A Widow's Web

The Nightbane #1

by B.J. Rysewyk

From freedom to enslavement, only freed through blood and death.

A Widow’s Web is a new adult dark epic fantasy that follows Dante and the Nightbane Guild as they help the Bremore Kingdom win a war they’ve been entangled in for a hundred years. It begins with an assignment allegedly from Bremore’s rival kingdom, the Stelux Empire, asking them to steal documents that’ll help them win the war between the two nations. However, after taking the assignment, Dante comes to realize it’s a trap set up by Bremore to force the guild into contractual employment. The novel follows the guild leader, Dante, and the other guild members as they navigate the elven court and carry out a plan that’ll not only end the war but hopefully won’t kill too many of them in the process.

PLEASE REVIEW THE TRIGGER WARNINGS LISTED ON THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE!

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Romantasy, Dark, Dark Fantasy, Ebooks, Romance

ebook

First published October 31, 2022

About the author

B. J. Rysewyk lives in Wisconsin and has a degree in English with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Wisconsin: Oshkosh. She lives with her cats, Dean and Wall-E, and works as a caregiver with special adults. When Becca Jo isn’t working, she and Dean spend their days reading, writing, and napping (because naps are life). She developed her love for reading after a childhood friend forced her to read "Twilight," sending her into a reading spiral that she’s never and chooses to never recover from. Around that same year, Becca Jo realized her passion for writing and storytelling, choosing to express it by means of writing her first novel, written roleplays, and poems. 14-years later, B. J. Rysewyk is publishing her debut novel, A Widow’s Web, and has no plans of stopping any time soon.

Reviews

[B.J. Rysewyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

My debut novel, A Widow's Web, has been a long-awaited accomplishment for me. I have been developing this story since my high school years and am thrilled to see it finally come to fruition. The protagonist, Dante, is a complex character I have been developing for nearly two decades through role-playing.

This new adult, dark fantasy novel follows Dante, the leader of the Nightbane Guild, as she navigates a difficult situation caused by a poor decision. Dante's journey from freedom to slavery to guild leadership showcases her resilience in overcoming challenges, including struggles with mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She is a morally ambiguous character who is willing to take drastic measures to protect those she cares about.

Filled with themes of friendship, heartache, and the struggle against adversity, A Widow's Web appeals to fans of adventure, assassins, guilds, and political intrigue. Dante, my beloved role-play character, has been a source of inspiration for this book, representing qualities such as courage, loyalty, and determination.

Before diving into this novel, I encourage readers to review the trigger warnings provided on my website. A Widow's Web touches on dark tropes and sensitive topics that may be distressing to some individuals. Please prioritize your well-being when considering whether to engage with this story.

[Tori Spice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My main complaint is that there’s not another book out already in this series. The more I read, the more I wanted to keep reading. This was a hand the kids off to my partner and disappear for a few hours until I finished reading. The characters are complex and interesting, their chemistry with each other is fascinating. The main characters develop and change so much through the story. I love the flashback style writing that this author uses. It fits how my brain works too so it was so fun to read. Can’t wait for book 2! I applied to be a Beta Reader 🤞

*I also just realized that this author only lives about an hour from me! Small world!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Dante, aka the Black Widow, comes from a very dark past, and currently leads the Nightbane Guild, a motley crew of spies, mercenaries, and assassins. When offered an opportunity to "free" her Guild of bounties, she rushes in despite the obvious danger. Her second, Felix, and her Lieutenant, Alexander, beg her not to... But this strong female makes Exceedingly Poor Choices.

Dante is a fierce female antihero who swears up and down she's going to Hell when she dies... But she has a very strong moral code that ties into every part of the book. We quickly see a love triangle form in the book, and while there is spice in the book, I wouldn't necessarily say it's smutty. The three character arcs are realistic. Dante is the shining jewel here - she's compelling at her best and at her worst.

All in all, the plot is engaging (the first 50 or so pages are a little clunky, but it evens out) and I am actually sad I have to wait for the second book.

There are a few typos and places where the figure of speech is off, but I expected this from an ARC.

Ms. Rysewyk enters with a solid debut. Bravo.

P.S. - (I found said World Map!)
Also I would die of happiness to see more of Jade and Nauzar!

