Weaver's Web by JT Patten | Book Review
A riveting rollercoaster that proves once again that JT Patten is a master of his craft.
Synopsis
An archaeologist losing her mind. A daughter grasping for truth. A buried evil that feeds on the forgotten.
Dr. Ellie Bennett was once at the peak of her field—until early-onset Alzheimer’s began unraveling her memory. But when she uncovers a forgotten Viking burial site in Newfoundland, she doesn’t just awaken history… she awakens Skuggr Valdr—the Shadow Ruler, an ancient entity that preys on minds caught between life and death.
As hallucinations, memory lapses, and violence grip her archaeological team, Ellie’s daughter Sarah is pulled into a chilling race against time. Together, they must navigate Norse myth, ancient ritual, and the dark world of Skuggarheimr, where the fading live in limbo and Skuggr Valdr reigns.
But in a memory care home filled with others slipping away, Ellie may hold the final key. To stop the darkness, she’ll have to surrender the last pieces of herself… before the past becomes the future, and no mind is safe.
My Review
If you've followed me for any time, you know that I'm a big fan of JT Patten and his body of work. Weaver's Web is no exception.
The story starts deceptively mundane though tragic. We're introduced to the main character at a doctor's appointment, where she and her doctor are discussing the progression of her Alzheimer's. He puts her through the normal measuring standards, like drawing a clock, writing a sentence and remembering three words, and those three words opens the door to the rest of the story.
I particularly love how Mr. Patten further introduces us to Ellie's chosen path, archeology, as well as her team without any of them or their relationships turning into any expected trope. They are each their own person holding specific places in Ellie's life. He also carves out a relatable and real character in her daughter, Sarah.
Through Ellie's eyes and in no small part, Sarah's experience, the plot is dug up, both figurative and literal, while intertwined with every part of this story. We follow Ellie's journey from the unexpected confusion of her archaeological dig to its relation to her mental degradation.
Along the way, each twist and turn pulled me into the story, deeper and deeper. His creation gained my investment, and even better, I had no clue where this was going, at least not specifically. He doesn't overly complicate the science of her infliction or the historical notes of archeology, instead making them part of the story without pulling me out or jarring my suspended belief.
And his antagonist? Perfection.
I felt for his characters, especially Sarah, finding myself gasping at her realizations, saying aloud that she should be careful as she slides down the rabbit hole her mother had carved out. I cheered her and her mother on, and held my breath, as the tension escalated.
If you love paranormal thrillers, as you know I do, then you should pick this up and read it tonight. This fast-paced read will not disappoint, and if I'm honest, I know I'm going to read it again.
Bravo, JT Patten.
Read more of my reviews here.
I was giving this book for free in exchange for an honest review through Reedsy where I routinely read and review books. If you have a book on Reedsy that you’d like reviewed, you can request me. I only read paranormal, thrillers, horror and suspense.
Sounds like a fun read! Do you have any critiques, or would you say it's an all-around good book?