A review by elaichipod
These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi

adventurous emotional 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

4.75

I'm only midway through the book as I'm writing this, but as of now, I want Cyrus to be endgame. He just seems so much coyer and more dangerous, and I love MMCs like that. Kamran also let go of Alizeh way too quick and he was just jumping to too many conclusions in the first couple chapters. Like man, you genuinely want to kill her? I wouldn't trust a man who said he'd like to marry me and then immediately switched to murder in the next meeting, irrespective of what betrayal he thinks I've committed. I mentioned in my review for the previous book that I don't really enjoy insta-love but I was okay with it because Kamran did it all in a way I deemed was okay, but this book confirmed why I'm a fan. I love the new and improved vibrancy of Hazan. The part where Hazan cussed out to Kamran and then just broke through the dungeon with ease was so funny. Again, I'm barely even 50% through the book, so these are just my initial thoughts. Who knows where my feelings will lie once I finish? Also, if Kamran is somehow able to redeem himself and Cyrus falls head over heels, I would wish for Alizeh to get with both... but you know, this may not be that type of series. 

Ok, so now that I've finished I am 100% team Cyrus. Especially after that whole devil-induced injury and dream period. He was so soft. I've lost a bit of interest in Kamran, but I think it's just because the book mainly focused on him coming to terms with the gravity of this whole situation. Kamran needs to something tremendously jaw dropping for me to consider him a worthy opponent of Cyrus for Alizeh's love. Overall, this book felt like a fill-in because there were no substantial events that occured. It was mainly an extension of the last chapter of the first book, but it definitely did a lot in terms of Cyrus and Alizeh's relationship. Can't believe I have to wait until February 2024 for the next book. 

"Alizeh," he said softly. "Have you been a wicked girl?" Abruptly she drew away from the table and hugged herself, her wet gown chilling her anew in the breeze. "No," she said too quickly, realizing that, in fact, she might've underestimated the southern king. Never averting his eyes, Cyrus mirrored her earlier movements. He dropped an elbow onto the table, his cheek into his hand, and blinded her with a smile so sincere it unsettled her, inciting an unexpected, detestable flutter of feeling in her chest. "No?" he said, still smiling. Not trusting herself to speak, she shook her head. "God, you're so beautiful,” he said, his smile vanishing. “Even when you lie to me."

"How did you know that?"
"I have eyes," he said flatly.
"You're lying to me."
"About my eyes? I assure you, they're quite firmly affixed to my skull."

He soon made a soft, satisfied sound, so gentle and unaffected it made her chest ache; and then, like a child, he turned his head in her lap, sliding his hand up the inside of her naked thigh like it might've been a pillow. Alizeh nearly screamed.

"Your name," he said, and closed his eyes. He nearly fell over, catching himself at the last second. "I didn't know your name for so long, angel. I love the way it feels in my mouth."

"Don't be afraid of me, angel. I won't hurt you. I'll never hurt you."

Cyrus stared at her from where he stood, his chest heaving with barely leashed intensity. He devastated her with that look, even as he seemed planted in the ground, immovable. "Then be with me," he said softly. “Let me worship you."