Hearts That Cut

Threads That Bind #2

by Kika Hatzopoulou

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 make 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.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, Greek Mythology

326 pages, Hardcover

First published June 18, 2024

About the author

Kika Hatzopoulou is the bestselling and award-winning author of Threads That Bind and Hearts That Cut. She is a native Greek and current Londoner and holds an MFA in writing for children from the New School. Find Kika on Instagram and TikTok @kikahatzopoulou and on her website kikahatzopoulou.com.

For school and library visits, you can contact: YRAuthorVisits@prh.com

Reviews

[Kika Hatzopoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing this book was a catharsis: it shaped all my love and worry for second books into a fearsome conclusion. I've always known how Io's story would end; still, when I wrote those final lines, I felt a great sense of discovery, of wakefulness, of hope. I hope you feel that way, too.

(And hold on to your receipts! I have a stunning preorder gift campaign in the plans!)

[✨Julie✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✩ 3 stars ✩

What to Expect:
➼ Fated Love
➼ Greek Mythology Retelling
➼ Magic
➼ YA Fantasy
➼ #2 in Duology

Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved Threads That Bind. It was a 5 star read for me and I thought, and still think, that this is one of the most original series I have read in a long time. The author borrows from Mythology, but she has managed to create a world that is all her own.

Unfortunately, in book two, this same originality initially left me feeling a little lost. It had not been long since I read book one, but I was in desperate need of a recap that the author really did not provide. It took me until about 35% in to feel like I had a grasp of the world (characters, magic system, locations, etc.) and how it worked. Because of this, it was difficult for me to really get into the story and the first 1/3 of the book moved along sluggishly.

After this point and once our characters began to reunite, the story picked up and I remembered again all the things that I loved about this series. My favorite aspect of this book is undeniably Io and Edei’s relationship. Their love is timid, but pure and sweet and I loved watching it develop.

I was a little dissatisfied by the ending. I felt like there was more story to tell and I would have at least liked an epilogue to see where our characters end up. The actions they took seemed risky and I would have liked to know that they had found happiness or at least to have been given some indication that they made the right choice. As is, the ending felt abrupt and led me to google whether or not this was truly a duology. Sadly it is, so I will have to rely on my own imagination for closure.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫

Connect with me on Instagram

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid fan of the first book, I couldn't wait to dive into "Hearts That Cut," and let me tell you, Kika Hatzopoulou did not disappoint! This sequel is an absolute gem, and I'm already declaring my love for it with my whole entire heart!

Picking up right where "Threads That Bind" left off, we follow the beloved characters, Io and Bianca, on a thrilling adventure as they trace the golden thread of the gods to unravel the aftermath of the first book's events. The reunion with Edei and Nico sets the stage for a mystery that transcends centuries, weaving a tale so intricate and captivating that I couldn't put the book down.

The mystery in "Hearts That Cut" is a masterpiece. Hatzopoulou skillfully adds unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author threw a curveball that left me in awe. The suspenseful atmosphere created throughout the novel had me eagerly turning each page, hungry for more.

The worldbuilding in this duology is nothing short of fantastic. The author's ability to blend magic and mythology is captivating. I found myself completely absorbed in the rich tapestry of this world. The seamless integration of myths into the narrative added layers of depth, showcasing the author's skill in building captivating settings.

The romance between Edei and Io is beautifully portrayed. Despite the challenges of being apart and the uncertainty of their feelings, their love remains tender and sweet. The exploration of their doubts, intertwined with the concept of fate threads, adds depth to their relationship.

"Hearts That Cut" also shines in its exploration of other mythological descendants' powers. This added a refreshing layer to the narrative, offering a glimpse into the diversity of abilities and drawing intriguing comparisons with the familiar Greek mythology.

"Hearts That Cut" is a perfect ending to an amazing duology. Kika Hatzopoulou has crafted a tale that not only pays homage to mythology but also delivers a riveting mystery and a heartwarming romance. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling, intricate worldbuilding, and characters that steal your heart.

[vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Change was uncomfortable, sometimes filled with growing pains, but without it, there was no way forward. No way to keep going, to shed the scabs of your past and heal yourself in the present. Without change, there was no future.”

