Threadneedle

What a great start to a story that i couldn't put down! Full of interesting magic, characters, and a world I wanted to come back to time and time again.

This book is fantastic it involves magic, family, and academia. It reads very smoothly and is written very well. When a girl is from a family of people who can do magic and is raised by her aunt because her parents died and is forced to give up her magic. This is the first time I have read a book with this being the main plot. Then add in her mom's best friend and two teenagers, the high school drama, and so many more exciting things the book keeps getting better.
However, I wish we got more background about the main character's mom's best friend in the beginning and what happened between her and the main character's aunt.

This book really came to me at the right time. I adored Anna, Effie, and Attis. They were an incredible trio that really carried this entire story, in itself the book has an interesting story but really the characters made this incredible.

This book is one that isn't easy to fit in a category. The age of the characters and the themes seem like this book should be YA, but to me the tone felt very much like an adult book. Whatever category this fits into, the story sucked me in and kept me reading until late at night. I hope there will be more because I was drawn to these characters and hope to read more about their story. I also have some theories about some of the unresolved plotlines that I would like to find out if I'm right or not!

Review copy (eARC) provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first entry in "The Language of Magic" series, which currently consists of this book and a novella. The best way I can explain this book is it felt like a different take on Harry Potter...to be clear, I don't mean that as a criticism, but rather, a compliment. That's just the vibe I got, which overall is a good thing, because I really loved reading Harry Potter, but it's just not my current preferred genre.

As a result, I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5, which I will round up to a 4 because it was fun and I think my criticisms are more personal than true problems with the book.

Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC.

Threadneedle begins a new series full of teenage angst, magical discovery, secrets, lies, revenge and I am so glad I stuck with this tale. Taking place in contemporary London, Anna suffers under the guidance of her Aunt who believes magic is dangerous and must be bound away and not used. Anna struggles to understand what is wrong with her as her magic is so weak and since she lost her parents due to magic, she is torn between learning more or choosing her Aunt's path. Anna's relationship with her brutal Aunt and how she completely shutters herself away did make the first part of the story hard to get into. I wasn't feeling any initial connections to the characters, but once Anna finds her people at school and she begins to discover herself is when the story takes off. I love a found family, and Rowan and Attis are delightful.
The magic itself and the different languages of magic really are so well done and woven so seamlessly into the world that you can believe this is how it really is. And the library.....how I so wish this library truly is out there somewhere. The use of magic and the consequences of its use are wonderfully depicted and the rising tensions make the second half of the story fly by. There are quite a few twists and reveals that totally surprised me. There are conspiracies, threats and many more secrets still to be uncovered so I will certainly continue on with this series!!

Looking for a little magic in your life?
Try Threadneedle on for size. A young teen learns so much of the magical world she inhabits and the immense power it holds. Two friends become very dear to her but will she bring them harm?
They also open her eyes to a whole new London.
I liked the magical aspects and the ability to cast spells. Oh if only that was a real power to harness.
Escape for a few hours into the magic….

Threadneedle is an exciting dark academia book that features family ties, magic and lots of excitement along the way. The writing is phenomenal and the characters are deep and well developed. I just wanted a little more history from the rest of the world to allow for some more world building.

I really enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one. Please make this the first book of a series! I liked the characters of the teenagers and was intrigued by the magical plants and flowers that one of the girls’ mother used in her healing practice. Magical nightclubs and magical libraries, wow! I was enchanted by magic and magical acts, and horrified by a belief that magic was evil and needed to be suppressed.

“The potion wants your stories! There’s nothing more powerful than a story.”

Threadneedle was magical - and not just because of the actual magic that took place. The author creates a hidden, detailed, unique world throughout this book that draws you in with starry-eyed wonder.

This is a story where you’re in the thick of it with the main character; you don’t know who to trust, what some people are, the twisted and mysterious histories of the characters, etc.

This book gave me second half of the Harry Potter series vibes; dark, mysterious, immersive, magical. The main character is 16, so it was (unexpectedly to me) a YA book. It took me longer than normal to finish this one. It’s dense and has a lot of detail packed into its 576 pages!

