In the enchanting world of "Threadneedle," the streets of London conceal secrets more magical than anyone could imagine. In this captivating novel, author Cari Thomas weaves a tale of mystery, danger, and the transformative power of magic.

At the heart of the story is Anna, a 16-year-old schoolgirl whose life has been shadowed by warnings of the dangers of magic. Raised by her Aunt, a member of a magical tradition based on total control of emotions and feelings so that their magic is similarly controlled, Anna has always been taught that magic and all emotion is sinful and she should fear it. Her own father killed her witch mother in a fit of passion, after all. Bound by tradition and fear, Anna prepares for the ceremony that will seal her magic away forever.

But when her mother’s best friend Selene returns from America, she encounters Selene’s daughter Effie, who is also 16 and her (boyfriend?) Attis, and her world is turned upside down. Together, they reveal a London brimming with ancient witchcraft, hidden libraries, and mysterious clubs where people use magic without fear and a large group of others who certainly don’t see it as a sin. They also begin to attend her school and completely transform her life there as well, introducing her to the other witches that have always surrounded her without her knowing it.

As Anna delves deeper into this hidden world, she grapples with questions about the nature of her own magic—is it a gift or a curse? With each revelation, Anna's journey becomes more perilous, as she uncovers dark forces at play and discovers the truth about her past. From the dusty pages of hidden libraries to the intoxicating allure of witch clubs, the setting is richly atmospheric, transporting readers to a London unlike any they've known.

"Threadneedle" is a spellbinding read that will captivate fans of Garth Nix, V.E. Schwab, and Alix E. Harrow. Thomas effortlessly blends magic and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where secrets lurk around every corner and nothing is as it seems. It is clear that Anna is an unreliable narrator to a certain extent, because of the deliberate gaslighting and enforced ignorance she’s been subjected to. If you have issues with child abuse, both psychological and physical this may not be a story for you.
Central to the novel's appeal is Anna herself—a heroine whose quiet strength and determination resonate deeply. As she confronts her fears and embraces her magic, Anna undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a timid young woman into a powerful force to be reckoned with. Her journey is both thrilling and deeply moving, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

In "Threadneedle," Cari Thomas has crafted a masterful tale of magic, love, and self-discovery. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and gripping plot, this is a novel that will linger in the imagination long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply love a good story, "Threadneedle" is a terrific read.

As Anna delves deeper into this hidden world, she grapples with questions about the nature of her own magic—is it a gift or a curse? With each revelation, Anna's journey becomes more perilous, as she uncovers dark forces at play and discovers the truth about her past. From the dusty pages of hidden libraries to the intoxicating allure of witch clubs, the setting is richly atmospheric, transporting readers to a London unlike any they've known.

"Threadneedle" is a spellbinding read. Thomas effortlessly blends magic and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where secrets lurk around every corner and nothing is as it seems. It is clear that Anna is an unreliable narrator to a certain extent, because of the deliberate gaslighting and enforced ignorance she’s been subjected to. If you have issues with child abuse, both psychological and physical, this may not be a story for you.

But Anna makes for a heroine whose quiet strength and determination resonate deeply. As she confronts her fears and embraces her magic, Anna undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a timid young woman into a powerful force to be reckoned with. Her journey is both thrilling and deeply moving, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very violent end.

In "Threadneedle," Cari Thomas has crafted a masterful tale of magic, love, and self-discovery. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and gripping plot, this is a novel that will linger in the imagination long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply love a good story, "Threadneedle" is a terrific read.

What a gorgeous cover, it’s initially what drew me in bravo to the illustrator! Unfortunately I couldn't vibe what was within the beautiful cover.

Threadneedle starts off pretty dark and depressing. Anna’s abusive relationship is forefront and it’s pretty brutal. It just brought me so down and the slow moving plot did not bring me up any time soon. While I enjoyed the magic system it wasn’t enough to bring the read into a positive light for me.

I’ve seen a lot of reviewers complain of the shift in the genre and I must agree. It started off in the adult section with how dark her situation is described but then we jump to YA as soon as Anna is in school. It felt weird!

