Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

Goodreads Summary

Adelice was raised to be ordinary and safe. Her parents worked hard with Adelice every night, teaching her to be clumsy and blind to the threads that built their world. Adelice could not resist the weave, however, and was taken from her family forever to serve Arras as a Spinster. The male-dominated world Adelice lives in depends on Spinsters to connect matter and time to keep Arras running and safe. In exchange for loyalty and work, Spinsters are given anti-aging patches to keep them young and beautiful and are taken to lavish parties. Most girls hope to grow up to be Spinsters, but Adelice knows better. Spinsters are used by the Guild (government) to “rip” from the weave when they can no longer work or “clean” the threads of people who do not agree with the government. The corruption is rampant and perfectly hidden by the Spinsters. After she is taken to serve as a Spinster, Adelice learns that her abilities are abnormally strong. Adelice could even be a Creweler!

Adelice is a strong person; she never gave in or backed down. At times, Adelice seemed to be too headstrong, but overall, she is a good character. Crewel could be loved by anyone of any age. This book is not meant specifically for male or female readers and the plot is complex enough for older readers. Albin did a fantastic job working with her characters in the world she created.


4 1/2 Stars

*Reviewed by Kristin*

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.