This book has been on my tbr for a while now and I’m glad i was finally able to get it. The story was engaging and enjoyable with flawed yet lovable characters and plot twists all the way up until the very end. It left off with quite a lot unresolved, so I’m really looking forward to seeing more from these characters in the future. I also made time to read The Hedgewitch with it; a cute novella about Rowan, one of my favorite side characters from Threadneedle! It was a quick and easy read with simple plot that was fun and engaging.

This has magic, beautiful word building and characters that pull you into their lives. So many twists and I seen zero of them coming. It’s also a story of friendship and family and the secrets within. There are some dark topics, and some interesting magical places such as the library and the shop. It feels like a good starting point for a series, getting all the backstory out of the way for what could be a really magic filled sequel. It was a very slow read with longer chapters but they are worth it. This reads very dark academia, discovery of witches, and Harry Potter. This was an ARC and I’m voluntarily leaving this review.

Anna’s Aunt has always warned her of the dangers of magic. Its twists. Its knots. Its deadly consequences.

Now Anna counts down the days to the ceremony that will bind her magic forever.

Until she meets Effie and Attis.

They open her eyes to a London she never knew existed. A shop that sells memories. A secret library where the librarian feeds off words. A club where revellers lose themselves in a haze of spells.

But as she is swept deeper into this world, Anna begins to wonder if her Aunt was right all along.

Is her magic a gift … or a curse?

Threadneedle by Cari Thomas is a story of family, magic, and intrigue that had me hooked from page one.

What i loved
1. Lovely atmospheric writing, Especially in scene setting and character introductions.
2. Interesting magic system. I wouldn't call it a hard magic system but it had enough rules as to feel powerful without imminently solving every problem the characters encounter.
What didn't work as well for me
1. This book does not read as Young adult but rather as an adult fantasy novel that happens to have younger protagonists. While I enjoyed it for what it is I did go into it with a YA mind set at first and feel the category its in being shifted is a good idea.
2. Dialogue during the first fourth of the novel feels very clipped .
Who would I recommend this book for

Threadneedle is a fantasy novel that would be a wonderful fit for people who enjoy the atmospheric writing of Lani Taylor and the fast pace of Brandon Sanderson.

Mix together Mean Girls + The Craft + a dash of Wednesday (the Netflix series) and you have Threadneedle. I really enjoyed this book by Cari Thomas and wasn't looking for it to be anything more than a story about teen girls and magic which is exactly what this was. I loved the high school drama, friendships, romance, and rebellion as much as the magic - and I really liked the magic and the unique way it was described. The relationships are also complex and heartbreaking at times, the characters fully formed. My favorite character was Rowan and I hope she gets more of an arc in the rest of the series!
There was definitely a point in the story where I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know how it would end and the ending did not disappoint. It all came together in a way I was not expecting and that felt resolved, but also left me eager to read more.
I will say I like the Goodreads description much better than the NetGalley one and the one I've seen on retail sites. The new description does not capture what drew me to the book in the first place which is the dangers of magic.

That was her magic, she could still feel love, even as her heart was breaking.

Y’all! This book! I was caught in its spell. Magic, a crazy Aunt, family secrets, the pressures of which path to take, betrayal, and love. It gave me Practical Magic vibes in London with a mean girls twist. I’m looking forward to the next book!

“Love is the most dangerous of all emotions.”

I loved Threadneedle. I am a sucker for witchy books, female friendship, and fairytales. This book provided all three.

Threadneedle reminds me very much of a CW fantasy show - this isn't a bad thing. In fact, I greatly enjoyed my read of Threadneedle. It is well written, dark and funny at times, and I am very much looking forward to the sequel. I was honestly expecting something more adult, but the book ended up feeling more YA, maybe NA at times. Our main character is a 16 year old witch and as such all of her life experiences--her very sheltered life experiences--and of that her friends are that of 16 year olds. There are a lot of subplots (or filler episodes) to help us get to know each of the characters, as well as a mean girl element that goes too far, because of course, its high school.

