4.5/5
What a wonderful end to this duology! I am very happy that the various mythologies featured in this duology were expanded upon in this book. The unraveling of the threads of time and fate in this novel as the reveals are made was fantastic. I enjoyed the first book, but I enjoyed this installment so much more. Io is a strong FMC to follow, and has complicated and various relationships with those around her. I enjoyed following her as she came to accept the prophecy that she is caught in, while taking charge of her own fate and coming to terms with it. The cast of characters in this book expands, but it is done so in a way that it flows and isn't confusing. Hatzopoulu writes her action sequences very well, they were so descriptive and fun to read!

At times the different kinds of other born powers can be a bit confusing, as well as matching which mythological group (Greek, Norse, Egyptian, etc.) goes with which new name in the book. Although the second one isn't that huge of an issue, it would be nice to get more background on different other born powers than the main ones the book focuses on, as they do play a role too, just not as easily understood to me. The beginning of the novel was can be a bit slow in pacing as it gained its footing as well. Nonetheless, Hatzopoulou creates a conclusion to this duology that is highly entertaining and wraps up nicely.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

5/5 stars
Recommended for people who like: mythology, dystopian, mysteries, found family

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 1/6 and has been posted to my book blog and Instagram as of 1/9.

I was so excited to get approved for this ARC! I got the ARC of Threads That Bind and was obsessed.

This book starts with Io and Bianca on the road trying to track down the god at the end of the gold thread. I liked that the book took place entirely outside of Alante and that we got to see a bunch of different locations in this world. I definitely think it helped build out the world more, and it was a good way to give us a peek at how weird things have gotten since the murder of the Nine. The Wastelands seem to take up most of the continent (world??) and are comprised of wide open areas prone to natural disasters and chimerini attacks, interspersed with villages, towns, and small cities. The Wastelands definitely add to the dystopian feel of the book, and it was interesting to see how people adapted to living outside of the major city 'safe' zones. Io and Bianca also go to some of the villages, so we get to see the similarities and differences between there and the bigger cities.

After traveling through the Wastelands, the two eventually end up in Nanzy, the golden city. The descriptions of Nanzy are super rich and interesting, and I loved being there because there are so many different facets to it. For one, the entire city is built on and around the corpse of a long-dead leviathan. The inside of the body makes up tunnels beneath the city and the spine makes up protective walls. The areas outside the city center are subject to the floods that characterize this part of the Wastelands, and many of the buildings are built on floats or high stilts. This area is pretty similar to parts of Alante, even down to how they're gang-run. The city center, however, is what gives the city its name, and even Io is impressed by the splendor and loveliness of Nanzy's richer neighborhoods.

We also get to meet new otherborn, some of whom are descended from different gods than in book 1. It was really interesting to see the spread of powers across the otherborn, and I really liked getting a look at the different mythos and sibling pairs.

Io's goal is to find the god orchestrating this whole mess, figure out their motives, and how to stop them. Bianca, while she's teamed up with Io, is also determined to get vengeance on the one who made her a wraith and sees that as arguably the more important goal. The two of them have a good camaraderie and I enjoyed their friendship here. Bianca has a very no-nonsense attitude, and while Io does too most of the time, Bianca's sharpness is good at knocking sense into Io when she's in a mood.

Io does feel a bit more unsettled in this one and more unsure of where things stand, though honestly considering the ending of Threads, I think that's understandable. In book 1, she was dealing with and overcoming everything that Thais did, and now she has additional interpersonal relationships and problems that she has to sort out. The miscommunication trope is used once, and honestly I thought it was silly and unneeded, but Io does try to be the bigger person when it comes to the people in her life and imo has a fairly mature outlook on things. I liked that Io's detective skills were put to the use in different ways in this one, and I liked reading as she investigated and sleuthed.

I have to say, the conspiracy the group uncovers is crazy. I definitely did not see that twist coming and was definitely shocked when it was revealed. I really like how things played out and think it took things in a really interesting and unique direction.

Overall I really enjoyed this and think it's a great sequel and fantastic finale for the duology! Naturally I want more of Io and her friends, and I definitely think there's room for that considering the ending, but all the threads are also neatly tied off so the story is complete.

If you enjoy Greek mythology retellings you will enjoy this book. It was a very good continuation of the series. I loved the romance!

Initial reaction: absolutely brilliant I love this series SO MUCH

I loved Threads That Bind and was lucky enough to get access to this sequel so soon after reading it. This was so intense, heart pounding, and absolutely captivating. The characters and the plot advanced so much, it really is a testament to how brillant of a writer Kika is that she squeezed so much into a duology. Absolutely obsessed, an EASY new favorite series, i love them all SO MUCH (also Edei's background is Egyptian inspired this is a WIN)

I received this as an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first in the duology when it was sent to me in my fairyloot box. I enjoyed the first one, but it’s a bit complicated. This one is no different, although becoming more aquatinted with the world definitely makes it easier.

The plot was great! There’s a level of world building that is honestly impressive, considering there’s only two books of it. I also appreciate the alternate reality aspect. This book obviously has magical and fantastical elements, but it still feels very real because of the recognizable landmarks mentioned. We follow Io and Bianca (both strong female leads by this book) while they hunt down the gods. They run into several sticky situations, all the while Io is fretting over Edei and their fraying fate thread. She tugs on it and realized it has been redirected (my only complaint is that this part isn’t fully fleshed out, I have no idea how this could’ve happened) and that he is closer than she thought. Once they all reunite, they try to formulate a plan to lure out the gods (successfully), but of course it all goes to hell. The ending is inspiring and a bit cheesy, but honestly I’m not mad at it after all the bull Io and co go through. It is a very simple plot, with few offshoots. This works well for a duology though!

