Stunning photo by @thisgirlhasn0name
Hi fairies!
Happy Monday and welcome to day 1 of our readalong of Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou. I’m so excited to be reading this one with you, I hope you all love it!
Before we start, how are you all doing? I hope you had a wonderful weekend and got some reading and relaxing done.
Since today is day 1, we’ll be reading from the beginning to the end of Chapter 7. Get comfy and let’s get started!
When you’ve finished today’s section, catch up with me in the comments down below so we can discuss the beginning of the book. Happy reading!
Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou from the beginning to Chapter 7. Please only read on if you have finished this section!
–!SPOILERS!-
We start with an intriguing but also slightly concerning first chapter, I know this is fictional but I’ll be tying imaginary knots to secure my threads from this day onwards. Just in case, yanno?
I’m already a big fan of this sisterly dynamic. Do you have siblings?
Ok this world though? Any world where there are cats crossing lil bridges is an excellent world in my eyes. 10/10 would sit by the bridge all day to pet the fluffy chonkers and long floofers. Not only that but this world has three moons? As a moonchild and cat lady, Alante has won my approval so far.
Io is our main character and her job seems quite brutal. Due to the nature of her magic and being able to see/cut threads, she’s a sort of private investigator. At the moment she’s tasked with confirming an affair, that is until someone appears who only has one thread? From Io’s reaction this is really strange…
Matters get worse when this creepy woman with one severed thread kills the very man Io’s tasked with snooping on. If there’s an upside to take from this situation… some guy shows up at the door after Io’s attacked and she is threaded to him? Who is he? More importantly, do you believe in fate?
The fate plot thickens! The thread appeared when Io was quite young, her sisters know who he is. Ava works with him, Thais went on a hunt to find him when the thread first appeared. He was with someone though and Thais told Io it would be cruel to keep the thread. It’s a powerful one though. I can’t decide if I think it’s cruel to keep it. I get Thais’s reasoning but at the same time, the thread appeared for a reason, there’s something there, right? Io can either cut the thread, or she can keep it. She chooses to keep it but doesn’t want to know from his sisters who he is. It’s not like Thais could have told her anyway, a year after the boy moved nearer, Thais left. Now though, she knows.
Edei is part of the Fortuna gang and he’s here to escort Io to visit the Mob Queen. Won’t lie, Bianca seems suave! Edei dove into the water after the murder to find the wraith and they have her. It goes wrong when the wraith whips out her severed thread and it wraps around Bianca’s neck. Io works quickly to use one of her own threads to save Bianca’s life. Admirable, but what happens to that thread?
Bianca ropes her into working for the Fortuna gang to help get to the bottom of these peculiar killings and it seems we might find out what kind of thread it is lingering between Io and Edei, because Bianca is making them work together! A lil fated lovers and forced proximity brewing?
When Io returns home, we learn a little more about how her threads work. She’s a hoarder (same girl). While most people typically have around 15 threads, Io currently has 36 after sacrificing her thread to Monsieur Poire’s eclairs. I’d have chosen the eclairs over Bianca. No offence Bianca, I just really love chocolately pastry treats. I gotta stay true to myself.
Once you cut a thread, it’s pretty much gone for good. There’s a chance it might grow back with time, but it’s unlikely. That’s scary!
Io meets Edei the next day and they head to the apartment where the murder took place. Io’s schoolmate Xenophon is there reporting on the matter and he’s hinting that this is all down to a group called the Initiative. The wraiths aren’t other-born but he says the records have been completely removed, so there’s no way for them to find her now. Something sketchy is afoot. It’s ok though, cause our girl Io is suggesting a break in! Police HQ heist – let’s gooooo!
Once they’re close, Io explains that he needs to guide her, once she pulls up the Quilt she’s much less aware of the real world, and with that he takes hold of her hand and begins to lead her… they’re in!
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends) I think mine would be books, coffee and my cat!
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
Any theories so far?
What an opening section! I’m loving this so far, I hope you are too, fairies!
See you tomorrow for another day of reading.
Love,
Shannon
I’m really enjoying this so far! The opening prologue alone really gripped me immediately. This author is definitely great at setting a scene and making us learn a lot about a character just from how they present themself, which I love. Plus I’m enjoying Io as a lead, and the whole concept and world building feels very original even if it is based on one of the most popular mythologies to retell; I have a lot of time for how clear it is Kika Hatzopoulou cares for the original myths.
Does anyone else this Thais laid it on a bit overly thick that Io should cut her fate thread, to the point that they’re questioning the sincerity of her motive back then? Hmm…
I also think it’s likely that something will cause Io to ultimately cut her fate thread, but love will still overpower the severing somehow.