And boys, we cannot forget about the boys! Thankfully there is no insta-love going on, just typical teenage hormones. Rowan's interests were my favorite because I believe she would date half the school if possible.

There is also a darker, mysterious back plot that occasionally pokes its head in through out the daily life of our gang of witches, and comes to fruition in the final chapters. The dark elements are fairly dark in this novel, though still appropriate for YA/NA feel. There is a good amount of at home abuse that people should be aware of before diving in.

Even though Threadneedle is the first book of a trilogy, it wraps itself up nicely with only a few loose ends in regards to the larger, overall plot that I'm sure will be addressed in the sequel. These loose ends have the potential to lead to a much darker story and I am cannot wait to read it!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Overall a very fun read! Anna was a wonderful MC and I am really looking forward to the next one!

If you enjoy cool magic systems/ magical realism also set in contemporary London this book is perfect for you.

Anna's story is colored deeply by her highly abusive aunt. It makes sense that she wants to get away and that she is scared to even try. If you can read through the abuse, which is hard and brutal at times, you are rewarded with this story of found and natural families. What really makes it sing is the intricate magic system Thomas develops here. I am very curious to see where the next volume goes.

Absolute perfection. There's a reason she's a bestselling author! She knows how to weave magic into words, and vice-versa. The words just suck you into the world she's built, and it's such a wonderful escape.

#Threadneedle #NetGalley Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I encourage you to check this one out! Really solid read.

Star Rating: 4.1/5⭐

I really enjoyed this book! This feels like a blend of Harry Potter, Practical Magic, and Sabrina (the Netflix one). It's got dark academia vibes features a young coven full of outcasts at a school of normies/cowen. This book is pretty dark; there's heavy presence of extreme physical and mental abuse from a parental figure who is practically an anti-witchcraft binder witch, plus there's the whole murder-suicide of parents and the mystery surrounding that.

This was marketed as an adult fantasy, but I'd say it's YA with the ability to grow into adult fantasy as the series continues. Still a very enjoyable read, but the majority of the story revolves around young adults and their angsty problems, with the backdrop of Anna's, the FMC, dark home life and backstory.

The writing and pacing was great, I never felt bored while reading it and really think it's a perfect rainy day read. The worldbuilding was lovely and I really can't wait to see more of the witchy world in the next books. The library was really intriguing and hope we get to visit again. All the magic is based around the elements, and seemed to flow more with vibes than exact science, which I really enjoyed.

I love the girls in the coven, Rowan is my spirit animal with her exuberance for life and boys, and her mom has the similar warm mama-bear nature as Mrs. Weasley in Harry Potter. Amanda's character arc from ultra-religious to... not so much, really endeared her to me. Effie I'm so torn on. Her character has so much depth and by the end of the book, it becomes a lot clearer why she is the way she is. She's a rebellious teen who is so brash and carefree, and just wild, sometimes taking things too far. Despite those things, it's hard not to get caught up in her energy and I can't wait to see how the relationship between Anna and her continues to evolve. Attis is a sort of orbiting non-member of the coven and such an interesting character and his part in the overall story was brilliant.

To sum up, if you want a darker YA fantasy set in modern times with Practical Magic & Sabrina vibes, definitely give this one a go. I'll definitely be checking out the next one.

Threadneedle, by Cari Thomas, is a witchy, fantastical story set in modern-day London. The characters are complex and well-developed, the societal and familial relationships are relatable, and the world Thomas has created made me reluctant to put the book down.

Anna Everdell, an orphaned 16-year-old who lives with her maternal aunt, has been brought up under the strictest conditions. Aunt has raised her with the tenets of the Binders, a group of witches that believe magic is a sin and must be controlled. Anna has learned to keep her head down and her mouth closed at school so as not to draw attention, and thus far in life she has sustained a solid reputation as Nobody.

