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The Weaver Bride #2
The False Vow
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Love will be tested in this high-stakes, spellbinding sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Weaver Bride—the perfect read for fans of The Rose Bargain and Thorn Season.
The gorgeous first edition of The False Vow will feature stunning, stenciled edges and printed endpapers!
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 Allaire’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 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 father-in-law his son, Noé.
But as Lovett will learn . . . sometimes love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
The gorgeous first edition of The False Vow will feature stunning, stenciled edges and printed endpapers!
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 Allaire’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 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 father-in-law his son, Noé.
But as Lovett will learn . . . sometimes love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
850 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Gregovic
3 books218 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 45 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well this was a nice suprise
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.
Want to Read
April 19, 2026| pre-read: LOVETT AND ELIOT COME BACK TO MEEEE
April 19, 2026
Bravo, Lydia, bravo! 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. 🦊
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 Author
a book that makes me feel sick to think about (complimentary) (deeply personal) (deeply violent) (deeply unfair) (deeply upsetting)
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.
Want to Read
February 11, 2026Need an ARC of this ASAP
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......
April 24, 2026
4.75 stars
rep: sapphic side characters
okay so that was insane. I remember liking the first book but I was honestly blown away by this one…the twists in the romance contributed to that a lot. no spoilers obviously (I feel like you can predict it from the summary tho) but their whole dynamic was just too good…
the pacing was a bit off just bc we spend so much time on the mystery part, then there was still a decent chunk of the book left and I was like what’s going to happen, and then I spent the last 15% convinced it was going to end on a cliffhanger and this was going to end up being a trilogy (and I was going to be devastated having to wait). there might still be a third book, who knows, but I’m very happy with the ending 🙂↕️
full rtc !
rep: sapphic side characters
okay so that was insane. I remember liking the first book but I was honestly blown away by this one…the twists in the romance contributed to that a lot. no spoilers obviously (I feel like you can predict it from the summary tho) but their whole dynamic was just too good…
the pacing was a bit off just bc we spend so much time on the mystery part, then there was still a decent chunk of the book left and I was like what’s going to happen, and then I spent the last 15% convinced it was going to end on a cliffhanger and this was going to end up being a trilogy (and I was going to be devastated having to wait). there might still be a third book, who knows, but I’m very happy with the ending 🙂↕️
full rtc !
April 24, 2026
The yearning levels of Noé Alaire have maybe NEVER BEEN REACHED BEFORE.
Currently Reading
April 15, 2026So 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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love was the sacrifice, survival is the game.
Rating: 3.75 ★! (Rounded up!)
Synopsis:
Lovett Tamerlane has made her choice, and in doing so, she has broken her own heart. In a bargain that costs her everything, she turns her back on Eliot Lear, the one man she has ever loved, and agrees to marry his best friend, Noé Allaire. But this is no love match. It is a calculated move, a dangerous alliance forged in vengeance, for Noé has promised her more than a ring, he has promised her the chance to help bring down his father, the Weaver King himself.
But in a castle built on secrets, no schemes goes unseen for long. Now bound as Noé fiancee, Lovett is drawn deeper into Fortblanche, and into deeper webs set up by Bastian, the Weaver King himself. He plays a more intricate game than she anticipated, and suddenly, the predator has become the prey. His terms are simple: solve the murder of Sybil before the wedding or have her real identity exposed and be casted to the cloisters. Forced into a bitter alliance with the man she is meant to marry, Lovett must keep her wits sharp as she navigates a court of shifting loyalties, while the fragile dangerous thread that ties her to Eliot refuses to break cleanly.
As the walls close in, Lovett finds herself torn between heart and strategy, where love and hatred blur into something far more dangerous. In a world where vows are weapons and every promise carries a cost, she must decide which ones she is willing to break, and which ones will break her.
My Review:
To say this sequel broke my heart is an understatement! If you had told me after book one that this was the direction the story would take, I literally wouldn't have have believed you- but Lydia carries the story with so much care and intention that it feels both surprising and inevitable. The story evolves in ways I didn't expect, while still staying true to the characters and their motivations. The dark, haunting atmosphere of Fortblanche lingers, layered with another murder mystery, all set against the contrast of a vibrant, almost celebratory wedding season. It was so fun to get lost in this world again!
I'll keep things vague until the book is released, but the romance evolves in a way I found reluctantly tender! It holds onto that same feelings as book one, but deepens into something more reflective, where love can both wound and heal. There's this beautiful tension between love and betrayal, where one often bleeds into the other, and I really appreciated how the story explores that complexity. While I still ache for what I thought this story might be, I can't deny how beautiful it was to see it unfold the way it did.
