Threadbound

by Shannon Sims

On her twenty-first birthday, Metra Donovan is ripped from the only life she’s ever known and thrown into Thrae—a realm where magic is law, power is inherited, and nothing comes without a cost.

In Thrae, Metra learns that magic isn’t just real—it’s necessary. And worse, she carries a gift no one has ever seen before. One that doesn’t fit their rules. One that makes her valuable, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.

As she searches for a way home, Metra is forced to navigate a world that sees her as a threat. Bound by secrets she doesn’t yet understand and hunted by those who fear her mere existence, she must decide who she is in a realm determined to define her for its own survival.

Caught between power, secrets, and a connection she never asked for—but can’t deny—Metra’s journey becomes about more than escape. It’s about discovering who she is, and where she truly belongs.

Threadbound is a slow-burn fantasy romance about power, love, and what it means to embrace a destiny designed to break you.

Genres: Fantasy

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author...

I was slightly nervous reading this book. It is outside my typical genre. I think the world of the author and want her to succeed. I was so worried I wouldn't be able to give it an honest 5 stars. Boy, was I worried for no reason! This book pulled me in immediately! I am new to fantasy, fated mates, shapeshifting, etc. By the end of the book I felt like a pro Romantasy reader! My only complaint is where is book 2, and when can I read it? I absolutely loved it Shannon! It was so well written. I am so proud of you!

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was surprising to me that this was a debut novel. It was well written and I really enjoyed the ride this story took me on.

The world building was one of my favorite parts. The whole concept of magic and fate being woven through threads in the world of Thrae was really unique and made the fantasy setting feel immersive. I loved following Metra as she’s suddenly pulled into this new world and begins to understand her connection to it.

This one leans more fantasy forward with a slow burn romance woven in and I really enjoyed the found family vibes and the journey the characters go on together. The tension builds nicely and the adventure kept me turning the pages.

I do think I would have loved this even more with dual POVs and a little deeper emotional insight into some of the characters, but overall it was a really solid start to the series.

Definitely a 4.5 stars read for me and I am eagerly waiting for the next book to see where the story goes.

[Sidney Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s honestly kind of wild that this is a debut novel. The plot and world-building were so engaging and well done, and I was pulled in right from the start!

One of my favorite parts was the FMC’s power. It felt genuinely unique, which is getting harder and harder to find, and it added such an interesting layer to the story.

I also loved the found family aspect. It had that perfect balance of wholesome and meaningful, and it really grounded everything emotionally (plus allowed for some really funny moments).

This was such a strong start to the series, and I’ll definitely be picking up the second book when it comes out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Brittany Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early reader review

I enjoyed the plot and characters. The book pace was just right to keep my intrest and keep me moving throughout the book. It was fun watching the secrets unfold. All the characters had great personalities and back stories. I am invested in their journey and ready for book two!

[Julia Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect when starting Threadbound but let me tell you there are quite a few very amazing details that set this romantasy apart from others.

Firstly, Threadbound is definitely along the lines of current popular romantasies, except it isn’t. There’s some smut, there’s some sibling banter, and there is obviously one main female lead, Metra. This book sets itself apart from other popular books by creating its own verbiage for certain aspects of magic and relationships within the realm of Thrae. I also appreciated that these people were not specifically “Fae” or “bonded” they just had magic and each person manifested differently.

Secondly, I appreciated the level of smut in this book. There were multiple scenes but the scenes weren’t so overwhelming long that I felt like the author needed to “get on with the show.” I also felt like the spice level was enough to maybe not share with your grandma but not so much that you were embarrassed to read it in public.

Lastly, this author executed having multiple main characters well, with out taking away from the lead. Every secondary character had their spotlight and played there part in how this book ended but it still all came back to the main character. I look forward to learning more about them 🤓

My main criticism for this book is that I wish there was more information or character building up front for Metra and Lowan. Toward the end of the book you do start to learn the characters and their histories much more… and that may be the point but I did find it a little difficult to hold on to hope that there would be more development and I wouldn’t stay “lost.” I also would have loved to see more world building in the beginning, though we may get that in the second book.

Overall, this book was PHENOMENAL. I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!!

