 hours to finish, and I read it obsessively.
Familiar characters, familiar tension, familiar places. Without giving away much, the love triangle? Loved it, as much as it pained me to concede my favor to another!
I could shut my brain off for this read and go along for the ride. Every twist was exciting and kept me just enough under water to feel every reveal as something new.
All this being said, the ending is familiar, as it was likely to be. It starts to get a bit predictable in the last eighth of the book, but in a way that doesn’t feel like everything is hastily wrapped up.
It’s a great follow-up to “The Weaver Bride” and explores relationships at a complex age beautifully.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I was ecstatic to see a sequel come out and obsessively check for an e-arc. This one took a comfortable ~24 hours to finish, and I read it obsessively.
Familiar characters, familiar tension, familiar places. Without giving away much, the love triangle? Loved it, as much as it pained me to concede my favor to another!
I could shut my brain off for this read and go along for the ride. Every twist was exciting and kept me just enough under water to feel every reveal as something new.
All this being said, the ending is familiar, as it was likely to be. It starts to get a bit predictable in the last eighth of the book, but in a way that doesn’t feel like everything is hastily wrapped up.
It’s a great follow-up to “The Weaver Bride” and explores relationships at a complex age beautifully.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
April 19, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book prior to its release date!
Oh my goodness 5 amazing stars!
This is one of those series where the first book is good, but then the second one blows it out of the water! I adored the whole thing.
I always loved our morally grey FMC Lovette, but I feel like the secondary characters really shined in this one as well! I loved the scenes with them just as much as the ones between the FMC and MMC (I’m trying to avoid spoilers 🙈).
Seriously, I adored this book, and - with the way it ended - if there is still more to come, I’ll definitely be continuing on!
Also - I can’t say too much on the romance - but just know I was OBSESSED.
Dare I say I plan on rereading the first book after knowing what happens in the end of this book? I think I will! It’s just a wonderful series I enjoyed immensely, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone.
Oh my goodness 5 amazing stars!
This is one of those series where the first book is good, but then the second one blows it out of the water! I adored the whole thing.
I always loved our morally grey FMC Lovette, but I feel like the secondary characters really shined in this one as well! I loved the scenes with them just as much as the ones between the FMC and MMC (I’m trying to avoid spoilers 🙈).
Seriously, I adored this book, and - with the way it ended - if there is still more to come, I’ll definitely be continuing on!
Also - I can’t say too much on the romance - but just know I was OBSESSED.
Dare I say I plan on rereading the first book after knowing what happens in the end of this book? I think I will! It’s just a wonderful series I enjoyed immensely, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I finished reading The Weaver Bride last November, I was absolutely devastated to find out that the second book wasn't releasing until September 2026!!! I have never bought a pre-sale book faster....
And so, I was so happy and grateful to have received an ARC of this book!!!! Just like TWB, I devoured The False Vow in two days, and I already want to go back and re-read both books again!!!!
Without spoiling the book, the best way to describe how I feel after reading this is that...... I AM UNWELL!!!!! There are so many emotions I went through throughout the whole book - frustration, heartbreak, giddiness, suspense - Gregovic does SUCH A GOOD JOB at just making the reader feel SO TORN in this book! I have such mixed emotions about the outcome of everything, and it all feels so bittersweet and a little melancholic, and my heart is breaking but so happy at the same time.
What I really enjoyed in this book was how Gregovic incorporated more of the other silkwitches into the storyline, and I felt like we really got to know and appreciate the other girls a lot more than in TWB, and seeing Lovett being able to develop real friendships with those girls was refreshing. I love a good sisterhood/girlhood moment!! I also loved seeing this new, more gentle side of Noe that we didn't get to see in the first book.
One thing that does leave me wondering is.........will there be a third book?!!!
All in all, I cannot shut up about this story - seriously, my husband said he does NOT want to hear me talking about this anymore, so here I am, ranting about it online. I'm so excited to receive my pre-order hardcover copy when it releases to add to my shelf. SIGH.....how can a story make you feel so happy, yet sad at the same time???? I already know that I'm never going to get over this......
And so, I was so happy and grateful to have received an ARC of this book!!!! Just like TWB, I devoured The False Vow in two days, and I already want to go back and re-read both books again!!!!
Without spoiling the book, the best way to describe how I feel after reading this is that...... I AM UNWELL!!!!! There are so many emotions I went through throughout the whole book - frustration, heartbreak, giddiness, suspense - Gregovic does SUCH A GOOD JOB at just making the reader feel SO TORN in this book! I have such mixed emotions about the outcome of everything, and it all feels so bittersweet and a little melancholic, and my heart is breaking but so happy at the same time.
What I really enjoyed in this book was how Gregovic incorporated more of the other silkwitches into the storyline, and I felt like we really got to know and appreciate the other girls a lot more than in TWB, and seeing Lovett being able to develop real friendships with those girls was refreshing. I love a good sisterhood/girlhood moment!! I also loved seeing this new, more gentle side of Noe that we didn't get to see in the first book.
