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Trueborn Heirs #1
By A Thread
Addictive, sexy, and unique! BY A THREAD is the first book in Nyna Queen’s captivating and action-packed paranormal romance trilogy The Trueborn Heirs.
"I’m a spider, sugar. My shaper kind doesn’t bear that name for nothing."
That's not something Alexis Harper dares to say very often. If she did, it might just get her killed. Not that she is an easy mark, but even fools get lucky once in a while.
In a world where the magically gifted trueborn rule and the magicless halfborn slog away in the slums, half-blood mongrels like Alex are outcasts—feared and shunned. For most of her life, she has lurked in the shadows, trying to keep her true nature a secret. But the secrecy ends abruptly when she saves two trueborn aristo children from a group of hired killers.
Accused of a crime she didn't commit, Alex suddenly finds herself running from powerful enemies, with no one around to trust. Or what about the mysterious stranger who has been following her? He is one of Death’s Servants, born and bred to kill at the country’s command. Not the most preferable ally, but then, her choices are limited. Soon she has to decide whether she can trust him or not—it’s a gamble she might not survive either way. And before Alex knows what is happening, her life is hanging by a silken thread…
What to expect:
- Strong, badass heroine
- Slowburn romance enemies-to-lovers
- Alpha male
- Some spicy content and strong language
This book has a cliffhanger. All the books in the trilogy are out!
"I’m a spider, sugar. My shaper kind doesn’t bear that name for nothing."
That's not something Alexis Harper dares to say very often. If she did, it might just get her killed. Not that she is an easy mark, but even fools get lucky once in a while.
In a world where the magically gifted trueborn rule and the magicless halfborn slog away in the slums, half-blood mongrels like Alex are outcasts—feared and shunned. For most of her life, she has lurked in the shadows, trying to keep her true nature a secret. But the secrecy ends abruptly when she saves two trueborn aristo children from a group of hired killers.
Accused of a crime she didn't commit, Alex suddenly finds herself running from powerful enemies, with no one around to trust. Or what about the mysterious stranger who has been following her? He is one of Death’s Servants, born and bred to kill at the country’s command. Not the most preferable ally, but then, her choices are limited. Soon she has to decide whether she can trust him or not—it’s a gamble she might not survive either way. And before Alex knows what is happening, her life is hanging by a silken thread…
What to expect:
- Strong, badass heroine
- Slowburn romance enemies-to-lovers
- Alpha male
- Some spicy content and strong language
This book has a cliffhanger. All the books in the trilogy are out!
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
173 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 4, 2019
By a Thread is an exciting urban fantasy with a strong heroine in an intriguing world. Unfortunately, it suffers a bit of an identity crisis due to a heavy romance subplot. Yet, the book really drew me in. It’s very fun and the quest narrative keeps the plot moving.
The prose could be tightened. Especially during a character’s inner thoughts, the second sentence could often be dropped. Interesting metaphors are bogged down by a repeated and less effective reiteration of the same concept. This happens far more in the first quarter of the novel; the book comes into its stride around 15%. Perhaps because of this, the novel doesn’t really shine until after the inciting incident. After this point, it’s very hard to put down.
Alex is a strong, stubborn, conflicted character with an interesting place in the world. Her powers are revealed in bits as the story progresses, which keeps you interested. The world is fleshed out in the same way, but it is less effective. Classism plays a strong role, often propelling and stalling the characters, but the clear focus on that social issue left me with some questions about race and gender in the world-build that were not addressed.
The supporting characters are fun. The children are perfectly wrought. The boy is cute but not precocious and the girl is as likeable as a young teenager with an attitude can be. Draken, the love interest, was a little too much of Romance archetype for my taste. He’s dangerous and sexy, kind and arrogant. I didn’t dislike him, and I enjoyed the chemistry he and Alex had, but I fond him a little … much.
In terms of the romance, the growing attraction is not as subtle as I prefer, but the author does a great job balancing their irritation with their attraction to one another.
The action scenes in the novel are very well executed – they were the sharpest and most concise sections and I was never unsure what was going on. There is a good amount of tension in the novel and you care what happens to the characters.
Overall, once the novel gets going, it’s an exciting, fun ride.
The prose could be tightened. Especially during a character’s inner thoughts, the second sentence could often be dropped. Interesting metaphors are bogged down by a repeated and less effective reiteration of the same concept. This happens far more in the first quarter of the novel; the book comes into its stride around 15%. Perhaps because of this, the novel doesn’t really shine until after the inciting incident. After this point, it’s very hard to put down.
Alex is a strong, stubborn, conflicted character with an interesting place in the world. Her powers are revealed in bits as the story progresses, which keeps you interested. The world is fleshed out in the same way, but it is less effective. Classism plays a strong role, often propelling and stalling the characters, but the clear focus on that social issue left me with some questions about race and gender in the world-build that were not addressed.
The supporting characters are fun. The children are perfectly wrought. The boy is cute but not precocious and the girl is as likeable as a young teenager with an attitude can be. Draken, the love interest, was a little too much of Romance archetype for my taste. He’s dangerous and sexy, kind and arrogant. I didn’t dislike him, and I enjoyed the chemistry he and Alex had, but I fond him a little … much.
In terms of the romance, the growing attraction is not as subtle as I prefer, but the author does a great job balancing their irritation with their attraction to one another.
The action scenes in the novel are very well executed – they were the sharpest and most concise sections and I was never unsure what was going on. There is a good amount of tension in the novel and you care what happens to the characters.
Overall, once the novel gets going, it’s an exciting, fun ride.
