I really enjoyed this book!
The first chapter was one of the best openings to a YA fantasy I’ve read in a long while!
There were many plot twists that I really didn’t see coming, and I really enjoyed the added curiosity of the creatures divulged throughout the book.
It was quite clearly inspired by pirates of the Caribbean and I did actually enjoy this aspect of it, I do wish more of the book had been ‘at sea’ as I would assume this book is marketed as a pirate fantasy but we did spend most of our time on land.
I loved Violet and the clean hints of romance also.
I can’t wait for book two!

I’m in shock. I’m such a sucker for a pirate book but wow. In the beginning I wondered where it was going, I saw the word pirates and thought get me this book! But then it was described as pirates of the Caribbean meets downtown abbey and I got intrigued.

The elemental magic was so much fun, the dark and eerie twists were such a delight to read. I love horror and it really gave you a taste. So fantastical !

It was so multilayered and refreshing, chilling and creative yet dark and twisted way in a delicious way.

The pirate crew was taken to a whole new level, we embark on the lightbringer sailed by the Oberon family. Following our headstrong protagonist Aster, who is the very definition of loyalty. However, her loyalty is tested as to which family members - she is conflicted and torn in her decisions as she only wants what’s best for her family, yet is also grieving and missing home. Aster wants justice and she is going to get it the best way she knows how by being cutthroat and causing bloodshed.

Our beautiful Will, dark and handsome but I’m a blonde boy lover true at heart and I’d be lying if I said that Titus didn’t capture my heart.

The amount of twists had me questioning so many characters, I did love the Easter eggs for the mystery to discover a particular characters identity and I can happily say I guessed right. I had a sneaky suspicion long before and I’m super intrigued to find out more about this relationship. Will there be foreshadowing for a love triangle? I really do hope so.

There was death, heartbreak, so MANY secrets, betrayal, forbidden romance, self discovery. The list could go on, I really felt captivated by the story. What a page turner!

Thank you so much to puffin books, penguin random house UK and R.M. Gray for such a fantastic book and the opportunity to receive this arc.

I got through this book quite quickly and it was a nice easy read.

A pirate and magic based young adult read with dark magic associated with an evil dark queen and elemental magic associated with the night weavers. The different types of magic were interesting and the idea of manan and how it is sustained was quite a unique idea.

The romance aspect was not too full on but had a good amount of depth for a ya book of this length.

The syks ability to possess people did keep you on your toes as you didn’t quite know who to trust. Alongside the shifters needing blood to sustain themselves suggests a type of vampirism which was quite cool.

Thank you to NetGalley and penguin books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nightweaver is giving all the best vibes of 2000s YA fantasy romance, but with a fresh and unique story, and I am absolutely here for it. This book has so much to love: pirates that bring intrigue and danger, a deep exploration of family bonds that tug at your heart, swoon-worthy forbidden romance that keeps you turning the pages, and a fascinating political backdrop that adds depth to the story.

What really sets Nightweaver apart, though, is the touch of horror threaded through its pages (imagine if a Goosebumps story was integrated into a fantasy novel). There’s an eerie, chilling atmosphere that adds a layer of suspense and keeps you on edge, making the story even more captivating. The magical beings and almost vampires bring a darker, thrilling undertone that gives the book a hauntingly unique flavour.

The story is packed with action, from tense confrontations to adrenaline-pumping moments that keep the pace exhilarating. There’s never a dull moment, and the twists and turns will have you hooked until the very end.

The characters are so well-crafted and memorable, each bringing their own charm and complexities to the narrative. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, adventure, and drama, and I found myself completely engrossed in the world the author has built.

Honestly, Nightweaver feels like the perfect pick for fans of L. J. Smith or Lauren Oliver, but with something entirely its own to offer. It’s one of those books that leaves you craving more even after the last page. I highly recommend diving into this adventure—you won’t regret it!

Romantasy with Pirates and magic.....yes please!!!!!

This book had everything I was hoping this book would be.

