After a reading slump this is just what the doctor ordered!

It’s an awesome blend of urban and mythology. It also explored sibling and familial relationships so well, do we still listen and love them even when it’s toxic? Additionally the fate thread was actually well done, due to her naivety the author did a great job of showing her feelings while also mixing in her lack of experience or knowledge.

Lastly, I guessed where it was going, but there were enough twists I didn’t see coming that it was still enjoyable and a bit of a surprise.

"one soul in three bodies"

This fantasy mystery is a carefully crafted story of resilience, power, and love. Within the fantasy world, Hatzopoulou effortlessly brings mythology into modernity.

Character creation is the strongest element of this novel, for me, giving readers an impactful introduction to the series. The sisters relationship is a complex and intriguing centre on which the story revolves. However, I found the fate thread story often took a back seat to be forgotten. With the complexities of every relationship in the novel, and the number of characters (all of which were excellently developed) there had to be certain story arcs that were lost at times. For me, the mystery overwhelmed the fate thread.

I look forward to the next installment to see where the story takes us next.

A young adult Murder mystery fantasy set in an ominous, murky city where gang leaders have the power.

We follow Io who is one of 3 sisters who has the powers of a weaver, cutter, and drawer, these powers mean they can see the life threads of people, Io Is a cutter and can see the life threads and cut them which she uses to do investigation work helping people by cutting their threads from things that harm them such as addiction, or following the thread to find what they’re hiding.

Io was hired to help find out about a cheating partner which unfortunately went awry and instead introduced Io an impossibly strange person whose Life-thread was cut yet was still alive, starting the beginning of a reign of murders throughout Alante, the city- which Io was then hired to investigate who was behind them and why, alongside her new friends under the protection of Bianca, the powerful mob queen.

The city was a gorgeous , mysterious and dark atmosphere that would suffer from downpour and floods, this world building deeply reminded me of the video game Dishonored and somewhat like Assassins creed- look up images of dishonored and that’s exactly how I personally picture this world.

The magic was incredible I found it to be unique and complex system of magic where our characters are descend from Greek mythology gods which gives them different powers.
Whilst I did really love the way the magic worked in this world and reading about Io’s powers I found most the other magic to be really confusing without us having much time to actually digest how they worked.
We received a pretty confusing info dump explaining the different magic depending on which god they were descendants of, then we had muses with their own magic and then we had furies who were different from the horae/moira/Phobos born and it felt like i didn’t actually know why they were different, by the time we met a new character with different powers I don’t think many would be able remember from the beginning info dump.

Other than Io most the characters were a bit simple, they all had different personalities c ambitions and reactions but I didn’t feel like they had much depth to stand out. They were still enjoyable to read about and weren’t obnoxious or irritating with their actions in an unrealistic and fictional way.

The plot was engaging and filled with twists that kept my hooked but at times it Felt like putting together a jigsaw puzzle but you don’t know the picture of until the end, causing you to feel confused throughout most the book until the ending and then you managed to see the picture as a whole and how it connects, I guess that’s how the mystery part is but it’s hard to follow along when you are confused and basically reacting to most the twists and turns with “wait… what??.”

Overall I really enjoyed the book and the ending left on quite an explosion to the story that I’m eager to read the second book and see what’s up.
I’d recommend for a light, fun and quick read.

I absolutely loved the writing style (reminded me of Patrick Ness), and was instantly absorbed into the world, with the dystopian backdrop and everything that went with it. Really great world building, absorbing storytelling, and interesting characters - I can’t wait until the next in the series!