February 5, 2020
Welcome to the fantasy world of trueborns, halfborns, shapers. I have to say the author Nyna Queen has chosen a very interesting concept revolving around an extraordinary plot.😃
Alex, a shaper or the Spider🕷is on the run from the guardai and trueborns due to her attempt of saving two trueborn royalty kids being misinterpreted as abduction. But who intends to harm the kids and why?? Why is one of the Death servants following Alex?😲 These questions made me lose my mind!
Each character that I came across in this book is bound by the norms of society, something which is common in the real world too. People get discriminated for vague reasons or just because they are different. Stereotypes are so common now😕
In this book we come across shapers who get discriminated and are considered as bloodthirsty monsters which is not always the case, while death servants are expected to severe all ties with family and friends as per the 'Order'.
This book always kept me on the edge.
I really loved Alex's character, a person who can be sassy but still does not fit in with the category of a monster that her kind is assumed to be, someone who has been through pain but still manages to put up a smile, someone who fights bravely till the end but still has her own fears.
This book is a perfect mix of thrill, comedy and romance..which are all my favourite genres😍
I read the entire book while travelling to and back from work. There were moments when I was so close to tears🥺 but then there were times where I had to suppress myself to a smile🤭 instead of laughing out loud in a train full of strangers while I felt people staring at me thinking I am weird😂
Beware!! The ending will drive you crazy waiting for the next book in the series. I am already so eager to read the upcoming books in the Trueborn Heirs series.👍
For more reviews like these check out our Instagram page:
www.instagram.com/bookhuntwithus
Alex, a shaper or the Spider🕷is on the run from the guardai and trueborns due to her attempt of saving two trueborn royalty kids being misinterpreted as abduction. But who intends to harm the kids and why?? Why is one of the Death servants following Alex?😲 These questions made me lose my mind!
Each character that I came across in this book is bound by the norms of society, something which is common in the real world too. People get discriminated for vague reasons or just because they are different. Stereotypes are so common now😕
In this book we come across shapers who get discriminated and are considered as bloodthirsty monsters which is not always the case, while death servants are expected to severe all ties with family and friends as per the 'Order'.
This book always kept me on the edge.
I really loved Alex's character, a person who can be sassy but still does not fit in with the category of a monster that her kind is assumed to be, someone who has been through pain but still manages to put up a smile, someone who fights bravely till the end but still has her own fears.
This book is a perfect mix of thrill, comedy and romance..which are all my favourite genres😍
I read the entire book while travelling to and back from work. There were moments when I was so close to tears🥺 but then there were times where I had to suppress myself to a smile🤭 instead of laughing out loud in a train full of strangers while I felt people staring at me thinking I am weird😂
Beware!! The ending will drive you crazy waiting for the next book in the series. I am already so eager to read the upcoming books in the Trueborn Heirs series.👍
For more reviews like these check out our Instagram page:
www.instagram.com/bookhuntwithus
June 29, 2020
What a breath of fresh paranormal/urban fantasy fresh air! Nyna Queen’s BY A THREAD has it all, in spades! Fabulous storytelling, a plot that doesn’t skimp on necessary details, action or romantic tension and the characters that come alive after only a few well-chosen words!
I a world where there are the haves and have-nots in the paranormal world, Alexis is a misfit, a half-blood shaper who becomes, a spider! Definitely unique! She also has heart, guts and knows how to handle herself, staying in the shadows, never revealing her true nature. It was her heart and sense of right and wrong that got her mixed up in saving two of the privileged class from a plot to kill them. Now they are on the run, nowhere to go, no one to trust and a mysterious and deadly man on their trail with an agenda of his own. Can she trust him? Can she shake him? What about these kids? She is determined to keep them safe at any cost, but how could she know it may cost her her heart?
Nyna Queen has packed a lot of story into her tale and it never gets bogged down, the pace is rapid, intriguing and even humorous at times! Alex is priceless, strong, but not overpowering, and the kids? Talk about realistic! Draken, the dark and dangerous stranger is the perfect foil to Alex’s pluck.
I definitely enjoyed every page of this hidden gem!
I received a complimentary copy from Nyna Queen! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Trueborn Heirs - Book 1
Publisher: Levire (May 1, 2019)
Publication Date: May 1, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 479 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I a world where there are the haves and have-nots in the paranormal world, Alexis is a misfit, a half-blood shaper who becomes, a spider! Definitely unique! She also has heart, guts and knows how to handle herself, staying in the shadows, never revealing her true nature. It was her heart and sense of right and wrong that got her mixed up in saving two of the privileged class from a plot to kill them. Now they are on the run, nowhere to go, no one to trust and a mysterious and deadly man on their trail with an agenda of his own. Can she trust him? Can she shake him? What about these kids? She is determined to keep them safe at any cost, but how could she know it may cost her her heart?
Nyna Queen has packed a lot of story into her tale and it never gets bogged down, the pace is rapid, intriguing and even humorous at times! Alex is priceless, strong, but not overpowering, and the kids? Talk about realistic! Draken, the dark and dangerous stranger is the perfect foil to Alex’s pluck.
I definitely enjoyed every page of this hidden gem!
I received a complimentary copy from Nyna Queen! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Trueborn Heirs - Book 1
Publisher: Levire (May 1, 2019)
Publication Date: May 1, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 479 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 31, 2019
I am the author and I love this book because it is my first ever published book and I put all my heart and soul into it. The characters, including sassy, smart-mouthed Alexis and arrogant but kind bad-ass Darken and the kids, they have all become so dear to me over this journey that I see them as friends and I hope I can write a lot more books in this universe!
Thanks for picking up this book and giving me feedback so I grow on my writers journey!
Thanks for picking up this book and giving me feedback so I grow on my writers journey!
October 9, 2019
The author sent me a copy to review, the thoughts are my own.