I will say though, I liked that (even though it totally WILL be romance lol) there wasn’t an assumption that a fate thread had to be romantic in nature, even when Io learnt that her’s lead to a boy. I know it was kind of a throwaway line but it was meaningful to me that Hatzopoulou immediately quashed the idea that a soul mate type deal had to be romantic in natute.
My only real criticism is that I swear every other thread is described as ‘the brightest, that outshines all other threads’. What’s the truth lmao
I’m loving this one so far! It’s the book I needed after three DNFs.
As for today’s questions:
1) If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends)
Definitely books and my cat. Maybe tea or chocolate too.
2) What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
I assumed because of the way the fate thread is described that it was a romantic thread. But I am very intrigued by the idea that a fate thread could connect to more platonic relationship!
3) Any theories so far?
Zero hahaa. One wild one is that Thais may be the villain behind it all (or Thais is the unnamed girlfriend of the Comissioner). I also wouldn’t be surprised if Io’s parents are connected to it somehow.
Oh actually, I wonder if the Commissioner is the one behind it all as part of the bid for power.
Lmao I also just read a book I hated and one that was really mid, so the fact this is good is real refreshing 😂
Exiting start of the story! Really interested in the sisters and their dynamics.
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends)
Cats are family, so I don’t know if that would be the same thread. But I also think books and nature would have their own thread.
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
I think both is possible. Love is possible without being romantic.
Any theories so far?
Not yet, can’t wait to continue!
Hello everyone! I’m super excited about this readalong. This book is so, so good so far! I have my FairyLoot edition, but I also used my audible credit to grab the audiobook of this one. I have mega trouble pronouncing names and Greek names are some of the most difficult! I am very happy that I grabbed that and can actually SAY the names I’m reading.
1) My strongest threads to people would be to my sister and my partner. I couldn’t imagine living without them! Aside from people, my strongest threads would be to books (obviously), my gaming PC, and my guinea pigs.
2) Io and Edei’s fate thread is definitely a soulmate thread! They work really well together and she is obviously interested! Even if her sister saw him with someone years ago, that doesn’t mean it’ll be true now. We haven’t heard Edei himself say he’s taken. Until I hear it from his mouth, I refuse to believe it.
3) I don’t have any real strong theories, but I have to say that I’m a bit suspicious of Bianca. No one with only pure and good intentions comes into power that easily and that unquestionably. Her orders are followed without a second thought. There is something there. I will be keeping a close eye on her.
I’m really looking forward to reading more and answering these questions!
I am loving the Fate thread mystery. Already I don’t want her to cut it and at least get to know him first. I hope it’s love!
My main three thread would be my flat (full of books), my dog and tea 😁
Looking forward to reading more.
My first read along and such a gorgeous edition!
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends) – reading/ books, tea and my home.
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more? – something more definitely maybe true love / destined lovers 🩷
Any theories so far? – more questions than theories – where did Thais go and what happened to her parents?
Looking forward to reading the next section tomorrow 😊
Great start – the world is so interesting.
1) I’d probably have 15+ threats like IO. Books would be a strong one 🙂
2)Edei seems kind and level-headed, for a ganster [lol!] I totally ship them. I think they’re soul mates and can’t wait to see how it gets unravelled.
3)I predict there is another god controlling a “new” type of species (besides the other-born)
I love how different this book already feels from the visuals with the threads to the sunken city dynamic!
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be?
Books, my dog, and traveling!
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
It feels like it could be a friends to lovers vibe.
Hello everyone!
This is the first time i am joining this readalong and i am very excited about it. First things first. Can we talk about how beautiful this edition is?
The opening prologue was a bit concerning but a strong start for this book. The creepy old woman makes the story directly intresting. How is it possible that she have one severed thread?
And where is Thaise? I am sure she has a roll to play in the story.
The only thing i notice this far is that the world building and different kind of people and Gods is sometimes confusing me. Its a lot information we are getting.
I can’t wait to read more about the connection between Io and Edei.
1) My strongest threads will be books, my cat and my partner!
2) I think (and hope) the thread will be about love! I love a young adult romance story
3) No theories yet!
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends)
This is a tough one! Obviously books! Maybe my cats and my bed? Haha!
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
I think the thread of fate may be them working together now! I think Io assumes it’s going to be romance but perhaps it is just friendship? I love romance in fantasy books but sometimes it’s nice to just have a friendship every once in a while!
Any theories so far?
I have no theories at all, it’s a complete mystery to me! I feel like one of the people controlling the wraiths could be one of those people like the triplets that can control slow deaths, so they’re keeping them on the brink to do their bidding? But that’s all I have so far!
I’m really enjoying this book so far!
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be?
My dog, books and music!
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
I definitely think it will be romance, but I like that there was the option of it being a purely platonic bond
Any theories so far?