3.75 ⭐️

whilst i enjoyed this book i can’t say that it outdid the first one because i had some issues with the ending but other than that, i had a great time being swept away in the world as i love reading greek-inspired stories.

THE PLOT
the plot is so dense with information that even if you so much as skip a sentence i think you’d be lost. i liked that because it kept me attentive and interested throughout. the stakes are higher than the first book and the story is thick with tension. it’s also complex in the way that it’s easy to lose track of what’s happening because there’s a lot going on but luckily i could still follow. 80% of the story was action packed and suspenseful which made this a fairly quick read.

the world building is so rich and every detail is cleverly crafted. i found it very immersive and well thought out. i could easily picture myself in nanzy and many of the other places depicted because the descriptions were very elaborate.

the romance was okay but i wasn’t crazy over it. im glad it was kept as a subplot instead of taking up too much page time.

THE CHARACTERS
bianca was such a badass throughout the whole book and i would’ve been more than happy reading the story from her POV alone. i did appreciate io’s journey regardless and her complicated relationship with her sisters but bianca stole the show in this one.

io herself was a force to be reckoned with. she wasn’t a damsel in distress at any point in the story and never backed away from a fight even when the odds were clearly against her. i like determined characters who are still soft on the inside. io didn’t forgive thais or try to fix their relationship for what she did simply because they’re family which made me respect her even more.

i was happy to see ava finally coming into her own and standing up to thais for io’s sake and acknowledging thais’ wrongdoings. thais however, was even more unlikeable and narcissistic in this book (which i think is what the author going for anyway). i empathise with her struggles as the eldest daughter raising her siblings after their parents’ death but she lost her way and ended up becoming selfish instead.

it would’ve been more interesting if we had gotten chapters from each of the sister’s POVs rather than just io’s to fully understand their individual arcs. it definitely would’ve given more subtlety behind ava and thais’ motivations in place of showing us only a ‘black and white’ portrayal of their personalities. i always appreciate multiple or at least dual viewpoints in a story compared to a solo perspective.

FINAL THOUGHTS
i have mixed feelings about the ending. it was lukewarm at best and incomplete at worst. i’ve never been a fan of open endings especially when the loose ends aren’t tied and some plot points aren’t fully explored. with the way this duology ended i think the author should’ve just made it into a trilogy because there’s still enough material to have a third instalment. i do hope somewhere down the road we end up getting a third book because that ending was not it.

[Jackie ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

"We are ruled by the shape of our longing ... By threats that bind and hearts that cut, through tender flesh and deep into the bone."

Hearts that Cut was a pretty easy read. There's a part of me that wants to rate this higher, and I might end up doing that later, but I just don't think I can shell out the 4 stars right now. It was enjoyable and the ending was definitely interesting, but it wasn't as entertaining as Threads That Bind.

Hearts that Cut added onto the world, and definitely upped the stakes, but there were a couple elements that just weren't as strong as the first book. The romance which added so much interest to Threads That Bind didn't really do much for this one. There also weren't that many character relationships besides Bianca. The first third of the book was the Bianca-Io show so it took me a bit to get into it. After that first 100-ish pages, though, it started to pick up.

Overall, not a bad sequel, and I'll definitely still be interested in finishing the series.

Edit 1/5/24: apparently this is a duology. Why did I think it was a trilogy 😂
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Pre-read:
Excited to finally read the sequel!!!

[Laurens.Little.Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Kika does it again! Stop sleeping on this series!!

frtc

[Maggi Noodles ࣪˖ ཐིཋྀ (semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ★

The scream I scrumpt when I found out I got approved for the e-ARC…
I fell in love with “Threads that Bind” – the world, characters, plot, basically everything.
It’s always a fear of mine that sequels of books I adored will fall victim to second book syndrome, something that I’ve noticed occurs in a lot of YA books unfortunately. While the issues I had with “Hearts that Cut” were on the bigger side, I still think it served its purpose as a sequel.

