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The Luminated Threads #1
The Unraveling, Volume One of The Luminated Threads: A Steampunk Fantasy Romance
Victorian contraptions. Enchanted farmlands. Can one struggling orphan switch gears and run full-speed into freedom?
England, 1868. Nineteen-year-old Annmar Masterson refuses to be a cog in a lecherous businessman’s machine. Escaping the steam engine magnate’s advances by taking an advertising job in the country, the young illustrator is astonished when she discovers the rural valley is rife with magical creatures. But she’s terrified when the night guard shifters and their handsome polecat leader are nearly killed by a raging swarm of crop-eating pests.
Accustomed to her prim and proper former lifestyle, Annmar worries not even her blossoming magic will help her fit into the rambunctious farming community. But when the out-of-place city girl heals the flirtatious protector, she sparks a powerful connection… making her rare power the target of a looming evil mastermind.
Will she find a new home in the arms of the coy shifter, or will she be undone by a deadly villain’s strike?
The Unraveling is the fantastical first volume in the serialized Luminated Threads historical fantasy series. If you like majestic atmospheres, heart-wrenching cliffhangers, and a touch of steampunk romance, then you’ll love Laurel Wanrow’s stunning saga.
Buy The Unraveling to follow a thrilling thread today!
The Luminated Threads complete novel:
The Unraveling, Volume One
The Twisting, Volume Two
The Binding, Volume Three
England, 1868. Nineteen-year-old Annmar Masterson refuses to be a cog in a lecherous businessman’s machine. Escaping the steam engine magnate’s advances by taking an advertising job in the country, the young illustrator is astonished when she discovers the rural valley is rife with magical creatures. But she’s terrified when the night guard shifters and their handsome polecat leader are nearly killed by a raging swarm of crop-eating pests.
Accustomed to her prim and proper former lifestyle, Annmar worries not even her blossoming magic will help her fit into the rambunctious farming community. But when the out-of-place city girl heals the flirtatious protector, she sparks a powerful connection… making her rare power the target of a looming evil mastermind.
Will she find a new home in the arms of the coy shifter, or will she be undone by a deadly villain’s strike?
The Unraveling is the fantastical first volume in the serialized Luminated Threads historical fantasy series. If you like majestic atmospheres, heart-wrenching cliffhangers, and a touch of steampunk romance, then you’ll love Laurel Wanrow’s stunning saga.
Buy The Unraveling to follow a thrilling thread today!
The Luminated Threads complete novel:
The Unraveling, Volume One
The Twisting, Volume Two
The Binding, Volume Three
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2015
115 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Wanrow
14 books95 followersLaurel Wanrow loves misty mornings, the smell of freshly dug earth, petting long-haired guinea pigs and staring at the stars. She sees magic in nature and loves to photograph it.
Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.
When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.
For Laurel's Newsletter: https://www.laurelwanrow.com/NewsSignup
Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.
When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.
For Laurel's Newsletter: https://www.laurelwanrow.com/NewsSignup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 12, 2016
This book is definitely something different compared to other steampunk novels. We are taken back to 19th Century England where Annmar our protagonist longs to own her shop and be a successful illustrator. Annmar is going nowhere fast, working for a leech of a man who does not want her for her drawings or talent; thankfully she’s offered an incredible job at her mother’s hometown Blighted Basin. The very next day Annmar boards a train to this mysterious valley where she will work on a farm to produce labels for fruits and vegetables. Blighted Basin is a place of magic where the farm workers shift into animals to hunt pests at night and it’s here that Annmar discovers she has magic of her own.
My relationship with steampunk has always been somewhat rocky, I neither love them or hate then but instead always find myself somewhere in the middle sat on the fence.
Wanrow creates a lovely picture of old world England and what it’s like to be a woman in this age, the addition of magic and shape-shifting lead to an intriguing story. The romance between Annmar and shapeshifter Daeryn is a slow one and very enjoyable to read but I was somewhat disheartened when we didn’t get any kisses whatsoever.
My only real issue with the book was the agonizingly slow pace, once Annmar decided to take her new job she was only there for four days and then you’ve reached the end of the book. I didn’t realise how slow time was passing until I reached the end and looked back at what actually happened. In hindsight it was good not to notice the slow pace whilst reading but I would have liked to see a longer timespan or if it’s going to be short, then more action/adventure.
Overall I enjoyed this book and was glad to see some great character development towards the end. I would have liked to see some more plot twists, drama and heat to become fully engrossed in the story, but this was definitely some different nonetheless.
Literary-ly Obsessed
My relationship with steampunk has always been somewhat rocky, I neither love them or hate then but instead always find myself somewhere in the middle sat on the fence.