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a true epic fantasy. If you’re looking for that classic journey to save the world fantasy vibe, this fits the bill very well. This is also a romance but that is not the main premise of the book. The romance is spicy and fun but not immediate. You wait for the romance to come over time and build which allows it to feel more like a natural progression when it finally happens. The real plot focuses on how Metra the FMC comes into her own power over the course of the story and it achieves that in a way that is extremely satisfying to the reader

This is a first-person POV from the viewpoint of the FMC Metra. Her thoughts and feelings are so relatable and funny that it’s easy to root for her throughout the story. Her experience of being torn from her realm and thrust into another culminates in a wonderful blend of adventure, found family, and love that really resonates. This was an incredibly solid start to what I believe will be a fantastic epic fantasy series.

Overall, I really liked this book and will happily tune into the next book in the series. I do wish that it had moved a little faster in the beginning because I did feel like I had to push through the first 10% of the book but once the plot started moving, it got really good very quickly. This is an extremely solid 4 stars for me and I look forward to reading the next one.

I received this book for free as an advanced reader copy from the author. All views are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Book Review: Threadbound ✨
From the very first page, Threadbound completely captured my attention. I found myself staying up way too late, fighting sleep because I simply refused to put the book down. It’s the kind of story that pulls you in instantly and doesn’t let go.
This book truly has everything you could want in a fantasy romance—magic, fated mates, other realms, found family, self-discovery, and love. The world feels rich and immersive, and every piece of the story builds beautifully on the last.
The FMC is smart, snarky, and incredibly easy to root for, while the MMC (and even the side characters!) are the kind you can’t help but fall in love with. The character dynamics and relationships are so well written that the found-family element feels especially powerful.
And the romance? Absolutely perfect. The steamy scenes are placed exactly where they need to be, adding depth to the characters and helping build the world rather than distracting from it.
What really kept me hooked, though, was the mystery. The story is filled with twists and turns, and just when I thought I might have figured something out, the plot surprised me again. I genuinely never knew what was coming next.
The writing itself is beautiful—immersive, emotional, and vivid in a way that makes the entire story come alive.
If you love fantasy romance with magic, fated mates, strong characters, and a story that keeps you guessing, Threadbound is absolutely a book you won’t want to miss.

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the authors debut novel, and I feel like it is a good strong start into this series. Threadbound has a good blend of fantasy, magic, and a slow-burn romance. This one did start out a bit slow for me, but I also think it was a me problem (I am a mood reader). I stepped away about halfway through and when I picked it back up a little bit later, I was sucked straight in.

We have Metra, our FMC, and Lowan our MMC. When Metra is suddenly and unexpectedly dropped into Thrae on her 21st birthday it is Lowan that finds her and saves her. He was instantly drawn to her. She wakes up in a strange place with strange people and completely confused, yet she feels safe.

We go on an adventure of discovery while Metra learns who she really is, about the realm she is in and about her newfound magic, which is unique and powerful. Let's not forget the slow-burn romance and the fate mate component that is being learned and juggled as well.

I feel like the author did a good job with the world building as well as explaining the magic system. Kept us guessing and wanting to know what happens. We have sassy characters, great banter, good spice, action, and adventure. This one does end on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next one! Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this one early!

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 Stars)
Fatenbound by Shannon Sims delivers exactly what I love in a story: yearning, sharp-witted banter, and smart-mouthed female characters with real backbone. The dialogue crackles, the chemistry simmers, and the heroine refuses to be anything but unapologetically herself—which is refreshing and empowering.
Beyond the romance, there’s a strong sense of adventure and real traveling—not just moving from place to place, but discovering who you are along the way. The journey feels earned, both emotionally and physically, and it adds real depth to the characters and the stakes.
Threadbound is an intricately woven story that beautifully shows how a single thread—or multiple threads woven together—can make all the difference. Each choice, relationship, and moment layers into something stronger and more meaningful by the end.
One of my absolute favorite moments (and quotes) perfectly captures the book’s wit and charm:
“Lowan, you don’t wait for a woman to ask about your library. You take her to the library, you show her the books, and then you leave her with snacks. That’s how you win her heart.”
It’s clever, heartfelt, and fun, with just enough bite to keep you turning pages. What more could you want?

[LiAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ Review
3🌶️ Spice Rating

📚Threadbound by Shannon Sims

This book hooked me with its unique magic system and fascinating concept of threads and fate weaving through the world. The story moves quickly and kept me turning pages because I always wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Metra is our FMC and she is thrown into a reality she never expected. Watching her navigate this new world was really compelling. Lowan added great tension and intensity to the story, and I enjoyed their dynamic. One of the things about Metra that makes her relatable are her feelings of inadequacy. She doesn’t feel like she brings much to the table when, in reality, she is the whole entree. She is power, she is good, she is fierce.

My only reason for rounding down to four stars is that some parts felt a little rushed, especially the romance between Metra and Lowan. Their relationship had chemistry, but I wish we’d had more time to see it develop. I also found myself wanting Metra to question what was happening to her a little more instead of accepting it so quickly.

Overall though, this was a really fun read with an intriguing world, and I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next.

I received this book as an ARC from the author. This is my own and honest review.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, I went into Threadbound with high hopes, and it delivered everything I look for in a book.
From the very first scene, I was completely pulled in. The pacing is spot-on, and the adventure keeps moving without ever feeling rushed. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it surprised me in the best way. I stayed hooked the entire time.

The characters are a huge standout for me. They felt layered, believable, and easy to care about, which made the stakes hit that much harder. Their chemistry felt natural rather than forced, and the emotional moments truly landed.

And yes, the spice absolutely delivered. The scenes were steamy without being cringey or over the top, and I never once felt the urge to skim past them, which says a lot.

Threadbound has heart, tension, adventure, and heat all woven together beautifully. I finished it already wanting more and will absolutely be recommending this one. A must-read for anyone who loves being fully immersed in a story from page one.

[Ashleigh EBW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving an advanced reader copy of Threadbound, from the Author. I could not put this book down. For me, this is a book I wish I could go back and re-read as if it were the first time, all over again. The pace of the book was perfection. From the start, it was wonder, excitement, edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. The pull between characters; it was like you could feel their feelings...all of them. The magic, the wonder, the banter...chefs kiss. To watch Metra discover and step in to who and what she is, it was just incredible. To watch Lowan and his devotion, had me in awe. Characters from different backgrounds, discovering their pasts, coming together like found family, made me thankful for my found family. The intensity of some of the moments, I could feel as if it were me in those places. The writing; beautiful. The flow; perfection. The chatacters; love them. The book was phenomenal and Im so grateful to have been able to read Shannon's art. Im counting down the days until the next one!

[Cailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

From world building to character development Threadbound was a creatively written fated mate romantasy that I couldn’t put down. This world was full of magic, mythical creatures, shifters and realm portals. There was adventure and mystery right from the beginning.

Metra wakes in a world unknown. She has no idea how she got there and is in the care of people unknown to her. She ends up on an epic journey of self discovery, where she not only finds friendship but also love and her Threadbound mate Lowan. The characters in this story were so fun to get to know, each kind in their own way. Each willing to put aside their feelings to recognize and understand those of another. They work together to figure out who Metra is, where she came from and what will come next.

This story drew me in from page one and kept me wanting more with each turn of the page. I am anxious to see what comes next for Metra and I know Lowan will be right by her side!

I received an ARC of Threadbound and I am happy to volunteer my honest review!

[Jennifer Seiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threadbound pulled me in shortly after the first sentence. I couldn’t put it down. It “bewitched me, body and soul” as Jane Austen has written. Who needs to sleep or eat beyond easy couch snacks when you can escape to the world of Thrae with Metra.

Absolutely fabulous story of a girl who has been moved around her whole life, confused, and never felt like she belonged; only to find that she truly belongs to a whole different world full of magic and fated lovers. Her self-discovery is a wild journey of not only learning how powerful she is, but also how deeply she can be loved. The slow burn and sizzle of Threadbound is perfection.

I loved this world and all the people in it. I cried a little when I realized it had ended. So extremely well-developed with a richness that any true book lover can get lost in and enjoy. This, my reading friends, is writing at its finest. Hop in. You too will love it!

And please please please may book 2 come fast.

[Heather Bolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!! This book had me laughing, crying, shocked, and yelling at the pages. This has such a homey feeling and a brand-new feeling to it. You feel like it is something that you have read before but with a brand-new perspective. The twists and turns in this will have you screaming that didn't just happen. This will pull you in and never let you go. This book has fundamentally changed me. I was not expecting the feelings that I had with this book. The FMC is bratty, strong, and real all at the same time. The MMC is strong, protective, supportive, and a breath of fresh air. The cliff hanger for this book is so settle that you are just waiting for the next portal into that world. I am so excited for the next book and can't wait to see how this progresses.

[Sam Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun. I think all the characters were well thought out and the pacing was good. Could have gone a little bit more in-depth on the training but that could just be me a fan of rocky and shonen. Everything made sense the conversations were funny and meaningful. It was my first Arc so I wanted to take my time. I feel like when you're reading this you can tell she put a lot of care and time into it. Along the way I feel like we became friends too. The way it ended it just made me want the next book I think that's part of the reason why I was taking my time. I didn't want it to be over. No actual complaints it's just going to be a bummer waiting for the next one that's the worst part of books. I want all of it in my eyeballs right now.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

THREADBOUND by Shannon Sims pulled me in from the first chapter and held me captive the entire book. The magical system and world building are unique and masterfully revealed on a need to know basis. The narrative pace kept me wanting more - more of the backstory, more of the world/realms, more of each character, more of the romance, and a constant page turning WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?! Metra and Lowan, and their family, friends, and adversaries are compelling characters, and I love their growth arcs throughout the book. I can’t believe this book is the author’s debut, and I can’t wait to get Book 2 in my hands!! I absolutely loved Threadbound!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I devoured this book, I truly mean I couldn’t pull myself away. It sucked me in from the first page and kept getting better. The characters are so well written, the world is beautifully described, and the fantasy aspect was unique but still included some of my favorite aspects (like fated mates). The two main characters have amazing chemistry that isn’t rushed and is the perfect slow burn. There’s not a single dull moment and the pacing is perfect.
I’d been in a terrible reading slump since Onyx Storm and nothing could pull me out until I started this. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great start to this series! The characters feel layered and real, and I liked them more and more the further I got into the story.

The banter is fun and easy, and the relationships never feel forced. The pacing is really well done and kept me hooked the whole time.

The spice is a nice balance - just enough to make things interesting without going over the top.

This is definitely a book I’ll be thinking about for a while.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc Review*

This was a great book! It pulled me out of a reading slump i read it in 24 hours i physically did not want to stop reading it. I love the world building and the slow burn between the two characters. The pace of the book was perfect it kept me wanting to read and not stop.
This book did not disappoint and i can't wait to keep reading this series once it releases.

Thank you, Shannon Sims, for sending me an arc for my honest review.

[Roxanne Swenhaugen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc, and this is the author’s debut novel. That being said…

Totally bingeable! Loved the characters, the plot, the magic system. There are shifters, different realms, secrets, great dialogue, and well-done spice.

At first, I felt like it was missing some world-building, but after finishing the book, I don’t feel that it was missing much. It ends on a cliffhanger (bc why wouldn’t it), and I can’t wait for book 2! Well done, Shannon! 👏

[Kelsea Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a strong romantasy debut 👏🏻👏🏻

This was a very quick read. There were some moments in the beginning and towards the end where pacing felt a bit off - but it was minor. This is a great book for any romantasy lover. I love our FMC and all the couples / found family she finds along the way. The ending will leave you begging for book two! I can’t wait to see where the story goes!

Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC!

[Anna Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threadbound was such an excellent story. Right from the start getting to know Metra Donnovan you are pulled into the story trying to figure her out. I loved the character and world building and slow burn romance. I hope the next book comes fast. I would recommend this book to anyone that is in a reading slump.

[Sara Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Read the book in less than 24 hours, I could not put it down. The world building was easy to follow and was mingled into the actual storyline. You cant help but fall in love with the main characters with the witty banter. Threadbound got me out of a reading slump and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Tanya Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures you from the beginning. Metra is living a normal life going to college and then her life changes dramatically. She learns things about herself and her mother that she never could have imagined. She meets new friends and an amazing love. They all go through devastation and heal together. Can not wait for book 2!!!

[Renee Oquinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely enjoyed this adventure. metra has lived her whole life constantly moving around while her mother keeps secrets on why. on her 21st birthday before her mother can explain metra is pulled into another realm. while she searches for answers and a way home she learns of her true identity and power. If you love fated mates, magic, fae, and captivating adventures this is for you!

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING. Finished it in less than a day because I couldn’t put it down. The story was so compelling and well written. And the characters!! There was so much character growth and the feeling of becoming part of a found family was a big part of this book. If you’re looking for an action packed romantasy then you absolutely want to read this.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Threadbound. It’s an engaging, fast-paced fantasy filled with great banter and characters you quickly become invested in. Definitely left me excited for the next installment in the series!

Shannon Sims writing style has real depth while remaining effortless to follow, creating a world you find yourself completely immersed in. She is definitely an author to watch for!

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was captivating! The author created a truly unique world with amazing characters. The adventures these characters went on sent my pulse racing with anxiety, happiness, relief, and sadness. There was so much packed into this book and so much more story yet to be told! I cannot wait for book2 to see how this story unfolds.

[Audrey Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest review. This book took me until chapter 12 to really grip me and draw me in. But now I am hooked. The characters have to look at themselves deeply so fully see and understand the path they must take. Now I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting until the next book comes my way.