Lovett continues to be such a compelling character and I'll root for her always! At her core, she is just a girl trying to do the right thing while staying true to herself and keeping that balance is never easy. She wants to be good, but she has to learn how to define that on her own terms, or risk losing herself to expectations that were never hers to begin with. One of my favorite parts of her journey was the exploration of female friendships. After a life of pushing people away, fearing vulnerability as weakness, she slowly learns to trust, and in doing so, finds people who stand by her without expecting anything in return. There's something really powerful in that, especially in a setting as dangerous and cutthroat as this one and I loved the girls she's let in her circle.
There were a few plot points that felt a bit underdeveloped or could have been explored more. Some moments/plots felt a little brushed over so when they concluded, it felt a little too convenient or an afterthought. But overall, I had such a fun time with this read! It kept me on my toes, and if you loved the first book, I think you'll really enjoy this sequel (even if it wrecks your heart in the process!) The ending does set up the story for a possible 3rd book so only time will tell how our journey continues next!
“I’ll leave you be.”...
“But you’ll return later,” I said. “Yes?” *I still think about this moment omfg T-T*
Rating: 3.75 ★! (Rounded up!)
Synopsis:
Lovett Tamerlane has made her choice, and in doing so, she has broken her own heart. In a bargain that costs her everything, she turns her back on Eliot Lear, the one man she has ever loved, and agrees to marry his best friend, Noé Allaire. But this is no love match. It is a calculated move, a dangerous alliance forged in vengeance, for Noé has promised her more than a ring, he has promised her the chance to help bring down his father, the Weaver King himself.
But in a castle built on secrets, no schemes goes unseen for long. Now bound as Noé fiancee, Lovett is drawn deeper into Fortblanche, and into deeper webs set up by Bastian, the Weaver King himself. He plays a more intricate game than she anticipated, and suddenly, the predator has become the prey. His terms are simple: solve the murder of Sybil before the wedding or have her real identity exposed and be casted to the cloisters. Forced into a bitter alliance with the man she is meant to marry, Lovett must keep her wits sharp as she navigates a court of shifting loyalties, while the fragile dangerous thread that ties her to Eliot refuses to break cleanly.
As the walls close in, Lovett finds herself torn between heart and strategy, where love and hatred blur into something far more dangerous. In a world where vows are weapons and every promise carries a cost, she must decide which ones she is willing to break, and which ones will break her.
My Review:
To say this sequel broke my heart is an understatement! If you had told me after book one that this was the direction the story would take, I literally wouldn't have have believed you- but Lydia carries the story with so much care and intention that it feels both surprising and inevitable. The story evolves in ways I didn't expect, while still staying true to the characters and their motivations. The dark, haunting atmosphere of Fortblanche lingers, layered with another murder mystery, all set against the contrast of a vibrant, almost celebratory wedding season. It was so fun to get lost in this world again!
I'll keep things vague until the book is released, but the romance evolves in a way I found reluctantly tender! It holds onto that same feelings as book one, but deepens into something more reflective, where love can both wound and heal. There's this beautiful tension between love and betrayal, where one often bleeds into the other, and I really appreciated how the story explores that complexity. While I still ache for what I thought this story might be, I can't deny how beautiful it was to see it unfold the way it did.
Lovett continues to be such a compelling character and I'll root for her always! At her core, she is just a girl trying to do the right thing while staying true to herself and keeping that balance is never easy. She wants to be good, but she has to learn how to define that on her own terms, or risk losing herself to expectations that were never hers to begin with. One of my favorite parts of her journey was the exploration of female friendships. After a life of pushing people away, fearing vulnerability as weakness, she slowly learns to trust, and in doing so, finds people who stand by her without expecting anything in return. There's something really powerful in that, especially in a setting as dangerous and cutthroat as this one and I loved the girls she's let in her circle.
There were a few plot points that felt a bit underdeveloped or could have been explored more. Some moments/plots felt a little brushed over so when they concluded, it felt a little too convenient or an afterthought. But overall, I had such a fun time with this read! It kept me on my toes, and if you loved the first book, I think you'll really enjoy this sequel (even if it wrecks your heart in the process!) The ending does set up the story for a possible 3rd book so only time will tell how our journey continues next!
“I’ll leave you be.”...
“But you’ll return later,” I said. “Yes?” *I still think about this moment omfg T-T*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Now Playing: Comptine ďun autre été, ľaprés-midi by Yann Tiersen
Favorite Quote: “Let it serve as a reminder that your fate is your own to administer. No one else can claim it - not my father, not me.” His fingers flexed atop mine, his voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “You are your own creature, Lovette.”