Anna’s quiet, restricted life is sent into an upheaval with the arrival of Selene, a friend of her late mother, and her teenage daughter Effie. The opposite of Anna, Effie thrives on attention, does not care what others think of her, and soaks up all the benefits of being a witch. Along with her best friend Attis, Effie begins attending Anna’s school and wastes no time shaking things up. Along with two more outcasts, Anna is thrust into the spotlight by Effie and shown the joys (and dangers) that magic can bring. With her initiation into the Binders upon her, can Anna decide to give up this newfound world of magic? Or will Aunt force the decision for her?

This book has magic, murder, romance, and plenty of teenage angst. Youth, magic, social media, love interests, mean girls, and family secrets – what could go wrong?

Thank you netgalley for providing me with a free e-book of Threadneedle for review. I absolutely devoured this book! The writing is filled with rich details and anyone who loves a magical world hidden in plain sight, will love this one! The story centers around Anna, who has always known she was a witch, but has been taught her entire life that magic is evil. Her strict Aunt has been preparing her to have her magic bound at the end of the year. However, when a family acquaintance moves to town, Anna, befriends their daughter, Effie, who has been raised to believe that there are no limitations to magic. Under Effie's influence, Anna is opened up to the real world of magic and possibility, also unlocking her potential as a witch. There are strong themes of friendship and betrayal as Anna navigates this new world as well as digging into the secrets of her past. Really, this book has all the things could have asked for! Strong characters, great world building, and some twists and turns that I certainly didn't see coming!!

Told from the perspective of 16 year old Anna, who we quickly discover is an orphan who lives with her disciplinarian Aunt Vivienne. An aunt who has rigorously warned Anna about the dangers of magic and belongs to a coven called “Binders” who believe that magical abilities should be literally bound away as a form of self-protection from the witch hunting of the past. Anna has always wanted to believe in the wonders of magic, and when her mother’s best friend visits with a daughter of the same age, Anna begins questioning everything her aunt ingrained in her.

The world-building is fantastic! Such an interesting new explanation of magic in the form of different "languages." There's rich history in the different covens, and use of magical plants. Contemporary London woven together with the hidden-in-plain sight magical world was delightful to me--I recently visited Britain and I was able to recognize real places. The characters are all beautifully complex; it's their struggles and growth that is more of a focal point than any "action" in the book. That being said, the "plot", for me, was a bit meandering, and can it got a bit lost in the middle of the high school teenage popularity contests and parties. As this is the first in a series, I'm excited to see where the story continues in the sequel.

This magical world was incredible. I loved learning about the different types of magic in it. It's full of mystery and plot twists. It's definitely a dark story. There were moments it reminded me of scenes in The Craft. It I can't wait to read more of this series. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes stories about magic and witches.

*TW for abuse and bullying.*

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Threadneedle is an exciting fantasy that transports the reader to a world of witches, magic, and lore. Anna has grown up believing that both magic and love are destructive and need to be bound. Anna is content at going through life in the background. That is until she meets Effie and Attis. They open her eyes to a world of wonder - where everyday items hold living memories, where libraries are extensive mazes to be lost in, where magic is freedom. Now, Anna must make a choice - to be bound like her Aunt or to let her magic free. Of course, it's not as easy as one or the other. Anna also finds out that she may be cursed and her new friends may not be who they say they are.

Throughout Threadneedle, the author writes unique, well-developed, morally gray characters. I particularly loved Effie and Attis; however, with that said, Aunt is an extremely well-written villain, and Anna is a fascinating narrator. The book does read somewhere between YA and adult, which I actually enjoyed. I cannot wait to dive back into this world. The sequel cannot come soon enough! I highly recommend Threadneedle!

Threadneedle is one of those books where it doesn't feel like much is happening, but somehow you can’t put it down. The world building is immersive, the characters are well developed and the story contains all our favorite witchy tropes: hidden magic, academia, teen hijinks, spooky mysteries and young women discovering their (literal and figurative) power. Straddling the line between YA material and a very adult voice, I would call this a New Adult read that will be a hit for readers who love a witch-core coming of age story. My only gripe is that the resolution feels slightly Agatha Christie-ish in that the mystery gets solved in a big rush at the end with a reveal of information that no one (either the protagonists or the reader) knew about. Plenty of clues were left in the narrative, but the hand waving in of mystery solving, and the hand waving out of a few loose ends, felt a bit out of tune with the rest of the novel.