Wanrow creates a lovely picture of old world England and what it’s like to be a woman in this age, the addition of magic and shape-shifting lead to an intriguing story. The romance between Annmar and shapeshifter Daeryn is a slow one and very enjoyable to read but I was somewhat disheartened when we didn’t get any kisses whatsoever.
My only real issue with the book was the agonizingly slow pace, once Annmar decided to take her new job she was only there for four days and then you’ve reached the end of the book. I didn’t realise how slow time was passing until I reached the end and looked back at what actually happened. In hindsight it was good not to notice the slow pace whilst reading but I would have liked to see a longer timespan or if it’s going to be short, then more action/adventure.
Overall I enjoyed this book and was glad to see some great character development towards the end. I would have liked to see some more plot twists, drama and heat to become fully engrossed in the story, but this was definitely some different nonetheless.
Literary-ly Obsessed
July 1, 2015
Talk about the sparkle and shine of something just a little different in the world of steampunk, fantasy and romance! The Unraveling by Laurel Wanrow is the first in a serialized series that has set a high bar for this talented author to beat in the future! Step back into 19th century England where one talented, nineteen-year-old young woman stiffens her spine against a lecherous businessman, jeopardizing her job, only to be offered another position doing advertising for a small and mysterious valley whose produce is prized across the land. What is the secret to such delightful wares for this isolated valley? Are the inhabitants gifted? Each has an affinity for a necessary job to be done and they work together, proving there is no "I" in teamwork. For Annmar, a case of mistaken identity opens a new world where she finds her true roots and magic of her own gift that comes to life when she draws.
Meanwhile, shifter Daeryn, head of security finds his nightmares of the past coming back full force as his heart warms to the beautiful and seemingly delicate Annmar. Together, they play tug-of-war with their emotions, as Annmar’s newly found roots give her the mettle to be a woman far ahead of her time!
The Unraveling by Laura Wanrow is full of the atmosphere of the steampunk era, the fairytale feel of magical gifts and the joy of belonging in a small, but special world. Her characters will warm your heart with their caring, have you hissing at the villains and wanting to be part of the magic of this special valley where everyone watches out for and cares about one another. Can you imagine a fruit tree having a name and a personality, or even a tiny magical guardian? Yep, truly delightful reading with a hint of romance, heat and intrigue! This is fun, fresh and fanciful reading that makes escaping reality like a the best vacation ever
I received this copy from Laurel Wanrow in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 23, 2015
Publisher: Sprouting Star Press
Genre: Steampunk | Fantasy | Historical
Print Length: 303 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Meanwhile, shifter Daeryn, head of security finds his nightmares of the past coming back full force as his heart warms to the beautiful and seemingly delicate Annmar. Together, they play tug-of-war with their emotions, as Annmar’s newly found roots give her the mettle to be a woman far ahead of her time!
The Unraveling by Laura Wanrow is full of the atmosphere of the steampunk era, the fairytale feel of magical gifts and the joy of belonging in a small, but special world. Her characters will warm your heart with their caring, have you hissing at the villains and wanting to be part of the magic of this special valley where everyone watches out for and cares about one another. Can you imagine a fruit tree having a name and a personality, or even a tiny magical guardian? Yep, truly delightful reading with a hint of romance, heat and intrigue! This is fun, fresh and fanciful reading that makes escaping reality like a the best vacation ever
I received this copy from Laurel Wanrow in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 23, 2015
Publisher: Sprouting Star Press
Genre: Steampunk | Fantasy | Historical
Print Length: 303 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 3, 2015
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal, or LOP.***
I loved this book. It was so engaging and demanded to be read quickly. But life kept getting in the way, and I was very upset that I went days without getting a chance to read it. When things calm down, I am going to re-read this one so hard... This was my first foray into steampunk, and I am hooked. I really liked Annmar. She has a dream, and she is going to use her talent and brave the unknown to achieve it. I loved the other characters as well and look forward to learning more about them in the next book. Especially the ones whose bite is just as bad as their bark. I really appreciate how strong all of the women were in this book. Whether fiercely protective of a new friend or a badass wolf shifter tougher than any man (love ya Jac!), this is a group I'd want in my corner. I really can't wait for the next books in this series. So much fun.
I loved this book. It was so engaging and demanded to be read quickly. But life kept getting in the way, and I was very upset that I went days without getting a chance to read it. When things calm down, I am going to re-read this one so hard... This was my first foray into steampunk, and I am hooked. I really liked Annmar. She has a dream, and she is going to use her talent and brave the unknown to achieve it. I loved the other characters as well and look forward to learning more about them in the next book. Especially the ones whose bite is just as bad as their bark. I really appreciate how strong all of the women were in this book. Whether fiercely protective of a new friend or a badass wolf shifter tougher than any man (love ya Jac!), this is a group I'd want in my corner. I really can't wait for the next books in this series. So much fun.
