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Wind Weaver
A mage without a Shadow is like a ship without sails.
Brought up at her uncle’s court as a dutiful Yavanah lady, Xanthe chafes at being expected to find fulfilment in managing the household down to the last amphora of wine. So when she meets her Shadow, the key to her full power as a wind mage, she is determined to grasp this opportunity to escape her restricted life.
A Khametish desert lord, Ashkar is torn between allowing such a troublesome passenger on his ship and having a mage to weave the Aglaia’s winds. However, he has a secret mission to fulfil and will do anything to reach his goal, even if it means having to put up with this far too opinionated and dangerously pretty Yavanah noblewoman.
Together, they embark on a journey that leads them into deadly storms and deadlier intrigues. But unless they overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, Xanthe will discover that finding her Shadow was easier than keeping him.
Brought up at her uncle’s court as a dutiful Yavanah lady, Xanthe chafes at being expected to find fulfilment in managing the household down to the last amphora of wine. So when she meets her Shadow, the key to her full power as a wind mage, she is determined to grasp this opportunity to escape her restricted life.
A Khametish desert lord, Ashkar is torn between allowing such a troublesome passenger on his ship and having a mage to weave the Aglaia’s winds. However, he has a secret mission to fulfil and will do anything to reach his goal, even if it means having to put up with this far too opinionated and dangerously pretty Yavanah noblewoman.
Together, they embark on a journey that leads them into deadly storms and deadlier intrigues. But unless they overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, Xanthe will discover that finding her Shadow was easier than keeping him.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2022
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Lia Patterson
4 books47 followersI grew up in Switzerland and thanks to my father's job with an airline travelled to many far-away places from an early age. Even better though, I discovered, were journeys to imaginary worlds. And so I trudged through the Mines of Moria, sailed on the Dawn Treader, fought in the Trojan War and rode telepathic dragons.
Even then I was always scribbling stories in my notebooks, but nothing came of it until much later. I went on to study English and History, eventually ended up with a job in information technology and started a family.
However, the urge to create my own worlds and stories remained, so when it was quiet in the evenings I slipped away to places that existed only in the imagination - the results you can find on these pages. I hope you'll join me on my journeys and enjoy them as much as I do!
Even then I was always scribbling stories in my notebooks, but nothing came of it until much later. I went on to study English and History, eventually ended up with a job in information technology and started a family.
However, the urge to create my own worlds and stories remained, so when it was quiet in the evenings I slipped away to places that existed only in the imagination - the results you can find on these pages. I hope you'll join me on my journeys and enjoy them as much as I do!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 25, 2023
What can I say. Lia Patterson's books are always kind of a comfort read to me.
I'm currently in the worst year of my life and needed some time of relaxation and recovery so I went to the sea to breath and read.
This book was one I automatically gravitated to. And it gave me exactly what I was looking for.
It might actually be my favorite book by the author.
Good timing that I read the book while being at the seaside, since the book largely takes place on a ship. It is a little bit of magic, a little bit of pirates and a little bit of politics. All of that wrapped up into a romance, because of course and that's what I want.
So in short, this book gave me comfort and peace and distraction when I was looking for. For that I'm very grateful. That little bit of easy escape was exactly what I needed.
I'm currently in the worst year of my life and needed some time of relaxation and recovery so I went to the sea to breath and read.
This book was one I automatically gravitated to. And it gave me exactly what I was looking for.
It might actually be my favorite book by the author.
Good timing that I read the book while being at the seaside, since the book largely takes place on a ship. It is a little bit of magic, a little bit of pirates and a little bit of politics. All of that wrapped up into a romance, because of course and that's what I want.
So in short, this book gave me comfort and peace and distraction when I was looking for. For that I'm very grateful. That little bit of easy escape was exactly what I needed.
June 27, 2022
I really loved the world the author created and the characters in it.
I would love to read another book set in this world. Maybe about Xanthe and Ashkar's other adventures or more about the girls :)
I would love to read another book set in this world. Maybe about Xanthe and Ashkar's other adventures or more about the girls :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
Such a pleasure to discover that Lia had written another book and I hadn't noticed in the summer - a lovely way to spend a couple of winter evenings.