I think Io will end up having to cut the thread binding her and Edei at some point
My main threads would be books, chocolate and Taylor Swifts music.
The thread between Io and Edei is definitely a romantic one and I saw someone say that they think that Io will have to cut their fate thread which now seems likely since she mentioned it a few chapters ago and how it’s nearly impossible for that thread to grow back but it could.
It’s too early for me to have any theories right now
It is my first read-along and I am so happy it is with this book! I am loving it so far. I really needed something like this, I mean, fate mates and forces proximity? Count me in. The author did an amazing job of drawing the reader into the atmosphere of the book.
– If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends)
Definitely my books, my mom’s hot chocolate, and the mountains of the little town I grew up in.
– What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
I really hope is romance, I mean, it seems like it for the way she reacts when she’s with him. I mean, it’s not instant love, but it would grow to it, I hope.
– Any theories so far?
First, I think something big will happen with her sister Thai, I mean, why did she leave? And most important, the way she expressed herself it’s giving villain.
Second, maybe at some point, Io would have to cut her thread to Edie. I mean, as someone who holds on to the threads and loves a lot, she may have to let go of that bond or many of the others ones, and it will, without a doubt, be a wreaking moment where we will cry but it will be worth it because she would grow.
Intrigued so far! I kind of love this mish-mash of mythological descendants and hope that there are more of the assortment of the gifted. It was fun trying to figure out which of the gifted got their powers from.
My thought process about the threads that Io can see gave me many questions! Are the family threads separated to include individual family members? If so, does this also apply to individual objects that people love? Cuz books and video games came to mind immediately. If you love books in general, is there a thread connecting you to each book or video game, or does it apply to books/video games that have connected strong ties to you? If the former, I feel like a lot of readers and gamers are gonna have much more than Io’s 37 threads, lol. Then again, I would have a jumbled mess of threads too.
I actually like that Io is self-aware of her fate-thread, and while there’s definitely a physical push of attraction towards Edei, I like that she’s still not sure how to really feel about him. As Io’s sisters have slightly mentioned, intertwining fates doesn’t necessarily mean a romantic tie. While I do feel like Io and Edei might very well move towards that eventually, I want to say in this case Fate probably just tried to put them together to help solve a potentially horrible problem.
What a fun creepy start! Gotta love a mystery right off the bat!
The concepts of threads in mythology is always so cool, what intrinsically ties people and places together. I love that there is a price to Io cutting a thread. Knowing you have to give up something you love is a good check and balance. Do the other gifted have similar limits or prices they have to pay?
As for my own threads I would have to say my three other than loved ones would be my mothers ring, the beach and a cappuccino from a specific Italian cafe.
Io and Edei’s thread has to be a romantic soul mate thread. I appreciate that it being a significant relationship, not just romantic, was pushed. I understand why Thais told Io to cut the thread but also why make that decision before Io could ever talk to him. Like Ava said it could be a different kind of relationship that would not need to be cut to preserve his choice.
I am very curious as to where Thais went, is she still in the city since she had that city thread she ‘earned’. Bit snooty and snappish there Thais.
Overall I’m excited to see where this story goes!
1) I think my three main threads would be my cat, my BFF, and I’ll dream that I have a fate thread!
2) Better be romance!
3) I feel like her fate thread will get cut at some point, possibly accidentally. When she grabbed a random thread in Bianca’s office I had such anxiety until we found out which one it was!
I’m enjoying this so far. This genre of story tends to work really well for me.
OMG I love that theory, did not think of that!
I love that Io has so many threads and how that speaks to her character! Other than my family and friends, I definitely would have food-related threads like Io and one to the sea or places.
I can’t wait to see how the thread develops between Io and Edei, it would be interesting if it was just friendship but if it was a fated mates sort of vibe that would also be such a different set-up of it!
Love the mystery and I definitely think her oldest sister will be involved somehow and come out and shake things up or/and Ava has more secrets up her sleeve (absolutely love Ava though and hope its not bad!)
If threads were real I would probably have a lot of them but main three other than family and friends would be to my guinea pigs (I have 5) and probably also books and coffee.
I think that the thread between Io and Edei is friendship, right now. But I think that the threads may change over time so it may well evolve into something more. Obviously Io is attracted to Edei and probably would be without the thread so it will be definitely interesting to read what happens next with them.
I don’t think I have any theories yet, but there must be something or someone evil who is orchestrating the murders. There will probably be several more before the duo figures it out. I also need to know why Thais left and why hasn’t she come back or at least why she hasn’t any kind of a relationship with her sisters.
