Review: 4.5 Stars for imaginative Fantasy/Romance book
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2013
This is a really unusual book.  It's not exactly urban fantasy but not exactly paranormal romance either.  I read both of these genres and it seems to be a mix of them.  The book starts out with Lourdes hiding from the Theridiidae warriors who had previously guarded her family/clan.  Her parents (the Maven/Queen and her consort) were killed and she is the heir-apparent. She has summoned another clan - the Mimetidae - to try to save her clan from being taken over.  Her clan is known for their spinning (The Araneidae), which makes them wealthy, and their clan is quite peaceful.  Lourdes is paired with the Mimetidae Maven's son, Rhys (not exactly married, but they reach an arrangement). Rhys agrees to help Lourdes seek vengence against the people who killed her parents.  The story revolves around them solving the mystery of her parents' death and learning more about each other (and falling in love).The story was a bit confusing at first as we are thrown into this world and the names are a little confusing. However, I was able to quickly get into the story. I liked the characters, including Lourdes and how she wants to be able to defend herself and wants her clan to be less helpless. The world that the author built in this story was so interesting.... all of the varied clans and their specialties, the veil that separates the northland/winter area versus the southland/summer area, etc.There were a few items that didn't make any sense to me (such as the timing of when the note at the end was written especially given that transportation is via a horse-type animal -- won't give spoilers).  This marked the book down a half-star for me.  However, it was a great story and I would love to read more about this world!