3.75/5
This book was a lot different than I expected, I've read books about shapeshifters before but the shapers in this book are a lot different. They can partially shapeshift but not fully? Alex has claws, teeth, venom, and different eyes. And she has increased strength, senses, and etc. She also has some magical abilities. But then there are trueborns which have full powers and have different type of powers. And I'm pretty sure half borns have no power. I definitely want a bit more elaboration of the magic in the next book. I also want to know why the trueborns hate shapers.
The dynamic between Alex and Darken was everything in this book. I was having a really hard time getting into it until he showed up and then I had a really hard time setting the book down!
I will be continuing the series.
3.75/5
This book was a lot different than I expected, I've read books about shapeshifters before but the shapers in this book are a lot different. They can partially shapeshift but not fully? Alex has claws, teeth, venom, and different eyes. And she has increased strength, senses, and etc. She also has some magical abilities. But then there are trueborns which have full powers and have different type of powers. And I'm pretty sure half borns have no power. I definitely want a bit more elaboration of the magic in the next book. I also want to know why the trueborns hate shapers.
The dynamic between Alex and Darken was everything in this book. I was having a really hard time getting into it until he showed up and then I had a really hard time setting the book down!
I will be continuing the series.
June 2, 2019
This book kinda snuck up on me. At first as the world is being built, as we meet Alex and find out her fears and unique abilities. The author even teases us with an intro to Darken. It’s deceptive. She makes you think this is a shifter story, clash of the classes. That’s all that’s it . . . it’s a lie. She lulls you into this cocoon of safety and unicorns and roses and of course like most shifter and magic book, plenty of passion/chemistry. It’s a lie. This book will take you places. The story itself is aptly named because every escape, every revelation, every incident, is survived by a thread. This is a high tension and action story with betrayal and sabotage pouring from every crevice. No idea who to trust or what could possibly happen next but it’s all in here. Yes it ends on a cliff hanger so don’t get your panties in a twist (even though I have to admit I was all up in my feelings when I realized it.). Go with it breathe and enjoy the ride because this author has snuck in a doozy. Great read can’t wait for the next book in the series.
August 8, 2019
3.75 🌟
This book was so much fun to read. It starts off a little slow but soon becomes fast paced and action packed. It kept me on edge the whole time. The main character is badass and awesome. I loved all the characters in this book - they are so well written. The premise, world and magic in this book is very fascinating. I cant wait to read the next installment.
This book was so much fun to read. It starts off a little slow but soon becomes fast paced and action packed. It kept me on edge the whole time. The main character is badass and awesome. I loved all the characters in this book - they are so well written. The premise, world and magic in this book is very fascinating. I cant wait to read the next installment.
May 6, 2019
Who doesn't know the story: one tries to get along with one’s own life, trying to avoid trouble but then the unexpected happens. Of course most of us do not have the additional problem of being a shaper-mongrel called “spider,” shunned by society and equipped with potentially lethal teeth and claws...
Alexis Harper is a young woman trying to get by working as a bartender in a slum-joint. Clever, sexy but full of riddles and secrets, Alex tries to keep to herself. Her little facade crumbles when she saves the lives of two trueborn aristo kids. Forced to run, she needs to ally up with Darken, a state licensed killer - and her best option to keep the children and herself alive (well, and some hot stuff to look at on top). Soon they find themselves entangled in a scheme of intrigues and lies. They have to find out who is pulling the strings behind this pretty mess. But first of all they have to survive - which isn't easy when poison made flesh and a human weapon clash in a vortex of mistrust, need and desire.
With "By a Thread", the first book in the Trueborn Heirs Series, Nyna Queen has created a fascinating setting for further stories to enfold. With a good mixture of thrilling action and emotional entanglement as well as delicately developed characters, you are taken along on a journey full of humor, and sassy comments, as well as restrained passion and the question that never gets old: Can they finally sort things out between each other...?
Personally, I was fascinated by the world Alex lives in, the contrast between rich and poor, magical trueborn and magicless halfborn and the shaper-born who are caught in the middle of it all. The places, the magic castes and items, the superhuman abilities are all described in rich detail, vibrating with life while always leaving the reader enough space for their own imagination.
While Alex undergoes quite some personal development in the book - the tough shell with the soft core she tries to protect with teeth and claws (literally) - the other characters also come to life in a beautiful way. What are the secrets behind the Servants of Death and the Order? What is going to happen to Max and Josy, the kids whose lifes seem so perfect on the outside but are really complicated on the inside of golden walls? Beside the big question “Who can be trusted?,” the story revolves around all the topics that pull your strings: family, friendship, love and duty. The characters more than once are caught up in the webs of rules and conventions and have to ask themselves: Do I dare to love? Do I deserve to be loved? (And here I add my personal question: Damn it, will they be together in the end?)
I also liked the style of writing - vivid, funny, alongside the action. You are inside the characters’ heads and understand the way they think and act. That way you feel linked to them and get entangled in their well-being and misery. With every single page I turned I found myself more inside the story and the world.
Loved this book! Canˋt wait for the sequel...
Alexis Harper is a young woman trying to get by working as a bartender in a slum-joint. Clever, sexy but full of riddles and secrets, Alex tries to keep to herself. Her little facade crumbles when she saves the lives of two trueborn aristo kids. Forced to run, she needs to ally up with Darken, a state licensed killer - and her best option to keep the children and herself alive (well, and some hot stuff to look at on top). Soon they find themselves entangled in a scheme of intrigues and lies. They have to find out who is pulling the strings behind this pretty mess. But first of all they have to survive - which isn't easy when poison made flesh and a human weapon clash in a vortex of mistrust, need and desire.
