Reviews

I was absolutely positive that I was done with Young Adult books, but this seems to have thrown a spanner in the works!

Such an imaginative world, I love the idea that it’s hinted to be a dystopian future of our world right now, clearly based in Greece and with amazing hints to other countries and their ancient belief systems.

The story, although its basis is just a murder mystery, takes some wonderful twists and turns which keeps you engaged and enthralled.

aerussom_25's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.0

I love the concept of this book and the characters overall. The pacing toward the end of the book threw me off, but still really enjoyable.

tatertotlady's review against another edition

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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

3.5

alsiereads's review against another edition

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3.75

Pacing was a little strange but the magic system was so cool, the prose was great, didn’t feel super connected to the characters but did end up liking the romance a lot

crothe77's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Threads that Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou is a YA contemporary fantasy first person POV reimagining of Greek mythology set after a great disaster sank most of the world. Io Ora is one of three sisters and a moira-born, a descendant of the three Fates and has the power to cut threads of fate, destroying feelings of affection. When Io meets Eide, the man who she is fate-bound to while investigating the murder of multiple young women, she’s torn between doing what’s best for her city and the other-born and getting closer to Edei.

When I first heard about this, I was really excited. A Greek myth reimagining from a Greek author with elements of a post-apocalyptic world and an investigator MC who can see fate threads is pretty irresistible. As a long-time fan of Greek mythology, I knew I had to read it and it did not disappoint.

The slowburn romance between Edei and Io is subtle and doesn't take up a lot of page time, but it is ever-present. Io is aware that he's out there but holds herself back from making any moves once she learns he has a girlfriend. She has other loves, such as pastries at one bakery in her city, but her curiosity never goes away and she does everything she can to not cross paths with Edei. And when she does, it's everything she can do to keep the truth of their connection inside as they become comfortable with each other. And it's so cute. I loved it when Edei tried to be funny for her and Io didn't laugh because she wasn't expecting a pun.

The worldbuilding uses allegory and real world terminology to discuss immigration in the wake of climate change, class struggles, xenophobia, and racism. The other-born are treated as Other, with fear and hatred directed at them to the point that they must be registered and have limitations placed on them by the government and what opportunities they can have. It goes further with Io calling out anti-immigration and classist sentiment in a way that feels very current and needed as fascism continues to rise in many countries.

I really liked how the threads Io can see are not all necessarily romantic, but include familial bonds, threads connecting someone to a place they maybe weren't born in but were met to be, and more. The magic system is very cool, unique to different descendants of different gods (such as the Nine, descendants of the muses, constantly inspiring artists that they patron) and focuses on the members of the Pantheon that don't get as much attention.

I would recommend this to readers of Greek mythology retellings, fans of YA fantasy with a mystery angle, and those looking to support a Greek author in the wave of Greek myth retellings.

erinoceros's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring tense 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

4.5

nhussain's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

borodelo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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

4.75

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