August 29, 2015
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal.***
I LOVED this book. Sometimes I don't always enjoy the steampunk genre because it gets a little too crazy but the added PNR was a FANTASTIC combination. I loved how their powers are called "Knacks" and Annmar's Knack was SO COOL. I really wanted MORE romance between Annmar's AND Mary Clare's respective love lifes...but Laurel Wanrow is making us wait. Ugh, I hope not too long though, I want more!!!!
I loved Miz Gere and Rivley and Daeryn and his "pack", the characters were great!
I really, really enjoyed it and was disappointed for it to end.
5 stars.
I LOVED this book. Sometimes I don't always enjoy the steampunk genre because it gets a little too crazy but the added PNR was a FANTASTIC combination. I loved how their powers are called "Knacks" and Annmar's Knack was SO COOL. I really wanted MORE romance between Annmar's AND Mary Clare's respective love lifes...but Laurel Wanrow is making us wait. Ugh, I hope not too long though, I want more!!!!
I loved Miz Gere and Rivley and Daeryn and his "pack", the characters were great!
I really, really enjoyed it and was disappointed for it to end.
5 stars.
July 10, 2015
When I started reading this book I imagined two things being in it.
One of them was trains.
The other was talking animals.
Fortunately, both of those elements are in the story.(Although the train is irrelevant part of the story and the shape-shifters cannot really talk as humans during their transformation.)
The Unraveling in a nut shell is a steam punk/paranormal romance novel with the central plot of the book focusing on Daeryn and Annmar, the two protagonists. (With a background plot of the farm they work in being in trouble.)
Now. Truth to be told... Daeryn, or Dae, was interesting and a decent male protagonist but... even with his ability to turn into a polecat (A raccoon like animal native to the British isles.) he was out shadowed by the Annmar.
BY FAR.(Or it could be that as a male reader I am extremely biased against my own gender.)
Annmar is an EXTREMELY likable character. Reading through the book via her perspective really shows what Victorian society and social norm were against not only women but men.
The struggles that she goes through and her character development is not only historical accurate but done in such a way that I could understand her as a person.(Despite not being a woman myself and not being from the 19th century.)
So, to keep it brief. Annmar is fantastic. I'm a fan boy. Go read the book.Join me in worshiping Annmar as the best thing that happened since sliced bread. Then get ready to read the second part of the series when it comes out.
One of them was trains.
The other was talking animals.
Fortunately, both of those elements are in the story.
The Unraveling in a nut shell is a steam punk/paranormal romance novel with the central plot of the book focusing on Daeryn and Annmar, the two protagonists. (With a background plot of the farm they work in being in trouble.)
Now. Truth to be told... Daeryn, or Dae, was interesting and a decent male protagonist but... even with his ability to turn into a polecat (A raccoon like animal native to the British isles.) he was out shadowed by the Annmar.
BY FAR.
Annmar is an EXTREMELY likable character. Reading through the book via her perspective really shows what Victorian society and social norm were against not only women but men.
The struggles that she goes through and her character development is not only historical accurate but done in such a way that I could understand her as a person.
So, to keep it brief. Annmar is fantastic. I'm a fan boy. Go read the book.
July 29, 2015
The Unraveling had me spellbound from the very first page to the last. There's not many books that have had that effect on me (aside from the usual Harry Potter, Twilight, Game of Thrones etc.) so this novel was such a pleasant, and magical, surprise.
The story follows Annmar, a budding illustrator who has recently lost her mum, who accepts a position out of town in a mysterious place called Blighted Basin. Her work on the farm sees her drawing beautiful labels of the fruits of its labour. Mistress Gere, the owner, is a formidable woman who seems to know a bit more about Annmar's mother's life in Blighted Basin than she ever did. Also working at the farm is the lovable rogue, Daeryn, a shape-shifter who guards the fields from pests at night. A standout character for me was Mary-Clare, Annmar's budding best friend. She is such a salt of the earth kind of girl, who is perfect to welcome an 'Outsider' into the fold.
What I am mainly blown away by from Laurel Wanrow's writing, is her ability to completely transport you to a whole new world. Even though Blighted Basin was new to me at the beginning of the book, only a few chapters in I found myself dreaming of living there, with my own room in the barn and my own role to play in the community. Very few writers can capture a made-up world so vividly!
My best bookworm friend is reading this after me, and I plan to gift it to my other friend's younger sister, who I know will gobble it up. All I hope is that this book gets the reception it deserves, as it is truly a special gem. Sign me up for the sequel, and the next book, and the one after that!