It had:

Romance
Pirates
Secrets
1st person POV
Plot twists
Gore
Banter
And so much more

It was a refreshing fantasy read for me. It has Pirates of the Caribbean/Peaky Blinder vibes.

It did take me a fair few chapters to get into the book and the the FMC did annoy me in some bits with her immaturity. That is the only reasons I didnt give it 5 star.

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray is a spellbinding romantasy that combines elemental magic, forbidden romance, and a gripping tale of revenge and self-discovery. Set in a world where humanity has been driven to the seas by the cursed and powerful Nightweavers, the story follows seventeen-year-old Aster Oberon, a fierce and determined protagonist whose life is upended by tragedy. After her brother is killed in a brutal battle against the Nightweavers, Aster and her pirate family are forced to abandon their life at sea and start anew on land.

Gray’s world-building is vivid and immersive, painting a picture of a divided world where humanity’s survival hangs in the balance. The Nightweavers, with their untamed power and mysterious motives, are both terrifying and fascinating, adding layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative. Aster’s journey from the open ocean to the opulent estate of Will, a Nightweaver who offers her family protection, is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected alliances.

At the heart of the story is the complex relationship between Aster and Will. As the arrogant right hand to the wicked prince, Will embodies everything Aster has been taught to despise. Yet, as she gets to know him, she discovers a side of him that challenges her preconceptions and ignites a forbidden attraction. Their romance is slow-burning and electric, filled with moments of vulnerability and passion that will leave readers rooting for them despite the odds.

Aster’s quest for vengeance against the monsters responsible for her brother’s death drives the plot forward, but it’s her journey of self-discovery that truly shines. Gray masterfully weaves themes of loyalty, identity, and the power of questioning long-held beliefs into the narrative. As Aster uncovers dark secrets about her family and her world, she must confront the possibility that the lines between good and evil are not as clear as she once thought.

The novel is packed with breath-taking twists, heart-pounding action, and elemental magic that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Gray’s writing is lush and evocative, bringing the story’s richly imagined world to life. Nightweaver is a propulsive and emotionally resonant tale that will appeal to fans of romantic fantasy and stories of strong, iron-willed heroines.

Great for readers who enjoy forbidden romance, elemental magic, and stories of vengeance and self-discovery and authors such as Jennifer L. Armentrout.

3.5/5

On the whole I did enjoy this book. There's some interesting world building, and quite a history to br delved into which I hope.may be expanded on in future books.

The main character Aster came across as a bit annoying in the first half of the book. You could argue that as a 17 year old, the self-centeredness is to be expected, but given her upbringing as a pirate I expected her to be a little more mature in the circumstances.

There are a lot of interesting characters in this book, and some I still haven't made uo my mind about. The More I saw of Will the more unsure I am of what to make of hi.. Captain Shade I feel could have had more page time. Perhaps in future books we might see more from other characters POV.

Worth a read, and I would consider reading more of the series.

This was excellent! It took me a while to get to grips with the magic system of this world, but the mystery element was very well written and I loved the FMC and her loyalty to her family. I'm excited for the sequel

If you had told me I had accidentally taken hallucinogenic drugs and hallucinated the entire plot, I would have believed you.

I buddy read this in one day during a 24h readathon and I'll admit I had a LOT of fun. However, it was a WILD ride and there was a lot I wasn't a fan of. The whole experience though? I did enjoy. Which is why I’m giving it a 3.5/5, as there were elements I didn’t like, but the experience overall was great.

One great thing about this book, which contributed to the hallucinatory feeling, was how not even ONCE did I predict what was about to happen. The amount of twists and completely random things in this book is wild. So if you’re looking for an adventure this may be the book for you.

This book feels like Narnia meets Pirates of the Caribbean through the lens of a 17 year old. Piratey (only at the beginning), magical (yet dark) and self centred (think 17 year old pick me). Can we forgive the pick me vibes due to Aster being 17? I suppose so. But it is still annoying so be warned.

