A review by rapraa
These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Welcome to a masterclass in writing a book where absolutely nothing happens.

On one hand, you have Kamran doing absolutely nothing to prevent his kingdom from being taken away from him ft. Hazan (the best character in this whole damn book), im-12-but-somehow-a-minister Omid and the most vapid side character I've ever read, Ms. Huda. On the other hand, you have a pseudo-rom com between Cyrus and Alizeh, where we watch in great detail how they go from enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-of-circumstance-who-like-each-other-but-won't-act-on-it within the span of twenty four hours. Because this book takes place over the course of like a day. I'm not kidding. And yes, I am a sucker for the tragic Rhysand-esque character that is Cyrus, the troubled king who is being tortured by the Devil and has been DREAMING OF ALIZEH FOR MONTHS (eh hem, starry night dresser). I was enthralled with the flower field scene, chomping at the bit as Cyrus called her angel and declared basically his undying devotion to her. Their little call-backs, their heated stares? Loved it all. But guys, it's been a day. Literally, she was making out with Kamran the day of the ball...aka YESTERDAY. I am just flabbergasted at how this book was chosen to be paced. It should not take 7 chapters to cover essentially one long conversation, no matter how sexy that conversation may be. I found myself just skimming through Kamran's sections because it's clear that Cyrus has jumped into the chat and become end-game for her. Alizeh continues to be just about the most pick-me, passive FMC alive (seriously, you've never had BREAD???), but somehow everyone is tripping over themselves for her

. I could have taken the things in this book and covered it in maybe like 50 pages. max. I don't know how long she's planning on stretching this series out, but it feels like at this rate, it'll take 10 books before we even get to the freaking Arya mountains everyone keeps mentioning.