When I found out I was on the arc team for Weave Of A Thousand Lies, I screamed in excitement. I knew from the moment I read the plot synopsis. All I needed to know was magic fiber arts. That was it, I was sold. My friends like to joke I am a "Yarn Witch" and as soon as I started explaining this book to them, they asked if the author had been spying on me to write this book.
The magic system in this world is the most unique one I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Full stop. I am an avid crafter - particularly sewing and crocheting - so I knew from how much I love working with materials how easily I could fit into this world. Stitchbinding, the name of their magic, seemed to be inspired by macrame - as different designs within their knots created different powers. It can provide super strength, healing, enhanced agility, and bravery - or can even be powerful enough to rip through time itself, as we watch Lineya do in the novel. But my favorite thing about how this magic was presented, was there are still plenty of mysteries about how Stitchbinding works. Nobody quite understands why some people can and others can't - and there's a giant plotline I won't spoil that adds more to the mystery, and I can't wait to see how it's resolved in later books.
I was also impressed by the worldbuilding. The timeline Lineya stitches into is one where she doesn't exist - and as a result is one that shouldn't exist at all. However, A.E. Zeigler does what should be impossible in the situation with ease: shows off what the real world will be like in the rest of the novels, through the lens of how wrong this timeline is. Lineya's comparisons show the good and bad of her world, leading the reader to make inferences about the "real" setting. I was impressed by how easily I could visualize both worlds, and it left me eager to explore the real timeline as the series progresses.
The theme of "one person can change the world" is also shown in so many different ways within the novel - and I think that is one of it's greatest strengths. We see this as we discover more and more that a world where Lineya had never existed is crueler and deadlier - and her compassion had changed her kingdom for the better. But we also see it multiple times within the timeline she goes into, as she can support, plan, and give knowledge others would overlook. Her biggest strengths are her kindness and compassion - even though they often cause problems. And her growth and her arc supported the theme in a way, that I cannot wait to see where she goes in the rest of the series. Lineya may not have thought she was ready to be Queen at the beginning of the novel, but she is more than ready once the time comes for her to step into that role by the end.
This book is a perfect YA romantasy introduction, and I feel like this is the perfect starting point for any teens who are interested in the genre. It has everything I love about romantasy: swoony chemistry, fascinating magic, and action that left me holding my breath. I can't wait to introduce this book to others - and especially those who love fiber arts as much as I do! The rest of the series will be on my TBR list, and I cannot wait to find out what A.E. Zeigler writes next - I am definitely now a fan!
Weave Of A Thousand Lies is available for preorder through Amazon. It will be released on September 24, 2024.