On April 17, the NY Times Book Review published a list of Beguiling New Fantasy Novels. I immediately put holds at Minuteman for three of them, and the first one to become available, after 10 weeks on hold, was Weavingshaw, by Heba Al-Wasity.
The main characters are Leena Al-Sayer and Bramwell St. Silas (the Saint of Silence), as well as Leena’s brother Rami.
The book’s setting is in Morland with a somewhat pre-industrial English vibe and a King Edmund. There is Newtorn Prison (Newgate), House of Commons, and the exclusive Maybury District (Mayfair).
Leena and Rami are refugees from Alagaraa, which sounds Middle Eastern.
I very much enjoyed the book, but it ended on a cliffhanger with several unanswered questions. For example:
- Leena and Bram are stuck in Bastmore, in the demon world.
- Bram has been poisoned and needs an antidote within 5-7 days. (I am quite sure he will recover in a future book.)
- Bram has just released Leena from her contract.
- Bram needs to be free of Weavingshaw.
- Why does Margery have one of the timepieces, and knows to give it to Leena?
Mama appears in Leena’s fever dream: Leena, my love, you must listen to me. The Wake will take Baba. You must save him, my brave girl. I know you have suffered so much, but you must save him, hayati. Beware the promise of Weavingshaw. All Avons are demon-kissed, my love.
Avon crest: wolf and Deathgrip combatant, separated by a quartered circle.
Avon motto: I complete what is mine.
About the author: Heba Al-Wasity was inspired to write by her own experiences of being born an Iraqi refugee in Libya, growing up in Canada, and attending medical school in the UK. She has worked in emergency care and several psychiatric inpatient units, gaining firsthand insight into the ways that poverty and deprivation can lead to social inequalities. She is based in Greater Manchester, England. Instagram: @alwasityhh
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