The Weaver Bride (The Weaver Bride #1)

Gregovic (The Monstrous Kind) smartly braids gothic mystery and romantic suspense in this twisty fantasy anchored by intriguing worldbuilding and a brave, resourceful protagonist. In a patriarchal society that politicizes gender and class, 18-year-old silkwitch Lovett Tamerlane has three years to wed a rich, rare male Weaver, who enchants objects with silkwitch hair—or be banished from Balmoore to the fortress-like Cloisters. Because Lovett lacks the resources to enter Balmoore’s classist social circles, the self-proclaimed “liar and thief” instead uses her unique, magical ability to open any locked door to steal evidence of affairs and embezzlement for profit—until bachelor Weaver Eliot Lear offers her an irresistible deal. In exchange for investigating his sister Ophelia’s probable murder, Eliot nominates Lovett to replace Ophelia in this year’s Vainglory, an ominous competition designed to marry one silkwitch contestant to Noé Alaire, son of Balmoore’s powerful Weaver King. But unravelling Ophelia’s murder soon entangles Lovett in the same web of dark secrets that ensnared Ophelia. The conclusion of Lovett’s perilous journey—rife with burgeoning conspiracy and an unresolved romantic triangle—sets the stage for a sequel. Characters are described with varied skin tones. Ages 12–up. Agent: Sarah Landis, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Sept.)