With "By a Thread", the first book in the Trueborn Heirs Series, Nyna Queen has created a fascinating setting for further stories to enfold. With a good mixture of thrilling action and emotional entanglement as well as delicately developed characters, you are taken along on a journey full of humor, and sassy comments, as well as restrained passion and the question that never gets old: Can they finally sort things out between each other...?
Personally, I was fascinated by the world Alex lives in, the contrast between rich and poor, magical trueborn and magicless halfborn and the shaper-born who are caught in the middle of it all. The places, the magic castes and items, the superhuman abilities are all described in rich detail, vibrating with life while always leaving the reader enough space for their own imagination.
While Alex undergoes quite some personal development in the book - the tough shell with the soft core she tries to protect with teeth and claws (literally) - the other characters also come to life in a beautiful way. What are the secrets behind the Servants of Death and the Order? What is going to happen to Max and Josy, the kids whose lifes seem so perfect on the outside but are really complicated on the inside of golden walls? Beside the big question “Who can be trusted?,” the story revolves around all the topics that pull your strings: family, friendship, love and duty. The characters more than once are caught up in the webs of rules and conventions and have to ask themselves: Do I dare to love? Do I deserve to be loved? (And here I add my personal question: Damn it, will they be together in the end?)
I also liked the style of writing - vivid, funny, alongside the action. You are inside the characters’ heads and understand the way they think and act. That way you feel linked to them and get entangled in their well-being and misery. With every single page I turned I found myself more inside the story and the world.
Loved this book! Canˋt wait for the sequel...
May 5, 2019
Thrilling urban fantasy with just the right amount of romance!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all up for a good romance, but in my opinion it shouldn’t be the main focus of a story and “By a Thread” had just the right balance for me.
You are thrown right into the depth of the story without any long introduction or explanations. Concepts like trueborn (magically talented people) and halfborn (people without magic) are just being used, but don’t worry, everything quickly starts making sense after a chapter or two.
Alexis Harper is a shaper, a half-breed of a trueborn father and a halfborn mother and therefore has her own special magical abilities. They are both a joy and a curse, as shapers like her are feared in society and face strong discrimination. Alex has been running from a dark past for a long time and is trying to keep her nature a secret, but – like the story always goes - life has different plans for her, and when she rescues two trueborn children, she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a game of power and has to fight to survive.
What I particularly liked about Alex is that while life has repeatedly kicked her in the face, she still retained her humanity and tries to act in a good and moral way. Her mouth is big but her actions show that she also has a big heart. You see that when she rescues the children although it means risking her life and being on the run again. From there it is a breathless, action-packed chase through the country with Alex only gradually discovering how big the mess is, she got herself into. Political intrigue, false murder accusations, magical showdowns - the book has it all. And then, of course, there is the love story, but if you’re waiting for insta-love, you’re at the wrong address. The romance starts out very slowly and it’s more the from-enemies-to-lovers kind of game. But when it finally gets going the sparks burn so much brighter. I couldn’t help falling in love with the characters as they fell in love with another.
Can’t wait to see how the story will continue.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all up for a good romance, but in my opinion it shouldn’t be the main focus of a story and “By a Thread” had just the right balance for me.
You are thrown right into the depth of the story without any long introduction or explanations. Concepts like trueborn (magically talented people) and halfborn (people without magic) are just being used, but don’t worry, everything quickly starts making sense after a chapter or two.
Alexis Harper is a shaper, a half-breed of a trueborn father and a halfborn mother and therefore has her own special magical abilities. They are both a joy and a curse, as shapers like her are feared in society and face strong discrimination. Alex has been running from a dark past for a long time and is trying to keep her nature a secret, but – like the story always goes - life has different plans for her, and when she rescues two trueborn children, she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a game of power and has to fight to survive.
What I particularly liked about Alex is that while life has repeatedly kicked her in the face, she still retained her humanity and tries to act in a good and moral way. Her mouth is big but her actions show that she also has a big heart. You see that when she rescues the children although it means risking her life and being on the run again. From there it is a breathless, action-packed chase through the country with Alex only gradually discovering how big the mess is, she got herself into. Political intrigue, false murder accusations, magical showdowns - the book has it all. And then, of course, there is the love story, but if you’re waiting for insta-love, you’re at the wrong address. The romance starts out very slowly and it’s more the from-enemies-to-lovers kind of game. But when it finally gets going the sparks burn so much brighter. I couldn’t help falling in love with the characters as they fell in love with another.
Can’t wait to see how the story will continue.
November 5, 2019
Excellent!
So excited about this series! Alex is so strong and I love how she interacts with everyone . Vulnerable harass. Great combo. I can't wait until she meets Darken,s family!!! Please release Web of lies soon!
So excited about this series! Alex is so strong and I love how she interacts with everyone . Vulnerable harass. Great combo. I can't wait until she meets Darken,s family!!! Please release Web of lies soon!
May 21, 2019
I do not want to spoil it. But this is a great one. A perfect balance of Urban Fantasy thrills and romance. And some comedy to keep me smiling. Alex is a character you become invested in. And I am looking forward to book two. Ms. Queen has positioned herself as one of the best new authors I have ever read. Excellent work.
October 7, 2021
Untranslatable
There is a good story here and the characters are interesting, but the book reads like it was translated into English using Google translate. Many, if not most, of the idiomatic sayings are either wrong or they are used in a way that doesn’t make linguistic sense and many of the words are simply the wrong descriptive term.
On the one hand, the misuse of language adds to the sci-fi/fantasy aspect of the AU. On the other, it is chronically distracting, taking away from the plot and characters, making the book a bit of a slog to read. Sire instead of father. Sweety instead of sweetie. Thought-horses. Castle clouds. Unthoughtful. Instead of a building having a corner, it has a jut. A pawn shop that took advantage of the protagonist is said to have taken advantage of them balls to the wall. Josy tells a maid to get amplification crystals off the cuff. There is hardly a sentence that isn’t off kilter in some way.
