Review: The Shadow Weave (Spell Weaver #2) by Annette Marie

Title: The Shadow Weave

Series: Spell Weaver #2
Author: Annette Marie
Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Published: January 12, 2018
Pages: 320
Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Ebook, Audiobook

Clio might be a nymph living in exile among humans. And she might possess the rare ability to mimic any magic she sees. And she might have just seriously ticked off the most powerful family of spell weavers in the Underworld.

But she is not in love with an incubus.

Lyre is the rebellious black sheep of said weaver family, and he's the only reason she survived her recent Underworld "vacation." He's also the sexiest thing she's ever seen. Together, they have to track down a catastrophically dangerous magic—a magic he created, she sort of stole, and they both lost—before his family gets their hands on it. And that means fighting alongside him in a desperate attempt to avert complete disaster.

But she is definitely not in love with him. At least, she's pretty sure she's not.

Mostly sure. Maybe sure? …Crap. 

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MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

This book lived up to every expectation that I had after finishing The Night Realm. Every part of me wants to shout from the rooftops how very much I adore this author! She is such a gifted storyteller! 

The world building is expanded upon when we get to experience another part of the Overworld. I really love all of the distinctions that Marie makes when describing the different realms. Each caste has its own architecture, landscape, and people and they all described so vividly. You can actually feel yourself walking in the main character's shoes and experiencing the world right along with them. 

The plot is so epically put together that it almost boggles my mind. There is usually room for nitpicking pieces of the plot no matter whom the author it, but that is not the case with Marie's books. This one is no exception. She weaves the plot of this story like Lyre weaves his spells. Lyre is a master weaver, and so is Annette Marie. I love how seamless the plot is while being spellbinding at the same time. The reader just wants more, insatiably so. 

This book is well rounded with the brilliant world-building, immaculate and compelling plot, and characters that you just want to immerse all of your senses with. Marie makes it so effortless to adore these characters. They feel so real. They have flaws and problems like everyone else, and at the same time the good parts about them shine through. The relationships that are forged are strong, a product of impeccable writing. The chemistry between the characters is tantalizing. It gives you all of the feels. So many that you are drowning in them. And on the plus side, those that have already read Marie's Steel & Stone series already have a foundation for a few of these characters so the writing in this series brings them even more to life. 

Overall, this series will captivate you! Annette Marie is a must read author. She is such a writing queen! I can't recommend this series enough! If you are an urban fantasy fan that appreciates strong world-building, complex characters, and a riveting plot then read this. Read all of Marie's books! They will sweep you off of your feet and you will beg for more.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- A Series A Month Challenge
- Audiobook Challenge
- New Release Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Sometimes books can suffer from a middle book slump, but this book did not fall into that category. What are some of your favorite middle books that knocked it out of the water?