The world I think is fantastic. I really enjoyed the description of the war between Nightweavers, Underlings and humans. It could have been heavy and weighed down with information but it wasn’t, which was very enjoyable to read. There definitely should have been more time spent at sea. Whilst Aster and her family are pirates, they get captured and taken to shore where they spend the rest of the book not being pirates, despite Aster’s best efforts to remind us of the pirate element (the amount of ‘I AM A PIRATE’ is astounding).

I enjoyed the romance between Aster and Will but felt like it got lost a bit towards the end of the book. And Captain Shade? He didn’t appear hardly at all - certainly not enough to be placed in the blurb, and the whole hint at a love triangle felt unnecessary. Not just because I am a usual love triangle hater, but there wasn’t enough Captain Shade in the book for it to even be called a love triangle. I get it’s probably opening up for a love triangle in the next book, but it’s a no from me.

By the time I got to the end I felt like I had been repeatedly slapped in the face by so many twists that I couldn’t think straight (this effect was probably heightened considering I read it in one day). Yet I still had a great time.

Would I recommend this? Weirdly yes. Despite the negatives, I enjoyed the experience. I would strongly suggest buddy reading it with a friend and voice noting your progress and stage of hallucination as you go.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for a digital early advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The book kicks off with an instant, bringing you into the plight of the Oberon family. You learn of the characters through a very fast paced first chapter, leading you to believe that this pace will continue through the book. Instead it comes in ebbs and flows, mixing romance with action. The book is an absolute joy to read, the nuances with the family bonds mirror nicely with the overarching found family vibes. There are plenty of mysteries for the reader to sink their teeth into as well as some shocking reveals and twists. The book builds up to the dramatic reveal, bringing all the plot elements together. It would have been nice to focus more on the characters' feelings throughout the end to really increase the shock factor and develop a deeper connection to the reader, however that is the only issue I take with this book. I also congratulate the author for using unheard of or irregular word choices to educate the reader and keep language growing.

I'd give this book 4 stars purely because I want that extra character development at the end, when dealing with the complex reveals that occur.

I really, really enjoyed this!

This is a solid start to a new fantasy series with a fierce FMC. Aster is loyal and brave and has to find her way in a new world after being captured as a pirate and sold into indentured servitude to the Nightweavers - the enemies of humans for the past 600 years and the reason many humans are pirates in the first place. She is bloodthirsty and brutal and not afraid of getting her hands dirty.

The plot was great and the pacing moved it along very quickly. There's lots of action from the very beginning with lots of fight scenes and lots happening right from the start. There's also plenty of twists and turns throughout the book. While some of those are predictable, not all of them are.

I am left at the end of the book with loads of questions still, and I can't wait until the next one.

4.5 stars rounded up

Thank you to the Publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book.

Nightweaver is a YA pirates fantasy with a focus on family, an angsty romance and lots of adventure. I think if you enjoyed Tricia Levenseller’s Daughter of a Pirate King series, you will like this book. I thought it was okay overall. Nothing particularly special to me. It’s very fast paced and really goes straight into the action. I might have appreciated this more if I was a bit younger. It just felt like the kind of YA I have outgrown or read a lot of already. I would put this in the same category as Powerless - entry level fantasy books for a young adult audience.

This is a story that completely gripped me from the very first page. It brought action, pirates, magic, beasts and some tricky politics as well as strong family bonds, new friendships, and a dose of forbidden romance. I was intrigued by the nightweavers, their magic, and how they became a part of this world. Aster's character is fierce and adventurous, incredibly loyal, and protective! I felt for her in her struggles to adjust to new circumstances, torn between hers and her family's happiness.

At times this story is horror-esque, and there's some gore to go with it. There's an underlying mystery all tied up in some danger that centres on Aster and it really kept me reading throughout. I wanted answers, and I wanted to see how it would all play out. All in all this was a really fantastic read and though I predicted a big twist, there were plenty of surprises along the way. I would say it seemed like grief was sidestepped in this book, and I would have expected to see it better reflected in the characters and with more emotion.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - arc & monthly book box pick reviewer

Don't get me wrong, this is a promising debut with a heroine discovering herself and her destiny, a girl who loves her family wholeheartedly, and a love interest dedicated to his cause and the greater good. The worldbuilding was great, and it was what I liked the most.

