Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book!

4/5

Note: This is the 2nd book in the...whatever this is, so if you haven't read Threads that Bind, there will be major spoilers below. Proceed at you own risk!

General Description: Io has her fate spelled out to her, but she's not sure how that's going to help her when everyone she knows has either betrayed her or she cannot find. She is holding out hope on a golden thread to find the answers about her fate. Joined by the wraith mob queen Bianca, Io must set out to find the true criminal behind everything that brought her beloved city into chaos. Can she do it in time and accept her fate?

The good:
- The world is beautiful, I love the concept and it feels extremely unique.
- The mystery kept me engaged the entire time.
- I love seeing everyone's powers come to life so vividly, it was pretty each to picture everything that was happening in my head while I was reading.
- Io is a very consistent main character and really makes the story accessible.

The loss of a star:
- The pacing was a bit odd; I feel like so much would happen at times, but we'd only move forward bout 3 pages on the story? It threw me off.
- the ending was just extremely lackluster and it really took away from the entire book for me. I'm left feeling a bit confused on what is going to happen next? I'll change my review to 4.5 stars if there is another book coming out but I dont' think it's clear at the time of writing this if there is.

I absolutely devoured this book and the way it ended was perfection. I would t mind if this book was a trilogy but I think it could end on this book and still be fantastic . The romance, the plot the character development all perfection

In the conclusion of the "Threads that Bind" Duology, Io and her crew look for the god or goddess that is trying to resurrect the furies by turning otherborn into wraiths. This felt very much like the middle book in a trilogy with the puzzle being pieced together slowly. The ending was anticlimactic for such a slow build up.

After the ending of Threads That Bind, I was excited to get back into this world and continue following Io on her adventures. I really enjoyed reading it and liked where the story took Io and loved seeing more of her character’s growth and changing relationships with both her sisters and Edei. I loved her relationship with Edei in this book and getting to see their feelings grow from the first book. Beyond the romance and relationships, this book is also filled with action and fighting, as Io and her crew are now continuing their journey to stop those responsible for the wraiths. This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat with all the action and twists that went along with it. This would have been a five star read for me if there were just a couple more pages. After the big climax I wanted more from the aftermath, but it still ended on a good note.

Overall, this was a good sequel and I recommend this series!

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

Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy, Greek Mythology, Mythology, Fantasy, Mystery
Spice Level: Nothing above kisses
Gore Level: Medium
Representation: Secondary characters are gay, and it seems like others might be non-binary
Readability: Read them in order for the best experience

HEARTS THAT CUT went on my list to read because I loved THREADS THAT BIND. I was worried this book wouldn't resolve, but thankfully, it did!

This book jumps in right where the first book left off, but the author expertly gives enough clues from the previous book so you won't be confused if it's been a while since reading it.

I loved seeing how the characters changed and grew.

Other things to watch for:
- Hybrid monsters
- Changing eyes
- Mob bosses in new cities
- Interesting transportation
- Alliances
- New secrets
- Revelations
- Continuing love story

I ended up enjoying this book too (even though there was about 30 pages that made me worried that it was going to sag)! It feels complete with the two volumes, and I'm so glad not to have a cliffhanger.

This is the perfect YA fantasy book with dashes of romance and burgeoning love along with danger and a quest to save the world. It's very visceral.

Io was actually prophesied that she would destroy the world. So she is trying to go against her fate. And it is rough! Everything seems like it's stacked against her. In her character arc, I especially loved that she set boundaries. She is a strong female protagonist and will resonate with readers.

As the reader, we can tell how much the main couple love each other. They have to navigate that, and if they'd talked more, they could have solved it. BUT because this is YA, I feel like that age of people are less likely to have an open discussion, so the misunderstanding worked for me. The ending is well set-up, and I thought it was great. You'll have to tell me what you think.

I highly recommend this duology!

Happy reading!

7 / 10 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2024/06/16/hearts-that-cut-by-kika-hatzopoulou-review/

Hearts that Cut is a more-or-less solid sequel to Threads that Bind, combining young adult, fantasy, and romance with a pantheon spent fathering (and mothering) children born with the blood of gods—or basically a YA progression of the Ancient Greek religion. Like its predecessor, this story begins as a mystery, with Io playing the role of MC, gumshoe, and… antihero?

For a girl that was recently prophesied to bring about the end of everything, she’s handling remarkably well—and as Hearts starts, is mostly worrying over her will-they won’t-they with Edei.