My Thoughts:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed this book more than The Weaver King, but I still struggled to connect with Lovett. At the beginning, it felt like we were going through the same motions again—she constantly insists that she hates Noe, yet never clearly explains why. This was an issue in the first book with Eliot as well, and I found it just as frustrating here.
Lovett repeatedly describes Noe as terrible, but we’re rarely shown evidence of that beyond his vices, like smoking and drinking. Otherwise, he comes across as a fairly decent person, which makes her strong dislike feel underdeveloped. I wanted more context to understand that initial hatred. Is it really about Noe, or is it misplaced resentment toward herself for choosing him over Eliot? Or did something happen that we, as readers, haven’t been told?
While I had issues with Lovett at the beginning of the book, I found myself warming to her by the end. I think this shift comes from her finally letting go of who others expect her to be. Rather than the cruel person the narrative sometimes paints her as, she comes across as someone doing what she needs to do to survive. As she begins to acknowledge her selfish tendencies, while also recognizing that she isn’t as terrible as others have made her out to be, we start to see her grow into her true self. I only wish this development had happened earlier in the story, as I likely would have connected with her character much more.
There is something of a love triangle in this book, and I had already predicted the outcome in my previous review. Without going into spoilers, I think the resolution will be divisive—some readers will be very satisfied, while others will likely be disappointed depending on which male character they preferred.
The mystery, once again, is where Gregovic truly shines. She has a talent for pulling readers in with a compelling puzzle and scattering clues in a way that’s easy to overlook, mirroring Lovett’s own perspective. This installment centers on the mystery of Sybil’s death from the first book. Lovett is given three weeks to solve it, all while managing the stress of an upcoming wedding and being drawn into another deadly game orchestrated by the Weaver King. It’s an engaging setup that not only expands on previous contestants, people Lovett never had the chance to fully know, but also keeps you questioning who can be trusted and who might be part of the game.
Overall, I do think this sequel is a noticeable improvement over the first book. I was satisfied with how the central relationships were resolved, and by the end, I found myself warming up to Lovett in a way I hadn’t before.
Now Playing: Comptine ďun autre été, ľaprés-midi by Yann Tiersen
Favorite Quote: “Let it serve as a reminder that your fate is your own to administer. No one else can claim it - not my father, not me.” His fingers flexed atop mine, his voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “You are your own creature, Lovette.”
My Thoughts:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed this book more than The Weaver King, but I still struggled to connect with Lovett. At the beginning, it felt like we were going through the same motions again—she constantly insists that she hates Noe, yet never clearly explains why. This was an issue in the first book with Eliot as well, and I found it just as frustrating here.
Lovett repeatedly describes Noe as terrible, but we’re rarely shown evidence of that beyond his vices, like smoking and drinking. Otherwise, he comes across as a fairly decent person, which makes her strong dislike feel underdeveloped. I wanted more context to understand that initial hatred. Is it really about Noe, or is it misplaced resentment toward herself for choosing him over Eliot? Or did something happen that we, as readers, haven’t been told?
While I had issues with Lovett at the beginning of the book, I found myself warming to her by the end. I think this shift comes from her finally letting go of who others expect her to be. Rather than the cruel person the narrative sometimes paints her as, she comes across as someone doing what she needs to do to survive. As she begins to acknowledge her selfish tendencies, while also recognizing that she isn’t as terrible as others have made her out to be, we start to see her grow into her true self. I only wish this development had happened earlier in the story, as I likely would have connected with her character much more.
There is something of a love triangle in this book, and I had already predicted the outcome in my previous review. Without going into spoilers, I think the resolution will be divisive—some readers will be very satisfied, while others will likely be disappointed depending on which male character they preferred.
The mystery, once again, is where Gregovic truly shines. She has a talent for pulling readers in with a compelling puzzle and scattering clues in a way that’s easy to overlook, mirroring Lovett’s own perspective. This installment centers on the mystery of Sybil’s death from the first book. Lovett is given three weeks to solve it, all while managing the stress of an upcoming wedding and being drawn into another deadly game orchestrated by the Weaver King. It’s an engaging setup that not only expands on previous contestants, people Lovett never had the chance to fully know, but also keeps you questioning who can be trusted and who might be part of the game.
Overall, I do think this sequel is a noticeable improvement over the first book. I was satisfied with how the central relationships were resolved, and by the end, I found myself warming up to Lovett in a way I hadn’t before.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*beats fist on table 1000 times* NOW THIS IS ROMANCEEEE
I enjoyed this very much. It got me through 30 mins of stair master daily—the stair master, yes, you read that correctly. Now I have no idea how I’ll endure my cardio.