The characters are pretty well fleshed out in the first book, so you should expect to be a bit confused if you didn’t read the first book in the series. The author does a decent job of reintroducing you to the characters and showing their development over time, which is beautiful. I love a good redemption arc, and I also love it when characters don’t always have a perfect, fixed relationship (such as Io and Thais). It offers up more realism you don’t always get in a fantasy book. Io and Bianca both have such fantastic character development.

The writing is easy enough to read, entertaining, and detailed. The author does a great job of painting a picture and introducing us to new plot lines and characters seamlessly. It isn’t super advanced, but it isn’t simple either. Definitely a young adult book, suitable for teens.

There isn’t much, if any, lgbt+ representation in here, but that doesn’t make or break a book for me. There’s definitely variety in class and even race, but everyone seems to be fairly well accepted by others.

My main complaint (bear in mind, this is an unfinished book so the author may fix this issue) is that it can be very difficult to keep up with other born powers. I would love an index in the book to help keep myself straight. Context clues do allow you to piece things together, but I prefer to be a little better educated when I’m reading. I also dislike the plot gap of how the fate thread and the sisters’ threads were redirected. The author may have explained it at some point, but as I read this in two days, it isn’t very memorable if she did. It isn’t even that important to the plot, I’d just like to know.

All in all, an entertaining read that kept my interest all the way through. Definitely action packed and strong female leads.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am blown away! This was an amazing sequel! This has left me speechless! I loved this and it was a very strong sequel.

In this second installment of the Golden Thread Saga, Io's quest to find the missing god takes a perilous turn, weaving intrigue, danger, and self-discovery into a tapestry of epic proportions.

Five weeks into her odyssey, Io finds herself adrift in a desolate wasteland, the golden thread offering only fading guidance. The fate-thread with Edei frays, threatening their connection and intensifying Io's anxieties. Just when they find a promising lead, it slips through their grasp, leaving them with more questions than answers.

But Io is not one to surrender. Fueled by determination and newfound clues, she stumbles upon a chilling pattern: sibling disappearances plaguing the Wastelands, echoing the murders back in Alante. All roads lead to Nanzy, the golden city, where a sinister conspiracy seems to fester.

Navigating treacherous landscapes and powerful foes, Io's journey tests the limits of her courage and resilience. New allies emerge from the shadows, offering their skills and loyalty, while unexpected encounters with old acquaintances add layers of complexity to the narrative. As Io delves deeper into the labyrinth of conspiracies, the weight of the world threatens to crush her.

The author masterfully crafts a suspenseful atmosphere, where suspicion lurks behind every friendly face and danger lurks around every bend. The plot unfolds with exhilarating pace, each revelation propelling the narrative forward at breakneck speed. The stakes escalate with each chapter, culminating in a climax that will leave readers breathless.

Io's internal struggle is as captivating as the external conflicts. Torn between free will and the constraints of her fate, she grapples with her identity and purpose. Her growth throughout the story is both inspiring and relatable, making her a heroine to root for.

Hearts That Cut is a triumph of imagination and storytelling. It's a perfect blend of high-stakes adventure, complex world-building, and poignant character development. This is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and anyone who enjoys a gripping yarn that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers who crave intricate plots, compelling characters, and a touch of existential intrigue. Bring on the next installment!

The way I loved Threads That Bind did not prepare me for this sequel!!! Just like the first, the worldbuilding was fantastic. I could not get enough of the magic and the way the myths were woven in! Io also continues to be one of my favorite characters in YA, A true story about fate, unraveling the threads of our lives, and the mystery of the gods, this series is absolutely not to be missed.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for my arc!

This was absolutely fantastic! A perfect ending to an amazing duology.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I want to cry. This book was AMAZING. It started with a fast pace, and really just threw me back into the action following the cliffhanger ending of Threads that Bind. As a reader, I love this, because it took no effort to remember what happened in the first book, or to reacquaint myself with the magic-system or world that Ms. Hatzopoulou built for us, I hope it never ends. My official l review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads closer to release date!

The first book absolutely amazing couldn't put it down. Bit this second book!? This second book kept me up all types of the night trying to put pieces together and learn more about my favorite characters. That being said I will now be adding Kika Hatzopoulou to my auto buy list

I love Io with my whole entire heart.

This was such a wonderful conclusion to a duology. A heightened version of the mystery of the first book, it is just as heart-poundingly good. Filled with magic and Greek mythology, I cannot get over how freaking cool this world is, how freaking awesome it see to see the threads unravel over the mystery, and just how havoc could be wrought. It is so beautifully done, the weight of generational trauma, the fear that comes with change, the desperate craving for love. I adored it all the way through.

All I remember from book one Threads That Bind is that I was pissed off by the ending. I was really excited to read this one so my anxiety over the last book could chill. The start of this book felt slow and wasn't curbing my negative feelings, but after page 100 it really picks up. The more our main character reconnects with people from book one the more I felt like I was slowly being healed. Then we get to the more epic parts of the book where they start fighting against the gods. The thread magic in this book is so cool and unique. I also loved watching her relationship with Eden grow in this one. I liked this one much better than the first!