It starts right after the ending of the first book, with Io and Bianca traveling the Wastelands. I actually thought that the pacing in the beginning was smoother and even, while the last 30-35% felt incredibly rushed. I was getting slightly concerned when I realized there were only 40 or so pages left and I had no idea how Hatzopoulou was going to wrap it up, and I can’t say that I was quite satisfied with the ending. Sometimes stories don’t need an epilogue, but “Hearts That Cut” definitely did :(

My other gripe was the relationships between Io and her sisters, and Io and Edei. For the amount of times Io mentioned the pain her sisters caused her in the first half, I figured there would be more of a development. Not that there had to be forgiveness, but I wish we got some sort of conclusion. I also felt like there could’ve been more significant moments between Io and Edei, considering the literal thread of fate they share.

Okay I promise I’m not a complete hater, there were things that I liked. For one thing, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this world. I would give Hatzopoulou all my money just to have a spin off based in the same world. The fact that she managed to include so many different gods and cultures is so interesting and unique to me. I also love, love, love Io. All she wants is to be loved (she’s basically me).

Overall, I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t live up to the first book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Basma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initial reaction: absolutely brilliant I love this series SO MUCH

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

I received an ARC of this title from NetGallley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley (wickedreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked book 1 more but this one was also good! Kinda drags in the middle though…

[inês · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the arc of this book.

Hearts That Cut picks up just after the events of Threads That Bind without missing a beat. Io and Bianca are traveling through the Wastelands, following a God's gold thread and uncertain where that will lead them.

Just like in the first book, Hearts That Cut felt like a beautiful combination of crime noir movies with fantasy elements borrowed from Ancient Greek mythology with a sprinkle of dystopian. As the reader gets to know the world beyond Alante, it becomes clear that the worldbuilding is very well thought through. Each city-state/region reads like a different place with different societal rules that can be similar but are very much attached to that area.

I would say book two raises the action level, as it felt like something was always happening and we were constantly on our feet in a never-ending investigation. The love story between Io and Edei takes the back seat but you still get that same angst from book one without any of the usual tropes (i.e. amnesia). And the conclusion to this story felt right and well-earned.

The only thing I felt was missing was a map at the beginning of the book. As a cartography stan, I very much appreciate being able to visualize fantasy worlds as it helps me navigate the pages better. This was an ARC so I will await the publication of the book to verify if this vacuum is kept in the second book or not.

Hearts That Cut comes out on June 18, 2024!

[Lee [Bibliophile Tings] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Razorbill for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As someone who could not stop gushing about Threads That Bind, I am shocked to say that I don’t love Hearts That Cut as much as its predecessor. Don’t get me wrong, this book is entertaining and I still highly recommend this series. I just don’t have the same unconditional love for Hearts That Cut.

Before I get into my review, I want to clearly state that I read an advanced reader copy. The finished book may provide other readers with the context I desperately needed.

For starters, this book needs a map. In Hearts That Cut, the characters are constantly traveling and referencing the cities they pass on the way. Without a map, I could not wrap my head around what this world looks like, and that negatively affected my enjoyment. I was so confused.

Speaking of confusion, I needed more background information about this situation with the gods. I understand that the gods ceased to exist after the Collapse, but some survived because they kept turning back time. So if they survived, and the human race also survived why did the rest of the gods die? The gods with all their powers are gone, but humans lived. This is something genuinely bothering me.

Another thing and this is my last complaint, I would have loved to have a list of all the gods and the powers that they bestow. I have a general knowledge of the Greek gods thanks to my childhood obsession with a certain book series, but I could not remember the other gods. Again, I was confused while reading.

Despite these issues, I still loved this book. Seeing all my favorite characters again made me so happy. I got attached to Io and her friends after reading Threads That Bind. Seeing their journey through was super satisfying.

All in all, Hearts That Cut is complex and captivating. With its morally gray situations, this book is perfect for older Greek mythology fans.

Bottom line: I cannot wait for what Kika Hatzopoulou writes next.