I read mainly for Tamerlane and whichever one of the boys was endgame (you’ll know who it is pretty early on), and I was not disappointed. The tension, the yearning, the banter, impeccable. The romance alone is worth 5 stars, full stop, despite some overwrought lines here and there. I will alwaysssss take intimate sidebars after dinner, quiet reading before fireplaces, and begrudgingly shared beds over full-on makeout sessions and towers of steel, any day.
The atmosphere, as with the first book, was commendable. The author has such talent for description, and the prose flows very well in this one.
As for symbolism and themes: Little details like that make the story feel intentional.
Now, as for the cons: But if you go into this sequel knowing it’s all about the fluttery feelings, you’ll love this.
I was really bummed about .
Anyway, whatever. This novel had me, a 31-year-old woman, giggling and kicking my feet. It made me happy, and I needed that after The Poet Empress. If you liked the first book even a little bit, I would highly recommend this sequel.
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Lydia Gregovic for the ARC.
I enjoyed this very much. It got me through 30 mins of stair master daily—the stair master, yes, you read that correctly. Now I have no idea how I’ll endure my cardio.
I read mainly for Tamerlane and whichever one of the boys was endgame (you’ll know who it is pretty early on), and I was not disappointed. The tension, the yearning, the banter, impeccable. The romance alone is worth 5 stars, full stop, despite some overwrought lines here and there. I will alwaysssss take intimate sidebars after dinner, quiet reading before fireplaces, and begrudgingly shared beds over full-on makeout sessions and towers of steel, any day.
The atmosphere, as with the first book, was commendable. The author has such talent for description, and the prose flows very well in this one.
As for symbolism and themes: Little details like that make the story feel intentional.
Now, as for the cons: But if you go into this sequel knowing it’s all about the fluttery feelings, you’ll love this.
I was really bummed about .
Anyway, whatever. This novel had me, a 31-year-old woman, giggling and kicking my feet. It made me happy, and I needed that after The Poet Empress. If you liked the first book even a little bit, I would highly recommend this sequel.
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Lydia Gregovic for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The False Vow absolutely leans into what made The Weaver Bride compelling - emotional tension, layered character dynamics, and that slow, almost aching sense of yearning that keeps you turning pages. If you’re here for the romance, it’s not about instant gratification; it’s about restraint, glances, almost-confessions, and all the delicious frustration that comes with them.
The FMC really carries this book. She’s sharp and calculating. Her cleverness borders on manipulative at times, yet watching her navigate alliances, outmaneuver enemies, and slowly learn how to trust is satisfying. What lands especially well is her emotional arc: she starts off isolated and self-reliant to a fault, and over the course of the story, she builds genuine relationships. The found family element feels earned rather than convenient, and it adds warmth to a story that could otherwise feel cold due to all the scheming.
The tension, romantic and otherwise, is where the book shines. There’s a constant push and pull between characters, with stakes that feel both personal and political. The pacing allows that tension to simmer, which works beautifully if you enjoy slow-burn storytelling.
That said, if you were hoping for spice, this one might leave you wanting. The chemistry is definitely there, but it never fully tips into anything explicit. Depending on your expectations, that can either enhance the yearning or feel like a missed opportunity.
Overall, The False Vow is a strong sequel that deepens both the world and its characters. It trades immediate payoff for emotional buildup, and while it may not satisfy every reader on the romance front, it delivers a rich, character-driven story with plenty of intrigue and heart.
Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The FMC really carries this book. She’s sharp and calculating. Her cleverness borders on manipulative at times, yet watching her navigate alliances, outmaneuver enemies, and slowly learn how to trust is satisfying. What lands especially well is her emotional arc: she starts off isolated and self-reliant to a fault, and over the course of the story, she builds genuine relationships. The found family element feels earned rather than convenient, and it adds warmth to a story that could otherwise feel cold due to all the scheming.
The tension, romantic and otherwise, is where the book shines. There’s a constant push and pull between characters, with stakes that feel both personal and political. The pacing allows that tension to simmer, which works beautifully if you enjoy slow-burn storytelling.
That said, if you were hoping for spice, this one might leave you wanting. The chemistry is definitely there, but it never fully tips into anything explicit. Depending on your expectations, that can either enhance the yearning or feel like a missed opportunity.
Overall, The False Vow is a strong sequel that deepens both the world and its characters. It trades immediate payoff for emotional buildup, and while it may not satisfy every reader on the romance front, it delivers a rich, character-driven story with plenty of intrigue and heart.
Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook ARC!
