Full version of review for RT Magazine: March 2012 edition 
 4 1/2 Stars! 
 The author spins an action-packed story of intrigue and betrayal, with an endearing romance at it's heart. I adore a good marriage of convenience tale that ultimately turns into much more - and this one is exceptional. The dialogue is strong, the storyline compelling, and the prose artful. I nearly devoured this book in a single sitting, I was so hesitant to put it down once I'd been caught in it's web. 
 The fantasy world setting is vaguely familiar in a brutal, medieval sort of way, but still satisfyingly foreign. I found the idea of humans with spider-like characteristics to be both original and fascinating. And the concept, along with the culture, was handled with elegance. Though I craved a bit more physical description initially to help immerse myself and distinguish between characters, the detraction was minimal. (It's also possible I was just being greedy.) 
 Lourdes is competent and relatable heroine, in spite of circumstances, counterbalanced by a keen hero I was happy to root for. I was also pleased to see the author juggle a number of children/adolescent side-characters, and volatile sibling relationships,with a deft authenticity. If this book heralds a series, I will happily be keeping an eye out for the next one.