I have mixed feelings on this book. I wanted to love it, especially as someone who read Rick Riordian's books as a kid. However, as a writer myself, the inconsistent characterization throughout was distracting. ( )

Gr 9 Up—In a noir dystopian world where gods' descendants have their powers, Io uses her abilities as a private
investigator, tracking people's Threads and connections, when she accidentally witnesses a murder. A searing slowburn romance, complex characters, and propulsive plot make for a vivid page-turner.

Title: Threads That Bind
Author: Kika Hatzopoulou

Io Ora is a decendant of the Greek Fates and she is able to cut apart the threads that tie/bind people to things they love and the thread that binds their life too. In the book a women who has had her life thread severed but is still living commits murder and Io sees this happen. She can also see threads that bind soul mates together and in the book Io meets hers.

I love the cover on The Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou it pulled me in. I really love the illustration and the color palette that was used very pretty colors. I really enjoyed the plot of this story it grabs the attention of the reader and pull you in pretty fast. I loved the part where Io meets her soul mate and sees the thread binding them together it was very cute. I reccomend reading this book if you love Young Adult or Middle Grade novels that deal with the Greeks. ( )

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Bookishfirst for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Threads that Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou is an amazing YA fantasy inspired by Greek mythology. The story revolves around Io, who is a cutter, meaning she can cut the invisible threads between people. In the world, children of gods can inherit their powers, and Io has inherited the powers of the Fates. When Io discovers that someone is killing women, she decides to investigate and find out who is committing these crimes. Along the way, she needs to work together with Edei Rhuna, who is linked to her with a thread indicating they are soulmates.

Here is an enchanting excerpt from the Prologue:

"THE STREETCAR SLICED ahead inches above the tidewater. As it came
to a stop before the station, the cables groaned with the weight of
the overpacked carriage. Passengers twisted their heads to glower
up at them. Just the other day, a cable had snapped over at Sage
Street, emptying passengers into the malformed canal. Three had
ended up in the hospital; the bay water was cruelly cold, even this
close to summer.
The old lady in the back of the streetcar twirled her liver-spotted
fingers over her chest, as if tying an invisible knot. She wasn’t moira born, held no true substance between her fingers but air. It was a
common gesture, meant to ward off the youngest sister of the Moirae,
the goddess of Fate who decides when a life-thread is to be cut.
Knot it once, the saying went, and she will know you’re still fighting."

Overall, Threads That Bind is an absolutely amazing YA fantasy and a great start to a new series! It will appeal to fans of Ace of Shades and The Bone Orchard. One highlight of this book is the emotional impact of the book. I really rooted for the main character. Another highlight of this book was the action-packed ending, which included some major surprises. One final highlight is the excellent worldbuilding. I can tell the author spent a lot of thought when creating the world. After enjoying this book so much, I will definitely be on the lookout for and look forward to reading the sequel. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA fantasy in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in May! ( )

Threads That Bind is a fantasy/mystery involving a magic system in which some of the characters (the Other-born) are descended from Greek gods and share their powers. Io and her sisters are descended from the Fates; she is a Cutter who can see and cut the Threads between people, things and places. The story also incorporates romance, humor, politics, gangs and family dynamics.
The world building and magic system are detailed, complex, original, vivid and fascinating. There are fantastic action scenes, a strong, determined heroine, an atmospheric post-apocalyptic city which floods intermittently, a large, interesting cast of characters and shocking twists. Threads That Bind was a fun, captivating read but could sometimes be confusing because there was so much going on. The ending leaves the reader with many questions but happily, there is a sequel. Thank you to BookishFirst and PenguinTeen for an ARC to review. ( )