There is a good story here and the characters are interesting, but the book reads like it was translated into English using Google translate. Many, if not most, of the idiomatic sayings are either wrong or they are used in a way that doesn’t make linguistic sense and many of the words are simply the wrong descriptive term.
On the one hand, the misuse of language adds to the sci-fi/fantasy aspect of the AU. On the other, it is chronically distracting, taking away from the plot and characters, making the book a bit of a slog to read. Sire instead of father. Sweety instead of sweetie. Thought-horses. Castle clouds. Unthoughtful. Instead of a building having a corner, it has a jut. A pawn shop that took advantage of the protagonist is said to have taken advantage of them balls to the wall. Josy tells a maid to get amplification crystals off the cuff. There is hardly a sentence that isn’t off kilter in some way.
July 9, 2019
Wow, just wow
Nyna Queen has written one amazing book and all I want to do right now is read the next in the series. It will be torment waiting for the next instalment. This fantasy is woven with emotion and tension, from characters who have attitude born of the pain burning their souls. So much intrigue I never wanted to stop reading, everything built until a most explosive climax that leads into the next book. Nyna Queen just joined my top favourite must read fantasy authors. This book is a must read for romantic or just fantasy with a sharp edge of emotions and I'm so glad I stumbled across it. Amazing, totally amazing.
Nyna Queen has written one amazing book and all I want to do right now is read the next in the series. It will be torment waiting for the next instalment. This fantasy is woven with emotion and tension, from characters who have attitude born of the pain burning their souls. So much intrigue I never wanted to stop reading, everything built until a most explosive climax that leads into the next book. Nyna Queen just joined my top favourite must read fantasy authors. This book is a must read for romantic or just fantasy with a sharp edge of emotions and I'm so glad I stumbled across it. Amazing, totally amazing.
June 5, 2019
What a wonderful web she's woven!
Nyna Queen does an exceptional job diving deep into the minds of her characters, and her imagery and use of metaphors are at the expert level. I really, really loved this story and all the characters. Well done!
My only qualms are almost superficial. The deep POV is almost too deep from time to time, and I found myself skimming through large chunks of exposition to get back to action. There are also quite a few typos that need ironed out, but that can easily be fixed with a new edition.
Nyna Queen does an exceptional job diving deep into the minds of her characters, and her imagery and use of metaphors are at the expert level. I really, really loved this story and all the characters. Well done!
My only qualms are almost superficial. The deep POV is almost too deep from time to time, and I found myself skimming through large chunks of exposition to get back to action. There are also quite a few typos that need ironed out, but that can easily be fixed with a new edition.
September 25, 2019
Pleasantly surprised
With Kindle unlimited many books I end up reading are decent but not amazing. This book pleasantly surprised me with strong characters that I enjoyed and solid writing. I only had two minor quibbles. First I'm not a huge fan of cliffhangers. Second , I wish a little more of the protagonist's history had been revealed since so much of the story is from her perspective. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
With Kindle unlimited many books I end up reading are decent but not amazing. This book pleasantly surprised me with strong characters that I enjoyed and solid writing. I only had two minor quibbles. First I'm not a huge fan of cliffhangers. Second , I wish a little more of the protagonist's history had been revealed since so much of the story is from her perspective. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
July 9, 2019
First all, even though this book had a few typos (Akexa was typed in one scene), and there was a crap ton of world building, I did enjoy the book.
What I hated was the ending. ARRRRRRRRRRGH! Cliffhanger ending. I hate that. Now I don’t know when I get to find out anything. Book two needs to come soon.
What I hated was the ending. ARRRRRRRRRRGH! Cliffhanger ending. I hate that. Now I don’t know when I get to find out anything. Book two needs to come soon.
December 5, 2021
Needs a bit more editing, still a few typos and words that feel wrong.
But.... I loved the story. Couldn't put it down, always wondering what was coming next.
The world Nyna has built is intriguing, and I can't wait to read more.
Did it have to be a cliff hanger, though?!
But.... I loved the story. Couldn't put it down, always wondering what was coming next.
The world Nyna has built is intriguing, and I can't wait to read more.
Did it have to be a cliff hanger, though?!
May 26, 2019
I really loved the book. The atmosphere, the characters, everything detailed and capturing.
I couldn’t put it down. I just wait now for the second one!
I couldn’t put it down. I just wait now for the second one!
August 19, 2019
Bought it on a whim
I loved this book, fast passed. I can't wait for the second book.
I like the fact that you get both points of view.
I loved this book, fast passed. I can't wait for the second book.
I like the fact that you get both points of view.
September 4, 2019
Why can't book to be in my hands right now? I seriously enjoy this book and it's Starkey main characters! Full review to come
December 9, 2021
A promising start to a new series (especially considering it’s the author’s first book).
The good:
* I love the relationship between Darken and the children. That he is able to push through the red mist of killing, and hold on to their goodness.
* The uniqueness of the world - Alex being a spider
* The children learning about the prejudices of the world first hand.
* Quotes like these:
“Those were the kind of nice little drinks that let you forget that you were just a simple family-man-slash-bank-accountant and made you think you could fly; in the morning you’d wake with a broken wrist and a hangover for three, your bank account wiped clean and your neighbor’s cat skinned in your living room beside half-empty glasses full of dried blood; but during the night you sure felt like the king.”
“It was hard to tell amidst the thick tangle of emotions and sexual lust around them, but somehow it struck her less like the enjoying kind and more like the if-this-goes-on-much-longer-I’m-gonna-come-over-and-break-your-slutty-little-necks kind of smile.”