༝༚༝༚
my blog!


the way i screamed when i saw this ❤︎₊ ⊹

[jagodasbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5⭐️

the second book syndrome unfortunately, cus I absolutely loved the first book, it was my first five stars of the year, but this was just okey😭

the plot was really chaotic, a lot happened, but didn't feel like a lot was happening, the first 40% of the book felt like an introduction, then there was some action and real plot started about 85% in

the characters felt a little flat, basically it all focuses on Io, others motives and actions aren't explained well and there were just too many people that came for one scene, then left and were only mentioned

also romance was nice, but there wasn't enough of it, there were only a few scenes with Edei and I wanted sth more

it all went to totally different direction from what i could've expected after the spectacular ending of the first book and it didn't positively surprised me, for most of the book Io was pulling dora the explorer in the wastelands and then shit suddenly got real and in hasty ending they managed to somehow - I'm not really sure how - survive

this book felt longer than it is, the time it took me to read this book was longer than usual and i struggled to pick it up when I paused, still I will recommend first book to anyone

the cover slayed tho <3

Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

[Helen ⊹₊⟡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ★
i reread threads that bind all in one day before starting heart that cuts, and that book is still soo soo good filled me with adrenaline (also because i forgot some bits and pieces so almost felt like reading it for the first time). i highly recommend those that can to read the 2 books together if they can.

the first 1/3 was so slow for me. Bianca and Io was an interesting duo on their own, (for some reason Biana wasn’t as badass as she was in book 1, but i guess did remove her from her homeground and she also went through all that). But once we reunited with the other characters from book oh we were sooo back so ready to go. I love Io and Edei relationship from the first book and seeing how they are now after reunion, and also their fated thread. The rest of the book felt so quick pace and sooo good!!

i try not to put in reviews “what i wished happened”, but i really wished we could gone in depth with everything, plot, characters, their relationship with one and another. Like Io relationship with Ava and Thai. We did see more of Io and Edei but I want more. Even Ava and Bianca broken relationship. The plot was fast but felt skimming on the surface. I almost wish this was a trilogy.

Still a really really good read, absolutely love the world and characters Kika created with this duology drawing in greek mythology.

thank you netgalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill for the e-arc

[Fred Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to Threads that Bind takes Io and Bianca through the Wastelands and to the golden city of Nanzy. The several story lines resolve, which is all I will say about that, to avoid spoilers.

Hatzopoulou has an interesting take on mythology. The legends of the Moirai in classical mythology are pretty shadowy. As far as I know, there are no ancient sources for multiple threads that tie an individual to other people, places, etc. No silver threads connecting one to one's favorite ouzo. The way she fleshes it out is well thought out, though I'm not sure what Hesiod or, for that matter, Apollodorus or Fulgentius would have made of it. The way similar figures from other mythologies are woven in is also intriguing. You almost need a scorecard to keep track of them.

The world itself is like ours and not. It faces many of the same challenges ours faces, especially climate and extreme inequality. There are coffee shops and bakeries and mob bosses. Then there are the weird hybrid creatures, the chimerini. Is Nanzy meant to be modeled on Rome? It does have a cloaca maxima and a big cathedral. Too bad there are Cloacina-born characters; what powers might they have?

Many of the YA themes do not really resonate with me, but it is a pretty good story with quite a few surprises.

[★Icyy★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was brilliant. I didn't expect it tho and it caught me off guard. I need a third book. What's going to happen with the Ora sisters and bianca, (I still haven't gotten over the fact that she was the traitor, how could she she was my fav character, I would propose if I saw her irl😭) and Edei?? Relationships have been broken I need answers!!
☆
DEFINITELY the best book I could have chosen for 2024 last read.

[nelka9books · Rating 2 out of 5]

the 2⭐️s are just out of sentiment for the first book.

As much as I loved the first book in the duology, this one was simply a disappointment. After reading the ending of "Threads that bind", I expected some world-shattering action from book 2, but that wasn't the case. The plottwists were underwhelming, and the plot was both chaotic and boring. I could not catch up to what was happening, and yet I feel like nothing happened at all. It kind of felt like the author wanted to write something grand, but didn't really have any ideas. I truly wanted to love this, but all it did, was put me into a reading slump.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Io with my whole entire heart.

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

[Kalena ୨୧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟

RTC!

[TW: death of family members mentioned, death of parents mentioned, gun violence, blood and violence, kidnapping, war themes, natural disasters]

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much and it’s sad to see it concluded! I wish we would have gotten an epilogue just to make things feel like it wasn’t an abrupt ending, especially since it will be the last book in the series.