It’s like this pretty much throughout. So if you like the will-they, won’t-they of a romance that definitely begins to feel forced (I mean, it felt forced in Book #1 too), then this is the one for you? Though to be fair, the longer they go, the more natural I found it. That said, it still makes for some absolutely ridiculous moments (and not the good kind), culminating in the suggestion that if Io and Edei want to succeed on a particular mission, they need to let someone “examine their rivers of love”. Which…

The story is actually pretty good, though. The mystery mysterious, the clues often vague and indistinct—though Io still occasionally makes giant leaps to put everything together, while at other times miss obvious conclusions right under her nose (both of which are entirely human). The adventure kept me entertained at least until Nanzy, where… there’s a slight lag. Maybe it’s just me, but I raced up to the halfway point before taking maybe a week to read the next 20%. The conclusion was once more burned through in a night so—yeah, there’s got to be something off with the pacing.

My main problem here is the gods. Specifically their children—the other-born. The author introduces several more other-born in Hearts that Cut, but it’s no longer confined to just the Greek pantheon now. And with the addition of the Sumerian pantheon, I feel like it’s become a “get out of jail free card”; she can just introduce a new other-born at will to help her solve any situation. Which the author employs, quite a bit in fact, in the early and middle bits of the tale. But—to her credit—not so much at the end.

TL;DR

Hearts that Cut is a decent followup to Threads that Bind, with an interesting mystery, exciting story, and thrilling conclusion. It definitely loses points for the will-they won’t-they romance, uneven pacing, and mechanic that introduces a new other-born whenever the author needed an out. All in all, it… pretty much evens out. I still enjoyed my time in the world, and only once thought about binning it (yes, just after that “rivers of love” bit, that made me roll my eyes). I’d recommend it, with some caveats, but the assertion that it sets up what is sure to be an epic finale—albeit one not devoid of cringy romance.

Hearts That Cut is the sequel to Threads That Bind, a novel that cleverly and confidently draws on mythology to create a world at once familiar and new. The world-building in that first entry is smartly balanced by thoughtful character development: of Io, the protagonist, her sisters, and her love interest, Edei. Hearts That Cut expands on the magical world, taking readers across the Wastelands and into the deception of the golden city of Nanzy. What the book gains in plot and context it loses in characterization, however; the result is an uneven conclusion to the series that echoes its predecessor's imagery without mirroring its pleasures.

I imagine it's hard for authors to decide how much backstory to include in sequels. After all, readers come into these books presumably knowing the characters and major conflicts. Hearts That Cut opens with Io and Bianca's journey across the Wastelands tracking the god's thread Io identified in the first book, and I'll admit that despite having read Threads That Bind, I had very little idea what was going on for the first fifty pages. The most important relationships from the first novel--Io's complicated relationship with Edei and her sisters--don't enter the picture until later, and what takes precedence is the mystery of who created the fury-born and why. This mystery is compelling on its face, but it felt weirdly disconnected from the relational conflicts that animate the novel: Io's feelings of betrayal, her confusion over how to view her fate thread, her burgeoning friendship with Bianca. Katzopoulou does characterization well, and there are some fun additions to the cast of characters, but the book is fundamentally driven by the impulse to answer the questions raised in the first novel. Those answers aren't particularly satisfying, and even after having finished the book, I'm still not totally clear on the relationship between the murders in the first novel, the wraiths, the reemergence of the fury-born, and the gods.

Ultimately, I was glad to witness the end of Io's journey, and I appreciate this series for its novel approach to interpreting mythology for the YA audience. If anything, my disappointment in the book's focus is a testament to the strength of the relationships developed in the first entry.

This was as good a sophomore novel as you'd want when the first book was so fantastic. It picks up a short while after book 1 ends and there are even higher stakes right off the bat. But Kika does a wonderful job of developing the relationships between new and old characters without letting the pace of the plot slip. It's a deeply and emotionally satisfying conclusion to this duology; an ending that isn't neatly wrapped up but with enough of a resolution to feel complete. I loved this complicated world with these completed characters who face complicated choices.

Amazing addition to the story. I really enjoyed exploring this world, I love the magic system, and really love that the tale does not pull from only Greek mythology.

I enjoyed watching Io grow and adapt. While I love good sibling stories, I liked watching her come into her own and seeming to find confidence in herself. I also liked the dynamic between Bianca and Io, Im glad we got so much of them together. And the ending was quite the climax to the tale.

I think the only real feedback I have is I wish there was some form of glossary, both of characters, as there are so many, and of what terms mean, to help me under and keep track of everything.

This was a wonderful continuation of Threads that Bind. The twists throughout the book are intricately woven into the story. If you love mythology, some romance, and an adventure this is a great duology!