The story follows Annmar, a budding illustrator who has recently lost her mum, who accepts a position out of town in a mysterious place called Blighted Basin. Her work on the farm sees her drawing beautiful labels of the fruits of its labour. Mistress Gere, the owner, is a formidable woman who seems to know a bit more about Annmar's mother's life in Blighted Basin than she ever did. Also working at the farm is the lovable rogue, Daeryn, a shape-shifter who guards the fields from pests at night. A standout character for me was Mary-Clare, Annmar's budding best friend. She is such a salt of the earth kind of girl, who is perfect to welcome an 'Outsider' into the fold.
What I am mainly blown away by from Laurel Wanrow's writing, is her ability to completely transport you to a whole new world. Even though Blighted Basin was new to me at the beginning of the book, only a few chapters in I found myself dreaming of living there, with my own room in the barn and my own role to play in the community. Very few writers can capture a made-up world so vividly!
My best bookworm friend is reading this after me, and I plan to gift it to my other friend's younger sister, who I know will gobble it up. All I hope is that this book gets the reception it deserves, as it is truly a special gem. Sign me up for the sequel, and the next book, and the one after that!
July 18, 2021
There was a lot to like about this book! Though as usual with most of the YA books I read, there was a little too much focus on the romance for my personal taste which confirms my suspicion that I'm an outlier of my age. Either that or authors are assuming all teens want romance first and plot second when actually we'd rather read about action and cool magic systems.
Anyway so there is some really interesting magic in this book and that's what I liked most about it. I loved seeing Annmar discover her Knack and learn all the different things she could do. The descriptions of some of what she can see of nature and the land with her special sight are lovely. And I liked the shapeshifter side of the story too, even though it didn't seem to mesh very well in tone with the Annmar storyline at first, it definitely grew on me. The machinery/industrial revolution aspect is also unusual and made the storyline interesting.
Not five stars for me because (aside from the aforementioned romance) it didn't end properly, the author calls it a serialised novel but that seems like an excuse to make me buy three books instead of one. Though I did like it enough to buy book 2 so I guess it worked ... damn.
Also it did make me laugh how this book was meant to be set in victorian Derbyshire and yet the dialogue was so American.
Anyway so there is some really interesting magic in this book and that's what I liked most about it. I loved seeing Annmar discover her Knack and learn all the different things she could do. The descriptions of some of what she can see of nature and the land with her special sight are lovely. And I liked the shapeshifter side of the story too, even though it didn't seem to mesh very well in tone with the Annmar storyline at first, it definitely grew on me. The machinery/industrial revolution aspect is also unusual and made the storyline interesting.
Not five stars for me because (aside from the aforementioned romance) it didn't end properly, the author calls it a serialised novel but that seems like an excuse to make me buy three books instead of one. Though I did like it enough to buy book 2 so I guess it worked ... damn.
Also it did make me laugh how this book was meant to be set in victorian Derbyshire and yet the dialogue was so American.
October 5, 2015
While I loved the characters and story, the magical part of this book is the setting and world-building. This is a wonderfully written book with imagery that will stick with you long after it's over. I'm not kidding about this - I had dreams of giant vegetables the night after I finished it. The author obviously did a lot of research and planning, and all the layers of this multifaceted society work together beautifully except when they're not supposed to. I also loved that the hero is a shifter, but not a typical wolf or other large mammal. Nope, he's a polecat. Yes, I had to look it up. They're cute weasel-type critters.
I can't wait to see how everything plays out in the next books in the series.
I can't wait to see how everything plays out in the next books in the series.
February 20, 2016
It's my novel, so of course I love it!
November 23, 2017
I loved this book!
A combination of steampunk, fantasy, and paranormal, it hit all the right spots in each genre to totally suck me in. The lush imagery and strange new creatures kept my imagination roiling, as did the fantastic setting. As soon as I finished, I clicked the link to order The Twisting (book 2). Since it's a holiday, I won't get to start it until all the company goes home. :(
Maybe I can rush them a bit.
A combination of steampunk, fantasy, and paranormal, it hit all the right spots in each genre to totally suck me in. The lush imagery and strange new creatures kept my imagination roiling, as did the fantastic setting. As soon as I finished, I clicked the link to order The Twisting (book 2). Since it's a holiday, I won't get to start it until all the company goes home. :(
Maybe I can rush them a bit.
October 12, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
An unexpected, diverting read. I've never read a "steampunk" novel before. I've been to Comic-con, so I'm familiar with cosplay (even forced my kids into it a couple of times before they were old enough to protest ha!), and so I know with what Steampunk is. Love it! I love all the whirly gigs and dials, the intricacy of it. I'm also a sucker for any media based in England in the 1800's. I can't get enough of it. So I applied to get a review copy of The Unraveling from NetGalley, greatly anticipating my first foray into the world of Steampunk fiction.
