Weavingshaw – Past Midnight Book Reviews & More

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating:

Title: Weavingshaw (#1)

Author: Heba Al-Wasity

Format: ebook

Pages: 464

Format: ebook (Libby)

Publication Date: 2/24/26

Categories: Fantasy, Gothic, Romance, Paranormal, Series

In this debut gothic fantasy, the first book of an enthralling fantasy romance trilogy, a young woman who can see the dead strikes a deal with a magnetic and dangerous purveyor of dark secrets to save her brother’s life.

Three years ago, Leena Al-Sayer awoke with a terrible power.
She can see the dead.

Since then, she has hidden herself from the world, knowing that if she ever reveals her curse she will be locked away in an asylum.

When her beloved brother, Rami, falls fatally ill, Leena is faced with a terrible CHOICE: Let him die or buy the expensive medicine that will save his life by bartering the only valuable thing she has—her secret.

The Saint of Silence, a ruthless merchant who trades in confessions and is shrouded in unearthly rumors of cruelty and power, accepts her bargain, for a deadly price. Leena must find the ghost of Percival Avon, the last lord of Weavingshaw—or lose her freedom to the Saint forever.

As Leena’s search takes her and the Saint to Weavingshaw, she finds the estate and the surrounding moors to be living things—hungry for blood and sacrifice. Fighting against Weavingshaw’s might, Leena must also fight her growing pull toward the enigmatic Saint himself, whose connection to Percival Avon remains a mystery.

As the house begins to entomb them, time is running out on their desperate hunt for answers. For Leena has come to see that here in Weavingshaw, the dead are not hushed—and some secrets are better left buried with them.

Content Warning: violence, death, kidnapping, suicide

World Building: I was so immersed in this gothic atmosphere of Weavingshaw. There is political unrest, and powerful players like the aristos, plus demons and worshiping of saints. One man, St. Silas, the Saint of Silence is one of the most powerful men in this country and Leena needs to make a bargain with him so she can get medicine to save her brother. I really loved the intrigue and secrets that are all over this story, it lends to the dark, gothic atmosphere. And the paranormal elements are fantastic – Leena can see ghosts and her ability is what St. Silas needs. Loved it all!

Characters: Leena loves her brother and she’s a survivor, they both are. But I love how she doesn’t show her fear even though St. Silas is someone feared – he deals in secrets. He has the power to take anyone down. Leena is determined, brave, and gets under his skin. St. Silas has so many secrets and I love how as the story goes on, Leena tries to uncover them. Leena also has a few secrets of her own though. I also love Rami her brother, though he’s a hot-head, and Mrs. Van, St. Silas’ housekeeper who has a history of her own. I love some of the ghosts too.

Romance: This is the slowest burn or slow burns EVER. It kept me hook on the story, as I waited to see if St. Silas would just give in to his yearnings for her. There is just a steamy kiss…that’s it! I think if there was maybe something a little more my rating would have jumped to 5 haha. But I love how she didn’t feel anything for him but fear, until she learns more about him and his actions spoke louder than words. I am kind of relishing the slow burn but I hope in book two, there is a little more steam.

Story: I read this one in two days – I was hooked and could not put it down. I love the gothic romance, the ghosts and deals with demons (they thrive on delicious secrets), the atmospheric writing, the strong willed FMC and the powerful MMC trying to hold himself together. I cannot wait for book two – oh and it has a cliffhanger ending.

Vibes: it might just be me but it was giving me Jane Eyre vibes – the gothic vibes.

Final Thoughts:

I really couldn’t put this book down it had everything I want in a gothic romance, I just want a little more steam but the the yearning, the secrets, demons, ghosts, and atmosphere is just so good. I can’t wait for book two!

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