Hearts That Cut by Kika Hatzopoulou earns a solid four stars for its captivating blend of mystery, adventure, and mythology. This sequel to Threads of Fate continues the story of Io with a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The novel picks up five weeks after Io left Alante to follow the golden thread, in search of the god at the other end. Despite constant, grueling travel and worry over her fate-thread with Edei, Io remains determined. However, she and Bianca soon realize that their only lead has evaded them, snapping the golden thread and disappearing.

Io’s investigation reveals crucial clues that point to a new mystery: a series of sibling disappearances across the Wastelands, seemingly connected to the murders in Alante. All signs lead to Nanzy, the golden city, as the conspiracy's epicenter. As Io and Bianca journey to Nanzy, they encounter powerful enemies, form alliances, and uncover a centuries-old plot.

Hatzopoulou excels in world-building, creating a richly detailed setting that immerses readers in Io's journey. The landscapes of the Wastelands and the city of Nanzy are vividly described, enhancing the sense of adventure and danger. The intricate plot is well-paced, with twists and turns that keep the story engaging.

The character development is another strong point. Io’s struggle with her fate-thread and her growing sense of responsibility are portrayed with depth and nuance. Her relationship with Edei adds emotional weight to the narrative, making her journey not just a physical one, but also an emotional and psychological quest. Bianca serves as a strong and supportive companion, and their dynamic is both compelling and realistic.

One of the standout themes in Hearts That Cut is the exploration of fate versus choice. Io grapples with the extent of her control over her destiny, a theme that resonates throughout the novel and adds layers of complexity to her character. The philosophical underpinnings of this theme are thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs about destiny and free will.

However, the novel does have its shortcomings. Some secondary characters and subplots could have been more fully developed, which might have provided additional depth to the story. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying, leaves a few threads hanging that may leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

In conclusion, Hearts That Cut is a thrilling and intricate continuation of Io’s journey. Kika Hatzopoulou delivers a well-crafted tale that blends mythology, mystery, and adventure, with strong character development and thought-provoking themes. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find much to enjoy in this captivating novel.

Hearts That Cut is the action packed follow up to Threads that Bind. I loved getting to dive back into the world with Io, Bianca, Edei, and all the side characters. It was interesting to get to learn more about Ava and Thais, who I was *not* excited to read about.

My only criticism for this book is that it felt a little messy at times. I think the first book was so well thought out and planned and it felt like everything happened exactly as it should have, at exactly the right time. Hearts That Cut felt like we were trying to follow too many characters at times. I was so looking forward to the characters all being reunited, but even that felt a little lackluster. It didn’t feel as well thought out as Threads That Bind.

With that being said, I did still enjoy the book and the ending was satisfying. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC.

After TTB, I was SO excited for Hearts That Cut. First, that title—and the cover! I loved seeing Io and Edei on their journey, but I think the beginning was a bit too slow for me; I kept putting the book down with no urge to pick it back up. Regardless, I loved seeing how the story unraveled, and would definitely buy the author's next books because of how well this one wrapped up.

Thanks NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing an eARC of Hearts That Cut!

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Release Date: 18 June 2024
Vibe: it's the end of the world as we know it & I feel fine

I don't know if it's just because it's been a year since I read Threads That Bind, but I was lost at first. Luckily, there is plenty of "hey, this happened in the first book!" type of reminders! So if you are in the same boat, you'll find your footing pretty quick.

Hearts That Cut has plenty of chasing threads (ha!) to find the culprits behind the massacre at the end of Threads That Bind. We get to see a bit more of the world, and have the joy of seeing Io and Bianca be scheming girlies together. Io will literally say nonsense until people just tell her whatever she wants to know and I love that for her so much. Yapping truly is the answer to everything ♡

Was I expecting a time-bendy reveal? No, and it was perfection. I'm just a bit curious if these were the only gods left?

I took a star away because I wanted wayyyy more Edei and Io :( Like so much. I am desperate for their love, and the glimpses we got were so tender and sweet and hopeful, but it felt like just crumbs and I need a full meal.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book.

I was a big fan of the first book Threads That Bind in this duology and had high expectations for Hearts That Cut. Hatzopoulou did not disappoint! This book begins shortly after Threads That Bind wraps up with Io and Bianca heading to Nanzy to follow the golden thread. From the start I am drawn back into the story and could not put the book down. The characters develop well throughout and my attachment to them grew. Hatzopoulou wrapped up the story beautifully in Hearts That Cut and exceeded all expectations.

Thank you for the ARC review.

From the end of the first book, our character was at a crossroads, pretty much literally, of which mystery to follow. I was so happy at the beginning of the sequel to learn that she followed the one I hoped. Then though there was the problem that I wasn't in the mood for YA book it seemed. The book itself was mostly fine there were a few things that seemed odd considering what had previously been learned. Overall though I think it was just not the right time for me to read it. This will be a brief review with a more detailed one to come upon reread when I might pick up more details.