One thing that does leave me wondering is.........will there be a third book?!!!
All in all, I cannot shut up about this story - seriously, my husband said he does NOT want to hear me talking about this anymore, so here I am, ranting about it online. I'm so excited to receive my pre-order hardcover copy when it releases to add to my shelf. SIGH.....how can a story make you feel so happy, yet sad at the same time???? I already know that I'm never going to get over this......
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read the full review with representation information and trigger warnings on my blog.
In the sequel to The Weaver Bride, Lovett has won the Vainglory and is engaged to Noé, but because she did not give the Alaire family a properly-sized dower of her hair, Bastian presents her with an additional challenge before she is allowed to marry his son: solve the murder of Sybil Dabos. Lovett must find out who the culprit is, or will be sent to the cloisters, and Eliot is not as reliable an ally as he seemed to be during the Vainglory.
I was very excited to read this book, but it didn’t quite measure up to my expectations. The romance and the love triangle is expertly done, but for a 528-page book I was expecting more plot than just the romance. It doesn’t touch enough on the corrupt political/institutional situation with the silkwitches being banished to the cloisters if they’re unmarried at 21, which was dissatisfying for me because so much of the plot rested on whether Lovett would be sent to the cloisters. Perhaps for some readers, the abstract danger of the cloisters would make them more terrifying, but I felt that the worldbuilding was incomplete and that the beginning of the book promised a political intrigue sub-plot that was not satisfactorily wrapped up. It would be wonderful if a third book was ordered for this series, but it’s looking like that’s not going to happen because this is a duology.
The romance, however (a fade-to-black YA-appropriate romance), was excellently done. It gave me significant Pride and Prejudice vibes, which might be because the author is a big fan of Jane Austen. It certainly wasn’t negatively similar to the story, you could just tell that there was inspiration. The writing of the book itself was also beautifully lyrical. It was a joy to read, it was just frustrating that it felt like there wasn’t enough of the political intrigue involved in the story.
I did also find it a relief that the characters of the other silkwitches who had competed in the Vainglory in The Weaver Bride were more developed in this sequel. It passes the Bechdel test much better than The Weaver Bride did, and I found myself liking Anais quite a bit even though she was an unlikable character initially. Readers who are particularly sensitive to sexual assault may not like this book, as there is a scene where Anais uses her magical power to use a kiss to compel the target to tell the truth on a woman who did not consent to the kiss. Other than that, there’s a nice B-plot romance involving Anais and Manon, which is some good representation for sapphics in an otherwise very heterosexual novel. Manon also has two fathers as background characters, and they seem to be in a happy relationship with each other. Clio was also well-developed as an antagonist, and although she was the kind of antagonist you love to hate, she still didn’t feel two-dimensional.
The False Vow releases September 29 from Delacorte Press. Thank you to NetGalley, Lydia Gregovic and Random House Children’s Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Pre-review thoughts:
So excited be reading this one after getting an ARC. Review to come. I love it when main characters have to team up with someone they hate 👀 And I love the worldbuilding in this duology.
In the sequel to The Weaver Bride, Lovett has won the Vainglory and is engaged to Noé, but because she did not give the Alaire family a properly-sized dower of her hair, Bastian presents her with an additional challenge before she is allowed to marry his son: solve the murder of Sybil Dabos. Lovett must find out who the culprit is, or will be sent to the cloisters, and Eliot is not as reliable an ally as he seemed to be during the Vainglory.
I was very excited to read this book, but it didn’t quite measure up to my expectations. The romance and the love triangle is expertly done, but for a 528-page book I was expecting more plot than just the romance. It doesn’t touch enough on the corrupt political/institutional situation with the silkwitches being banished to the cloisters if they’re unmarried at 21, which was dissatisfying for me because so much of the plot rested on whether Lovett would be sent to the cloisters. Perhaps for some readers, the abstract danger of the cloisters would make them more terrifying, but I felt that the worldbuilding was incomplete and that the beginning of the book promised a political intrigue sub-plot that was not satisfactorily wrapped up. It would be wonderful if a third book was ordered for this series, but it’s looking like that’s not going to happen because this is a duology.
The romance, however (a fade-to-black YA-appropriate romance), was excellently done. It gave me significant Pride and Prejudice vibes, which might be because the author is a big fan of Jane Austen. It certainly wasn’t negatively similar to the story, you could just tell that there was inspiration. The writing of the book itself was also beautifully lyrical. It was a joy to read, it was just frustrating that it felt like there wasn’t enough of the political intrigue involved in the story.
