'A Weave of Lies'- Spells and Slow-Burn Sparks- by E. M. Riedl

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/fantasy | /romance

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-t a g s-

/drama, /enemies-to-lovers, /dark-suspense, /marking-bonding-imprinting, /series

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Riedl's "A Weave of Lies" had me hooked from the start. It has everything I hunger for in a dark fantasy romance- sorcery, mystery, danger, and that delicious enemies-to-lovers spark. The story opens with Semras, a witch living quietly in the woods, while her world turns upside down when Inquisitor Estevan Velten shows up at her door. Surprise, surprise- he’s not there to burn her, but to consult her on a murder.

The romance between Semras and Estevan is one of the best parts. He’s broody, dangerous, and full of secrets. She’s cunning, strong, fierce, and kind in her own way. Their relationship starts with suspicion, tension and a lot of lies. That pull between “can I trust him?” and “I can’t stop being drawn to him” is what makes your chest tight while you’re whispering “just kiss already”. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done well here; there’s banter, push and pull, trust being built slowly and painfully. It’s dangerous, intoxicating, and layered with secrets, but it also feels earned, as their chemistry grows in a way that feels both messy and inevitable.

The world-building is rich and atmospheric. It's full of shadowy woods, dangerous magic, and an Inquisition that feels both terrifying and real. The murder mystery keeps the story moving, while the romance provides all the sparks and shadows in between. I loved how the murder mystery threads through the romance. It kept me guessing while the relationship kept me turning the pages.

A couple of pacing choices made me wish for just a bit more breathing space between twists. There were moments I felt a bit lost, as I wanted more time with certain moments. The pacing is uneven: some sections drag as the setup is laid out, and other parts zoom by with big reveals. And due to all the lies and secrets, I had to backtrack or reread to make sure I understood who was hiding what. At times, I wished for more clarity of the stakes and emotional buildup, because some of the tension didn’t land as hard as it could have.

In conclusion, “A Weave of Lies” by E. M. Riedl is a satisfying read for anyone who loves witchy dark fantasy with spice, enemies turned lovers, and mystery. It’s not flawless in plot flow, but it delivers crazy tension, interesting characters, and romantic moments that sting in a good way.

Personally, I already know I’ll be reaching for the next book the moment it’s out. If you love dark fantasy with spice and unforgettable chemistry, this one’s worth picking up.

-r a t i n g-

{ ★★★★☆ }

You can steal this read over on Amazon.

(This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley, and this is an honest review.)

You can also read this review on Goodreads or NetGalley!