The world of these books is so interesting. It almost seems like an alternate version of our own world. During the first book, I wondered if it was like our world after a future catastrophe but they have three moons so probably not. There are a lot of similarities though, such as the god's names and abilities. In this book, we are able to travel to various cities and get a picture of how each area has to deal with the inhospitable climate. I feel like there were a lot more of the chimarini shown in this book as well, the various forms of mutations.

Also, we were able to see several more other-born abilities. One even being another fate touched, a __ from another set of gods. While the other-born were important to the plot of the first book I think it is woven more into this story. It gives context to all the machinations.

This book is still following Io Ora. While she does have moments of doubt and panic, I feel like it happens far less in this book than the first one. With Io for most of the book is Bianca Rossie, the mob queen of the Stilts, as the two are investigating/tracking the culprits of the last book. Io's detective skills are put to good work as she is forced to piece little clues together from all their stops.

As this is a YA novel the romance between Io and Edei would of course play a part. I was quite happy though that the possibility of the world ending took more precedence. There was still a good bit of conversation surrounding the fate thread and their feelings but they were both focused more on the mission.

I liked the way this one wrapped up the plot. It had a good explanation even if it felt like an odd decision choice. Previously I had thought this was going to be a trilogy but after searching it does appear to be a duology instead. This makes the ending seem better placed. It ends with a small bit of happiness and hope for Io specifically. There is also the possibility of better times for the world but that is a grander scale and Io isn't the character for that. It was a good decision not to make her have to focus on that part that wasn't suited for her. She played her role and the story of the world can move on its path while Io and Edei work out their own portion of it.

"In this heart-pounding, much-anticipated sequel to Threads That Bind, Io will face threats even more dangerous and players even more powerful as she discovers what it will mean to follow - or defy - her fate.

It's been five weeks since Io left Alante to follow the golden thread, and she's no closer to finding the god on the other end. She spends her days in constant, grueling travel and her nights worrying over the fate-thread she shares with Edei - which seems to be fraying. Making matters worse, she and Bianca soon realize that their only lead has shaken them off, snapped the golden thread, and disappeared.

But not before Io gathers some crucial clues. Her investigation leads her to a new mystery, a rash of sibling disappearances across the Wastelands that seems to be connected to the murders in Alante. And all signs point to Nanzy, the golden city, as the center of the whole conspiracy.

As Io and Bianca make their way to Nanzy, they face powerful enemies, find allies new and old, and uncover a horrifying plot that traces back centuries. The more Io learns, the more she begins to suspect that the future of the world may truly rest on her shoulders. But she will have to determine how much of the future is her choice - and how much is simply her fate."

This series deserves far better cover art. Take note OwlCrate and LitJoy and all others of that ilk.

I. Am. OBSESSED! I absolutely adored this book! I initially ate through the first book not realizing it had just been released and have been chomping at the bit to get my hands on this second book! The Storytelling and plot are just marvelous. I love these characters so much <3

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED Threads that Bind. It was probably my favorite read of all last year. So I was anxiously awaiting this and so happy to get an ARC of this one.
I love Io and Edei and their relationship and story across both books is my absolute fave. What I loved about this book was the magic system and the way our main characters didn't want to be in charge of anything but weren't willing to sit by and watch their world get destroyed. There were way more different types of magic mentioned in this book, but we never got a look into most of them. They were named, but we don't know what those mean.
I was surprised by the ending to this book. It was a full circle story, which I appreciate but despite all the build up there felt like there was a pacing problem throughout this book. The end felt rushed and the beginning felt very slow. I still like this story, but if this is the last book in the series I feel like I am missing a good bit of the story I want, if this is just the second book then I am READY for book three.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

"'It is ridiculous,' Bianca said. 'How invested you all are in your fleeting teenage infatuations when there are literal gods out to get.'"
BUT BIANCA YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. I LOVE EDEI AND IO.

There were so many goddamn good quotes in this novel and I want to imprint them all onto my brain. This was such a good story and the characters were all just as amazing as they were in the first book. Io and Bianca making their way across the Wastelands was EVERYTHING and MORE. I loved their partnership and how threads tried to link her and Bianca together several times but couldn't (for obvious reasons). The betrayal, the heartbreak, the bravery of everyone. I loved how Io was able to figure everything out and trick the gods into doing what she wanted. There were many bone chilling moments in this story and so much depth to the plot. I had such visceral reactions to many of the things in this book. Mostly joy but a lot of shock and awe as well. This book does not dissapoint.