This book was not what I expected. The first couple of chapters were definitely interesting. Annmar is a young woman with considerable talent in drawing. She is an artist and is particularly skilled with graphic arts. She works for a commercial advertising company, and is quite a remarkably independent young woman. Especially considering the times she is living in. She's an interesting girl, and there are hints of a paranormal history inherited from her mother. Annmar can see things no one else can and these otherworldly elements make their way into her lovely artwork. She accepts a job with a farm in her Mother's hometown, partly to escape a difficult situation at work, and partly to learn more about her family's clouded past.
At this point the author switches locales to that farm and we are introduced to a new group of characters ... shapeshifters. What the what?! I was a little thrown. I felt lost. I didn't understand a lot of the terminology and I have to admit it was a little hard to follow a whole new group of people and what felt like a sudden shift in pace. I really wanted the story to get back to Annmar and fast! Thankfully she wasn't long away from the focus of the story, and the shapeshifting characters eventually started to grow on me. By the end of the book I must admit I was hooked. I was sorry to realize that this is only the first book of the series, and the next one is not out yet! Wait, I've just gotten to like these characters! Now that I know them, I need to find out what happens next? I'm definitely reading the next in the series. Looking forward to it.
In a nutshell, if you are familiar with Steampunk fantasy I'm sure you will enjoy this book. If you are a newbie to the genre like me, be aware there can be a bit of a learning curve but don't let that deter you. Stick with it. It's enjoyable. The only caveat, I wish this book came with smell-o-vision. I'd pay good money for a whiff of the peach preserves that opens Annmar's eyes to her prodigious gifts of sight.
Spotify Song for this book: Rose of May - Erutan (FFIX cover)
An unexpected, diverting read. I've never read a "steampunk" novel before. I've been to Comic-con, so I'm familiar with cosplay (even forced my kids into it a couple of times before they were old enough to protest ha!), and so I know with what Steampunk is. Love it! I love all the whirly gigs and dials, the intricacy of it. I'm also a sucker for any media based in England in the 1800's. I can't get enough of it. So I applied to get a review copy of The Unraveling from NetGalley, greatly anticipating my first foray into the world of Steampunk fiction.
This book was not what I expected. The first couple of chapters were definitely interesting. Annmar is a young woman with considerable talent in drawing. She is an artist and is particularly skilled with graphic arts. She works for a commercial advertising company, and is quite a remarkably independent young woman. Especially considering the times she is living in. She's an interesting girl, and there are hints of a paranormal history inherited from her mother. Annmar can see things no one else can and these otherworldly elements make their way into her lovely artwork. She accepts a job with a farm in her Mother's hometown, partly to escape a difficult situation at work, and partly to learn more about her family's clouded past.
At this point the author switches locales to that farm and we are introduced to a new group of characters ... shapeshifters. What the what?! I was a little thrown. I felt lost. I didn't understand a lot of the terminology and I have to admit it was a little hard to follow a whole new group of people and what felt like a sudden shift in pace. I really wanted the story to get back to Annmar and fast! Thankfully she wasn't long away from the focus of the story, and the shapeshifting characters eventually started to grow on me. By the end of the book I must admit I was hooked. I was sorry to realize that this is only the first book of the series, and the next one is not out yet! Wait, I've just gotten to like these characters! Now that I know them, I need to find out what happens next? I'm definitely reading the next in the series. Looking forward to it.
In a nutshell, if you are familiar with Steampunk fantasy I'm sure you will enjoy this book. If you are a newbie to the genre like me, be aware there can be a bit of a learning curve but don't let that deter you. Stick with it. It's enjoyable. The only caveat, I wish this book came with smell-o-vision. I'd pay good money for a whiff of the peach preserves that opens Annmar's eyes to her prodigious gifts of sight.
Spotify Song for this book: Rose of May - Erutan (FFIX cover)
October 15, 2015
*** I received this book in exchange for an honest review of it from the Goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal (LOP). ***
When I first read the synopsis of this book I was a little hesitant because of the time period in which the story takes place. However don't let that little nugget of information in said book summary fool you, as the book itself was great! Despite the book not being as heavily revolving around trains as I thought it was going to be initially, it's still definitely a book I would recommend reading if you're a fan of unique books with a paranormal and slight steampunk influence.
Immediately jumping into the book you're introduced to Annmar, one of the two core characters, who is a talented illustrator struggling to open her own shop, but finding herself with a lack of funds to do so. Ultimately she is cornered and must make a life changing decision.
On the lengthy journey of the path she chose, Annmar's eyes are opened to things outside of the world she knew. In turn, she uncovers secrets of herself she didn't know existed, honed her skills in even more marvelous, breathtaking ways, and little by little befriends an array of an unusual, yet simultaneously interesting people.