I found this sequel frustrating. The characters seemed to dislike each other to a degree that didn’t make sense except for an attempted ‘enemies to friends to lovers’ arc and to justify Lovett’s prior fling with Eliot (who was never good). Noé was very one-note “bad” until suddenly he wasn’t. There was no point to it except to once again make Eliot look better…until it was convenient for Lovett to see Noé through a better lens, that is. That way their growing attachment could be ‘complex’ and ‘difficult’, despite him being perfectly decent in book one.
Another thing I took issue with is Lovett not telling the other silkwitches about the source of Weaver power. You want allies? That’s how you get allies. Not whatever the heck she was trying to do. Additionally, the other girls being flatly murderous except for Anais was laughable. We don’t know or care about them, but whoops they have knives now. They’re desperate to avoid the cloisters, so why not circle back to my previous stated issue? Give them a common enemy. It’s silly to not even try.
Overall I found this sequel to suffer from the dreaded sophomore slump; assuming there will be a third book, this one was very much the “we gotta get a few things handled first” story rather than anything compelling—especially because the end result was set in motion in a way that Lovett could never have prevented. The end would have been the same, and was the same, despite her success.
Hopefully a third book will conclude this series. I don’t see it being strong enough to go any further.
I found this sequel frustrating. The characters seemed to dislike each other to a degree that didn’t make sense except for an attempted ‘enemies to friends to lovers’ arc and to justify Lovett’s prior fling with Eliot (who was never good). Noé was very one-note “bad” until suddenly he wasn’t. There was no point to it except to once again make Eliot look better…until it was convenient for Lovett to see Noé through a better lens, that is. That way their growing attachment could be ‘complex’ and ‘difficult’, despite him being perfectly decent in book one.
Another thing I took issue with is Lovett not telling the other silkwitches about the source of Weaver power. You want allies? That’s how you get allies. Not whatever the heck she was trying to do. Additionally, the other girls being flatly murderous except for Anais was laughable. We don’t know or care about them, but whoops they have knives now. They’re desperate to avoid the cloisters, so why not circle back to my previous stated issue? Give them a common enemy. It’s silly to not even try.
Overall I found this sequel to suffer from the dreaded sophomore slump; assuming there will be a third book, this one was very much the “we gotta get a few things handled first” story rather than anything compelling—especially because the end result was set in motion in a way that Lovett could never have prevented. The end would have been the same, and was the same, despite her success.
Hopefully a third book will conclude this series. I don’t see it being strong enough to go any further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The False Vow was one of those sequels that actually builds on everything I liked in the first book and raises the stakes in a way that kept me fully invested.
Lovett continues to be such a strong main character because she is sharp, determined, and never easy to predict. I really liked that she is constantly balancing survival, revenge, and her own emotions without ever losing that edge that made her compelling in book one.
What worked so well for me in this installment was the tension. There is political pressure, danger around every corner, and another murder mystery layered into the story, which kept the pacing strong. Every time I thought things might settle, something else happened.
The dynamic between Lovett and Noé was probably my favorite part. There is so much unresolved emotion, frustration, and chemistry between them that every scene felt charged. Their relationship has that push and pull energy where you know there is history there, and it made me want more every time they were on page together.
I also appreciated that the world still feels rich and distinct. The magic system tied to marriage and power continues to be one of the most interesting parts of this series, and I liked seeing more of how corruption and privilege shape everything around them.
If I had one note, it would be that some parts in the middle slowed slightly for me, but the final stretch absolutely made up for it.
This sequel delivered intrigue, tension, romance, and enough twists to keep me hooked. If you enjoyed The Weaver Bride, I think this one gives you even more to sink into.
Lovett continues to be such a strong main character because she is sharp, determined, and never easy to predict. I really liked that she is constantly balancing survival, revenge, and her own emotions without ever losing that edge that made her compelling in book one.
What worked so well for me in this installment was the tension. There is political pressure, danger around every corner, and another murder mystery layered into the story, which kept the pacing strong. Every time I thought things might settle, something else happened.
The dynamic between Lovett and Noé was probably my favorite part. There is so much unresolved emotion, frustration, and chemistry between them that every scene felt charged. Their relationship has that push and pull energy where you know there is history there, and it made me want more every time they were on page together.
I also appreciated that the world still feels rich and distinct. The magic system tied to marriage and power continues to be one of the most interesting parts of this series, and I liked seeing more of how corruption and privilege shape everything around them.
If I had one note, it would be that some parts in the middle slowed slightly for me, but the final stretch absolutely made up for it.
This sequel delivered intrigue, tension, romance, and enough twists to keep me hooked. If you enjoyed The Weaver Bride, I think this one gives you even more to sink into.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As with The Weaver Bride, I raced through this book, unable to put it down. The murder mystery, along with all the murder plots, kept me on my toes.