#awidowsweb

#thenightbaneseries

#bjrysewyk

[Laurie Enos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book, and I cannot wait to read the sequel! This was a dark fantasy story, not my typical genre, but I enjoyed it immensely. I love stories about strong women, Dante certainly fit that bill. She is fierce, a survivor, ruthless, but also, she has a soft side. She wants a family and she wants love, but doesn't feel like she deserves it.

B.J. created a world that I could envision myself in as I read the story. It is a well written book. I laughed a few times, I cried, and I was enthralled. There were even some very spicy sex scenes!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy books. Please be sure to read the trigger warnings though. There is sexual abuse and physical abuse.

I received this book as an ARC ,in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiana Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a debut dark fantasy novel that touches on politics, friendship, and love. Who is the Black Widow, and how far are they willing to go? Throughout the story the characters make their own mark in the world and have to decide what they want their legacy to be. At the same time, powers will force their hands in a war that has to come to an end. This is the first book in this series.

TW: a list of trigger warnings are available on the authors website and provided with content warnings.

✔️fantasy
✔️strong FMC
✔️banter
✔️first in a series

[Little Reading Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this book, the beginning grabbed my attention right away and I could tell I'd like Rysewyk's writing style! I did receive an ARC, and I'm so glad I signed up for it...the book was different than others I've read recently, which was excellent.
I think the characters interact well with one another, and you get that sense that you know them (always great when a story pulls you into it where you could be a side character with how well you know the main)!
I'm definitely excited for book #2 in the Nightbane Series!!

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received this book as an ARC for an exchange of an honest review. **

I absolutely loved this book. I had to force myself to put it down to get sleep. I can't wait for the second book to come out to continue this journey.


The author was descriptive when needed and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next. There are many emotions and topics that come up that make the book more real even when they are hard to swallow. Watching the characters grow to over come doubt and hurt and show strength makes me excited to see how the develop even more.

[elfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I RECEIVED A FREE ARC FOR MY HONEST REVIEW*

I absolutely loved this book. I was gripped from the very start and I’ll absolutely purchase the physical copy of the book when it’s available to me in australia. I am in awe of how fast the story grabbed me and did not let me go. I would give this story 7 stars if it was possible. You could feel the love that went into this book.

Can’t wait to own this book and talk about it even more than I already have.

[VANESSA BARRITT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit unsure about reading this book but I'm glad I did read it.
Wow it was brilliant before the story even began, the author had me gripped just by the beginning part before the main story itself.

Dante omg that woman, she deserves everything bless her, and my heart broke for her so many times.

I really can't wait for book 2 now

[Ashley Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!! It is so well written and has everything a book lover of fantasy could want. Action, suspense, twists, turns, romance SPICE!!! And the tears it made me cry were real and I’m still not okay!

Dante is a strong woman who runs the Nightbane Guild and is a super badass! Felix is a bitch and Alexander is a dream!! Jade is the mind reason. Love love loved this book.

Please don’t ask me about Thomas…it’s still to soon

[Fabiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positifs points :
- Interesting premise
- Really good worldbuilding
- Interesting female MC


Negative points :
- a bit slow to start
- sometimes it was a bit repetitive
- too much description

If you like fantasy, you should try it ✨

[Ashlee Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the main character’s name is Dante and she is a strong and fierce personality just like her name would suggest. Honestly, my favorite part of the book is the Prologue in which the Storyteller provides just how she came in to her name.

That’s not to say the rest of the book isn’t as good though. A young woman thief ends up in a bad situation with a Queen Elf, and now she and her guild of thieves are stuck in the middle of a century long war they never wanted any part of. Dante just wants her people safe and FREE but the cost is turning out to be more than she bargains for.

You get Pirates, Elves, Thieves, and a Precious Oldtimer Mapmaker. The love triangle is a little rocky sometimes, but I appreciate how the relationships progress between the 3 characters.

There are some super dark themes woven in to the story as well, which is expected with Dante’s history being basically a sex slave, so make sure to check out the trigger warnings if you are sensitive to certain themes.

My main con I found with the book was some of the sayings that were repeated a lot almost didn’t seem like they fit in to the time period of the story. I also wish we would get to see more of Dante’s “gift” in the first half of the book, but all together it was a very interesting read

[Sophie Hircock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Widow's Web by @author_bjrysewyk ☆☆☆☆.5

* I received a copy as an ARC for my honest review'

'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐲, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡. 𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤.'

