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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
I think the idea is so fun and interesting but the book was cluttered with lore drops that didn't always add up and a slow plot for something that should be intense. A longer page count is not always worth it. The idea was there, the vibes were not.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
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:
No
If you are looking for a book with a unique magic system, greek mythology, found family, secrets, sisterhood, and betrayal look no further. This fast paced immersive fantasy is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Maggie Stiefvater.
An independent, strong FMC who balances her desires and wants against what she feels she must do for her sisters and her home. Political intrigue paired with a slow burn, fated soulmate subplot.
An independent, strong FMC who balances her desires and wants against what she feels she must do for her sisters and her home. Political intrigue paired with a slow burn, fated soulmate subplot.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Yes
I loved this book! It was a unique storyline but based enough on Greek mythology that it was easy to make connections. It was easy to fall into this world and connect with the characters. I was reminded a little of the Diviners series (which I really liked) in the fast pace, character relationships, and great dialogue. Can’t wait for the sequel to come out!
Percy Jackson meets Red Queen in this thrilling mystery inspired by Greek Mythology.
This was a really interesting read. I loved the Greek Mythology aspects, which gave it almost a dystopian feel. Io reminded me of Mare from Red Queen, which gave this story a very nostalgic fantasy sort of vibe, which worked well with the Percy Jackson style writing.
I think that the beginning dragged on a little bit, which is to be expected, however I had to put it down multiple times because there was a lot of information in very few pages. Combined with the introduction to the world, it was a tad overwhelming, and almost a DNF. I’m glad I pushed through because it was amazing.
I don’t particularly like the ‘fated mates’ trope, but I think it worked well here. The slowburn/coming to terms of Io and Edei’s relationship was done very well, and I really liked how it came together. The relationship was so cute, and I loved seeing them grow together.
The characters are well-written, and don’t seem to lack personal bias, which is something that I find doesn’t happen in teen mystery/thriller books as much as it should. I also think Io has quite a few character arcs that help her to learn more about herself, which is refreshing to see. Being the quick-thinking thread cutter who won’t hesitate to use her gift who doesn’t always see the consequences, it made a huge impact when she realized someone close to her faced a devastating loss because of her decision, which added a lot to her character. The diversity of the characters was also well done, and didn’t feel like they were added to hit a quota.
I liked the ending, but I think it would’ve made a bit more sense to end the book earlier. The big reveal was intense, and changed everyone’s lives, but then we had more stuff happen, which took away from the twist ending. I felt as though it fell a bit flat after, but there are a few things I want to know more about, and I can’t wait for the second book.
I think this would appeal to fans looking for the wit and sarcasm of Percy Jackson and the fantasy/dystopian world of Red Queen. Overall, it was a very interesting read, and I look forward to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Razorbill, and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Io is one of three sisters who descend from the fates. Each sister has the ability to see threads that connect people to love and life. Using her powers Io works as a private detective in the slums of the city of Alante. A case brings her toe to toe with a woman with a frayed life thread. She's thrust into they mystery of these wraiths sent by someone to kill in the name of "justice". Alongside Edei, the boy who is connected to Io by the thread of fate, she must find out who is behind the wraiths before chaos breaks out in the city.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Be forewarned, there is heavy worldbuilding filled with lots of moving parts. It took me a while to get a hang of everything but I found it unique, especially compared with other YA books inspired by Greek mythology. Io is an interesting protagonist who walks the line between good and evil throughout the novel. Themes of justice, retribution, and inequality are discussed in shades of gray, without a straightforward conclusion to what is right.
A couple of nitpicky things that bugged me:
- Bianca, the mob boss has the strict rules of "no guns, no leeches, no paramours" for her gang, which is mentioned multiple times. Yet both Bianca and her subordinate, Edei, both have romantic partners. This is never addressed.
- Everything happens so quickly! The book only takes place over like three or four days. It makes for an exciting reading experience, but I feel like the building relationships, especially between Io and Edei were rushed. I like them together, but it didn't feel like they had earned the romantic payoff yet.
I'm curious enough to follow up with the sequel when it is published. I hope that Io going out into the wider world will open up the story to other mythologies that have been hinted at in the worldbuilding already.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Be forewarned, there is heavy worldbuilding filled with lots of moving parts. It took me a while to get a hang of everything but I found it unique, especially compared with other YA books inspired by Greek mythology. Io is an interesting protagonist who walks the line between good and evil throughout the novel. Themes of justice, retribution, and inequality are discussed in shades of gray, without a straightforward conclusion to what is right.
A couple of nitpicky things that bugged me:
- Bianca, the mob boss has the strict rules of "no guns, no leeches, no paramours" for her gang, which is mentioned multiple times. Yet both Bianca and her subordinate, Edei, both have romantic partners. This is never addressed.
- Everything happens so quickly! The book only takes place over like three or four days. It makes for an exciting reading experience, but I feel like the building relationships, especially between Io and Edei were rushed. I like them together, but it didn't feel like they had earned the romantic payoff yet.
I'm curious enough to follow up with the sequel when it is published. I hope that Io going out into the wider world will open up the story to other mythologies that have been hinted at in the worldbuilding already.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Xenophobia, Murder