* The slow burn goodness 🔥🔥
* The bond that is forming between the children and Alex.
* Preconceived notions being smashed
* That we actually got to see Darken enter the red mist, and from his POV.
* I know some people don’t like stories that have several POV, but I love how well done it was here.
The bad:
* The amount of exclamation points is ridiculous. It turns a potentially great adult book (I mean, those quotes above show it’s potential) into something more childish. At least in the first half of the book, a third of Alex’s thoughts end with an exclamation point. I think the author is doing this to stress the point, but it’s really not needed.
* I think that a better editor could have helped tremendously. There are a ton of grammatical errors (misspellings, wrong words used, etc), and the plot could have been tightened up a good bit.
* I wish there would have been more world building. I have so many questions too (for instance, where are her brothers now??). Maybe more develops in the next book.
So yes, there are some issues, BUT it really was a good read. I already have book 2 and 3 downloaded, and I plan to start on them as soon as I get my adulting done for the day.
The good:
* I love the relationship between Darken and the children. That he is able to push through the red mist of killing, and hold on to their goodness.
* The uniqueness of the world - Alex being a spider
* The children learning about the prejudices of the world first hand.
* Quotes like these:
“Those were the kind of nice little drinks that let you forget that you were just a simple family-man-slash-bank-accountant and made you think you could fly; in the morning you’d wake with a broken wrist and a hangover for three, your bank account wiped clean and your neighbor’s cat skinned in your living room beside half-empty glasses full of dried blood; but during the night you sure felt like the king.”
“It was hard to tell amidst the thick tangle of emotions and sexual lust around them, but somehow it struck her less like the enjoying kind and more like the if-this-goes-on-much-longer-I’m-gonna-come-over-and-break-your-slutty-little-necks kind of smile.”
* The slow burn goodness 🔥🔥
* The bond that is forming between the children and Alex.
* Preconceived notions being smashed
* That we actually got to see Darken enter the red mist, and from his POV.
* I know some people don’t like stories that have several POV, but I love how well done it was here.
The bad:
* The amount of exclamation points is ridiculous. It turns a potentially great adult book (I mean, those quotes above show it’s potential) into something more childish. At least in the first half of the book, a third of Alex’s thoughts end with an exclamation point. I think the author is doing this to stress the point, but it’s really not needed.
* I think that a better editor could have helped tremendously. There are a ton of grammatical errors (misspellings, wrong words used, etc), and the plot could have been tightened up a good bit.
* I wish there would have been more world building. I have so many questions too (for instance, where are her brothers now??). Maybe more develops in the next book.
So yes, there are some issues, BUT it really was a good read. I already have book 2 and 3 downloaded, and I plan to start on them as soon as I get my adulting done for the day.
October 19, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
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I like the setting in this book. Some urban fantasy place that was completely new to me. The terms that come with it were well written and well placed in the context.
The only thing I did not like sk much was the main character’s nickname she gave everyone: sugar. Yeah, not really my thing and it made me cringe every single time I read it. But: everyone has a different opinions, so for other people it might not bother as much as it did for me.
I am definitely looking forward for the second book. I know it’s available, I just don’t know if I can get my hands on it, yet.
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I like the setting in this book. Some urban fantasy place that was completely new to me. The terms that come with it were well written and well placed in the context.
The only thing I did not like sk much was the main character’s nickname she gave everyone: sugar. Yeah, not really my thing and it made me cringe every single time I read it. But: everyone has a different opinions, so for other people it might not bother as much as it did for me.
I am definitely looking forward for the second book. I know it’s available, I just don’t know if I can get my hands on it, yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2019
Amazing...
I have never left a review but I have to say I could not put this book down!!!! It kept me on edge the whole time. Please hurry with the next book because I am hanging by a thread!
I have never left a review but I have to say I could not put this book down!!!! It kept me on edge the whole time. Please hurry with the next book because I am hanging by a thread!
June 1, 2020
It was a very engaging book. Every line was something to anticipate because you never know what's gonna happen next. And this book did not dissapointed. It was so good that I finished this 400+ pages beauty in one sitting! The emotions were on point and made my heart palpate and even break ❤❤❤ I loved every second of it!
January 21, 2020
By A Thread: Book 1 of The Trueborn Heirs Series by Nyna Queen
In Alexis Harper’s magical world she is known as a shaper, her other shape is a spider. This spider gives Alex superhuman strength, speed, and enhanced senses, but very little other magical abilities. Alex and her kind are the lowest caste, below humans. Shapers are feared, and considered savages.
Alex tends bar in the slums to eke out a merger living. When two kids magically appear in the middle of the bar along with the goons they are running from who made it into the portal before it closed, Alex jumps in to protect the kids and kills all the goons. Now, they are on the run. Alex’s plan is to find a way to get the kids back home. There are miles to cross without being seen and magical wards to get around. Word around the republic is that Alex has kidnapped the kids. Josy and Max are the daughter and son of a highly ranked politician, and an important election is coming up. Can you smell a conspiracy?
Ms. Queen spends a lot of time describing her unique world, and its political structure. Her characters are well developed and stay true to themselves. It takes time for the kids to learn to trust Alex, their lives literally depend on her. When their Uncle Darken, who is a forfeit—a state assassin, catches up with Alex he tries to kill her to protect his niece and nephew. The kids save her convincing Darken she has saved them. So, now there are two adults who don’t trust each other trying to work together. The banter between them is entertaining. Alex has no problem confronting and arguing with Darken. Nobody has ever treated him the way she does, and he slowly learns to give her a certain amount of respect. Then he throws her in the river with no warning.