Overall I just could not enjoy the book and it was tough to make myself finish it just to write this review. Thank you so much to HarperVoyager for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The writing was beautiful and illustrative and the story reminiscent of that One Wizard Story (you know the one). I was intrigued from the very beginning and truly pulled into the world, but the author is very verbose and there were some subplots/ beginnings of ideas that I didn’t feel became fully realized and maybe could’ve been left out. For how long the book was, all the main action took place in the last 5% and the biggest plot twist (in my opinion) wasn’t set up properly at all. Kinda just threw it in there for shock value or something.

I’m pretty sure this is the first book in a series so I understand the unresolved issues at the end. I don’t know if I’m interested in committing this much time to another book in the series, but this was a solid fantasy read with a very unique magic system. Maybe it would be good on audio since the writing was very pretty and flowed nicely.

Entertaining read, caught my attention early and kept the pace moving as to not get slow. Would warn that there is family emotional and physical abuse.

While a magical read with great characters and a really great setting I found it to be a little slow at times so it was harder for me to get into it. The pacing was off here and there but once I kept on and finally got into the swing of things I enjoyed he mysteries and magic system that exist in their world. i am hoping the subplots are explored more in the future books. The cover to this book is absolutely stunning.

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an arc in exchange of my honest review.

I think this book could have been a bit shorter, there were things a bit too repetitive that sadly made the book at times boring. I couldn't help but seeing the resemblance to Harry Potter which was great because it was one of those things when you get where the inspiration came from but it only added to it instead of having a negative effect. I really enjoyed reading about the coven and the use of threads which is something I have only seen in one other series.
I think there was a lot going on and not much of it was explained to us as readers. And well I dint like the bullying and that's a big part of the story.


3.6 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins and Cari Thomas for giving me the opportunity to read this masterpiece!

From the very beginning, Thomas introduces us to Anna, a young witch navigating the intricacies of a world where magic is both a gift and a peril. The cast of characters, from the mysterious and sometimes untrustworthy Anna to the enchanting Effie and Attis, adds layers of intrigue, danger, and mystery to this immersive tale.

As an orphan bound by the stifling traditions of her aunt, a Binder, Anna's life is fraught with the fear of magic, which is portrayed as dark and deadly. Thomas skillfully delves into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring themes of control, abuse, and the quest for self-discovery. The magic system, rooted in knots and bindings, offers a unique and captivating perspective, adding depth to the narrative.

The novel unfolds with a perfect blend of mystery, crime, and magical elements. The plotline, while occasionally slow-paced, grips readers with its exploration of Anna's journey from a life of suppression to the discovery of her extraordinary powers. The depiction of bullying, body-shaming, and the challenges of high school life resonates with authenticity, creating a relatable backdrop for the fantastical elements.

Effie's character, though at times irksome, serves as a catalyst for Anna's transformation, leading to the formation of a close-knit group of friends. The magical world within the high school setting is both vivid and true to life, with a magical library and underground wonders adding whimsy to the story.

"Threadneedle" excels in maintaining a captivating narrative, balancing the exploration of magical realms with the everyday struggles of teenage life. The climax, filled with excitement and revelations, neatly ties up the initial storyline while leaving room for future intrigue.

In a genre that often treads familiar paths, "Threadneedle" stands out with its unique approach to witchcraft and magic. As a series opener, it not only introduces readers to a richly imagined world but also sets the stage for further drama and revelations in the upcoming sequels.

For lovers of magic, mystery, and coming-of-age tales, "Threadneedle" is a highly recommended journey into a realm where the threads of magic weave a tapestry of intrigue and self-discovery. Cari Thomas has cast a spell that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama in the subsequent chapters of The Language of Magic series.

- I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Threadneedle, the first book in the Language of Magic series, is an excellent start to this captivating fantasy series. Whether you're a fan of books like Harry Potter or you simply love all things fantasy, including witches, magic, and betrayal, you'll be sure to find that this book has something for you.

Magic is considered the first sin and is therefore forbidden. Anyone who has magic must have it bound. Anna is nearly at the age where her magic will be bound so she can spend the rest of her life with her aunt, and other who have done the same. But is binding Anna's magic the right choice or will she find a reason to keep it?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author skillfully wrote a story that is both comforting and suspenseful, keeping the reader waiting to find out what happens next.

I really wanted to enjoy this novel because it sounded similar to Harry Potter. However, I could not get into it. The main characters suffers from multiple abuses with her aunt. It became a very depressing read and nothing good happened to her. Still, I recommend this for fans of fantasy.

Thank you, NetGalley, publishers and, Cari Thomas for gifting me a copy of Threadneedle in return for my honest opinion.