I was so ready to fall in love with this book after seeing the gorgeous special edition from Goldsboro and that Jay Kristoff had recommended it. Unfortunately, it didn't seem that it was being talked about or even really known at all in the USA. I desperately looked for a library copy, then a bookstore hardcover, to no avail. I was so thrilled when Netgalley sent me a digital copy for review, so thanks to them I was finally able to read one of my most anticipated books of last year!

Threadneedle deals with witches. Our main character Anna is a witch whose powers seem dormant. She has been raised by her strict aunt following the tragic deaths of her parents when she was a child. Her aunt sees magic and practicing magic as an evil that will only bring pain and death upon Anna. When the story begins, Anna is 16, about a year away from her Binding, which will lock her magic away forever. She is introduced to some new girls her own age and slowly begins to form a safe haven against the cruel treatment she receives, both at home and at school. Secrets from her past are gradually revealed, and she is left with some very difficult and heart-wrenching choices.

I really loved the atmosphere and setting of this book. It felt very reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events, in the way that the kids in this book seem to be facing their problems alone, with no help from the adults. It felt like classic British children's literature (think Harry Potter and Matilda) but for a YA audience. The mysteries were very intriguing and kept me reading. I really loved the friendship aspect. As someone who was very lonely and isolated through my own childhood, I really related to the way Anna was always putting herself down and fearful that she was hurting or inconveniencing her new friends. This book at times felt a little too dark for a typical YA audience; there's obviously abuse here, many sexual situations, language throughout, and some very convincing witchcraft rituals. If you're buying this for your kid, don't expect it to be just like Harry Potter, because it isn't.

I'm left very intrigued after the ending of this book left so many ends to tie up! I haven't heard anything about when the sequel comes out, but I certainly hope it's soon! Highly recommend this book!

Thank you HarperVoyager and Cari Thomas for allowing me to read and review the eARC of Threadneedle.

Threadneedle is about Anna's coming of age, not just in years but also in her magical capabilities. As readers we follow along as the closed off world of magic is unveiled before Anna's eyes, making her question everything she has ever known. Cari Thomas did a great job of developing well rounded characters and a plot that left me breathless at times.

Threadneedle is an easy, enjoyable read for anyone who loves urban fantasy!

I actually really enjoyed this book. I felt the world was rich and interesting. There is some TW for family abuse, Anna’s aunt is a piece of work. She also deals with bullying at school, which so relatable on a different level. Then the richness of the magical word at large is wonderful. There is also a part of the story that is a murder mystery which all comes to a head at the end. Overall, this book was quite the page turner. I can’t wait for the next installment. netgalley provided this e arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book is so fantastical and magical. I did have a rough time getting through the first hundred pages or so, but once things started to happen, it got more interesting. I do think the book is a little long and repetitive in some spots, but overall it's a fun read.

thank you to netgalley and harper 360 for the digital advanced reading copy of the threadneedle by cari thomas. This was an interesting book. a story about a young girl anna and her aunt. the magics they have and have to bind. suffer in silence. their magic is not a gift but a curse. magic is not fun and games for them. magic is knots, math and knowing and training. anna is looking forward to her ceremony that will bind her magic, following her aunts footsteps. until she meets some new friends that introduce her to the wildness of magic. her new friends open her eyes and the sights of london she has never thought to experience before. this story about friendships, family, academia and magic was interesting. this has been a release many were looking forward to. it starts off very slow but it gets better and is worth the read.

A really fascinating fantasy novel!! I oved the way that it did magic and the way that it built up and layered the mysteries. I do think the pacing bythe end got a little bit rushed, but I'm very excited for the sequel and think that it was a fun read overall!