Firstly, this was giving me all the Assassins Creed vibes and I was here for it. Assassins, thieves, pirates, royalty and a war. You can't really ask for much more. Then comes an epic high fantasy plot, with twists I didn't see coming.

I LOVE a strong FMC, and Dante was exactly that for me. She's fearless, badass, is unapologetically herself, knows what she wants and plays with fire. The things this girl went through before becoming the leader of the Nightbane Guild were harrowing, but the way she came out the other side is absolutely everything.

I adored her friends. Her friendship with Thomas was so heartwarming, they had great banter and he really does grow to be a father figure in her life. I loved her friendship with Jade towards the end too.

I disliked the way Felix treated Dante and really did think she could do better, but I do understand she depended on him, but my heart lies with Dante and Alexander, I am ROOTING for them the whole way.

I really appreciated the individual trigger warning on a certain chapter (I myself have no triggers) but it will be helpful to other readers in future who may be unaware.

I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2 and get myself back to Dante and the Nightbane Guild.

[Dalton Kohlbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I had the pleasure to be an ARC for it. The thing I loved most about the book was the world building and the depths that you got to know the characters it really brought the world and the characters to life on the pages. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a little spice, and I can not wait to see where the story goes.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I wanted to sign up for this ARC because of the book cover (which is amazing!) and I actually signed up to receive it because the blurb sounded so good and something just up my alley!

Our story starts off with Dante, aka The Black Widow. She is now the leader of the Nightbane Guild with Felix as her second in command. Dante's best friend is Alexander, and the two have the best chemistry, on and off the job. She signs the guild up for a huge job, which has many twists and turns and unforeseen circumstances, but all the while playing both sides. Keeps you on your toes the whole book! Our main character, Dante, is one badass lady. Although she has had a rough life, she rose from the ashes and turned her life around. She was so relatable, and I loved that. She made me laugh, cry, *pant*, and more.

I can't wait to buy this book, and for the rest of the series!!

**I received this ARC for my honest opinion**

[J.P. Sina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while it was in production and OMG!!!! B.J. will have you at the edge of your seat, laughing, and crying without your permission. A Widow's Web was not only VERY well written but it was a page-turner. I couldn't stop reading it and whenever I had the time, I found myself savoring the chapters. Dante was relatable and easy to follow. B.J. did an amazing job with her world-building and I found myself immersed in the pages. Will I be purchasing the physical copy of A Widow's Web? HELL TO THE YES. Will I be stalking her page for updates on Book Two's launch date even though it isn't even finished? YES!! If you've made it to the bottom of this review, why are you still here? GO FOLLOW B.J. and read her book NOW.

[Jamie (SpayceJamReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an alpha reader for this book.

This is a high fantasy novel so if you are not into fantasy it’s probably not for you. However I am a huge fan of fantasy books and I absolutely loved this debut novel. There was lots of action, magic, elves and tension. The author did a fantastic job bringing me into this new world, I felt like I was a part of the nightbane guild while reading. The ending left me heart broken but I am still so excited for the rest of this series.


I will be doing a reread in November in honor of the release on October 31st and will update my review then.

[Yazmin Hack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as ARC for my honest opinion and in my honest opinion it was amazing! The female main character (Dante) is such a warrior and real badass, that shows such power. She overcame so much that didn’t let her become a shell of a person, she used it for good and I absolutely loved that. She is also one of the few fmc that isn’t annoying as some fmc can be written with annoying traits but this one is just lovely! Also Dante and Alexander, I can’t with how cute they are! This is a really well written story for any dark fantasy lover, and I can’t wait for the next one to come out!

[Jen LaPointe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad leaving a negative review, but I want to give my honest opinion. :-( The storyline sounded promising. The writing did not flow well for me. I couldn't get past the first chapter. The story was wordy and the conversations were choppy. I wanted to like this book. The writing wasn't there for me. I think she could get better with more experience.