3.75/5 stars! So I love the cover of this book and the premise around 'the fates' and Grecian history was strong. I liked some of the cast but found the main character really frustrating. If you treat the book as firmly YA. her whininess is more acceptable, but it doesn't work as a strong novel. I especially disliked that it ended on a cliffhanger because I don't think it needs a sequel. That being said, the supporting characters were really fleshed out and that redeemed the story for me.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Greek mythology murder mystery is what sold this for me when I requested it but what I didn't expect was just how thought provoking this would be. I really enjoyed the world building and the premise of this but what for me was the standout were the characters, especially Io. I loved how the author wrote Io to be unapologetically flawed and I enjoyed seeing her internal battle with what the right things to do. I found this to be especially relatable because no doubt we have all been in situations where we've had to decide between what is right and what is easy. What I particularly liked about this aspect being portrayed was that it was done in such a normal way and there wasn't a massive song and dance about it every time Io seemed to be at a crossroads.

I enjoyed how close Io and Ava seemed to be, which is why I was disappointed with Ava for keeping the return of a character from Io. I understand she was just trying to keep the peace but it was not her call to make. I was also disappointed in the side she decided to take, especially because she did not have all the facts as they were conveniently left out. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Io and Edei. He constantly protects Io and for the most part tried not to judge, which is a relationship I think Io needs. I absolutely adored Nico too.

There's nothing worse than having diversity for the sake of it and having that be their only personality trait, which thankfully wasn't something that was done here. I loved the LGBTQQ+ and BIPOC representation in this because it was written so normally into the story and not a big show.

This book further cemented for me that we should always be fighting for justice and for those who do not have the means to fight for themselves. It has also further enhanced my belief that we should always do what's right, even then it isn't the easier option. There are two quotes in this that really resonated with me. The first said by Io "You might survive but tolerating wickedness seems to me just a slow kind of death." What I took from this was that you are just as bad as those that actively cause injustice if you witness it and do not speak up. Which is something I completely agree with, silence is compliance. The second quote comes from Edei. " There is violence in kindness and kindness in violence." Unfortunately the world isn't fair, nor is it black and white so sometimes the moral waters can get muddied in the hopes that progression can be made.

I look forward to the next book.

A richly imaginative world inspired by gods of legend from a wide variety of cultures, Threads That Bind is a supernatural murder mystery brimming with tension, plot twists and fated love.

Yes! With a Greek mythology backdrop and a unique magic system this book is amazing!
I don’t read many YA books at the moment, but really enjoyed this one!

Wow wow wow !!! I adored this. Greek mythology, murder mystery, a mob queen, complicated sister relationships and a fated love - what more could you ask for! The prose is absolutely gorgeous and the world building is brilliant. Io is a hugely compelling character and I love seeing the story unravel through her eyes, and her relationships with her sisters, Edei and Rosa were all so interesting to watch them unfold. I cannot wait for the sequel! Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC

A magical story with twists and turns and a sprinkling of romance.
I really enjoyed this story, and the storyline kept me guessing until the end.

A fantasy thriller anyone?

Threads That Bind is a thriller and a modern retelling of the Fates myth.

In the myths, Fates are three sisters- the weaver, drawer and the cutter of the life threads. In the book they are called the moira-born as they are the descendants of the goddess of fate (Moira). They are born as three sisters, and cutters in particular are equally liked and disliked for their gifts in the book.

Our story starts with our MC ,Io, hired as a detective to investigate whether her client’s husband was cheating or not. Being a moira born, Io could see the threads tying a person to things they love and form an attachment to in the their life, so this job was a piece of cake to her.

Being a cutter, she sever the threads of addiction or cheating or any relationship for that matter if they clients wished to. However, in the most diabolical situations, a cutter can snuff out someone’s life with a snip. Hence they are always on police’s radar and are treated with suspicion.

When Io was close to reporting to her client, she’s halted by an undead woman killing the husband right in front of her. While trying to make sense of the situation and escaping the undead woman’s grasp,thanks to a stranger, she wonders how this was possible.

She has never seen anything like this before. No one with severed life threads were supposed to function but here she was witnessing the impossible. The most bizarre thing about this murder was that the undead claimed she did it for justice.

With similar such events taking place in the book, Io has to team up with that stranger on the order of the mob queen of the Silts to investigate this mystery.

Together they dig deeper into the murders and find themselves getting closer each day to the truth that’s going to shake them all.