I am pleasantly surprised by this book! I had no idea what to expect. I love the characters so far and cannot wait to see how their relationship shops evolve. I think I would have too ma t threw ads because I get emotionally attached to way too many things. I think they Io and Edei will be a romantic relationship but like everyone else said I did like that the idea of a fated friendship was mentioned as well. I truly believe sometimes your soul mate is your best friend! I think that Io’s missing sister will somehow be involved in this murderous mess!
Honestly I’m really enjoying the book so far!
Alante seems a really interesting city, and I love to see how the powers of the other-borns work!
Io is my favorite character so far, I love how incredibly sweet she is and how despite all the suffering she endured she still seems innocent, full of love for the world and her family!
If threads were real my main three would be books, my cats and popcorn!
I definitely think that the thread between Io and Edei is of a romantic nature, because usually is how it goes and Io reactions to Edei seems to confirm it. But if I had to choose I would like their thread to be about friendship, to show how strong, powerful and life-changing this kind of relationship can be!
Anyway like always my head is empty, I cannot even fathom what will happen, and I’m just enjoying the ride!
Any theories so far?
Like Io, I think I would be hoarding a lot of threads as I tend to fall for things hard. But besides my family and friends, I think my main three right now would be my love of coffee, my writing on my laptop, and the video game Oxenfree (I just played both games recently and I’m obsessed with the story)!
I think they’ll be fated lovers, which I’m excited to see how they both choose to each other despite being fated. However, Io mentions in one of these chapters being the first to make her fated love one hate her, and I would love to see that story too of her and her sisters getting the bond wrong. Overall, I cannot wait to see how they end up! But please let it be a slow build up!
There is so much already happening in the world that it feels so open ended! I have no idea where it will go next, and I love that! Something that I think would be interesting to see is other cities in this world. Will we go beyond the walls of Alante?
I love how this book is unlike any greek myth inspired book I have ever read. I have been really excited to read this and it is definetly living up to my expetations.
I am the oldest of six siblings so I love that aspect to the story.
My three theads would go to my dog, cat and books. I could go on so I think I would have more then seven.
I think their fate thread is love. I think this story will have romance and another person would have been introduced already if Edei wasn’t it.
I have no guesses yet to where this story is going.
This book has a really unique magic system and world building.
If I am understanding it correctly it’s a dystopian fantasy set in a future Earth where the moon has split into 3 destroying the natural rhythm of the tides and causing flooding. This reminds me a bit of The Fifth season where the Earth has been damaged by all kinds of natural disasters after the moon is destroyed.
I live mystieries so I’m enjoying the hunt for the Wraiths and trying to figure out how they were made and by who.
I’m not convinced that Edei actually had a partner.
What is the story behind Thais’s disappearance & then return to the city. Why has she broken contact with her sisters? Or is it just with Io? Maybe Ava knows more than she is saying?
IF I had to my pick 3 my threads would probably be to my phone, my books and my bed.
I am going to count my pups as family, so my three threads would be my books, my phone, and iced coffee! 😂
The thread between Io and Edei has got to be true love!
I haven’t formed any major theories, but I do feel Thais is acting sus.
I am really enjoying this read so far and already praying we do not get a terrible cliffhanger!
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just three but my dogs, books, and ice cream
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more? I think it’ll turn into something more but at the moment I think it’ll just be friendship
Any theories so far? I don’t really have any theories so far but I am really enjoying the book
My these threads would be hot chips, coffee and books I think.
I have theories that Io will have to sever the thread between her and Edei for reasons at the end of the book. Someone else has probably already said that but I am so far behind I’ll go back and read everyone else’s comments later 🙂
My three main threads would be books, my cat, and Disneyland.
The thread between Edei and Io has got to be love!
I’m not too sure about this book yet. I need that hook!
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends)
One thread would go to books. The second would probably go to work (against my will of course…but I’m kind of a workaholic. I wish I wasn’t lol) and the third thread will go to junk food. Because I have a problem. Hahaha.
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
I think it’ll be something more. It’ll be a fated match that he’ll struggle with because he wasn’t really given a choice. Neither of them were. But she knows about it.
Any theories so far?
None at all.
I’m really enjoying this book!! I quite behind on the readalong but I enjoyed it so much that I’m reading more that Chapter 7 (day 1)
My main threads would definitely be books, my dogs and nutella Crêpes (I’m a really chocolate lover). I’m pretty sure the thread between Io and Edei is more than just friendship. They work really well together and she is obviously interested! I have no theories at all, it’s a complete mystery to me but I have a feeling that her oldest sister will be involved somehow at the end.
If threads were real, what would you say your main three would be? (Other than family and friends) I think mine would be my dog, my books, and kpop!
What do you think the thread between Io and Edei is, friendship or something more?
I think that it is for sure friendship, but that there is some caring there that could lead to a love relationship or them being the ride-or-die type friends.