When I first read the synopsis of this book I was a little hesitant because of the time period in which the story takes place. However don't let that little nugget of information in said book summary fool you, as the book itself was great! Despite the book not being as heavily revolving around trains as I thought it was going to be initially, it's still definitely a book I would recommend reading if you're a fan of unique books with a paranormal and slight steampunk influence.
Immediately jumping into the book you're introduced to Annmar, one of the two core characters, who is a talented illustrator struggling to open her own shop, but finding herself with a lack of funds to do so. Ultimately she is cornered and must make a life changing decision.
On the lengthy journey of the path she chose, Annmar's eyes are opened to things outside of the world she knew. In turn, she uncovers secrets of herself she didn't know existed, honed her skills in even more marvelous, breathtaking ways, and little by little befriends an array of an unusual, yet simultaneously interesting people.
October 11, 2015
10/11/2015
The Unraveling: Volume 1 of the Luminated Threads
Laura Wanrow
3.5/5 Stars
Steampunk fantasy romance, three words that immediately had my attention, and it didn't disappoint! Shape shifting humans, romance, and a beautiful new world all play perfectly together to capture this fantastic story. My favorite thing about this novel is how well the author paints the world and the characters in it. The characters are rich and detailed, it's obvious that the author took her time when writing them. The only thing that knocked the rating down for me was the actual plot of the novel; while it has a great idea and direction, it becomes muddled a lot of the time, to the point where it's hard to tell what exactly is happening. The ending of this novel seemed very abrupt, as if the author didn't know how to stop before continuing on with the next installment so she just ended it after a chapter that halfway worked. Despite that flaw, I did highly enjoy this book. I will be following this series until its end!
- Writings of a Walrus
The Unraveling: Volume 1 of the Luminated Threads
Laura Wanrow
3.5/5 Stars
Steampunk fantasy romance, three words that immediately had my attention, and it didn't disappoint! Shape shifting humans, romance, and a beautiful new world all play perfectly together to capture this fantastic story. My favorite thing about this novel is how well the author paints the world and the characters in it. The characters are rich and detailed, it's obvious that the author took her time when writing them. The only thing that knocked the rating down for me was the actual plot of the novel; while it has a great idea and direction, it becomes muddled a lot of the time, to the point where it's hard to tell what exactly is happening. The ending of this novel seemed very abrupt, as if the author didn't know how to stop before continuing on with the next installment so she just ended it after a chapter that halfway worked. Despite that flaw, I did highly enjoy this book. I will be following this series until its end!
- Writings of a Walrus
August 24, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
In The Unraveling, Annmar Masterson is an extremely talented illustrator who is reluctant to accept the local leading businessman’s offer of sponsorship with strings attached. She accepts a surprise job trial offer from a gentleman representing a collective farm who mistakes her for her mother, who originated from the farm’s area. Upon arriving in the valley where the farm business is located, she discovers a whole different way of life, even more so than what you might expect a city girl moving to the country to encounter.
I very much enjoyed this book and its blending of steampunk machinery and fantasy magic, with a sweet NA romance thrown in. The writing is rich and descriptive, and the characters are very engaging. The ending doesn’t leave you hanging off of a cliff, but it definitely leaves you wanting to know more! I am SO looking forward to the next book!!
In The Unraveling, Annmar Masterson is an extremely talented illustrator who is reluctant to accept the local leading businessman’s offer of sponsorship with strings attached. She accepts a surprise job trial offer from a gentleman representing a collective farm who mistakes her for her mother, who originated from the farm’s area. Upon arriving in the valley where the farm business is located, she discovers a whole different way of life, even more so than what you might expect a city girl moving to the country to encounter.
I very much enjoyed this book and its blending of steampunk machinery and fantasy magic, with a sweet NA romance thrown in. The writing is rich and descriptive, and the characters are very engaging. The ending doesn’t leave you hanging off of a cliff, but it definitely leaves you wanting to know more! I am SO looking forward to the next book!!
July 13, 2015
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads Laurel Wanrow has a new fan! The Unraveling was a wonderful tale that will leave readers begging for more. The characters are intriguing and immeadiatly throw you into the world Laurel Wanrow has created. The way steampunk and natural elements were mingled together kept me engrossed from start to finish. I can't wait to see what's in store for Annmar in volume two of The Illuminated Threads!!!
July 13, 2015
Amazing first book! For someone who doesn't read much within this genre, I really enjoyed it! The author's character development and descriptions were so realistic - I just flew through this book and couldn't put it down! Looking forward to reading the next two books in this series!
November 27, 2017
I actually really quite enjoyed this novel and found myself carried away by the whimiscal magic of the world building which was really well done. The steampunk elements were interwoven into the story well with other aspects such as the life behind vegetation and individuals Quirks giving them certain powers and abilities. It is fairly slow paced but I enjoyed the steady building of the plot and the introductions to the characters.