“By A Thread” is an entertaining story and a decent plot. However, I have some issues with it as a whole. There are way too many proofing issues that include missing, extra, and wrong words. This story is worth the extra attention, and while an editor goes through the story perhaps they could remove all the extra words that don’t move the story forward. But the biggest headache I have with “By A Thread” is the huge cliffhanger ending!
FYI: “By A Thread” is book 1 of Nyna Queen’s, The Trueborn Heirs Series. There are a few F-bombs and other adult language. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 23, 2019.
Format/Typo Issues: Way too many proofing issues to let them slide. Numerous wrong words, missing words, or extra words.
In Alexis Harper’s magical world she is known as a shaper, her other shape is a spider. This spider gives Alex superhuman strength, speed, and enhanced senses, but very little other magical abilities. Alex and her kind are the lowest caste, below humans. Shapers are feared, and considered savages.
Alex tends bar in the slums to eke out a merger living. When two kids magically appear in the middle of the bar along with the goons they are running from who made it into the portal before it closed, Alex jumps in to protect the kids and kills all the goons. Now, they are on the run. Alex’s plan is to find a way to get the kids back home. There are miles to cross without being seen and magical wards to get around. Word around the republic is that Alex has kidnapped the kids. Josy and Max are the daughter and son of a highly ranked politician, and an important election is coming up. Can you smell a conspiracy?
Ms. Queen spends a lot of time describing her unique world, and its political structure. Her characters are well developed and stay true to themselves. It takes time for the kids to learn to trust Alex, their lives literally depend on her. When their Uncle Darken, who is a forfeit—a state assassin, catches up with Alex he tries to kill her to protect his niece and nephew. The kids save her convincing Darken she has saved them. So, now there are two adults who don’t trust each other trying to work together. The banter between them is entertaining. Alex has no problem confronting and arguing with Darken. Nobody has ever treated him the way she does, and he slowly learns to give her a certain amount of respect. Then he throws her in the river with no warning.
“By A Thread” is an entertaining story and a decent plot. However, I have some issues with it as a whole. There are way too many proofing issues that include missing, extra, and wrong words. This story is worth the extra attention, and while an editor goes through the story perhaps they could remove all the extra words that don’t move the story forward. But the biggest headache I have with “By A Thread” is the huge cliffhanger ending!
FYI: “By A Thread” is book 1 of Nyna Queen’s, The Trueborn Heirs Series. There are a few F-bombs and other adult language. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 23, 2019.
Format/Typo Issues: Way too many proofing issues to let them slide. Numerous wrong words, missing words, or extra words.
June 4, 2019
Amazing, amazing book!
The story is great, the world building, the characters, loved it all. And how intricate and complex both Alex and Darken are, is beautiful. I adore them both and can’t wait to see where their story goes.
The story is great, the world building, the characters, loved it all. And how intricate and complex both Alex and Darken are, is beautiful. I adore them both and can’t wait to see where their story goes.
June 18, 2021
I picked this up for free a few months back after seeing several people I follow on Goodreads give it good ratings.
This starts with Alexis working at her job as a server at a bar in the slums where her identity as a half-born is a secret from her colleagues. When she picks up an extra shift she isn't expecting two aristo children to teleport into her bar or for the group of men that appear seconds later to try and kill them. Jumping to their rescue she ends up going on a cross country journey to try and get them home, only to run into their uncle Darken - a deathbringer - who is searching for the children while being named as the children's kidnapper and a murderer. As a group they try and find an easy way back to the kids home but it isn't easy when being hunted at every corner.
I did enjoy this. The author had a very descriptive way of writing, using phrases I either hadn't heard in a long time or just not at all. I'm not normally a fan of the overly descriptive and I'll admit that I did skip a few paragraphs here and there because I wasn't interested in what was being said but at times it described the people and the scenery beautifully.
There was a tension between Alex and Darken from pretty much their first meeting and it slowly became something sexual. I liked their verbal sparring sessions since
I do feel like English is not the authors first language. There were times when I wasn't sure what the author was trying to say with the words she'd chosen. There were also a few times when the wrong tense of a particular word was used. I just think it needs going over with a fine-tooth comb to straighten out those few kinks. Things like this:
"Take care if this, so we can be gone."
I enjoyed this enough to want to continue the series... especially considering it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
This starts with Alexis working at her job as a server at a bar in the slums where her identity as a half-born is a secret from her colleagues. When she picks up an extra shift she isn't expecting two aristo children to teleport into her bar or for the group of men that appear seconds later to try and kill them. Jumping to their rescue she ends up going on a cross country journey to try and get them home, only to run into their uncle Darken - a deathbringer - who is searching for the children while being named as the children's kidnapper and a murderer. As a group they try and find an easy way back to the kids home but it isn't easy when being hunted at every corner.
I did enjoy this. The author had a very descriptive way of writing, using phrases I either hadn't heard in a long time or just not at all. I'm not normally a fan of the overly descriptive and I'll admit that I did skip a few paragraphs here and there because I wasn't interested in what was being said but at times it described the people and the scenery beautifully.
There was a tension between Alex and Darken from pretty much their first meeting and it slowly became something sexual. I liked their verbal sparring sessions since
I do feel like English is not the authors first language. There were times when I wasn't sure what the author was trying to say with the words she'd chosen. There were also a few times when the wrong tense of a particular word was used. I just think it needs going over with a fine-tooth comb to straighten out those few kinks. Things like this:
"Take care if this, so we can be gone."
I enjoyed this enough to want to continue the series... especially considering it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
February 11, 2020
Wow. Loved it. Characters? Check. Story line? Check. Writing? Check. Universe rules? Check.