In the first book, I didn’t for a minute believe Lovett and Eliot were in love. This book cemented that, and it took them far too long to understand it. What was clear, though, was Noé’s affection for Lovett, and her (slowly) growing feelings for him.
Lovett was not a very likable character. She was brash and headstrong (traits that society doesn’t look kindly on when the holder is female—and for that, I couldn’t forgive her), but more than that, she was just plainly not nice to most people. It was nice to see her opening up and making friendships, which softened the hard outer shell and made her more likable. Unfortunately, it took most of the book to see that. Had it not been for the intrigue of the mysteries, I might have DNF’d just for that. As it stands, I’m glad I pushed through.
I would have loved to see a little more in this story, to be honest. There’s a huge missing piece regarding the silkwitches and what, if anything, will be done to tear apart the structure of the society that keeps them trapped. With Lucie and Bastian’s allies still lurking about, and with the entirety of their society still believing the lies that have been pedaled to them, I think some closure is needed. I’ll keep my eye out and hope that, at some point, we’ll see a proper ending to this tale.
In the first book, I didn’t for a minute believe Lovett and Eliot were in love. This book cemented that, and it took them far too long to understand it. What was clear, though, was Noé’s affection for Lovett, and her (slowly) growing feelings for him.
Lovett was not a very likable character. She was brash and headstrong (traits that society doesn’t look kindly on when the holder is female—and for that, I couldn’t forgive her), but more than that, she was just plainly not nice to most people. It was nice to see her opening up and making friendships, which softened the hard outer shell and made her more likable. Unfortunately, it took most of the book to see that. Had it not been for the intrigue of the mysteries, I might have DNF’d just for that. As it stands, I’m glad I pushed through.
I would have loved to see a little more in this story, to be honest. There’s a huge missing piece regarding the silkwitches and what, if anything, will be done to tear apart the structure of the society that keeps them trapped. With Lucie and Bastian’s allies still lurking about, and with the entirety of their society still believing the lies that have been pedaled to them, I think some closure is needed. I’ll keep my eye out and hope that, at some point, we’ll see a proper ending to this tale.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A new mystery, eight bridesmaids out for blood, betrayals, and self discovery! The False Vow is truly the perfect duology closer to the weaver bride
The fluidity of relationships
To me this gorgeous duology explores what love means to different people and what it takes to trust and build those relationships when everything feels uncertain. Every character acts with intention. Some connections simply work better than others, it may just take a little bit to figure that out.
The main three!!
Lovett. She fights for her survival and her success. She’s strong, sharp, and so deeply human. If Lovett existed in real life, she is absolutely someone I would love to call my friend.
Book one had me an Eliot super fan. The perfect gentleman, who is driven mad by the feelings he develops for Lovett. He goes after what he believes will aid their crisis, which is an admirable trait. However, the similarities between Lovett and Eliot grow throughout the false vow, and the best non spoiler way I can express is how they cling to “the end will justify the means” mindset. No one real or fiction is without their flaws.
And then there’s Noé! Without spoiling his plot line in this book, I can only say WOW! I loved the emotional side of his arc; how he was able to show and invoke that side of others. Truly beautiful writing .
I especially loved the sisterhood in this one! Getting to know more of Anais, Manon, Marie-Louise <3
4.5 ⭐️This book is stunning, I need more for Lydia Gregovic
The fluidity of relationships
To me this gorgeous duology explores what love means to different people and what it takes to trust and build those relationships when everything feels uncertain. Every character acts with intention. Some connections simply work better than others, it may just take a little bit to figure that out.
The main three!!
Lovett. She fights for her survival and her success. She’s strong, sharp, and so deeply human. If Lovett existed in real life, she is absolutely someone I would love to call my friend.
Book one had me an Eliot super fan. The perfect gentleman, who is driven mad by the feelings he develops for Lovett. He goes after what he believes will aid their crisis, which is an admirable trait. However, the similarities between Lovett and Eliot grow throughout the false vow, and the best non spoiler way I can express is how they cling to “the end will justify the means” mindset. No one real or fiction is without their flaws.
And then there’s Noé! Without spoiling his plot line in this book, I can only say WOW! I loved the emotional side of his arc; how he was able to show and invoke that side of others. Truly beautiful writing .
I especially loved the sisterhood in this one! Getting to know more of Anais, Manon, Marie-Louise <3
4.5 ⭐️This book is stunning, I need more for Lydia Gregovic
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a finish a series with another five-star rating.
Lydia Gregovic's writing may not be for every-one in this romantasy world, but is for me. She writes a world that I want to call a fantasy of manners? She also crafts romance alongside a mystery plot that comes to a conclusion where characters I was iffy on ended up winning my heart.
