Web of Wind

Silverglass #2

by J.F. Rivkin

Riddles, Treasure, and Sorcery

"Here is a web to catch the wind
And a loom to weave a lay.
Riddles play on words, my friend--
Play on these and play you may."

This simple riddle was the clue that started the sword-for-hire Corson and her sorceress companion, the Lady Nyctasia, on a hunt for the greatest treasure ever hidden.

But this long-abandoned treasure is the hoard of the dread Cymvelan Circle, whose scattered members are coming together again to claim what is theirs...

Genres: Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, LGBT, Lesbian

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1987

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I can certainly say that I enjoyed this one as it unfurled at a nice, leisurely pace. Far from action oriented, it is the setting and the interaction of the main characters that really drive this one along, or amble it along as the case may be. But the familiarity and banter of the characters make it entertaining and easy to relax into and, as this relationship is central to its enjoyment, I really think this would be best read and appreciated as a sequel to Silverglass instead of as an introduction to the pair.

I do have the remaining novels in the series, and will definitely be reading them.

[charlotte, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rep: bi mcs

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's more restrained than the cover suggests, especially since it is primarily a mystery-slash-treasure hunt taking place in a vineyard, with plenty of fruit-mashing and other bucolic pursuits. I haven't read the first or third of the series to know, but it feels like a recuperative pause between the stories.

I came out of it rather pleased with both its limited scale of conflict and with the way that the protagonists interact and relate to their circumstances. It's by no means action-packed.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sequel to Silverglass. Not quite as good, I didn't think, but still interesting reading. I have more in the series and will eventually read them.

[Mehmet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book surprised me, as it was not as action orientated as the cover seems to show. It is still continuing on from the first book, more about relationships and the interaction that two friends from totally different backgrounds forge together out of hardship. The story is quite slow, I enjoyed it although I am still surprised by how easily the characters jump in and out of bed, but still find time to love their main partners. I do recommend this series and feel that the novels were attempting to subvert the gender stereotypes, this makes the books somewhat unique. Fantasy, sword and sorcery can be a Conservative genre but in a the hands of a good author if can also be thoughtful and provoking.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good sequel to Silverglass but not up to the standard of the original - too little action and too much padding. Still goo to see a fantasy with women taking the lead for a change
Hopefully this is "second book syndrome" and the story will pick up again in #3

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really the best thing about these books are the covers. Sword and Sorcery with little sword or sorcery. The two main characters have great potential but the lack of action or story is killing all interest.

[grosbeak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great descriptions of ruins and archaeology adventures, and it’s so nice when a cheesy sword and sorcery novel casually gets book history right.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

How does book 2 in a series already feel like a side adventure epilogue? No idea, but it was nice anyway. These plots are slow and nothing too special but I still feel fond of them for what they are.

[Robert Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to the excellent "Silverglass" takes a departure from the usual action-packed sword and sorcery formula. Instead of high-intensity swashbuckling, swordplay, and escapes, like those of Silverglass, "Web to Catch Wind" is more like a vacation. Corson and Nyctasia resolve to track down Nyctasia's long-lost Edonaris relatives, and the journey and subsequent time spent at the Edonaris estate is more sedate and pastoral rather than adventurous. However, there is an old mystery to be solved, a haunted ruin to explore, and magic is at work, and there are several situations where Corson has to unsheathe her sword to take care of some bloody business while Nyc has to call on eldritch powers to resolve situations beyond the physical realm. Intertwined with the action, however, are also scenes of things like wine-making, and swimming by the lake, and restful moments where Corson and Nyc contemplate their lives to this point, where they belong, where they're going, and if they're going there together or if it's time to say farewell.

The concept of the "cozy fantasy" has appeared in the last few years, and I searched the internet for a definition, and this is what I found from someone named Krystal N. Craiker: "Cozy fantasy is a term used to describe lighter fantasy fiction that focuses on warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging." This aptly describes most of "A Web to Catch the Wind", despite the fact that it was written back in 1987! Either the two authors who comprise J. F. Rivkin were way ahead of their time, or this type of approach to epic fantasy just hadn't been labeled yet.

The lighter tone actually works for me from a narrative perspective. The authors have painstakingly crafted a scenario that gives the two main characters something dear to lose when the novel reaches the endgame, which like Silverglass, takes traditional fantasy tropes and clarifies them, skews them, and gives them a little more verisimilitude. I won't use a modern day buzzword like "subvert", which implies sabotage and malignance and isn't what J.F. Rivkin is doing; a better word would be "enhance". Making these tropes a little more detailed and a little more interesting. Rivkin's approach to epic fantasy is fresh, original, clever and makes a whole lot of sense, and they did it 35 years ago! I highly recommend this novel and can't wait to see where the next one goes. Or, well, went, I guess. Book 3 was written in 1989.

[Kalem Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Web of Wind” follows the continuing adventures of Corson and Nyc as they flee their pursuers. Along the way, they discover clues to a potential treasure and search for riches as they each search for a new home, Corson struggling to return to her true love although it means quieting her restless spirit and Nyc searching for a new home amongst distant kin. Unlike the first book which emphasized political intrigue, sex, and action, “Web of Wind” challenges the leads to unravel the secrets of a now-destroyed and scattered sect. The tone is quite a departure and can feel almost like a side-story at times. Relationship building between the female leads takes center stage as they have moments to pause and breathe and connect. “Web of Wind” carries the torch from its predecessor capably and proves Rifkin isn’t a singular talent but a skilled weaver of stories.

[Leila Anani · Rating 2 out of 5]

So-so sequel, reunites barbarian swordswoman Corson with sorceress Nyctasia on a quest for hidden treasure on the estate of an offshoot of Nyc's family. Less adventure here and swordfighting than the first book, and the plot is a bit dull. I found it a bit unbelievable that all the characters are bisexual. A couple of Nyc's cousins are twins and as soon as they arrive on the estate, Corson's in bed with the brother and Nyc with the sister (who could be her own twin sister, they look so similar). Didn't feel an emotial bond growing between our two leading ladies, all they seem to do is bicker. Still a light, fun enough read, although there's far better out there.