The characters also really came alive under the authors pen, from Anmar who is a city illustrationist who finds herself out of place in the strange and wonderful country world that her mother originated from long before she was born. Her Knack grows at the same time as her personality matures and flourishes and it is a pleasure to behold. The shape-shifters all have their own individual personalities and traits which are sometimes dominated by their animal natures. Each individual in this protected village has something special to offer and Anmar is no different, regardless of how much of an outsider she may feel.
I loved the idea of her drawings both representing the life in a way others cannot see and also bringing forth new life and vigour. This was cleverly worked through every page of the novel so that when the twists and turns come, they are unexpected but not unbelievable. There is also a genuine threat to this way of life that all need to come together and get past their short-falls to defeat.
In fact, the only reason this dropped a star was because it fell into the trap of soppy, mushy lovelorn angst which did my nut in as a teenager, let alone as an adult. The blossoming romance between Anmar and Daeryn would have been fine had it stayed in the background, but far too much of both - fairly pivotal - characters thoughts are spent dwelling on the eternal 'does he like me, will she accept me' cliche. You therefore spend far too much time reading about them thinking or talking or indeed stalking the other.
Still a solid four star book though and I'll be interested to read the second installment.
The characters also really came alive under the authors pen, from Anmar who is a city illustrationist who finds herself out of place in the strange and wonderful country world that her mother originated from long before she was born. Her Knack grows at the same time as her personality matures and flourishes and it is a pleasure to behold. The shape-shifters all have their own individual personalities and traits which are sometimes dominated by their animal natures. Each individual in this protected village has something special to offer and Anmar is no different, regardless of how much of an outsider she may feel.
I loved the idea of her drawings both representing the life in a way others cannot see and also bringing forth new life and vigour. This was cleverly worked through every page of the novel so that when the twists and turns come, they are unexpected but not unbelievable. There is also a genuine threat to this way of life that all need to come together and get past their short-falls to defeat.
In fact, the only reason this dropped a star was because it fell into the trap of soppy, mushy lovelorn angst which did my nut in as a teenager, let alone as an adult. The blossoming romance between Anmar and Daeryn would have been fine had it stayed in the background, but far too much of both - fairly pivotal - characters thoughts are spent dwelling on the eternal 'does he like me, will she accept me' cliche. You therefore spend far too much time reading about them thinking or talking or indeed stalking the other.
Still a solid four star book though and I'll be interested to read the second installment.
May 22, 2021
My husband and I have a nightly ritual of reading out loud to one another, and are always on the lookout for a compelling series we’ll both enjoy. The Illuminated Threads trilogy was a great pick, with a vivid setting, unique characters, and unexpected plot twists. The novel creatively combines magic, shape shifters, nature/farming, and Victorian steampunk, and weaves several story-lines into a richly imaginative world. While we downloaded the Unraveling for free, we were happy to purchase the second and third novels to complete the full story.
I especially enjoyed the female protagonist, 19-year-old Annmar, an accomplished illustrator who eventually discovers a much more mysterious, magical talent. She leaves the city, hoping to escape the sexual advances and harassment of Mr. Shearing (who is also much more than he seems). I can’t say much more without spoiling the story, but I loved witnessing Annmar’s growth into a confident heroine and leader even as she struggled to understand a completely new magical world. Her love interest, a polecat shapeshifter named Daeryn, grew on me over time, and by the second novel I was rooting for him, too. I highly recomend all three books.
I especially enjoyed the female protagonist, 19-year-old Annmar, an accomplished illustrator who eventually discovers a much more mysterious, magical talent. She leaves the city, hoping to escape the sexual advances and harassment of Mr. Shearing (who is also much more than he seems). I can’t say much more without spoiling the story, but I loved witnessing Annmar’s growth into a confident heroine and leader even as she struggled to understand a completely new magical world. Her love interest, a polecat shapeshifter named Daeryn, grew on me over time, and by the second novel I was rooting for him, too. I highly recomend all three books.
June 1, 2021
It is annoying to get a book and initially think you’re getting a complete story when you later realize it’s serialized and you have to buy the next two installments to complete the read. This should’ve at least concluded a section, but it didn’t, leaving the reader literally in the middle of a scene. That’s not cool. At least when The Matrix movies serialized movies two and three, to much ire, they completed a segment of the story.
This story is unnecessarily slow paced with excess description and parts, and was still world-building near the end of the “book.” I wished it moved faster in the parts that mattered. I still do not find it believable every time the cambires launch into a fight at basically nothing. I do find, however, the hidden valley and knacks unique and interesting, as well as the clash between Annmar’s culture and the basin’s. And I would like to learn her family history
That said, the story world and main character are interesting enough, and my need to complete things bothering me enough, that I’ve decided to continue to read the next installment despite my annoyance. But I will not be strung again into another “serial novel” by this author.
