I really enjoyed this book! I loved the story, especially the mythological ties. It was unique, but still familiar. I loved the characters, and I can't wait to read more about them. I'm really excited for the second book!

I'd recommend this to anyone interested in mythology, as well as mystery/fantasy fans.

Thank you to Razorbill and NetGalley for the ARC!

The story of Io and her sisters was incredible. The world building was stunning and the mystery had me guessing all the way to the end.

As a moira-born and a cutter, Io's options are limited. Her ability to see the strings of fate and sever them has always made people more cautious of her compared to her sisters. When working as a private investigator leads Io to witness a murder by a woman with a severed life thread, Io finds herself put on the case by the head of the Fortuna gang and partnered with the man she's been trying to avoid for years, her fate-thread who is in love with someone else.

Just completed a re-read of this in anticipation of book coming out this month..I actually think I liked it even more the second time around. I was able to build a better understanding for the characters, becoming much more invested in them than I felt the first time around. I think I was just too enthralled with the amazing world building the first time around. Love the Greek gods aspect too, obvii

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I never expected to be completely blown away. I absolutely loved this book. It's so rare that you find a book that is so strong from start to finish, and this is one. No wonder it's nominated for a Lotus Award. I found the magic system and the world to be so unique and I was completely obsessed. I cannot wait to dive into the sequel because this leaves off on such a cliffhanger and I absolutely need to know what happens with IO and Edie. I gasped so many times while reading this because the story took me so many different places that I didn't expect.

Thank you @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the Arc.

Happy Book Birthday Threads That Bind! Kika Hartzopoulou’s first in series is a thrilling and intriguing novel.

Descendants of the Fates are always born in threes: one to weave, one to draw, and one to cut the threads that dictate a person’s life. There are also threads that are created between people and people/places/things they love. There are even Fate threads. The Ora sisters are the latest to be given these powers. Io, the youngest, uses her Fate-born abilities to become a private investigator in her half-sunken city of Alante. Her latest investigation has led her to discover women whose life threads have been cut, but they are still “alive” and hell-bent on justice. To find the answer she must partner Edei Rhuna, the right hand of the infamous Mob Queen. The two find a conspiracy that will lead them to the top people in the city and beyond.

I enjoyed that the gifts are from multiple religions, not just Greek. This blending makes for a more unified world. A world brilliantly built by the author. There is back lore, character sagas, and a unique and interesting setting. The almost cyberpunk aesthetics give this dystopian a unique personality. As much as I was drawn into the world, I cared for Io and her family. Reading them move through Alante, I cared for their safety.

My only issue is that the beginning jumps directly into the action and doesn’t slow down until about 40 percent in. Readers don’t have a moment to breathe and take in what happens. For me, it was too much adrenaline, and I got confused multiple times. As Hatzopoulou gets into her writing groove, though, the pacing becomes perfect. Great action and moments to slow down, and take a breath, and readers can consider the mystery themselves. This transition makes the book's second half the best part to read. You are kept on your toes questioning every answer you and Io come to.

This is a series worth reading; the sequel, Hearts that Cut, comes out on June 14.

I really enjoyed reading Threads that Bind -- I also found the audiobook on Audible and bought that! (I am the type of reader that almost needs the audiobooks while I read because I am always on the go!) I didn't know too much before I dove in but I was drawn to the cover and the author! I love being able to support Greek authors, as I am a Greek woman myself! I was very pleasantly surprised that this was a great mix of Fantasy, YA Romance and Thriller. I loved the concepts of the life threads and the three roles that the sisters play. There were quite a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes and I can't wait to see how Io and Edei's relationship forms. Kika created such a fun world that I'm excited to read the next one in the series!

Kika Hatzopoulou’s "Threads That Bind" is a captivating blend of Greek mythology, mystery, and urban fantasy that enthralls readers from the very first page. Set in the half-sunken city of Alante, the novel follows Io, the youngest of the Ora sisters, who are descendants of the Greek Fates. Io uses her unique powers as a private investigator, a role that sets the stage for an intense and intriguing journey.

The narrative kicks off with a chilling premise: women are being abducted and their life-threads maimed, turning them into deadly wraiths. Io is thrust into this dark mystery, forced to team up with Edei Rhuna, the enigmatic right hand of the Mob Queen and her fated soulmate. The tension and chemistry between Io and Edei add a rich layer of depth to the story, enhancing both the romance and the stakes of their mission.

Hatzopoulou excels in world-building, creating a vivid and atmospheric setting that mirrors the complexity and corruption of the story’s plot. The half-sunken city of Alante is as much a character as Io and her sisters, with its dark alleys and hidden corners providing the perfect backdrop for a tale steeped in danger and intrigue.

The strength of "Threads That Bind" lies in its character development and the intricate relationships between the Ora sisters. Io’s journey is not just about solving the murders but also about reconnecting with her estranged family and uncovering buried secrets from their shared past. The emotional depth and personal stakes keep readers invested in Io’s quest from beginning to end.