Again we are drawn into Lia's world - a different part of it, probably a different time, to lands which seem to have almost a familiar feel... but not quite. Where it is the high ranking Khametish men who pull their veils up to cover their faces, where a mage needs a particularly significant 'other' to work their magic fully, but ships are still female.
Lia has woven the story as cleverly as Xanthe weaves the winds, and I felt that I could feel, see, and smell everything our heroine encountered on her unexpected journey.
I look forward to her next book whenever she gifts us with another glimpse into her world.
Again we are drawn into Lia's world - a different part of it, probably a different time, to lands which seem to have almost a familiar feel... but not quite. Where it is the high ranking Khametish men who pull their veils up to cover their faces, where a mage needs a particularly significant 'other' to work their magic fully, but ships are still female.
Lia has woven the story as cleverly as Xanthe weaves the winds, and I felt that I could feel, see, and smell everything our heroine encountered on her unexpected journey.
I look forward to her next book whenever she gifts us with another glimpse into her world.
January 31, 2023
So far, I enjoyed every book from this author. She creates truly magical worlds I can get lost in. This time the world is mirrored after ancient Greece (I think), and I love it.
But I would have liked a few more description though as I was struggling from time to time to understand the implications because I was missing details about the political and social situation (Is the conflict between the different people ongoing? Are they hostile or friendly with each other?) or the rules of the magic in this world (How can Xanthe be such a great wind mage without any proper training or experience on a ship? Why does nobody know more about the Shadows?). Information is thrown in here and there but often it feels like too little too late to understand a certain situation.
I also loved the ending for our two main characters, but it feels like a lot of their bonding happened off page which is sad. I would have liked to read about more of those quite evenings Xanthe is reminiscing about at some point.
And frankly, I think the conflict due to a misunderstanding () is sooooooooo silly and not really needed () Also, there is a bigger one available if you really need a conflict between your two main characters ().
But these are minor things and overall it was an entertaining read and a magical journey.
But I would have liked a few more description though as I was struggling from time to time to understand the implications because I was missing details about the political and social situation (Is the conflict between the different people ongoing? Are they hostile or friendly with each other?) or the rules of the magic in this world (How can Xanthe be such a great wind mage without any proper training or experience on a ship? Why does nobody know more about the Shadows?). Information is thrown in here and there but often it feels like too little too late to understand a certain situation.
I also loved the ending for our two main characters, but it feels like a lot of their bonding happened off page which is sad. I would have liked to read about more of those quite evenings Xanthe is reminiscing about at some point.
And frankly, I think the conflict due to a misunderstanding () is sooooooooo silly and not really needed () Also, there is a bigger one available if you really need a conflict between your two main characters ().
But these are minor things and overall it was an entertaining read and a magical journey.
March 19, 2023
Oh, this was so so good!
Just some of my favourite quotes:
I stomped to the door. "Oh, but we mustn't be late. After all, the pleasure of getting killed in a senseless conflict awaits us."
---
"Surely you have earned a reward too?"
"If I have, your magnificence, let it be to spare the people of Myrmekio."
"Why should I?" he asked in that soft voice of his.
Wonderful, another king playing cat and mouse with me. I swallowed.
"To Show your magnaminity?" When that did not elicit a response, I tried to think of another reason. "And to preserve your tax base?"
---
"Your Magnificence," I addressed the King, "about the people of Myrmekion-"
"Don't worry," he interrupted me, "as long as they submit to my rule, I have very intention of being merciful. You see, I appreciate the value of a sound tax base."
His voice shook a little on the last words. It seemed I amused him. But really, what was wrong with practical considerations instead of only thinking of only fame and glory. You couldn't eat those.
Just some of my favourite quotes:
I stomped to the door. "Oh, but we mustn't be late. After all, the pleasure of getting killed in a senseless conflict awaits us."
---
"Surely you have earned a reward too?"
"If I have, your magnificence, let it be to spare the people of Myrmekio."
"Why should I?" he asked in that soft voice of his.
Wonderful, another king playing cat and mouse with me. I swallowed.
"To Show your magnaminity?" When that did not elicit a response, I tried to think of another reason. "And to preserve your tax base?"