I love Io and Edei’s relationship and how it grows even more from the first and the sibling relationship between Io, Eva and Thais and how it changes and represents some sibling relationships.

We get to meet new people and places, as well as a few hybrid creatures.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
This series is so good. I love it so much.
The concept of children of gods inheriting powers and Greek fates/mythology is so cool and fun to read. There were so many details that I kept getting confused, but at the same time, I knew everything!?!?! The world building was wonderful. i read it so fastt.
 
Io and Edei are so cute. I love the fact that they questioned things instead of just accepting. it made it better. They are so sweet and i loved seeing them develop. CUTEST PAIR!!!
 
the ending couldve been better i just think there could have been more, i want more. AGAHGHAGA


 
 
 

[⭑&#x13083; mia [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

BIANCA ROSSI MARRY ME

I love the cast sm <33
def a lot going on but I ATE IT UP

4.25 stars ⭑.ᐟ

[lj ♡]

um hELLO WHEN WAS THIS ADDED WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME

THE COVER?? THE SYNOPSIS!! ARE U GUYS SEEING THIS???
I LOVE IT SO MUCH

[Maude Br · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Full review coming

[BookForAHeart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearts That Cut by Kika Hatzopoulou

"The cutter, the unseen blade, the reaper of fates. She watches silver like a sign, she weeps silver like a mourning song, she holds silver like a blade. She cuts the thread and the world ends."

Assassinations, fraying Fate threads, riots, disappearences. The Great Tide. This sequel is certainly living up to it's predecessor, if not more intriguing of a tale.

So much happened - Alante, the golden thread, Edei. The Wasteland, Nanzy, the Golden City. The night beast, the Mob Queen. So much just to meet the God she's searching for.

Io, "cutter", rushing to save her tied Thread of Fate, to save the connection that binds her to Edei. Bianca. Hanne, the Quilt. Acid rain.

Chimineri, the Great Tide. Order of the Furies. The wraiths. The Fury-born.

La Cauchemar. Nightmare. The spined wall. House of Nine. Moonset riots. Silts. This world is an intrigue of politics and magic and Gods and Threads.

"We are ruled by the shape of our longing. By threads that bind and hearts that cut, through tender flesh and deep into the bone."

This writing is beautiful, lyrical like that of a ballad. For the adventure and the magic and the politics and the love story, read this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

[sofia.tsapa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Το βιβλιο ξεκινάει με την Ιω και την Μπιανκα στην αποστολή τους να βρουν τους θεους και να τους καταστρέψουν.

Στο πρώτο μερος του βιβλίου τους βλέπουμε να διασχίζουν τους Ερημοτοπους και ετσι μας δίνετε η δυνατότητα να ρίξουμε μια ματιά στον εξαίσιο κόσμο που εχει πλασει η συγγραφέας.

Στο δεύτερο μέρος τους βλέπουμε στην χρυσή πόλη. Εκει μαθαίνουμε αν θα καταφερουν την "αποστολη" τους και αν θα έχουν καποια βοήθεια.

Μια δυναμική συνέχεια του πρωτο του βιβλίου και ενα ολοκληρωμένο κλείσιμο της σειράς. Λάτρεψα τον ιδιαίτερο κόσμο που εχει πλασει η συγγραφέας. Ιδιαίτερα μου αρεσε το πως σε αυτο το βιβλιο βλέπουμε την σταδιακή αλλαγή που εχει η Ιω. Καταφέρνει επιτέλους να βαλει τον εαυτό της προτεραιότητα και να μην αφήνει πια τους ανθρώπους να την εκμεταλλεύονται.

Αν εχεις κουραστεί απο ιδια και ιδια βιβλια ρομαντασιας και θες μια καλοδουλεμενη διλογια με ιδιαίτερη κοσμοπλασια και ελάχιστη δόση ρομαντζου. ΑΥΤΗ Η ΔΙΛΟΓΙΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΓΙΑ ΣΕΝΑ!

[Kat_the_bookcorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca remains my favorite character of them all!
She is sassy and perfect, and I would gladly propose to her 😫
I liked the romance so much!
But it left me with questions. I would like to know more about this universe and the characters

[Rosa Pateraki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall not a bad book. However, the pacing was a bit off for me. I was in the last 40 pages of the book and could see no resolution in sight — everything happened too fast and too easily. How did Io end up having all the answers? There was minimal foreshadowing. Not too bad of an ending, however! I do wish we’d seen a bit more Io x Edei. Also Rosa. No Rosa in this book :((

[Brandy {The Review Booth} · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Threads That Bind I immediately dove right into Hearts That Cut. I was not disappointed in how these two books wrapped up. It’s been quite some time that a fantasy book has thrown me absolute gems of curveballs. To top it off you can feel the drag and desperation wearing on Io and Bianca as they follow the trail of those responsible for the wraiths and the blowout at the House of the Nine. We finally get to step outside Alante and the Silts with Io and Bianca and the world outside is suffering just as many losses. While out on the road our duo does find that the rules of the city no longer apply – but not in the way one would think. Outside the cities people support fellow travelers – giving what little they can afford without expecting anything in return, only hoping that when they are in need the favor is returned. The world-building continues to draw me in and adds in even more creatures and vivid landscapes.

This is one story where I actually enjoyed “fated mates” – Io and Edei are fairly logical (or at least try to be) about their fate thread and actually put in the work to talk through how they feel about it. Io also has my heart for how she handles her sisters and her feelings about them – especially Thais. I was not expecting the conclusion there but it is something I rarely see with familial ties and I am completely here for it. Even when the world is going to utter disaster this cast of characters puts in the work for each other. Yes, there are heartaches, a little miscommunication, and even death but there is also growth, acceptance, and healing. It was a great balance.

"Perhaps what came after heartbreak was just as important: when you rose on one knee, then the other, and stood. When you realized that you could piece yourself back together, little by little, slowly and painfully. You might not be whole ever again, but you would survive, and that was — that was salvation, in its true form."

Books like these are an amazing reminder of why I love fantasy, and also why I read it more than anything other genre. Highly recommend checking out both of these (especially if you slept on them like I did) and to read them one after the other. I would like to thank Penguin Teen for gifting me copies of Threads That Bind & Hearts That Cut – I enjoyed these two books and the world that Kika built immensely. I am sad that this will remain solely a duology because I still have one very valid question. What happened to the other gods?

[Ali Blackmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I was really excited when I got approved for this because it was my favorite read of this year but unfortunately this book fell flat for me. It didn’t have the same feeling as the first book. With the first book I couldn’t put it down, but this book felt like it dragged. I don’t even think I really got interested in it until like maybe 60% through. If I hadn’t liked the first book as much as I did I probably would have stopped earlier and DNF’d it. The first half of the book felt like one big info dump and nothing really happened imo. I did end up finishing it because I wanted to see it through and what happened with the prophecy but I definitely trudged through it. I also felt the ending was a little abrupt and I wish there had been an epilogue chapter to kind of wrap things up.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded to 3 on Goodreads
If I read "smooch" in this book one more time, I will scream.

This was wildly disappointing after giving Threads That Bind 4.5 stars. I absolutely loved the first book except for the underdeveloped romance that I had zero feelings for. It was just a thing that existed. Unfortunately, this entire book fell into the category of "this just exists." It was so hard to get through for such a short book.

The first book had such an interesting world, amazing sister dynamics that were complicated and messy, and a really cool plot that was like trying to solve a really strange mystery. There was nothing of that for about 60% of this book. The Gods storyline was the thing I was most worried about and it did turn out to be the wrong path for this book to go down. It just wasn't fun at all to read and seemed irrelevant for most of the book. It really seemed like the author didn't know what to do with Io and Bianca for the first 150 pages. Only when the Scooby gang was back together (with some random additions) did the book try to do something (not well).

New powers and Gods were thrown at us throughout the book, which was something that was already hard to keep track of in the first book. The fury-born storyline didn't really make sense for most of the book either.

I did like the ending, but it all felt so rushed with almost nothing happening at the beginning. The major flaw of this book was the pacing. So much more needed to be explored and elaborated on earlier in the book instead of leaving all the important bits and revelations to the last 10%. I'm basically just super disappointed because this had so much potential to be more.

Thank you NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!