However, the novel’s complexity can occasionally be overwhelming, with numerous characters and plot threads to keep track of. Some readers might find the pacing uneven, particularly in the middle sections where the investigation delves deeper into the city’s conspiracies.

Despite these minor drawbacks, "Threads That Bind" is a compelling and original story that successfully merges mythological elements with a modern mystery. Hatzopoulou’s imaginative world, combined with her skillful storytelling, makes this a standout debut that promises more exciting adventures to come.

In summary, "Threads That Bind" is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and mythology. Kika Hatzopoulou delivers a thrilling, emotionally charged tale that explores the bonds of family, the power of fate, and the resilience needed to face the darkest of threats.

Threads That Bind (Threads That Bind #1) by Kika Hatzopoulou, 352 pages. Razorbill (Penguin Random House), 2024. $20.
Language: R (80 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Io (18yo) is the third sister in a set of moira-born, which means she’s a cutter—one who can cut the threads of others, including lifethreads. One day, Io sees a woman whose lifethread has been severed. But the woman isn’t dead. The woman, in fact, murders someone else. Something that shouldn’t be possible.
The world Io lives in is ordered chaos, made up of tenuous relationships with herself, her powers, her sisters, her community, and the governing bodies. In its simplest form, Io’s story is a fantasy murder mystery suspense novel, but Io is just as much in conflict with herself as the world around her is in conflict. I was swept away by Io, the world’s magic system, and a need to uncover the reasons behind the murders. The pages could not be read fast enough, and I am eager to start the sequel.
Hatzopoulou’s characters—main characters as well as side characters—are diverse in skin tone and sexual orientation. The mature content rating is for illegal activity; mentions of drugs, alcohol, sexual harassment, prostitution, and nudity in art; and innuendo. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, and murder.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

I absolutely loved this book! This was a refreshing, unique new type of read that I highly enjoyed! I have no idea how the author came up with the concept of life threads and other threads but beautiful concept! This is one that I would like to also buy a physical copy to read again one day which I don't often do! Highly recommend

Threads that Bind was a good read. I found the idea of this world so interesting. Descendants of gods, always siblings, have different powers. The sad part is the other-born are discriminated against and are often blamed for things that are not their fault. Io is a moira-born, which means she's a descendant of The Fates from Greek Mythology. She's a "cutter," so she can cut the threads that every person has, leading to things they love. It was also fascinating to see that this wasn't just focused on Greek Mythology. Immigrants from other countries are descendants of their native gods. I liked that multiple pantheons were included.

It took me a bit to realize that this world is set on Earth, but after a devastating event that split the moon into three. I feel some worldbuilding should have been explained more upfront. Mostly, it was easy to follow along with how this particular world works. The mystery of the wraiths and the ultimate culprit was something I did not see coming.

Io is a complicated character who grows throughout the book. She has to face many of her own childhood issues and stop running away from them. Her relationship with her sisters is complicated and feels so real. I liked how she had to process all of that while trying to solve the mystery of these murders and face some hard truths.

The love interest was not very fulfilling for me. I didn't really care much about the will-they, won't-they aspect of her relationship with Edei. I understand her angst and complicated feelings for him, but I wasn't that invested in seeing it work out. Rosa, though, is an awesome side character, and I wish we'd gotten to see more of her.

I am looking forward to the next book because this one ended rather abruptly. There isn't an actual conclusion, and I want to see what happens next.

This was a captivating tale from the first chapter. The story jumps right into the main character Io on a job to uncover a cheating husband, what she didn't expect is to find her self nearly avoiding death and the husband to end up dead. This event catapults Io into a journey of uncover what the heck is going on. I loved all the different components of this book, there is mystery, magic and a fated love story woven within. The characters are likable and the world is fascinating. There were so many twists and turns that kept me not wanting to put down the book. I started to guess the ending reveal but not until the lat 70% of the book, however the way it came about still had me shocked. I am itching to dive right into book two. Absolutely wonderful.

‘Threads That Bind’ was a reread for me and exactly like the first time, it was AMAZING.

The plot is the perfect mix between a murder mystery and a fantasy with all the added complexity of life thrown into the mix (because it wouldn’t be funny without some love, friendships, and fights 😋). Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, my jaw hung low ten pages later. Another thing to note is how inclusive this book is, which is definitely a plus for me.

Now to discuss the characters, I was really touched by the Ora sisters' dynamic. There was something so real to the way they were described and how they navigated their relationships together. Of course, I can’t discuss the characters without bringing up Ede. I don't think I have read about someone with a personality as sweet as his, (which doesn't mean he can't kill you with his bare fists only🤪).

Last but not least, the writing style. I have often read amazing plots but the writing style made the book lose all its interest, too many descriptions, wrong words used, and all that. Kika Hatzopoulou found the perfect sweet spot for my liking.

So in conclusion, if you’re looking for a fantasy filled with suspense, action, and very good characters. Pick up this book and thank me later. 😋

I generally love books about the 3 fates, so I was very interested in this. This book has complex world building. A little too complex for my tastes. There was too much information to process and I felt confused most of the time. Io and Edei were a cute couple, but that didn't make up for the rest of the book. I found myself forcing myself to finish the book, and that is not a good sign.

Rating: 4/5
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

If you enjoy books with fantasy, mythology/Greek retellings, with romance, and mystery. Then this book is for you.

One to weave, one to draw, and one to cut the threads. Lo and her two sisters are other-born, living in a city where other-born are looked down upon. They’re the lowest that anyone can be in the city/world they live in now, but the sisters do everything they can to make their lives something to be proud about. Lo has a job as a private investigator and when she comes across some horrific discoveries, she is forced to work alongside Edei, the right hand of the Mob Queen. Oh, did I forget to mention that Edei and her share a fate-thread, making them soul mates. She must try to crack this case open and bring justice to the murdered women and men that wraiths are killing.

I really enjoyed this book a lot and I can’t wait to read book 2. This book is fast paced, and easy to read. I loved the author's magic system, the attention to details, making the characters easy to connect with, and all the plot twists and turns throughout the book. As a fan of Greek mythology, I loved this book so much. It has action, romance, drama, mystery, and death. The characters were easy to connect with and I loved that even though Lo is a strong female character she still shows that she has her own issues and things that she is trying to work out. I know a few times I wanted to wrap Lo up and just give her a big hug and talk it out with her. I loved all the morally gray characters that bend the rules and will leave you wondering if they were making the right choice or not. I really liked the found family, and love that you will find in this book because it’s not just romance with the main characters, but you will see love for their city, their jobs, for their new friends and more.

I can’t wait to see what book 2 will bring us and to get some more answers.

I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to review this book.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, YA Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Greek Retelling, Fantasy Mystery
Spice Level: Lowish—sleeping with someone is mentioned in passing
Language: Some swearing but not too frequent
Representation: Non-binary and gay people among the secondary characters

Wow! THREADS THAT BIND deserves all the stars and awards.

Mesmerizing! This book is JADE CITY meets Greek Mythology. An adult audience will love this as much as young adults. Book addicts and reluctant readers will eat up this book!

Highlights:
- Gang wars
- Betrayal
- Cool magic system
- Slow-burn love
- Sisters
- Fate
- Secrets
- Strong female characters

Io is a cutter (meaning a fate who can cut threads). She's been wounded from the loss of her parents and by her oldest sister. But she remains kind and loving, though she lives with regrets from the choices she's made. I thought she was amazing because I felt her struggles.

Edei is more than he seems. Sure, he's the second in command for the Mob Queen, but that doesn't mean he's bad. He's curious, loyal, and intelligent.

The sisters relationships to each other is complicated—which reads accurately. I loved this aspect of the book.

The pacing is perfect. The hits to keep me tangled in the book's web are also perfect. This is the quintessential fantasy for what readers want. I definitely think you should pick this up now. The next book, HEARTS THAT CUT, comes out soon!

Happy reading!

This book was phenomenal!!! I love Greek mythology and this was a great story inspired by the fates!!! I loved everything about this story and the end made my jaw drop. I can’t wait to dig into the sequel and I just know it’s going to be even better!

"Threads That Bind" by Kika Hatzopoulou captivated me from the first page. Dripping with atmosphere and danger, it weaves a dark tapestry of mystery, fated romance, and modern myth. I couldn't put this one down.

In a world where children of the gods inherit their powers, Io, a descendant of the Greek Fates, must solve impossible murders to save her sisters, soulmate, and city. Io, the youngest of the Ora sisters, uses her Fate-born abilities as a private investigator in the half-sunken city of Alante. She discovers someone is abducting women, maiming their life-threads, and unleashing deadly wraiths. Teaming up with Edei Rhuna, her fated soulmate and the right hand of the Mob Queen, Io navigates unveiled secrets and growing feelings to unravel a conspiracy before it destroys her world.

As a fan of Greek mythology, I loved the concept of gods blessing their progeny with life and death gifts. While the characters started out flat, they developed depth by the twisted end, leaving me fully invested.

I'm excited to start book two and see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow this was an amazing book and a great series starter.

This was a beautiful read, a nice little slide into the greek mythology world. Fantasy is by far my top choice genre, and I love Greek Mythology immensely. Kika Hatzopoulou has done a tremendous job bringing the world to life for us, and allows us to join these characters for such an adventure, giving us all of the feels along the way.

Highly recommend this read to anyone who loves Mythology and the Fantasy genre in general!

this was so breathtakingly beautiful i can’t believe how i was able to get something this amazing early? i can’t wait to get my own physical copy!! everything was so wonderful i can’t get enough!