---
"Your Magnificence," I addressed the King, "about the people of Myrmekion-"
"Don't worry," he interrupted me, "as long as they submit to my rule, I have very intention of being merciful. You see, I appreciate the value of a sound tax base."
His voice shook a little on the last words. It seemed I amused him. But really, what was wrong with practical considerations instead of only thinking of only fame and glory. You couldn't eat those.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Of Patterson's four novels and novellas, I liked Wind Weaver the best. It's set in a different world than the previous three, Greek and Gaul and Arab-inspired fantasy with magically-gifted descendants of demi-gods (although the only two kinds we see here are wind mages and magically beautiful people).
Xanthe is the requisite poor relation in her uncle's household; she's also a wind mage. Ashkar is a ship's captain who needs a wind mage so he can get to Myrmekion ASAP. The ship parts are really fun, and I liked the wide range of characters. The romance subplot was nice if slightly underbaked/developed offscreen, but I felt like the miscommunication trope that fueled most of it wasn't necessary once .
If Patterson wrote another story in this world (especially about the girls!) I would definitely check it out.
Of Patterson's four novels and novellas, I liked Wind Weaver the best. It's set in a different world than the previous three, Greek and Gaul and Arab-inspired fantasy with magically-gifted descendants of demi-gods (although the only two kinds we see here are wind mages and magically beautiful people).
Xanthe is the requisite poor relation in her uncle's household; she's also a wind mage. Ashkar is a ship's captain who needs a wind mage so he can get to Myrmekion ASAP. The ship parts are really fun, and I liked the wide range of characters. The romance subplot was nice if slightly underbaked/developed offscreen, but I felt like the miscommunication trope that fueled most of it wasn't necessary once .
If Patterson wrote another story in this world (especially about the girls!) I would definitely check it out.
June 19, 2022
I’ve read every single one of Lia Patterson’s books and loved them all! This is definitely my new favorite! She creates such magnificent worlds with fascinating histories that it makes me want to literally visit. I didn’t want the story to end! Her characters are so real and the dialogue so natural and smooth. I really enjoyed Ashkar and Xanthe’s chemistry! Highly recommend this and all her other books!
July 14, 2022
It's rare that I give 5 star reviews, but this is my favorite book in Lia's universe so far. Definitely stayed up too late multiple nights reading it. I'm a big fan of nautical adventure romances and Wind Weaver definitely satisfied me. Xanthe and Ashkar were a delicious couple to follow on this journey. The Mediterranean-like world that she created is so well drawn. And the magic is interesting. Highly recommend.
August 20, 2025
This was my first “blind date with a book” that I bought at a bookstore. The only info I was given was that it was fantasy and had some romance. The fantasy world was actually different - a wind mage but add sea adventures and pirates - instead of yet another story about fae or dragons. It was a cute story, but I wish the author had about 50 more pages to play out the end more with the MC’s.
July 7, 2022
One of the best books i've read this year!
August 13, 2022
First book by this author and it was amazing❤️❤️❤️
August 3, 2022
Another excellent story!
October 1, 2024
Wind Weaver is a little different setting-wise from the author's other two novels. Those were Asian-inspired with Middle Earth vibes. This one is inspired by ancient Greece and takes place almost entirely on a ship. Xanthe is a wind mage looking to escape the confines of noble life, and Ashkar is a secretive ship captain in need of a wind mage. But Xanthe has secrets of her own – like the fact that Ashkar holds the key to accessing her full power.
Ashkar is fantastic, with his whole “tough exterior hiding a heart of gold.” Xanthe is strong-willed, insistent on feeding the crew better and adopting the orphans they free from a pirate ship. There’s lots of good banter, plenty of found family vibes (my personal favorite), and a heavy dose of secret pining. Another top-notch low-spice romantasy from Lia. 💛
Ashkar is fantastic, with his whole “tough exterior hiding a heart of gold.” Xanthe is strong-willed, insistent on feeding the crew better and adopting the orphans they free from a pirate ship. There’s lots of good banter, plenty of found family vibes (my personal favorite), and a heavy dose of secret pining. Another top-notch low-spice romantasy from Lia. 💛
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews