As we reach the end of May, we’re sure you’re looking for your latest book adventures before the summer. We at THP have seen many amazing YA debuts this year, and they keep getting better and better!
Today, we’re discussing Kika Hatzopoulou’s debut YA fantasy novel, Threads That Bind. And we have to say: it’s truly breathtaking! The slow-burn romance, action scenes, and plot twists made it impossible to put the book down.
If you ever had a Greek mythology phase like we did, then look no further for your next read. Here are three reasons you’ll love Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou!
Book Overview
Content Warnings: violence, death, murder, war, genocide, torture, gore (Read at your discretion!)
Summary: Descendants of the Fates are always born in threes: one to weave, one to draw, and one to cut the threads that connect people to the things they love and to life itself. The Ora sisters are no exception. Io, the youngest, uses her Fate-born abilities as a private investigator in the half-sunken city of Alante.
But her latest job leads her to a horrific discovery: somebody is abducting women, maiming their life-threads, and setting the resulting wraiths loose in the city to kill. To find the culprit, she must work alongside Edei Rhuna, the right hand of the infamous Mob Queen—and the boy with whom she shares a rare fate-thread linking them as soul mates before they’ve even met.
But the investigation turns personal when Io’s estranged oldest sister turns up on the arm of her best suspect. Amid unveiled secrets from her past and her growing feelings for Edei, Io must follow clues through the city’s darkest corners and unearth a conspiracy that involves some of the city’s most powerful players—before destruction comes to her own doorstep.
Greek Mythology Meets Murder Mystery
Threads That Bind, set in an apocalyptic world run by gangs and corrupt politicians, is such an interesting take on Greek mythology. We’ve never read anything like it! We love how the author incorporates the powers of the goddesses of Fate (Moirae), the Muses, the Furies, the Graces, the Oneiroi, Asclepius, and so many more Greek gods and goddesses in this world. And our Fate-born protagonist, Io Ora, must investigate a series of murders while trying not to get herself and her allies killed. Information is just as much a weapon as her Moira-born abilities, and we held our breaths at every confrontation.
It’s Driven By Female Characters
Another reason we love Threads That Bind (and why you will, too) is the number of powerful female characters who drive the plot forward. Io, her two sisters Thais and Ava, and the Mob Queen Bianca Rossi are major players in the story. They’re all three-dimensional characters, each with their detailed personalities, strengths, and flaws. We had so much fun reading about them, along with the side characters Rosa and Chimdi. And we can’t forget how Kika Hatzopoulou also introduces several transgender and nonbinary characters in the novel, consistently using gender-inclusive language. (We stan!)
The Unique Plot Twists
We love it when we can’t determine who the killer is in a murder mystery. But if you need another reason to read Threads That Bind, the plot twists will definitely hook you! We tried to do some sleuthing as we read, but we would reach the same dead ends as Io. Almost every character seemed suspicious at one point. And we were not prepared for the twist at the end! The author keeps us on the edge of our seats until the last page.
We were immediately won over when we heard Kika Hatzopoulou’s debut novel, Threads That Bind, was a murder mystery with Greek mythology elements! The world-building and character development are incredible. And the author beautifully sets up the field for the pending sequel. We’re keeping our eyes and ears out for it.
Kika Hatzopoulou’s Threads That Bind breathes new life into well-loved ancient Greek mythology with an elaborate murder mystery that’s full of surprises and powerful women at the helm.
Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou is out May 30th and is available for preorder here!
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