mlottermoser's review against another edition
4.0
Safiya has a special relationship with her thread sister Isuelt. They always help each other out of scrapes using their magic. Until one day they run into a Blood Witch. Forced to run they must use all their skills to stay ahead of him and the armies pursuing them.
I liked the character dynamics and the new system of magic. I look forward to reading the second book.
I liked the character dynamics and the new system of magic. I look forward to reading the second book.
arshey's review against another edition
4.0
After the third time rating this book, I realized I liked it more than I thought.
I guess one of the main reasons was that I didn't like Merik and Safi compares to other characters. But, now I realized how selfless Merik can be and now I am questioning my previous judgment. Safi's witchery is intriguing and I wish it develops as the series progresses.
I guess one of the main reasons was that I didn't like Merik and Safi compares to other characters. But, now I realized how selfless Merik can be and now I am questioning my previous judgment. Safi's witchery is intriguing and I wish it develops as the series progresses.
magpie4's review against another edition
2.0
The book seemed really interesting and something that I would enjoy. There was so much hype and it didn’t come through.
Safiya was so self centered and never though about her actions and how it effected anyone. She was so cocky, even when it was pointless, and that just made her seem stupid. Iseult was the one character I liked, but she always has to be the one to save Safi from her own stupidity and I don’t know why she still tries. I didn’t like the romance, it felt to insta lovey, but I though it was nice that a book ( especially YA) centered around friendship. Aeduan was a horrible antagonist. The author tired to make him complex, which is good, but it just failed. It just never felt like there was a real threat.
The world building for me was just really confusing for me. The magic system is a really cool concept, but was not written well. Nothing is explained. For being able to tell truth form lie, Safi gets deceived a lot, which doesn’t make sense to me. Iseult’s powers are also really confusing and I feel like they aren’t explained properly. What the heck are threads?! After reading the whole book nothing makes sense.
Overall, I just really didn’t like the book.
Safiya was so self centered and never though about her actions and how it effected anyone. She was so cocky, even when it was pointless, and that just made her seem stupid. Iseult was the one character I liked, but she always has to be the one to save Safi from her own stupidity and I don’t know why she still tries. I didn’t like the romance, it felt to insta lovey, but I though it was nice that a book ( especially YA) centered around friendship. Aeduan was a horrible antagonist. The author tired to make him complex, which is good, but it just failed. It just never felt like there was a real threat.
The world building for me was just really confusing for me. The magic system is a really cool concept, but was not written well. Nothing is explained. For being able to tell truth form lie, Safi gets deceived a lot, which doesn’t make sense to me. Iseult’s powers are also really confusing and I feel like they aren’t explained properly. What the heck are threads?! After reading the whole book nothing makes sense.
Overall, I just really didn’t like the book.
kspear22's review against another edition
1.0
Gosh. This was a huge letdown for me. I mean, THE HYPE around this book has been insane for MONTHS. And it was one of the most wanted ARCs since summer.
I'm bummed it didn't work out for me.
Dennard can write - there's no question about that. But she's not a storyteller, if that makes sense. There's no real world building here. Terms and words are just thrown at you, and you're expected to understand what the hell they all mean. Maybe it's just me, but I was lost for the beginning chapters. I mean, I still don't "get" what a Threadsister even is. Lol
I just found myself bored. The first chapter started out with a bang! I thought that was a good sign. However, things immediately slowed down. And there are chapter and chapters of nothing. Just loads of things being spoken about. I know people say a Truthwitch is the greatest power, but I'm like, "This Bloodwitch things seems way more useful. Especially if the Truthwitch can be tricked."
The romance? I wasn't feeling it. For a really long time. I knew it was supposed to be there, but yeah...
The thing/character I loved, though --- Iseult. She's a raging bad ass! For real. I enjoyed her friendship with Safi, but honestly, I'd rather have read some kind of magical book with HER as the sole lead.
I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series. I do think Dennard can write the hell out of books, but she needs to be better at TELLING the story. Sometimes, less description and inner monologue works best. And when you're introducing readers into a new world, it's sort of important to clearly identify each group/type to avoid confusion. As readers, we just know what we are being told in the book. She's the creator who knows all. I would've just liked a better idea of things.
I'm bummed it didn't work out for me.
Dennard can write - there's no question about that. But she's not a storyteller, if that makes sense. There's no real world building here. Terms and words are just thrown at you, and you're expected to understand what the hell they all mean. Maybe it's just me, but I was lost for the beginning chapters. I mean, I still don't "get" what a Threadsister even is. Lol
I just found myself bored. The first chapter started out with a bang! I thought that was a good sign. However, things immediately slowed down. And there are chapter and chapters of nothing. Just loads of things being spoken about. I know people say a Truthwitch is the greatest power, but I'm like, "This Bloodwitch things seems way more useful. Especially if the Truthwitch can be tricked."
