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everlymayreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Genocide, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Deadnaming and Death of parent
creolelitbelle's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A world of people descended from the Greek gods with powers of them sounded so intriguing. I do wish a chart was included with a book making each otherborn, the god they come from, and their powers. As it was, I tabbed so much of that information in the book.
Events of the novel all occurred over the course of only a few days, which feels jarring considering all that happened. Io deals with her family drama and fate thread all while trying to solve the murders of people from the Silts, her home. I love how diverse the powers and characters are, but more communication between sisters and others could positively serve the story with still propelling the plot forward. Bianca is a fascinating...antagonist? Rival? Ally? I'm very curious to see how dynamics between various characters play out in book two.
Events of the novel all occurred over the course of only a few days, which feels jarring considering all that happened. Io deals with her family drama and fate thread all while trying to solve the murders of people from the Silts, her home. I love how diverse the powers and characters are, but more communication between sisters and others could positively serve the story with still propelling the plot forward. Bianca is a fascinating...antagonist? Rival? Ally? I'm very curious to see how dynamics between various characters play out in book two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Racism, Violence, Blood, Gaslighting, War, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent
nikki_flowers's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Racism, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Deadnaming, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, and Death of parent
ska1224's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
love this book sm the world building. the characters. the narration in the audiobook is some of the best i've heard. lov this sm
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Medical content, and Murder
Minor: Deadnaming and Abortion
beucleral's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, and War
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Slavery
eeyores_flowers's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
daniellestarredpages's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I immediately fell in love with this book. The writing drew me in and Io's perspective and Io herself as a character were so interesting. I loved the relationship between Io and Ava, the love that was very obvious between them. The fact that Io very obviously felt an extreme amount of love for Ava but also showed extreme frustration with her behaviours felt very realistic. That brings me to Thais and Io's relationship. I loved how Io's thoughts on Thais were written, the fact that she realised that Thais was nothing short of a bully to her and felt a version of hatred towards her but she also still held love for her as her (Io's) older sister added quite a bit to both the story and Io's character.
I also loved Edei and Io's relationship. The fact that the relationship could've turned out to be unbalanced and toxic based on the fact that I could see the fate thread and Edei couldn't, but instead Kika Hatzopoulou did a wonderful job of taking what could've possibly been a a negative element for the book and made it something overwhelmingly positive (at least in my opinion). Hatzopoulou made it so that this dynamic weighed heavily on Io, wove it into the dynamic between Io and Thais as well as added the tension of Io trying her hardest not to fall for Edei but failing over and over again. Also, I loved Edei as a character so, so much.
Finally the world-building and magic system. I loved it so much. I honestly have no negative thoughts. The take on Greek Mythology and the glimpse we see of other myths and beliefs that will possibly be showcased more in the next book? I loved it. The explanations of powers and scenes where Io used hers were quite interesting and kept me gripped. The world that Hatzopoulou built felt very real (not realistic obviously) and I'm quite interested to learn more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I also loved Edei and Io's relationship. The fact that the relationship could've turned out to be unbalanced and toxic based on the fact that I could see the fate thread and Edei couldn't, but instead Kika Hatzopoulou did a wonderful job of taking what could've possibly been a a negative element for the book and made it something overwhelmingly positive (at least in my opinion). Hatzopoulou made it so that this dynamic weighed heavily on Io, wove it into the dynamic between Io and Thais as well as added the tension of Io trying her hardest not to fall for Edei but failing over and over again. Also, I loved Edei as a character so, so much.
Finally the world-building and magic system. I loved it so much. I honestly have no negative thoughts. The take on Greek Mythology and the glimpse we see of other myths and beliefs that will possibly be showcased more in the next book? I loved it. The explanations of powers and scenes where Io used hers were quite interesting and kept me gripped. The world that Hatzopoulou built felt very real (not realistic obviously) and I'm quite interested to learn more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Addiction and Alcohol
mattiedancer's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Writing: 4.25⭐️/5
The writing shone in certain sections. I particularly loved the way Hatzopoulou described and wrote about the threads. I also thought she commanded good control of her language while describing action and combat, leaving the actions clear. A few sections of the novel fell victim to a bit of a rushed feeling, but most of it was paced well with good control.
Characters: 4.25⭐️/5
I really loved Io. She maintained her strength without paying to the conventions of the “strong badass female protagonist.” I liked that she fought against her sister’s description and prescriptions of her and paved her own path. And, I really loved her reaction to her fate string. I loved how she kept her secret to herself and how both characters eventually gave into the determination of the string. Honestly, the characters were just deeply written and still fun to read about.
Plot: 4.25⭐️/5
Ah, a world in which fates are reborn and the threads that bind us remain visible to some. I loved it deeply, especially as it wove into a mystery novel, with Io and Edei investigating together in a world where magic and myths come to life. I think the end was a bit rushed, and the cliffhanger did feel a bit sudden, a bit forced, but overall, it was lots of fun to read.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of young adult fantasy
- Readers looking for a fantasy read with mystery vibes
- Readers looking for a solid book in a fantasy world
- Fans of Greek mythology reimaginings
Content Warnings?
- Death, murder, genocide, war, blood, gore, grief, gaslighting, emotional abuse, animal cruelty, violence, injury, injury detail, death of parent, confinement, transphobia,
Post-Reading Rating: 5⭐️/5
Would read the next one.
Final Rating: 4.25⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
bibliomania_express's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Threads that Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou is a young adult fantasy with a touch of romance where a girl descended from the Fates must solve a murder that leads to secrets from the past - and a revelation that will change everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Io is a complicated character, with a determination to bring about justice even as fears and secrets from her past hold her back. Yes, the fate-thread tomance is a bit contrived, but I think Hatzopoulou handled it in a nuanced way.
The worldbuilding was very interesting, with the flooded city of Alante and the clear class differences between different areas. I also loved that it isn't just Greek mythology - Hatzopoulou plays with the correlations between gods of different ancient religions.
This book is about power and corruption, prejudice and justice, but most importantly about love and cycles of abuse. Io and her sisters have a complicated relationship, and it's central to how the book unfolds. I thought the whole concept of the threads and that they lead to things you love was interesting.
Overall, I thought this book was great. It had a twisty mystery, interesting worldbuilding, and characters I cared about. I'm excited to read the sequel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Io is a complicated character, with a determination to bring about justice even as fears and secrets from her past hold her back. Yes, the fate-thread tomance is a bit contrived, but I think Hatzopoulou handled it in a nuanced way.
The worldbuilding was very interesting, with the flooded city of Alante and the clear class differences between different areas. I also loved that it isn't just Greek mythology - Hatzopoulou plays with the correlations between gods of different ancient religions.
This book is about power and corruption, prejudice and justice, but most importantly about love and cycles of abuse. Io and her sisters have a complicated relationship, and it's central to how the book unfolds. I thought the whole concept of the threads and that they lead to things you love was interesting.
Overall, I thought this book was great. It had a twisty mystery, interesting worldbuilding, and characters I cared about. I'm excited to read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, and War
Moderate: Genocide, Police brutality, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
ninahuynh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
As a lover of Greek mythology and mystery, this book hit the spot! There was a lot of action and powers and mythological jargon. I personally would have appreciated a glossary ormap or some sort for all the different types of born-powers and born-families. Espciallly with how there are different terms for the same type of born based on the region/nation.
The romance between Io and Edei could use some more development; I hope to see more of that in the next book. Thais urks me in how she manipulates sisterhood; I hope Ava grows more into herself and stands up to Thais. Excited to see how the fight continues in the next book!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment