I reviewed an ARC of Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou from NetGalley. #ThreadsThatBind #NetGalley

This book was not at all what I was expecting. But in the best way possible. This book was very 1950's mob detective mixed with mythology, fate, and gods. I really enjoyed this book. The characters took awhile to become likeable and to want to know more about them/to become invested in them.
For the reason of the characters, I rate this book as a 4 out of 5. I would recommend this book to other readers and am eagerly awaiting book 2.

Unfortunately, I DNF'd this one around 20%! The cover, tile, and premise were so intriguing that this was one of my most anticipated reads in May. I'm not sure if I wasn't in the right headspace for it, but I found the story hard to follow and was pretty confused about missing details. I'll try to pick this one up again some time in the future.

as pretty as the cover is, this book was not for me.
for me the book was a little messy, i did get the overall ider of the stoy but the execution didten hit well for me but i can really see that it will be for alot other peapole.

Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.

While intriguing for its influences from mythology, it was overall a relatively typical offering of YA fantasy that did little to set itself apart from others of its genre.

Ultimately one of the best YA fantasy books this year! The premise is exciting, the characters are written in a way you can relate to, and the plot is something that I really enjoyed!

4/5 Stars

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book besides some Greek mythology references but I really ended up enjoying it!

The world building is great without being too confusing or repetitive (though it would be nice to have a guide at the beginning or end to detail each of the names and subsequent ability).

I thought this was an very enjoyable read so pros:
- great blending of mythology and modern world
- well developed and realistic leads
- interesting focus on family and relationships

Cons:
- hard to sometimes follow the ability of each special born individual
- hard to follow the structure of the city (a map would be helpful)
- the twists weren’t very “twisty”. I enjoyed the mystery portion but it wasn’t particularly hard to predict and instead seemed to take a back seat to the world building and character development (not entirely bad but if this is your hope in reading you might need to rework your expectations).

Additionally I hadn’t realized this would be a series so while I enjoyed it, it’s hard to know if I’m 100% invested in waiting and then reading the sequel. I was pretty satisfied with the first and feel like it should have just been a stand-a-lone.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kika Hatazapoulou for the read of Threads that Bind in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Penguin Teen for the e-arc in exchange of an honest review.

Loved this book!
First I enjoyed the characters and the character development in each one. I loved the magic system and world building in this book, I found it to be unique and I got lost in a whole new world.
Three sisters descent of Greek goddesses have powers each of the sisters power is different with the threads one can weave, the second can draw them and the third can cut them.
The story keeps you on your toes from their past and future destiny secrets are revealed.
This book ends with the anticipation of the next book. And I can't wait to get my hands on it.

So I love stories about the gods and to tie in a mystery is super fun. Io was a likable character and has some killer detective skills. I would definitely read more stories about her.

Thanks for the opportunity to review this book!

This made my Greek mythology loving heart SOAR. I loved so much about this compelling story and I thought the author did a wonderful job of not only adding something new and refreshing to the genre, but also making It accessible and fresh for modern audiences. This book had so much going for it and I'm mad I didn't read it sooner. I loved the pacing and the plot was really cool. I loved the idea of the threads and fate and just really appreciated this story so much!

A very fun and unique take on Demi gods. And I liked that more than just the Greek gods were included in the world though they were ancillary to the story.

It was nice to see a character that had anxiety and had ways of working through it. As well as friends and family that were supportive during anxiety attacks.

Io’s sister being the culprit wasn’t the biggest shock I started to suspect that right around the luncheon.

I did like that this was very well set up for a sequel and that there’s still a lot for the characters and readers to be invested in.

Such a cool world! I think Hatzopoulou set the atmosphere very well. I wish the world building and magic system were more clear, but such a lovely read! Great for fans of Greek mythology wanting something more contemporary.

*Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review*

Kika Katzopoulou did an AMAZING job with this book. Although I am Greek, and I don't like Greek mythology, I couldn't put this book down. Can't wait for book #2.

When I first heard about this book I was intrigued because it was Greek mythology inspired but without using the usual stuff. I mean using the Fates myth is purely genius, so is Hatzopoulou's writing.

She gives a smart plot, with great writing and characters that you can't help but love.

I'm really waiting what she will bring next!

the world building in this book was interesting and that plot twist. I was kinda expecting it but changed my mind half-way but then get baffled towards the ending. Woah, I cannot wait for the second book.

I'm here for Greek writers reclaiming Greek mythology and Greek culture, always. Glad to see Kika Hatzopoulou's brilliant young adult debut gain the appreciation it deserves for its unique and creative take on stories I grew up to, but with a modern twist. Also glad to see the publisher treat the work with the enthusiasm it deserves. I'll scream it from the rooftops: GRAB THIS.

The fact that this book was written by a greek author was a big plus for me. The story was very intriguing and it made me want to keep reading. I literally could not put it down- I finished it in one sitting. the threads the world building. Oh I loved it all.

Thanks for the ARC! This was a fun read. I definitely wished for a physical copy on more than one occasion because I wanted to annotate it. There is a lot of world building, mythology, and mystery built into this one, and I could have used a map and some sticky notes!

I sincerely regret not starting this book sooner, it was WONDERFUL. I was glued to every page, I literally started it last night and simple could not put it down!

I really thought I was tired of Greek mythology because it seems to be in almost every book these days but this book revived my love for it. The take on the world and magic was so interesting and captivating, I wasn’t bored AT ALL.

And the characters?? I love Io and Edei and basically everyone in this book! The end had me spinning so I am eagerly counting down the days until the next book is out!

Magic born abilities!
18yo Io lives with her sister Ava in the half-sunken city of Alante. The eldest sister, Thais, raised them after their parents died but left abruptly two years ago to be on her own. The three sisters are descendants of the Fates who decide the lives of others. Io is an investigator trying to solve murders and Ava is a performer at the Mob Queen’s casino. Thais is the fiancé of Io’s number one suspect and high ranking politician. When Io finally discovers the truth behind the murders, it’s going to alter her life and all that she believes in.
Likes/dislikes: So many descriptions of magic born abilities that it became confusing. Slow building story, so it took a while to draw me in. I enjoyed the characters Io and Edei and the prophecy that ties them together.
Language: R for 107 swears, no f-words.
Mature content: PG-13 for detailed kissing.
Violence: R for bleeding, dead security guards, bloody injury, bloody death with details, bloody shootings, torn out throats.
Ethnicity: Edei had brown skin but ethnicity predominantly falls to white.