#awidowsweb

#thenightbaneseries

#bjrysewyk

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC!! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I’m so ready for the sequel already. I felt it was slow at first with the world building but absolutely worth every second of it. I spent my vacation in the Keys reading this book. That’s how much of a grip it had on me. I recommend this book to literally everyone!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, B. J. Rysewyk, for allowing me to be one of the many readers chosen to read this early! I was enthralled from the beginning and couldn't wait to find out what happens. I cannot wait for the final version to come out and for the sequels.

[Aubrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.j girl, did you keep me hooked!!

Dante is a warrior and I was attached to her from page one. I cannot wait for the next installment! So happy to be a part of the ARC team and I can't wait to see all the development to come.

[Alecia Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for the sequel! Honestly I thought about putting it down a few times because it’s a little off my style but I’m so glad I didn’t!

[Kristy Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is epic!!! It took me longer to read than I anticipated, but not because it was uninteresting. Rather it was so involved and I did not want to miss a thing. B.J. Rysewyk you are amazing!

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing this is an awesome captivating dark fantasy read that gets your attention from page 1. Can't wait for the next one!

[Helen Dawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark fantasy novel with an extremely tough female MC. The beginning of the book is a little slow, but it does definitely pick up and will leave you not wanting to put the book down! Dante is the definition of a strong, independent woman who is trying to make a name for herself but at the same time is sensitive, vulnerable and loving. Most of the characters throughout the story are trying to put their stamp in the history books. What will their legacy be? Will they be remembered as a good guy or bad? Is what they are remembered for, who they truly are? Dante just wants her people safe and free, but is the deal for that too much for her to bear? How far is she willing to go? You get everything in this book, Pirates, Thieves, Elves, Killers, Lovers, and much more.

Character development is A++++, the author definitely put her time and effort into making each character special, unique, and described perfectly. You will feel every emotion while reading, thrill, lust (some sexy scenes), sadness, hope, joy, even anger. Trigger warnings are listed on the authors website, PLEASE check this out if you have any triggers.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a strong female mc, that has to overcome many situations, and who enjoys a good fantasy.

#bjrysewyk
#awidowsweb
#thenightbaneseries
#nightbaneseries
#BJRysewyk
#fantasy
#strongfemale

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great start to the series! I am so ready for the next book.

I loved the storyline—I was never bored.

Only complaint was the use of the term “thief” in certain scenes in lieu of names or pronouns. It was hard to follow who was saying or doing what sometimes since most of the characters were described as “thief” at one point or another in the book, and then again during a scene where there were multiple thieves present. I do like this author’s writing style otherwise and I felt transported into this world she has created! Can’t wait to see where her writing takes her and this series.

I would say this was a 🌶🌶.5 on my spice scale! Looking forward to more tension in the next book between you know who 👀

I’m also hoping to see more of an explanation of Dante’s powers, limitations, etc. She doesn’t seem to use her powers when I thought it would be a good time to do so. Maybe it’s because there are some magic system details we haven’t learned yet as readers? Would love the author to dive more into that in the next book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I RECEIVED A FREE ARC FOR MY HONEST REVIEW

This was such a good book!! The characters are deep and the world building is top notch. Dante, the leader of the guild of thieves, spies, and assassins, is a total badass, and we love that! Her back story is brought to life not only in the beginning but you also see glimpses of it throughout the book in the form of memories. Her companions are fierce and loyalty runs deep. While she has a tough exterior, her loyalty to her friends and her guild give her that soft “candy center” at times. There is definitely some spice in this book, but it’s not the main focus. The plot is very well executed and you can’t help but cheer them on. This is definitely a story for lovers of ACOTAR and similar books. Also, be mindful of the trigger warnings. Overall a great story!!

[Kayleigh Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to begin on this book! Bravo for an excellent debut book!

Dante is a bad-ss FMC who leads a world leading guild of thieves and assassins. They are her family and she will do anything to help them — even taking on a job that is too good to be true in order to free them from the bounties on their heads.

We have a love triangle going on which makes great reading.

The final third of this book will keep you hooked and clawing to get book 2 now.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given this book in advanced for my honest opinion*

OMG I need to next book like NOW!! Ends with such a good cliffhanger! I love Dante’s character she’s such a badass! Felix is just an ass. And Alexander is a sweetheart! I love Dante and Alexander’s relationship it’s so pure. Dante and Thomas were also so pure and I loved their relationship