Everyone: I was an Eliot woman, through-and-through, and wanted him to be end-game. But Noe! Rakish, brash, naughty, chivalrous, daring, and mysterious Noe captured my heart. There is so much I want to say but I will summarize it with: I flipped hard on him like a coin thrown from the hand of God himself. Like, I hope people love him like I grew to love him and hope readers coin flip on him too.
While the story and the mystery are solved, I feel like the author COULD write one more book about the world and how the Weavers take back their independence ; the women she became friends with ; and, where the two of them [see what I did there?] stand after it all. Maybe the author will write an epilogue? Or a short story?
All in all, I love how the romance in this felt earned and, the plot was strong if not better than the first book. I really hope people will give this a read and enjoy it like I did.
Lydia Gregovic's writing may not be for every-one in this romantasy world, but is for me. She writes a world that I want to call a fantasy of manners? She also crafts romance alongside a mystery plot that comes to a conclusion where characters I was iffy on ended up winning my heart.
Everyone: I was an Eliot woman, through-and-through, and wanted him to be end-game. But Noe! Rakish, brash, naughty, chivalrous, daring, and mysterious Noe captured my heart. There is so much I want to say but I will summarize it with: I flipped hard on him like a coin thrown from the hand of God himself. Like, I hope people love him like I grew to love him and hope readers coin flip on him too.
While the story and the mystery are solved, I feel like the author COULD write one more book about the world and how the Weavers take back their independence ; the women she became friends with ; and, where the two of them [see what I did there?] stand after it all. Maybe the author will write an epilogue? Or a short story?
All in all, I love how the romance in this felt earned and, the plot was strong if not better than the first book. I really hope people will give this a read and enjoy it like I did.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This sequel to The Weaver Bride delivers another murder mystery and game of survival, with complicated friendship and romantic relationship dynamics. It’s entertaining and twisty, perfect if you like high fantasy romantasy with enemies to lovers. I think it’s a vastly underappreciated YA fantasy series.
What I found most shocking in this book was how much the primary love interest from the first book changes. Before too long, you’ll find yourself rooting for another guy. Then there’s the FMC’s thorny relationship with her former competitors, and the complicated friendship between the two male leads… it makes for a lot of intriguing drama and tension.
I don’t particularly care for mysteries, so your mileage may vary there, but the resolution can be a tad confusing. The ending is very quick and abrupt, leading me to believe there may be an opening for a future book - I would love to see more of the final couple. They’re both very likable.
Tropes:
📐 love triangle
💍 marriage (engagement) of convenience
🧙 witches
🛏️only one bed
🔍 murder mystery
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What I found most shocking in this book was how much the primary love interest from the first book changes. Before too long, you’ll find yourself rooting for another guy. Then there’s the FMC’s thorny relationship with her former competitors, and the complicated friendship between the two male leads… it makes for a lot of intriguing drama and tension.
I don’t particularly care for mysteries, so your mileage may vary there, but the resolution can be a tad confusing. The ending is very quick and abrupt, leading me to believe there may be an opening for a future book - I would love to see more of the final couple. They’re both very likable.
Tropes:
📐 love triangle
💍 marriage (engagement) of convenience
🧙 witches
🛏️only one bed
🔍 murder mystery
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this advance reader copy, and thank you Lydia Gregovic for such an amazing story.
I read The Weaver Bride right before starting The False Vow, so the story flowed beautifully for me.
The magic system was what intrigued me first. I kept reading because of the romance and the mystery behind the magic.
Let me start by saying, I was not expecting it to feel like a murder mystery bachelor season. The writing was easy to follow and had me feeling as through I was our FMC, Lovett. I wanted to solve the mystery too. I too fell in love with our MMC unexpectedly, just as Lovett did. <3 The banter and Lovett's wittiness. Beautifully done.
As soon as I finished this book, I went looking to see if there will be more. I am deeply saddened to know this is the end of the story.
There are so many quotes from our MMC in this book that I would love to highlight, but this is my favorite quote: "So, what then? You love her?" ...[he} did not waver "Wholeheartedly." I wish you could see me kicking my feet with giddiness.
I read The Weaver Bride right before starting The False Vow, so the story flowed beautifully for me.
The magic system was what intrigued me first. I kept reading because of the romance and the mystery behind the magic.
Let me start by saying, I was not expecting it to feel like a murder mystery bachelor season. The writing was easy to follow and had me feeling as through I was our FMC, Lovett. I wanted to solve the mystery too. I too fell in love with our MMC unexpectedly, just as Lovett did. <3 The banter and Lovett's wittiness. Beautifully done.