The concept of ‘we are all bound to a superior force through threads’ was very fascinating from the beginning. It was consistently portrayed in the book and severed threads played into the mystery as well.

I really didn’t expect an angsty twist to the story but there was a well developed romance that was running parallel to the story. I’m a sucker for those in Fantasy these days and I think it’s going to be explored more in the next book.

The mystery was timed perfectly with twists I never saw coming. I thought the story was going in a certain direction but it took a complete 180 in the climax. The truth was more sinister than I thought.

The tension between the sisters was prominent in the second half of the story but they somehow maintained their bond till the end. I’m a little curious to see how they’ll proceed in the next book.

Overall, this story has a great premise and Greek myth enthusiasts would find it a treat with all the myth references. The mystery and romance was a prefect blend for me and I will be impatiently waiting for the second book!


Thanks to Penguin Random House UK and the NetGalley for the DRC of the book!

**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

If you know me then you know that I love anything along the line of a retelling and Threads That Bind is right up there with This Poison Heart for being a super clever and unique YA reimaging of Greek Mythology/Lore in a modern setting.

The book centres on a girl who along with her 2 older sisters is a descendant of the 3 Fates. In this universe those who are descendants of deities harness some of their powers. Io our protagonist is able to see the threads of fate that span between people and the things that they love, as do her sisters, but her unique ability is that she is able to cut these threads.

Io uses her powers to work as a private investigator (honestly how cool is that?!!) and one day on a job she stumbles upon a woman who is walking around alive with her life thread cut, something which shouldn’t be possible.. This pulls Io into a wider mystery where she is made to work alongside Edei, the right hand man of the mob queen of the city who just so happens to be the person on the other side of her soulmate thread that she has been avoiding for years.

I absolutely loved this book and sped through it in 24 hours.

I was blown away by pretty much everything about the worldbuilding, from the gritty dystopian backdrop of the city and the various political tensions and underground gangs that pieced it together to the multifaceted magic/power side of things. It was fascinating that this whole deity element wasn’t just limited to Greek mythology but rather branched out to include other cultures and locations as well. Every new detail and addition just absorbed me more and more and there was some pretty great social commentary on class systems and identity there too.

The characters and their relationships were also a massive highlight. When books have complex and well written family dynamics you can expect me to be well and fully engaged and Hatzopoulou explored the relationships between the sisters at the heart of this story and how it shaped each of them, especially Io, so well! The romance also was so so sweet!! I find the soulmate trope can often feel cliché but the connection between Io and Edei felt so wholesome and right!

The leading mystery plot really keeps you guessing and on your toes and though there are some predictable bits it is all pieced together so well, particularly with how the various secrets and threads of history were unfolded. And following that ending I am itching to get my hands on the sequel!!
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars

Thank you publishers and NetGalley

The Threads That Bind is a glorious Greek retelling in a modern day setting. The writing is so excellently executed with the likeable and realistic characters, it kept me as a reader drawn into the plotline.
I loved the descriptions and how engaging the story was. In fact I loved it that much that I have 2 physical copies on my shelf.

I really enjoyed this book! The combination of the Greek Gods in a more modern setting, with the addition of the gang wars and murder mystery just seemed to work so much more than I originally expected.
I grew so attached to all of the characters and they had me loving (and hating) them so fiercely. Also the way in which the powers and the magic worked for the descendants of each God was a very fun, interesting twist on the traditional Greek Gods. This book had me hooked right from the very start and I couldn't put it down.
Cannot wait for the next book in this series and I will be recommending this to all my friends, co-workers and customers.

Wow, because that's how it felt to read the last word and take a breath after the epic journey Threads That Bind takes you one. It's been a long time since I read a book this amazing that I want to go back and start it all over again.

Fleshed out with a full background and lore that feels both familiar and new. Myth, legend and fantasy fans with know some of the Gods, but Kika Hatzopoulou takes those stories and runs wild with them to create this who new world. This new, old world is wet, dark and completely encompassing.