4/5 stars
Within the boroughs of London, nestled among its streets, hides another city, filled with magic.

Magic is the first sin. It must be bound.

Ever since Anna can remember, her aunt has warned her of the dangers of magic. She has taught her to fear how it twists and knots and turns into something dark and deadly.

It was, after all, magic that killed her parents and left her in her aunt’s care. It’s why she has been protected from the magical world and, in one year’s time, what little magic she has will be bound. She will join her aunt alongside the other Binders who believe magic is a sin not to be used, but denied. Only one more year and she will be free of the curse of magic, her aunt’s teachings and the disappointment of the little she is capable of.

Nothing – and no one – could change her mind before then. Could it?

I loved the authenticity in this book, the way be created a world that combines aspects that connect with reality but turned it into a new and exciting adventure. I've read a lot of books where the magical world is different than our own so this was a nice change of pace. I loved how the book focussed on a group of high school girls and how realistically portrayed these characters were.

I do wish that the plot was written at a little faster pace. For me, it was a little slow and I really wanted to skip ahead, but I held off. I did feel that some of the scenes that were included could have been taken out, they seemed to be there just to add pages and no real substance to the book.

This is one beautiful book. The story kept me wondering what would come next and the word choices is fresh and exciting. A must for fantasy readers.

Instantly loved the intensity of the story right off the bat. You could feel the magic of the story brewing harsh and dark and most of the book kept me anxiously turning the pages to see what would happen next. Thomas added a mystery layer on top of witchcraft as an extra element but I believe she does it very well.

Some seriously creepy vibes in this one, but subtle. The ending was a bit of a mishmash mess, but only the final chapter. Readers of a certain age (my age) will get strong The Craft vibes in places, which is fun.

This book was such a great read. I felt like I was literally part of it. I read this book in one day. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it. I will probably pass it down to my daughter so she can read it next.

I am just so bored with this book that I'm just going to DNF because every time I even THINK about picking it up again, I am put off by it, especially because it's so big and so much more story to get through. To me there is no intrigue, or at least not enough to feel compelled to pick up the book in spare moments. It seems exceedingly long being 20 hours on audio and 500 pages physically, and for the lack of compulsion of wanting to know what happens next, it's tedious.

The stage is set with Anna and her strict Aunt, their long tedious days, Anna's lack of magic (not sure if that's perceived or actual), her aunt's controlling and abusive nature (likely a reason for that I'm guessing). Worldbuilding is great, and there is no lack here, but it feels like it needed more editing and tightening up. It is a YA book, which I didn't realize at the time, and so it is quite predictable (which for me is boring).

I received this book from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true
opinions after fully reading this book.
I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was a fairly quick & very enjoyable read!

I really liked this book alot it was something different which is exactly what I needed and I really enjoyed it

The pace was fairly off throughout, starting quite slow and picking up nearer the middle. I wasn't necessarily compelled by Anna or her actions.

Perhaps I have just outgrown YA as a genre, but I wanted to love this so much more than I did.

Threadneedle is the first in a series of YA dark academia fantasy novels by Cari Thomas. Released 27 May 2021 by HarperCollins on their HarperVoyager imprint, it's 576 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback (31st Jan '23), audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a well written character driven YA tale. MC Anna has been taught to fear and loathe her magical talent by her repressive and cruelly disapproving aunt. She's approaching the day when a ceremony will bind her magic forever, when she meets exuberant and irrepressible young students Effie and Attis. They're soon off having adventures and exploring their magic and testing boundaries.

At its essence, it's a YA coming-of-age novel. The background, world building, and magic systems are expertly rendered. I found the first parts of the book quite a relentless slog (until she meets up with Effie). There are potentially triggering on-page descriptions of emotional manipulation and physical abuse and gaslighting. Then *poof* (more or less) the book changes to a YA school C-o-A story, with all the drama and most of the silliness that entails.

Three and a half stars (mostly for the dichotomy of the first third of the book compared to the latter parts). The writing is very good throughout. For fans of Phillip Pullman, Leigh Bardugo, and Kerri Maniscalco, this one will likely be made to order. It's a substantial book, but there's also a novella in the same general world/pantheon, but set in Wales, contra London.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This read a little young for me and the entire story drug on and on and on. I didn't care about Anna, and her Aunt irritated me. Would suit a younger audience.