Crewel: A Novel (Crewel World #1)

Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has the rare ability to weave the very fabric of her world. Even though her parents have trained her to hide this gift–a treasonous act for which they pay dearly–she doesn’t escape detection. In fact, she is abducted by the Guild and forced to become a Spinster, one of the elite cadre of Fates who manipulate the minutiae of everyday life. Entangled in a web of deceit, Adelice must unravel the truth and navigate this dangerous realm in which maiden, matron, and crone live a half-live in Purgatory between all-powerful and powerless. Although the plot is extraordinarily compelling, it ends with a cliff hanger and then arrogantly proclaims “End of Book One.” Not only does Albin assume that her debut novel will be received favorably enough that there will indeed be a complete series, but she also presumes that the reader be willing to continue reading it. Such arrogance creates an inherent flaw in the narrative; the plot is fleeringly incomplete and languishes in the belief that the story will be able to come to fruition in the fullness of time. Those inclined to believe that series are merely attempts to permit a reader to venture “no further than a wanton's bird” will find fodder for such sentiments here. Ironically, they will be broken by the siren call of so excellent a plot well told that they will further ensconce themselves in the conviction that a talented, honest storyteller will convey her message in one book. And, they will loathe having been seduced. Conversely, this is an excellent read and an even more excellent addition to a collection frequented by fans of series who revel in the titillation of awaiting the next installment’s release as dreams of merch dance in their heads.

Crewel : A Novel (Crewel World #1) by
Gennifer Albin

Secondary

Farrar Straus Giroux

360 pp.

Published 2012

ISBN 978-0-374-31641-9

$17.99

Science Fiction

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