Ballsy, intelligent, talented (but NOT a Mary Sue), well-developed female MC, one of the few actually. I loved Alex. She's great. A friend or a girlfriend I'd love to have, cause she's unpredictable, quirky, funny, loyal and lives in shades of grey.
Darken...well, he's kind of the misunderstood and wary asshole you love to love and want to strangle. Often. With the tentacles of a giant squid. In the end of the first book, he sort of redeems himself in my eyes, for the way he treated Alex until then. It's a good thing the author wrote from both their points of view, so we can experience both their psyches and understand them better.
The kids, Josy and Max. Well, Max is easy. He's a young boy, with the innocence, the courage, the playfulness and the immaturity of a boy his age. Well depicted. Now Josy... Josy I wanted to hang upside down from the tallest building in the world for a few hours, many times throughout the story. But, I also get where she's coming from, even though she's the kind of teenager that makes me think Herod had it right. She's in that weird age of preteen, she's from a rich family, she's got everybody looking at her with too many expectations for a child of her age and she's never met people from any other side of life.
The writing style was really great, especially for a first book. I hope she does as well with the second book of the series. The plot was good and well-thought in my opinion. The rules of Queen's universe are sound and have their bases, although there are some things that are missing, like more information about the magic of the trueborns.
Can't wait for Book 2!! Because of course there's a major cliffhanger.
Ballsy, intelligent, talented (but NOT a Mary Sue), well-developed female MC, one of the few actually. I loved Alex. She's great. A friend or a girlfriend I'd love to have, cause she's unpredictable, quirky, funny, loyal and lives in shades of grey.
Darken...well, he's kind of the misunderstood and wary asshole you love to love and want to strangle. Often. With the tentacles of a giant squid. In the end of the first book, he sort of redeems himself in my eyes, for the way he treated Alex until then. It's a good thing the author wrote from both their points of view, so we can experience both their psyches and understand them better.
The kids, Josy and Max. Well, Max is easy. He's a young boy, with the innocence, the courage, the playfulness and the immaturity of a boy his age. Well depicted. Now Josy... Josy I wanted to hang upside down from the tallest building in the world for a few hours, many times throughout the story. But, I also get where she's coming from, even though she's the kind of teenager that makes me think Herod had it right. She's in that weird age of preteen, she's from a rich family, she's got everybody looking at her with too many expectations for a child of her age and she's never met people from any other side of life.
The writing style was really great, especially for a first book. I hope she does as well with the second book of the series. The plot was good and well-thought in my opinion. The rules of Queen's universe are sound and have their bases, although there are some things that are missing, like more information about the magic of the trueborns.
Can't wait for Book 2!! Because of course there's a major cliffhanger.
September 12, 2023
By a Thread is an exciting urban fantasy with a strong heroine in an intriguing world. Alexis Harper, Alex, is a misfit, a “shaper”, a half-breed with magical talents. The concept of a “shaper” was fascinating, it makes you think of traditional shape-shifters, but it turns out to be something quite different and unique. Alex doesn't turn into a giant spider.
Alex can't leave the two scared children to be hunted in her bar. Instead of continuing to hide her identity and her true nature, she jumps in and saves two of the privileged, Trueborn, class from a plot to kidnap them. The story was engrossing, and edge of the seat, intense.
Darken, the children's Uncle and was full of dark, deadly magic. He's one of the Bloodravens, an assassin-slave of the state and equally as feared and loathed as the Shapers are. I loved how his relationships with those he loved were all that could reel him in and help him to reinstating and maintaining his control.
The book ends on a rather dramatic cliffhanger, but luckily for me, book 2 is already out and now on my phone.
#FantasyRomance #Shapeshifters #DarkFantasy #Horror #Magic
Alex can't leave the two scared children to be hunted in her bar. Instead of continuing to hide her identity and her true nature, she jumps in and saves two of the privileged, Trueborn, class from a plot to kidnap them. The story was engrossing, and edge of the seat, intense.
Darken, the children's Uncle and was full of dark, deadly magic. He's one of the Bloodravens, an assassin-slave of the state and equally as feared and loathed as the Shapers are. I loved how his relationships with those he loved were all that could reel him in and help him to reinstating and maintaining his control.
The book ends on a rather dramatic cliffhanger, but luckily for me, book 2 is already out and now on my phone.
#FantasyRomance #Shapeshifters #DarkFantasy #Horror #Magic
September 5, 2020
💌‘By The Thread’-Trueborn Heirs is a book series written by Nyna Queen . Main character of the novel Alex finds herself strangled in a mysterious crime which she denies to commit.
💌She is a trueborn who has magical powers and is mostly outcast therefore she hides it from the world but this is revealed soon by an incident. Her life becomes a gamble where there are trust issues.
💌It’s a book full of compelling characters with a good balance between action, crime and mystery. If you like a spicy, funny but also slightly dark story, with deep characters, conflicts, sudden twists and constant danger hanging in the air, this book is highly recommended.
💌I have put Nyna Queen on my list of best authors and I am desperately waiting to read her next series- Web of Lies. Nyna received an inspiration from the age of six when she read her first book and ever since she has been reading and writing.
💌She is a trueborn who has magical powers and is mostly outcast therefore she hides it from the world but this is revealed soon by an incident. Her life becomes a gamble where there are trust issues.
💌It’s a book full of compelling characters with a good balance between action, crime and mystery. If you like a spicy, funny but also slightly dark story, with deep characters, conflicts, sudden twists and constant danger hanging in the air, this book is highly recommended.
💌I have put Nyna Queen on my list of best authors and I am desperately waiting to read her next series- Web of Lies. Nyna received an inspiration from the age of six when she read her first book and ever since she has been reading and writing.
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