This book somehow has dark YA dystopian vibes even though it takes place in contemporary London. Anna’s Aunt is straight up terrifying (imagine being raised by Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter). Meanwhile, Selene has raised Effie to be free-spirited and independent. It was very interesting to see how the two girls interacted with the people and events around them and with each other due to (or sometimes in spite of) their upbringings. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m very intrigued to see what happens next in the series!

Whimsical and immersive, Threadneedle was a delight for the senses.

We follow Anna, living in her Aunts care, repeatedly taught that magic is a forbidden sin and dangerous. Why would she questions that, it's what killed her parents after all. She keeps her head down and follows the rules as she moves towards the age when her magic can be bound. New perspectives and friends begin to guide Anna in a new direction as she begins to question everything she has ever been told.

Anna is a bit different as far as YA heroines go and I found that quite refreshing. Her first instincts of being a conformist do evolve but in a smart and realistic way. This made her much more relatable. I didn't find myself having to suspend me belief at her growth arc as I so often do in YA. The world here is familiar but the magic woven in is beautiful ans whimsical touch.

All in all Threadneedle was a engaging and thoughtful read bolstered by beautiful atmosphere and relatable characters.

Thank you to Harper Voyager for the early review copy.

I like that this book has a few twists and turns to separate it from other supernatural teen books. The characters were interesting. The setting was modern. All and all a good read.

Threadneedle is the first in a series of YA dark academia fantasy novels by Cari Thomas. Released 27 May 2021 by HarperCollins on their HarperVoyager imprint, it's 576 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback (31st Jan '23), audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a well written character driven YA tale. MC Anna has been taught to fear and loathe her magical talent by her repressive and cruelly disapproving aunt. She's approaching the day when a ceremony will bind her magic forever, when she meets exuberant and irrepressible young students Effie and Attis. They're soon off having adventures and exploring their magic and testing boundaries.

At its essence, it's a YA coming-of-age novel. The background, world building, and magic systems are expertly rendered. I found the first parts of the book quite a relentless slog (until she meets up with Effie). There are potentially triggering on-page descriptions of emotional manipulation and physical abuse and gaslighting. Then *poof* (more or less) the book changes to a YA school C-o-A story, with all the drama and most of the silliness that entails.

Three and a half stars (mostly for the dichotomy of the first third of the book compared to the latter parts). The writing is very good throughout. For fans of Phillip Pullman, Leigh Bardugo, and Kerri Maniscalco, this one will likely be made to order. It's a substantial book, but there's also a novella in the same general world/pantheon, but set in Wales, contra London.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This book was such a great read. I felt like I was literally part of it. I read this book in one day. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it. I will probably pass it down to my daughter so she can read it next.

Instantly loved the intensity of the story right off the bat. You could feel the magic of the story brewing harsh and dark and most of the book kept me anxiously turning the pages to see what would happen next. Thomas added a mystery layer on top of witchcraft as an extra element but I believe she does it very well.

Thank you, NetGalley, publishers and, Cari Thomas for gifting me a copy of Threadneedle in return for my honest opinion.

4/5 stars
Within the boroughs of London, nestled among its streets, hides another city, filled with magic.

Magic is the first sin. It must be bound.

Ever since Anna can remember, her aunt has warned her of the dangers of magic. She has taught her to fear how it twists and knots and turns into something dark and deadly.

It was, after all, magic that killed her parents and left her in her aunt’s care. It’s why she has been protected from the magical world and, in one year’s time, what little magic she has will be bound. She will join her aunt alongside the other Binders who believe magic is a sin not to be used, but denied. Only one more year and she will be free of the curse of magic, her aunt’s teachings and the disappointment of the little she is capable of.

Nothing – and no one – could change her mind before then. Could it?

I loved the authenticity in this book, the way be created a world that combines aspects that connect with reality but turned it into a new and exciting adventure. I've read a lot of books where the magical world is different than our own so this was a nice change of pace. I loved how the book focussed on a group of high school girls and how realistically portrayed these characters were.