The romance? I wasn't feeling it. For a really long time. I knew it was supposed to be there, but yeah...
The thing/character I loved, though --- Iseult. She's a raging bad ass! For real. I enjoyed her friendship with Safi, but honestly, I'd rather have read some kind of magical book with HER as the sole lead.
I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series. I do think Dennard can write the hell out of books, but she needs to be better at TELLING the story. Sometimes, less description and inner monologue works best. And when you're introducing readers into a new world, it's sort of important to clearly identify each group/type to avoid confusion. As readers, we just know what we are being told in the book. She's the creator who knows all. I would've just liked a better idea of things.
kammigurl423's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
daylilylady5's review against another edition
4.0
A great way to start the year - everything good I'd heard about this book was true. Cool side fact - apparently Dennard and Sarah J Maas (one of my all time favourite authors) are best friends. That is very cool - imagine your best mate being your proof reader and vice versa.
Friendship is a strong theme in this book, and I love that the two female leads are equally strong, equally powerful and get shared focus. It's a different style from one traditional hero or a George R R Martin type of collecting multiple characters together to tell a story. Safi and Iseult are one story, twined together. They are supported by an intriguing array of characters and this book is clearly a set up part for a bigger longer saga, that being said, there were no huge cliffhanger endings, a satisfying enough resolution for the book was provided while still clearly leading on to another story and definitely leaving me wanting more. There could be multiple bad guys here... we don't yet know who to hate the most, but also the promise of conflicted heros who may eventually come good. There's also (slightly predictable but no less enjoyable) intense chemistry between two main characters, it's a sparks at first sight type thing. Ultimately I have to say not much happens in the book, since as I said it's clearly part of a longer story, and the events of the book are a set up for whatever is about to come, but I seriously enjoyed this book and found myself flying through it way faster than I expected (almost like a wind-witch was ushering me on - pardon the lame joke). While I'd say this is aimed at a YA fantasy niche, it's definitely not something that's exclusive to teens, since the characters are given a bit of maturity and the classic fantasy epic nature I think appeals to all ages. A solid four stars with potential for a five star series here... no excuse me while I go hunt down the next book.
Friendship is a strong theme in this book, and I love that the two female leads are equally strong, equally powerful and get shared focus. It's a different style from one traditional hero or a George R R Martin type of collecting multiple characters together to tell a story. Safi and Iseult are one story, twined together. They are supported by an intriguing array of characters and this book is clearly a set up part for a bigger longer saga, that being said, there were no huge cliffhanger endings, a satisfying enough resolution for the book was provided while still clearly leading on to another story and definitely leaving me wanting more. There could be multiple bad guys here... we don't yet know who to hate the most, but also the promise of conflicted heros who may eventually come good. There's also (slightly predictable but no less enjoyable) intense chemistry between two main characters, it's a sparks at first sight type thing. Ultimately I have to say not much happens in the book, since as I said it's clearly part of a longer story, and the events of the book are a set up for whatever is about to come, but I seriously enjoyed this book and found myself flying through it way faster than I expected (almost like a wind-witch was ushering me on - pardon the lame joke). While I'd say this is aimed at a YA fantasy niche, it's definitely not something that's exclusive to teens, since the characters are given a bit of maturity and the classic fantasy epic nature I think appeals to all ages. A solid four stars with potential for a five star series here... no excuse me while I go hunt down the next book.
spiritedstardust's review against another edition
4.0
It was difficult to understand what was happening at times and I didn't really care for some of the main characters- what kept me reading were the characters ISEULT and AEDUAN so i will probably continue to learn more about them.
kirstysbookishworld's review against another edition
4.0
The plot of this book is nothing new. It’s not anything I don’t see coming. But I still really enjoyed it. The way these girls are weaved together. The way they’re both so different and yet so similar. It reminds me of my own relationship with my sister.
DA book club pick. I’m glad I read this, even if I am frustrated at the amount of open series I currently have
DA book club pick. I’m glad I read this, even if I am frustrated at the amount of open series I currently have
lautir's review against another edition
4.0
Simple fantasy world premise? yes. Basic boy meets girl story line? yes. Stereotypical hot headed leading lady? yes.
But it doesn't really matter because this book is still very fun. It's light, it's fast paced, it's got some creative magical abilities and sea battles. Nearly everything I could ask for from a YA novel.
It ended exactly as I expected and I don't even care because I it was still a very enjoyable read from beginning to end and I look forward to picking up the next in the series.
But it doesn't really matter because this book is still very fun. It's light, it's fast paced, it's got some creative magical abilities and sea battles. Nearly everything I could ask for from a YA novel.
It ended exactly as I expected and I don't even care because I it was still a very enjoyable read from beginning to end and I look forward to picking up the next in the series.
saphieg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? No
3.75
Loved steamy tension 🌶️🌶️