#159 Book Review: Crewel

Crewel
Release Date: October 1st 2012
Author: Gennifer Albin
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

Cover:
Strange and kind of creepy. I really don't like the girl's stare in the cover. She looks more like a doll and I don't know if the cover is meant to give off this sense of creepiness and awkwardness but I definitely prefer the US cover.

Story:

What if you have the ability to weave time?

Crewel has got to be one of the most unique novels I've read so far. The concept behind the book is fascinating and truly interesting. Imagine if you have the ability to weave time? Imagine if you have the ability to weave different things? This is the world of Crewel.

This book combines the genres of dystopian and a little bit of fantasy. Gennifer Albin introduces you to a world where 16 year old females, if discovered to have the ability to weave through a test, are moved to live in luxury under the supervision of the Guild. The concept of weaving is what I think covers the fantasy genre in this book because it's so surreal, like you're living in a fantasy world although in this case, you're not. It does take time to actually grasp the concept behind the book but once you do get it, it's actually impressive! Although, I have to say that the story plot is not quite as unique as the concept. It's quite predictable for a dystopian book (where the main character decides to rebel after oppression) and the romance is not very enjoyable for me. There is what seems like a love triangle although it's complicated and I'm not sure who the main character actually loves. However, the concept of Spinster (people with ability to weave) are very intriguing that it covers up my little problems with the book.

Characters:
Adelice is a strong-willed and great character. There are times when I find it quite difficult to relate to her but her ability to weave time and matter without loom is truly fascinating and impressive. She is sometimes quite unexpected and I like that about her. There's also Erik and Jost, the love interests although Adelice leans more to Jost. Erik's cool, he's not that awesome for me but Jost is definitely suitable for Adelice. I like his character and sometimes I feel sad for him since he's a valet, unlike Erik who has a higher position. We also have the Creweler, Loricel, the most powerful female in the Guild, Enora (Adelice's mentor) and Cormac Patton (Guild Ambassador). I really hate Cormac. He's such an arrogant guy who thinks that he deserves to do anything he wants because he has power. But overall, the characters are all enjoyable to read about!

Overall:
Can you imagine having the ability to weave time and matter? Crewel introduces you to a new dystopian world with a creative and fascinating concept behind the story. Even though this book seems like quite a typical dystopian, the highly intriguing concept of Spinsters and the world of Crewel itself overshadows my problems with the book. If you love dystopian with a touch of something magical and fascinating, then this is the book for you!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Crewel!

Thank you Allen & Unwin for the review copy!