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spestock's review
3.0
The actual plot, especially as revealed in the climax, was too complicated for such a short novella, but the atmosphere and world-building were as top-notch as in the first book in the series.
powder_and_page's review
4.0
Emma Newman’s Industrial Magic series are excellent novellas that I would absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a quick fantasy read. They’re pretty detailed to be such short little books and it’s easy to zip right through them, though both Weaver’s Lament and Brother’s Ruin have left me wanting more.
The plot of Weaver’s Lament was very interesting – Charlie has gone to visit her brother, now a successful mage’s apprentice and textile mill supervisor. He’s got a bit of a problem, as the mills are being sabotaged and he’s got to solve the problem before his competitor does. He has this bright idea that Charlie can go undercover and work in the mill and discover who’s responsible for the sabotage. That in and of itself is a terrible idea – she’s obviously out of place among the other workers, but they take her in anyway and tell her all sorts of things with minimal suspicion. Hmm. She’s subjected to unforgiving labor, poor treatment, and dangerous machinery that may or may not be haunted.
Overall, this was an entertaining, quick read that progressed the plot arc in subtle ways. I was somewhat disappointed that Charlie’s magical education was somewhat minimal in this book, but I think it would have felt rushed if it were included. This book felt like a bridge between book 1 and whatever book 3 will be about. I’ll definitely keep up with these novellas as they are some of the best I’ve read.
The plot of Weaver’s Lament was very interesting – Charlie has gone to visit her brother, now a successful mage’s apprentice and textile mill supervisor. He’s got a bit of a problem, as the mills are being sabotaged and he’s got to solve the problem before his competitor does. He has this bright idea that Charlie can go undercover and work in the mill and discover who’s responsible for the sabotage. That in and of itself is a terrible idea – she’s obviously out of place among the other workers, but they take her in anyway and tell her all sorts of things with minimal suspicion. Hmm. She’s subjected to unforgiving labor, poor treatment, and dangerous machinery that may or may not be haunted.
Overall, this was an entertaining, quick read that progressed the plot arc in subtle ways. I was somewhat disappointed that Charlie’s magical education was somewhat minimal in this book, but I think it would have felt rushed if it were included. This book felt like a bridge between book 1 and whatever book 3 will be about. I’ll definitely keep up with these novellas as they are some of the best I’ve read.
anywiebs's review
4.0
A great continuation of the story. Love how our main character grows and finds out more about the flaws of her society.
aan2328's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
leticiatoraci's review
5.0
Awesome story world and characters, I hope this Novella series has more sequels in the future.
I sincerely hope this author writes more books in the near future, she's one of my favorite authors!
Spoiler
The story world reminded me of [b:An Unkindness of Magicians|32735037|An Unkindness of Magicians (An Unkindness of Magicians, #1)|Kat Howard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1480964652l/32735037._SY75_.jpg|53324911], and it seems very intriguing and going towards an extremely interesting direction, I hope to read more books about this world and characters.I sincerely hope this author writes more books in the near future, she's one of my favorite authors!
lastobbe's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
blackmetalblackheart's review
4.0
I really enjoy being in this world. I like the characters. I am intrigued by the developing relationships. I think the mechanics of society and those with magical powers is interesting. Weaver's Lament adds to each of these things in ways that make me want to read more. In the end, you cannot ask for much more in a book.
xan_van_rooyen's review
4.0
Really really enjoyed this! It ends with so much more to be explored in this world and hinting at a big bad yet to be revealed. I hope there are more novellas coming in this series!