There are humans with some magic, Nightweavers with their own magic, and the Underlings with their own kind of magic, too. It was fascinating see their background and how their magic differentiates with the others. I also liked the society of humans and Nightweavers around Will's estate and what we heard about the rest of the society. The history of the magic and the wars as well as the lore were fascinating, too!! I truly loved the worldbuilding!!

However, the characters fell flat and confusing. They are supposed to be a family of fierce pirates, but they adjusted to being housemaids, cooks, babysitters, etc quite easily. I do understand that people adapt and try to make the best out of it, but their change gave me a whiplash. Other actions and things they said (can't say more because of spoilers) didn't make much sense, and we didn't get an explanation, either.

The female protagonist was Aster, and I just didn't vibe with her. She throws tantrums because Will had to go on the order of the Crown Prince?! Like he got an order and he followed it?! And she throws 2-3 tantrums because of it?! She even didn't act on a clue because she was so busy throwing said tantrums.... She also throws tantrums because her family adjusted to manor housework easily, and even though I also got a whiplash at their change, her reaction still felt somewhat annoying because she acted like the world had only wronged her.

Will was the love interest, and he and Jack were actually the only character I liked. Will is a noble Nightweaver with a great magical power. He is smart and prudent and ruthless when necessary! I really liked his character!!!! He used his brain before he acted, and he has good intentions. I liked his relationship to Jack, his siblings, his BFF, and he was a great character, overall! Did I mention he is smart?! I have a thing for smart characters.

We got some really interesting plot twists at the very end of the book, but after many contradictions and loopholes, they came a bit late.

Overall, some things worked really well, while others were promising. I hope Aster can have a good and thorough character development in the rest of the series. I'm not sure if I will continue reading the series, though, and I'm really sorry to say this.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
I love the premise and the idea and love the start of the book and the action and pace but there were so many characters I just couldn’t keep up.
I felt a little lost at times and then disengaged as a result.
However I love the idea of it, this was my first pirate book and it was great. I loved how the fighting scenes reflected this (especially the scene at the start of the book). This just wasn’t for me but all the best with the future of the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC copy. I absolutely loved this book, It had everything I enjoy in a story; suspense, mystery, romance and pirates! It gave me Princess Bride vibes and I read it in a day because I couldn't physically put it down. I can not wait for the next book! The world building was exquisitely done and the chemistry was on point. A delight to read. 5/5

Nightweaver was a wild ride. I loved it! Aster is an engaging FMC who I really empathised with. Will and Henry complicated and interesting, and complement Aster well as she gets used to her and her family’s new life. The family dynamic is realistic and ups the stakes in a very natural way. Whilst I guessed one twist early on, a final twist towards the end had me gasping. There are some dark and gruesome moments so sensitive stomachs beware. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

This book starts off really well, with a violent attack on a family of pirates. After that it suffers from poor world building and odd pacing, that left me feeling somewhat disjointed. A great premise, but I'm not sure about the execution.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I was immersed instantly into the story as the world building really had me within the first few chapters. I really enjoyed the characters as I continued to read. It’s got twists and turns that keep you wanting more.

“If you’re going to ask me to help you make my brother jealous, the answer is yes.” 👀

I finished Nightweaver last night and I need to talk about it!

THE TROPES *chef's kiss*
THE FMC *badass*
THE ROMANCE *on edge!*

Aster is an epic FMC, she's strong and her backstory of being a family of pirates is unique and kept me hooked from the beginning. The fight scenes and depiction of grief was heart breaking. The characters we're so different but also some of my favourites and I ate up all the twists this took and I can't wait to continue in this series either!

My only criticism is that it was a little predicable at times and the shock factor of one of the reveals was lack lustre because it was so predictable.

If you like books such as One Dark Window or To Kill a Kingdom then this is the one for you. Or even if you're a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean I'd get this one! 🦜🏴‍☠️

I give it 4.25 stars🌟and I can't wait to see what book 2 has in store for us either!