Review: Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez

 

 

 

Title: Woven in Moonlight (#1)

Author: Isabel Ibanez

Published by: Page Street Books

Released: 2020

Source: Library

 

Synopsis: A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history. 

Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.

When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.

She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This book made me feel two types of ways. The majority of this story was light and cute. Then there were parts that veered into viciousness. Those two different styles didn't gel the best for me. I'm not even sure if I can explain it.

To me, this book had a very light writing style, which I enjoyed. It didn't feel like bad things should happen, and then they just came out of nowhere. It felt weird.

I loved all the food references that were in this story. They all sounded delicious and made me hungry.

I felt like this needed more world building and a better explanation of the magic. The magical elements were cool, but I didn't understand the how and why of the magical gifts. Some just felt very random in nature.

I also thought the attraction between our main character and her original guard was sort of odd. One minute he's throwing her against a wall to check for weapons, and the next, she's noticing how sharp his cheekbones are. It just didn't feel like the right time or place.

I wasn't surprised by some of the twists and turns this took, some were fairly obvious.

I also liked the magical weaving that happened. That was pretty cool.

I did enjoy how it all ended and I am excited to see what happens in this world next.

Woven in Moonlight was a good time. I really enjoyed the writing style. The magic was cool, but pretty random at the same time. It was a book that had a really vibrant atmosphere. I liked it.

I also want to mention the beautiful cover. I especially love how the author designed it. Very talented.

 

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.8/5

Cute.