This story is unnecessarily slow paced with excess description and parts, and was still world-building near the end of the “book.” I wished it moved faster in the parts that mattered. I still do not find it believable every time the cambires launch into a fight at basically nothing. I do find, however, the hidden valley and knacks unique and interesting, as well as the clash between Annmar’s culture and the basin’s. And I would like to learn her family history
That said, the story world and main character are interesting enough, and my need to complete things bothering me enough, that I’ve decided to continue to read the next installment despite my annoyance. But I will not be strung again into another “serial novel” by this author.
June 28, 2021
I really loved this book. Fantasy, romance, intrigue, world building, steam machines and people who have their talents called, Knacks.
Annmar leaves here part of the world and goes into another world, which not just anyone can get into.
I loved reading about her drawings. Such amazing images came into my mind. I felt as if I was seeing and experiencing everything that she was.
It ends rather quick. It felt like I was in the middle of a sentence and a thought and...done. Really hard on the brain when I was completely caught up living the moment.
I'm going to go and look at the other reviews so I can find out what happens. The next 2 books cost money otherwise.
Annmar leaves here part of the world and goes into another world, which not just anyone can get into.
I loved reading about her drawings. Such amazing images came into my mind. I felt as if I was seeing and experiencing everything that she was.
It ends rather quick. It felt like I was in the middle of a sentence and a thought and...done. Really hard on the brain when I was completely caught up living the moment.
I'm going to go and look at the other reviews so I can find out what happens. The next 2 books cost money otherwise.
December 3, 2019
I’ll never look at peach jam the same again. Laurel Wanrow has created a fascinating world full of surprising creatures. Annmar, a city girl thrust into a country setting, is faced with culture shock on multiple layers. The reader is right with her on this journey of discovery.
My one complaint is the end. I get that it is book one of a series, but almost no conflicts were resolved. This isn’t a standalone story, more like act one in a play. I don’t like cliffhangers, especially when I’m not warned ahead of time.
My one complaint is the end. I get that it is book one of a series, but almost no conflicts were resolved. This isn’t a standalone story, more like act one in a play. I don’t like cliffhangers, especially when I’m not warned ahead of time.
September 5, 2017
The worst thing about finishing Laurel Wanrow’s The Unraveling was that I was in an area without internet and I couldn’t download its sequel, The Twisting. Seriously, I loved the beautiful way this author described the artistic process while keeping me completely absorbed in her steampunk/shapeshifter world. I’m back home now and have already downloaded the second book of The Illuminated Threads series. I can’t wait to start it.
March 15, 2021
A different kind of story
This is my first shape shifter fantasy (except for dragons). It was interesting.
The characters are good people and hopefully will convince Annnmar to stay.
This is my first shape shifter fantasy (except for dragons). It was interesting.
The characters are good people and hopefully will convince Annnmar to stay.
June 30, 2021
Hard to put down
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. Each had flaws and strengths and felt real. I have already bought book 2 and will buy number 3as well. I have to know how the story ends!
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. Each had flaws and strengths and felt real. I have already bought book 2 and will buy number 3as well. I have to know how the story ends!
August 19, 2021
Cambiers and knacks
I enjoyed this first book in the series. The story is interesting and the characters are unique. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this first book in the series. The story is interesting and the characters are unique. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 18, 2021
4.5 stars. Really innovative and exciting book. Best I've read in a long time. I got it for free and have immediately bought books 2 and 3.
February 18, 2022
loved it
Loved the whole book! Wish the others were also free. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series
Loved the whole book! Wish the others were also free. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series
May 17, 2024
I'm so, so glad I picked up the first book in this series on Stuff Your Kindle Day. I purchased the other two books in the trilogy immediately after finishing this one!
There are so many interesting characters and such a unique world and magic system.
I loved that cultural differences played such a big part in the worldbuilding; from Annmar trying to cope with her rigid sense of propriety to the 'cambires dealing with their innate animal instincts.
This is a wonderful gaslamp fantasy series that deserves way more hype!
There are so many interesting characters and such a unique world and magic system.
I loved that cultural differences played such a big part in the worldbuilding; from Annmar trying to cope with her rigid sense of propriety to the 'cambires dealing with their innate animal instincts.
This is a wonderful gaslamp fantasy series that deserves way more hype!
November 28, 2015
This book pits the series off to a great start! So many things to love about this world and these characters. Be warned--once you wander into Blighted Basin, you won't want to leave.
January 29, 2017
started off slow but enjoyed it more as I read
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