It's hard to find a fantasy novel with a unique and fresh premise, so you can imagine how happy I was when I found Cobweb Bride. I found the plot gripping and interesting because it hadn't been done before (to the best of my knowledge, anyway). The characters were well written, and while the plot slowed down somewhat at times, it definitely kept my interest throughout. I loved the ending, as well, which set book 2 up nicely, and I can't wait to read that one to find out where the story goes.

5/5 stars. ( )

This is my review from my blog:

I heard about Cobweb Bride a few months ago, somewhere, and thought the concept was fascinating; one day all death stops. While not exactly new, the idea of it being Medieval times in a made up portion of the world seemed to fascinate me. I wanted to explore this world.

Explore I did, and am so glad! I felt connected to the characters and the world. There was gore but it was just right and described well enough to picture but not too deeply as to disgust (this is in reference to a battle at the beginning, after death stopped, and people were still fighting and 'dying', the book is not totally gross). The second and third chapters were a bit laborious to get through. Ms. Nazarian threw a lot of characters at me very quickly during an Imperial birthday party. I muddled through and it was worth it. Everything picks up around chapter 5 and while I know that seems like a long time, there are some very important things that happen in the beginning. The beginning pace can be slow but Ms. Nazarian has a way of painting a picture vividly (without too much description) that keeps the interest.

While it was constantly mentioned that the Cobweb Bride had to be found and all death had stopped, I didn't feel that as an annoyance. It reminded me that everyone was a bit frantic and something needed to be done so that death could continue. There is a rather gruesome moment when something important is revealed about the food supply (although none of the characters seem to get it right away), and that became a worry for me as I had become invested in these characters. The changes in Percy made me happy because I felt so damn sorry for her home life situation. She's really the main character but there are many others to follow and care for as well. It's really like a theatrical play.

By the end, and a major plot point is revealed, I was very surprised at the outcome. It was one of those 'I didn't see that coming' situations. If you like sword fights, witches, handsome knights, damsels not-so-much in distress, and Death as a Spaniard, Cobweb Bride is worth every penny. ( )

One day, Death stops. He will not resume his tasks until his Cobweb Bride is found and brought to him. The dying linger, their last breaths forever gurgling in their throat, the murdered seek to understand their murderers, and the only nourishment is that which was harvested before Death withdrew.

From all across the lands they come. Potential Cobweb Brides, asked by their rulers to save the world. Some are ordered; some volunteer. Some hope to be chosen; some pray to be spared. But all head north to the forest in search of Death's home. And some in the kingdom, pleased with their reprieve from Death, desire to stop them.

This book is beautiful and sorrowful, hopeful and tragic. The writing is poetic; I found myself reading some parts out loud just to hear them spoken. From the moment I picked this book up until the moment I finished it, I was immersed.


5/5 stars

Note: I participated in the Kickstarter for this book. ( )

Enchanting take on the Persephone myth with a bit of Snow Maiden legend thrown in. bit slow to start--not a bad thing as the author was setting up the story and introducing the main characters. Death has halted the death of all creatures, animal, human, and vegetable, until he receives his Cobweb Bride. Set in a late medieval/Renaissance world with a bit of 18th century, there are three subplots: presentation to Death of girls led by Persephone, the middle daughter of a peasant family; a Crown Princess; that of the Infanta Claere, now hovering between life and complete death, assassinated by Marquis Vlau, who hates her family for perceived wrongs; and that of a Black Knight, Beltain, on orders of his father a Duke, also in this twilight state, is charged with stopping any contenders for Death's hand. The father wishes to preserve this status quo.

Gorgeous writing. Character are suitably heroic or villainous. Flashes of gentle humor here and there. I wish to continue with the other books in the trilogy, but to me it would have been nice if the author could have condensed this whole Cobweb Bride trilogy into one standalone book. ( )

A unique mythos, engaging and interesting characters, and an adventure full of mystery. Wonderful! ( )