I do wish that the plot was written at a little faster pace. For me, it was a little slow and I really wanted to skip ahead, but I held off. I did feel that some of the scenes that were included could have been taken out, they seemed to be there just to add pages and no real substance to the book.

This is one beautiful book. The story kept me wondering what would come next and the word choices is fresh and exciting. A must for fantasy readers.

Threadneedle, the first book in the Language of Magic series, is an excellent start to this captivating fantasy series. Whether you're a fan of books like Harry Potter or you simply love all things fantasy, including witches, magic, and betrayal, you'll be sure to find that this book has something for you.

Magic is considered the first sin and is therefore forbidden. Anyone who has magic must have it bound. Anna is nearly at the age where her magic will be bound so she can spend the rest of her life with her aunt, and other who have done the same. But is binding Anna's magic the right choice or will she find a reason to keep it?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author skillfully wrote a story that is both comforting and suspenseful, keeping the reader waiting to find out what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins and Cari Thomas for giving me the opportunity to read this masterpiece!

From the very beginning, Thomas introduces us to Anna, a young witch navigating the intricacies of a world where magic is both a gift and a peril. The cast of characters, from the mysterious and sometimes untrustworthy Anna to the enchanting Effie and Attis, adds layers of intrigue, danger, and mystery to this immersive tale.

As an orphan bound by the stifling traditions of her aunt, a Binder, Anna's life is fraught with the fear of magic, which is portrayed as dark and deadly. Thomas skillfully delves into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring themes of control, abuse, and the quest for self-discovery. The magic system, rooted in knots and bindings, offers a unique and captivating perspective, adding depth to the narrative.

The novel unfolds with a perfect blend of mystery, crime, and magical elements. The plotline, while occasionally slow-paced, grips readers with its exploration of Anna's journey from a life of suppression to the discovery of her extraordinary powers. The depiction of bullying, body-shaming, and the challenges of high school life resonates with authenticity, creating a relatable backdrop for the fantastical elements.

Effie's character, though at times irksome, serves as a catalyst for Anna's transformation, leading to the formation of a close-knit group of friends. The magical world within the high school setting is both vivid and true to life, with a magical library and underground wonders adding whimsy to the story.

"Threadneedle" excels in maintaining a captivating narrative, balancing the exploration of magical realms with the everyday struggles of teenage life. The climax, filled with excitement and revelations, neatly ties up the initial storyline while leaving room for future intrigue.

In a genre that often treads familiar paths, "Threadneedle" stands out with its unique approach to witchcraft and magic. As a series opener, it not only introduces readers to a richly imagined world but also sets the stage for further drama and revelations in the upcoming sequels.

For lovers of magic, mystery, and coming-of-age tales, "Threadneedle" is a highly recommended journey into a realm where the threads of magic weave a tapestry of intrigue and self-discovery. Cari Thomas has cast a spell that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama in the subsequent chapters of The Language of Magic series.

- I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

While a magical read with great characters and a really great setting I found it to be a little slow at times so it was harder for me to get into it. The pacing was off here and there but once I kept on and finally got into the swing of things I enjoyed he mysteries and magic system that exist in their world. i am hoping the subplots are explored more in the future books. The cover to this book is absolutely stunning.

Entertaining read, caught my attention early and kept the pace moving as to not get slow. Would warn that there is family emotional and physical abuse.

In the enchanting world of "Threadneedle," the streets of London conceal secrets more magical than anyone could imagine. In this captivating novel, author Cari Thomas weaves a tale of mystery, danger, and the transformative power of magic.

At the heart of the story is Anna, a 16-year-old schoolgirl whose life has been shadowed by warnings of the dangers of magic. Raised by her Aunt, a member of a magical tradition based on total control of emotions and feelings so that their magic is similarly controlled, Anna has always been taught that magic and all emotion is sinful and she should fear it. Her own father killed her witch mother in a fit of passion, after all. Bound by tradition and fear, Anna prepares for the ceremony that will seal her magic away forever.

