Reviews with content warning for Transphobia - Threads That Bind

Reviews tagging 'Transphobia'

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou

6 reviews

mattiedancer's review against another edition

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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

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beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The first thing I have to say is that I might have enjoyed this more if I had taken notes. Because the world-building was some of the most creative and clever I have seen in a very long while - the idea of the other-born, the city-states, and the film-noir aesthetic were all really convincing, and just really cool overall. At the same time, though, I felt like author Kika Hatzopolou overcomplicated things (and when it was overcomplicated, it was underexplained).

The plotting was overall very good, but I think it did get bogged down in too many twists towards the end, making it confusing. I didn't really grow to care for the characters, which is a problem because I then subsequently couldn't really care what happened to them.

Overall, the good plotting and creative worldbuilding couldn't cover all the problems I felt this novel had. Which is a shame, because there was a good story in here.

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paracosim's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This might be the best book I’ve read this year. I was obsessed from start to finish, completely drawn in by the amazing worldbuilding and setting, then by the characters and their relationships with each other. And what relationships there are. There is little to no romance in this book—though I’m expecting it in book two—and it gave all the other relationships time to shine in its absence. The history between the three sisters was especially intriguing. And the diversity of the cast! There are nonbinary characters, Jewish characters, a trans woman who plays a major part in the plot, lesbians and bisexuals, and much more. So much more. And none of it felt shoehorned in or awkwardly placed, the way it does sometimes—like the author was just trying to check down a list. It felt so natural and normal. This is a book I’ve been recommending to anyone who will listen, and one that will haunt me for a long time.

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thedisabledreader's review against another edition

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Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious 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? Yes

4.0

This is Greek mythology done a bit differently than it usually is in YA, with lots of twists and turns and interesting family dynamics. It's a fantasy with a mystery twist, as Io tries to figure out what's going on with the mysterious deaths in her part of town. As a kind of private investigator, she digs deeper into what's going on, but is surprised by what she finds.

The world building in this is so intricate and fascinating to me, built on Greek myths with different families populating the city. You always run the risk when you have a really interesting world that the characters might get lost, but that definitely didn't happen here, either. Io has a complex background with her sisters, which all gets unraveled throughout the novel. Plus, she gets paired with the boy, Edei, who is supposed to be her soulmate.

Of course, we end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so hopefully it isn't too long before the next book comes out!

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marywahlmeierbracciano's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

In a semi-futuristic climate dystopia where descendants of Greek Gods inherit their powers, Io is one of three sisters—descendants of the Fates. The fact that she can see the threads that connect people to those they love—and cut the ties, if she chooses—makes her an excellent private investigator. Her latest case, however, lands her working with someone she’s been avoiding for years, a mobster to whom she’s bound by fate. As they search for the source of a string of unsettling murders, Io and Edei must also reexamine the meaning of equity, justice, and loyalty. This heart-pounding, tightly-woven mystery features a very diverse cast, anxiety representation, and a slow burn love story. I need a sequel now!

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