The characters are so well written that they play out across the page in their full glory. Io's character arc through this book is inspiring to watch play out. Edei is the cute side kick. Strong female leads rule this story filled with inclusion, war and sibling drama.

Grab this book for a weekend read and cancel all other plans because the Silts will suck you in.

This book is a YA fantasy mystery published by Penguin, which I was allowed to read through Netgalley.

In this book, we follow Io Ora, a cutter, who needs to solve a murder. During her investigation, she is helped by Edei, and while we meet a lot of other 'kinds' of people, Edei is closest to Io (if we don't count her repationship with her sister).

I don't want to spoil the book for you, so this review might be a bit vague but hopefully, you'll still want to read it- it's worth it!

I liked the whole premise, from the world building around descendants of gods who inherited some of their peculiar traits, to the political and environmental issues that Hatzopoulou gives us a glimpse of.

While I felt like some of the information was too much sometimes (particularly in the beginning) I didn't mind it too much. I could see that Hatzopoulou spent time on her world building, her history and characters and it paid off! I loved this book, and cannot wait to read more.

Io is an interesting character throughout,with joys and fears that can be seen throughout, and understood easily by the reader. It really gives another dimension to Io's struggles because it's written so well, from moments when she struggles with her fear of not being good enough ('There is was. The horrible thing.'), to her constant questioning over doing the right thing (something to do with a fate thread, I won't say more, and you'll thank me for it...). Those are all valid questions that we can all associate with and understand, same with the family dynamic. Io has two ither sisters, and while she gets on well with one, she argues a lot with the other.

Overall, I think this book will be a great addition for anyone who enjoys murder mysteries, Greek mythology (or mythology in general) and can appreciate a nice world building.

The book cover (in the UK at least) was done by Corey Brickley and is really well done, with vibrant colours which invite the potential reader to pick it up. So the job is already half way done!

A thread connecting you to the destines love of your life…but not a soppy romance at all! Set in a dystopian world after the sea levels rise, with a fantasy/myth based system with ‘others’ receiving powers from the gods that they descended from. Throw in the mob and a mystery and you get this amazing story. It was like someone had grabbed one of my threads and kept pulling me back into the story until I finished it! Brilliant and cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for accepting me to read this novel.

I enjoyed this novel and enjoyed the way it was written. Everything flowed well and it was an enjoyable read

I went into this book without many expectations, my only hope was that the writing would be as beautiful as the cover. I feel like I’ve been left quite disappointed by some of the storylines in YA fantasy books over the last 12 months, with many lacking depth of character or sufficient worldbuilding.

Let’s just say - that’s not the case here. From the first 10% I was absolutely hooked, and loved everything about this. Io’s dynamic with her sisters was so interesting, and the complexity of the relationships between the characters was really well developed.

The murder-mystery element was almost reminiscent of Bryce & Hunt partnering up in Crescent City. There are a lot of different characters, abilities and references to the past built into Io & Edei’s search for the truth, and I actually think this is one of the things that I liked most about the book. While it’s 100% YA, it’s the type of YA plotline that keeps you engaged and invested in what’s to come, without simplifying the development of the character arcs.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and will definitely be looking out for any news on book two!

Io Ora is a private investigator. She’s also Moira-born and a cutter : she can see the threads tying people to things they love and she can cut them.

Io has a Fate-thread that she has been avoiding for years. Until she’s hired by Mob Queen, Bianca, to solve a series of murders with the person on the other end of her Fate-thread - Edei Rhuna.

This novel, set in a world where some people are descended from gods of Greek Mythology and have special powers, had me absolutely glued to the page. It’s full of intrigue and mystery, secret betrayals, secret histories and so many conspiracies.

Secondary to the actual plot of this book is a theme of relationships, whether they’re familial or not, and how a toxicity in a relationship can affect someone without them realising it.

Io may be the one who can see threads, but we are the ones, dear reader, who are trying to unravel them to get to the bottom of this story.

This is an absolute must-read for fantasy lovers, fans of Greek Mythology and anyone who loves secrets and conspiracy.