Review: Nightweaver (Nightweaver #1) by R.M. Gray

 *I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Nightweaver

(Nightweaver #1)

by R.M. Gray 

March 4, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

For fans of Adalyn Grace's Belladonna and Lauren Roberts’s Powerless, Nightweaver is a propulsive YA fantasy debut about a strong-willed heroine avenging her brother and discovering her destiny.

Six hundred years ago, Nightweavers, cursed beings with untamed power, claimed the continents for their own. The ocean was meant to be a safe haven for humanity, including seventeen-year-old Aster Oberon and her pirate family. But after Aster’s brother is killed in an epic battle at sea against Nightweavers, Aster and her family are thrust into a new life on land.

When a handsome Nightweaver named Will offers the Oberons protection and work at his opulent estate, Aster is suspicious. As the arrogant and entitled right hand to the wicked prince, Will is everything that she has been taught to hate. But as he shows empathy and kindness, Aster can’t ignore a blooming attraction. And even more, Will opens her eyes to a new There are monsters worse than Nightweavers, monsters who may be behind her brother’s death.

As Aster hunts the creatures responsible, dark secrets threaten to unravel everything she once believed about her family, herself, and her world.

Filled with elemental magic, forbidden romance, and breathtaking twists, this is a propulsive romantasy about an iron-willed heroine avenging her brother and discovering her destiny—perfect for fans of Powerless and Heartless Hunter.

Review

Nightweaver was a nerve-wrecking read in the best of way. The story was thrilling and unpredictable with dynamic characters and intriguing magic.

Tension-filled relationships, graphic moments and atmospheric build ups are just a few things Ms. R.M. Gray mastered in Nightweaver. The apprehension I felt reading the action scenes had me flipping the pages at top speed. Every move Aster made felt astronomical. Her life was hard enough already so I was hoping she’d catch a break but she was destined for complications.

Aster was my type of hero. Facing endless tough situations, she made decisions based on her family’s best interest. Even if it meant giving herself up. Aster lived for them. Will was a bit of a mystery in the beginning with his sometimes soft, sometimes harsh moves. His motives became crystal clear as the story went on. The forbidden romance between Aster and Will was achingly tender. All their hesitance made me fall harder for them. Hence, I'm not okay with the emerging love triangle. Go away Titus....

I loved that family was everything in Nightweaver. The Oberons took care of one another even if they didn’t agree on things. The siblings coped differently after losing their big brother. I was not at all surprised when Owen turned up alive. There were enough hints throughout the story for me to suspect this twist. Fingers crossed the Oberons weather this devastation and come out stronger together.

My only complaint about Nightweaver is how many questions remained at the end of the book. I understand that this is the first book in a series but I felt like questions were answered with more questions. I’d prefer things to be a tad less convoluted.

Nightweaver was a most compelling read. It left me wanting more! I’m pumped knowing why the sequel is called Starchaser.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.