Review – The Night Realm (Spell Weaver, Book 10) by Annette Marie (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 362 pages
Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Release Date: October 20, 2017
ASIN: B076GRXPZC
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Spell Weaver series
Source: Bought for Kindle
Rating: 4/5 stars
“Sent on a mission to steal spells from the Underworld’s most dangerous family, Clio ends up stealing something else: their spell weaver.
Exiled daemon Clio will do anything to return home. So when she’s offered an exchange–the end of her exile in return for an act of thievery–how can she refuse? She may not be a thief, but with her rare ability to mimic magic, she’s the perfect candidate for stealing a spell or two.
Even if she’ll be stealing from the deadliest spell weavers in the Underworld.
No sooner does she set out on her assignment than she meets her biggest obstacle: Lyre, a skilled spell weaver, a guardian of the realm’s forbidden magic, and … a sinfully alluring incubus. The last one in particular makes him a serious hazard.
But in a realm where beautiful faces hide cruel monsters, she can’t decide if Lyre is out to get her, or if he might be trying to keep her alive. An enemy wouldn’t save her life, but behind the deception that rules his survival, maybe he’s hoping she can save him.
If she falters in her mission, she’ll never make it home. If she misjudges him, she’ll die. And if she makes even one more mistake, they’ll both suffer a fate even worse.”
This is the first book in the Spell Weaver trilogy. I didn’t realize that this book is set in the same world as the “Steel and Stone” series but quite a bit earlier in time. The book started a bit slow but I really ended up enjoying it as it continued. Previous to this I have read Marie’s “Steel and Stone” series and “Red Winter” series and really loved them both.
This book follows Clio (can’t remember if she is mentioned in Steel and Stone because I read that a long time ago). She is a Overworld princess who’s been exiled to Earth for her safety. She’s given a chance to venture to the Underworld and steal some knowledge in order to return home. What she doesn’t take into account is Lyre, a skilled spell weaver who is assigned to work with her in the Underworld.
I loved getting to spend time in the Underworld and learn more about Lyre and Ash’s past. Clio is a well done character and I enjoyed her as well. The scenes between Lyre and Clio are very well done and they have great chemistry together.
Overall this is another great start to a urban fantasy series by Annette Marie. I love this world and enjoyed the characters a lot. Marie does an awesome job of balancing world-building, action, and romance. I will definitely be continuing this series; so far Marie hasn’t disappointed me yet!