As soon as I finished this book, I went looking to see if there will be more. I am deeply saddened to know this is the end of the story.
There are so many quotes from our MMC in this book that I would love to highlight, but this is my favorite quote: "So, what then? You love her?" ...[he} did not waver "Wholeheartedly." I wish you could see me kicking my feet with giddiness.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review! All following opinions are my own.
I SCREAMED when this book landed in my inbox. I loved the Weaver Bride so much and was desperately waiting for the sequel - so happy that I was able to read it and that it was everything I dreamed.
I unfortunately can't say much without spoiling, but I will say this. Rarely, if ever, has an author been so successful in turning me away from the ending I wanted to see after the first book. This was MASTERFUL. And I am as stubborn and loyal as Lovett - I would not have changed my mind unless it was done 100% correctly. Huge shoutout to Gregovic for making characters you root for yet somehow still steering you in the direction she wants you to go.
I know this series is meant to be a duology, but I could read five more books in this universe and about how Lovett and those she loves are going to change the world.
I SCREAMED when this book landed in my inbox. I loved the Weaver Bride so much and was desperately waiting for the sequel - so happy that I was able to read it and that it was everything I dreamed.
I unfortunately can't say much without spoiling, but I will say this. Rarely, if ever, has an author been so successful in turning me away from the ending I wanted to see after the first book. This was MASTERFUL. And I am as stubborn and loyal as Lovett - I would not have changed my mind unless it was done 100% correctly. Huge shoutout to Gregovic for making characters you root for yet somehow still steering you in the direction she wants you to go.
I know this series is meant to be a duology, but I could read five more books in this universe and about how Lovett and those she loves are going to change the world.
May 1, 2026
I'm giving this a 3.5
There was a lot of this I loved--the mystery, the tension between Lovett and Noé, the way she grew throughout the book. There were moments of frustration with her, but I think she grew by the end of the book. Having Noé embrace her certainly seemed to change the tide, and my only wish was that she found her redemption in herself instead of another man.
Elliot seemed like a different character entirely in this book, and it was rather unexpected of him. I thought the twists were good, I liked the friendships that developed, but parts felt a little long, the writing a little dense. The ending wraps up quickly. There was fifteen pages left and I was trying to figure out how this wraps up a duology in fifteen pages. I think it maybe could have been a little longer, had an epilogue or something? It was a weird sprint-stop as I was reading.
I did like this better than the first one, so overall I would say I enjoyed the series.
There was a lot of this I loved--the mystery, the tension between Lovett and Noé, the way she grew throughout the book. There were moments of frustration with her, but I think she grew by the end of the book. Having Noé embrace her certainly seemed to change the tide, and my only wish was that she found her redemption in herself instead of another man.
Elliot seemed like a different character entirely in this book, and it was rather unexpected of him. I thought the twists were good, I liked the friendships that developed, but parts felt a little long, the writing a little dense. The ending wraps up quickly. There was fifteen pages left and I was trying to figure out how this wraps up a duology in fifteen pages. I think it maybe could have been a little longer, had an epilogue or something? It was a weird sprint-stop as I was reading.
I did like this better than the first one, so overall I would say I enjoyed the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Ah, but you are not a respectable lady, my dear Tamerlane. You are a silkwitch—and more than that, you are a deceiver, a pretender, and a thief. It is my favorite thing about you.”
i actually had so much fun reading this one. while i enjoyed the first book, this had a stronger plot, pacing, and scenes. i enjoyed tagging along w them as they investigated their new mystery and while the magic system isn't expanded on in a great way, i think it is more solidified at least.
and noé!!!! their dynamic brought everything to the story that was missing for me in the first. i'm a love triangle enthusiast so i'm fully aware some ppl won't like this... but i don't care because i ate it UP!!! give me the wayward rogue who finally finds something to motivate him any day of the week.
i look forward to seeing how gregovic's writing continues to grow!
“A girl like you, I would get my hands bloody to keep.”
an honest arc review ✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉‧ ♡*.✧
i actually had so much fun reading this one. while i enjoyed the first book, this had a stronger plot, pacing, and scenes. i enjoyed tagging along w them as they investigated their new mystery and while the magic system isn't expanded on in a great way, i think it is more solidified at least.
and noé!!!! their dynamic brought everything to the story that was missing for me in the first. i'm a love triangle enthusiast so i'm fully aware some ppl won't like this... but i don't care because i ate it UP!!! give me the wayward rogue who finally finds something to motivate him any day of the week.
i look forward to seeing how gregovic's writing continues to grow!
“A girl like you, I would get my hands bloody to keep.”
an honest arc review ✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉‧ ♡*.✧
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