But when her mother’s best friend Selene returns from America, she encounters Selene’s daughter Effie, who is also 16 and her (boyfriend?) Attis, and her world is turned upside down. Together, they reveal a London brimming with ancient witchcraft, hidden libraries, and mysterious clubs where people use magic without fear and a large group of others who certainly don’t see it as a sin. They also begin to attend her school and completely transform her life there as well, introducing her to the other witches that have always surrounded her without her knowing it.

As Anna delves deeper into this hidden world, she grapples with questions about the nature of her own magic—is it a gift or a curse? With each revelation, Anna's journey becomes more perilous, as she uncovers dark forces at play and discovers the truth about her past. From the dusty pages of hidden libraries to the intoxicating allure of witch clubs, the setting is richly atmospheric, transporting readers to a London unlike any they've known.

"Threadneedle" is a spellbinding read that will captivate fans of Garth Nix, V.E. Schwab, and Alix E. Harrow. Thomas effortlessly blends magic and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where secrets lurk around every corner and nothing is as it seems. It is clear that Anna is an unreliable narrator to a certain extent, because of the deliberate gaslighting and enforced ignorance she’s been subjected to. If you have issues with child abuse, both psychological and physical this may not be a story for you.
Central to the novel's appeal is Anna herself—a heroine whose quiet strength and determination resonate deeply. As she confronts her fears and embraces her magic, Anna undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a timid young woman into a powerful force to be reckoned with. Her journey is both thrilling and deeply moving, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

In "Threadneedle," Cari Thomas has crafted a masterful tale of magic, love, and self-discovery. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and gripping plot, this is a novel that will linger in the imagination long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply love a good story, "Threadneedle" is a terrific read.

As Anna delves deeper into this hidden world, she grapples with questions about the nature of her own magic—is it a gift or a curse? With each revelation, Anna's journey becomes more perilous, as she uncovers dark forces at play and discovers the truth about her past. From the dusty pages of hidden libraries to the intoxicating allure of witch clubs, the setting is richly atmospheric, transporting readers to a London unlike any they've known.

"Threadneedle" is a spellbinding read. Thomas effortlessly blends magic and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where secrets lurk around every corner and nothing is as it seems. It is clear that Anna is an unreliable narrator to a certain extent, because of the deliberate gaslighting and enforced ignorance she’s been subjected to. If you have issues with child abuse, both psychological and physical, this may not be a story for you.

But Anna makes for a heroine whose quiet strength and determination resonate deeply. As she confronts her fears and embraces her magic, Anna undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a timid young woman into a powerful force to be reckoned with. Her journey is both thrilling and deeply moving, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very violent end.

In "Threadneedle," Cari Thomas has crafted a masterful tale of magic, love, and self-discovery. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and gripping plot, this is a novel that will linger in the imagination long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply love a good story, "Threadneedle" is a terrific read.

Threadneedle is a captivating read that masterfully blends the worlds of magic and reality. The intricate plot and well-developed characters draw you in from the very first page. Anna's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is both poignant and inspiring. The author’s descriptive writing paints vivid scenes, making the magical elements feel tangible and the emotional moments resonate deeply. While the pacing can be slow at times, it allows for a deeper connection with the characters and their struggles. Overall, Threadneedle is an enchanting tale that leaves a lasting impression.

In this captivating fantasy romance, the author weaves a beautifully intricate world filled with magic, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry between the protagonists. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape where the stakes are high, and love transcends boundaries.

The characters are delightfully complex, each facing their own trials and transformations. Their journey is not just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, making every shared moment feel electric and deeply meaningful.

The plot is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with tender, intimate scenes that linger long after the book is closed. The author’s lyrical prose brings the settings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and danger of this enchanting world.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape that deftly combines elements of fantasy and romance. It’s a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability. Perfect for fans of the genre, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical journey of the heart!

Aside from the cover being absolutely stunning, this is a very unique contemporary fantasy. I will say that the mean girl part was a bit annoying, especially when I seek out fantasy for escape and that hit close to home as a former awkward teenage girl. That said, if you like books with riddles and that completely absorb you, this one is a good ine.