I did also find it a relief that the characters of the other silkwitches who had competed in the Vainglory in The Weaver Bride were more developed in this sequel. It passes the Bechdel test much better than The Weaver Bride did, and I found myself liking Anais quite a bit even though she was an unlikable character initially. Readers who are particularly sensitive to sexual assault may not like this book, as there is a scene where Anais uses her magical power to use a kiss to compel the target to tell the truth on a woman who did not consent to the kiss. Other than that, there’s a nice B-plot romance involving Anais and Manon, which is some good representation for sapphics in an otherwise very heterosexual novel. Manon also has two fathers as background characters, and they seem to be in a happy relationship with each other. Clio was also well-developed as an antagonist, and although she was the kind of antagonist you love to hate, she still didn’t feel two-dimensional.
The False Vow releases September 29 from Delacorte Press. Thank you to NetGalley, Lydia Gregovic and Random House Children’s Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Pre-review thoughts:
So excited be reading this one after getting an ARC. Review to come. I love it when main characters have to team up with someone they hate 👀 And I love the worldbuilding in this duology.
Want to Read
February 11, 2026Need an ARC of this ASAP
April 24, 2026
The yearning levels of Noé Alaire have maybe NEVER BEEN REACHED BEFORE.
July 6, 2026
✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
I am gobsmacked, flabbergasted and utterly bamboozled
This book was absolutely NOTHING like I expected,
like at all but somehow even better then my wildest dreams could’ve made up!!
How Lydia writes in such a fascinating and beautiful way about love and power and
The story was so captivating and at every single twist and turn my jaw was on the floor, it was just that good.
Lovett, my queen never stop being iconic and devious and overall wicked because it suits you!! Her finding out how female friendship can truly be so important was EVERYTHING to me, I love girlhood!!
I want to be SHOCKED while reading a fantasy book and Lydia delivered because of course she did, she’s a mastermind, I would read her to do list.
*spoilers ahead*
Eliot when I catch you we are going to have so many words because I was rooting for you!!! The entire first book I loved you, I was so wrong. I have never been this far out of bounds in a love triangle and I am appalled at myself.
But anyways Noè had even better yearning than Eliot in the first book which was delightful!!! He perfectly complimented Lovett in every way and I just think he’s imperfectly perfect for her!
Their relationship truly has to be one of my favorites I’ve ever read, they were so enemies to lovers I didn’t even like him and didn’t think they were going to get together at the beginning and that’s how it should be!!!
Thank you so so so much to Random House Children’s Books and Netgalley for this arc!!!
I am gobsmacked, flabbergasted and utterly bamboozled
This book was absolutely NOTHING like I expected,
like at all but somehow even better then my wildest dreams could’ve made up!!
How Lydia writes in such a fascinating and beautiful way about love and power and
The story was so captivating and at every single twist and turn my jaw was on the floor, it was just that good.
Lovett, my queen never stop being iconic and devious and overall wicked because it suits you!! Her finding out how female friendship can truly be so important was EVERYTHING to me, I love girlhood!!
I want to be SHOCKED while reading a fantasy book and Lydia delivered because of course she did, she’s a mastermind, I would read her to do list.
*spoilers ahead*
Eliot when I catch you we are going to have so many words because I was rooting for you!!! The entire first book I loved you, I was so wrong. I have never been this far out of bounds in a love triangle and I am appalled at myself.
But anyways Noè had even better yearning than Eliot in the first book which was delightful!!! He perfectly complimented Lovett in every way and I just think he’s imperfectly perfect for her!
Their relationship truly has to be one of my favorites I’ve ever read, they were so enemies to lovers I didn’t even like him and didn’t think they were going to get together at the beginning and that’s how it should be!!!
Thank you so so so much to Random House Children’s Books and Netgalley for this arc!!!
October 3, 2026
This was my most anticipated read of the year and it did not disappoint me in the slightest. First of all the hardcover of this book is just as STUNNING as book one. I really can't decide which one I prefer more💜💗
I was so excited to go back to forthblache and from the first page I was completely swept back into the world that is Lydia Gregovic. Honestly this series is soooooooooo underrated like it's so good and the plot is so unique. It really deserves some more hype, silkwitches and weavers are far more intresting then fea. There I said it.
BUT let me just talk about the switch up????
But yeah I loved it and I'm so happy I finally was able to read this book, but now I'm sad it's over. I just couldn't put it down, I was so swept into this world. Lydia Gregovic is defenitly an author I'm gonna keep my eye on because I can't wait to find out what more she has to tell us <3
I was so excited to go back to forthblache and from the first page I was completely swept back into the world that is Lydia Gregovic. Honestly this series is soooooooooo underrated like it's so good and the plot is so unique. It really deserves some more hype, silkwitches and weavers are far more intresting then fea. There I said it.
BUT let me just talk about the switch up????
But yeah I loved it and I'm so happy I finally was able to read this book, but now I'm sad it's over. I just couldn't put it down, I was so swept into this world. Lydia Gregovic is defenitly an author I'm gonna keep my eye on because I can't wait to find out what more she has to tell us <3
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