Hearts That Cut is full of adventure just as The Threads That Bind. We dive back into the story of Io, Thais and Ava.
Io and Bianca are still following the God thread trying to track them down and find out what is happening with the Moira born and why The Nine were massacred and the Fury Born line ressurrected. People all throughout the Wastelands aer disappearing and the threads that connect them to their loved ones have been severed.
Io makes a shocking discoverey when she finds her sisters again, but in finding her sisters she also finds Edei whom she thought was someplace all together different but something was blocking her fate thread until she broke it loose. The damage has already been done and the fate thread that once gleamed brillianty is now dull and fraying. Edei, Io, Bianca and others that have formed their ragtag group must find out where the Gods they once thought no longer existed are hiding and stop them from completeing the damage they have done. Io has never gone up against the Gods and the Prophesy still rests in the back of her mind. Will she be the worlds undoing? Will she cut the thread that destroys their world? Or can fate and destiny be avoided?
Join Io and her sisters as they try to save their world and defeat those that cannot be defeated.

I want to thank #Netgalley fo the chance to read #HeartsThatCut by #Kika #Hatzopoulou in return for a fair and honest review.

I received an advanced copy of Hearts That Cut from Netgalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Threads That Bind, the first book in this duology, was an imaginative story that utterly captured my attention. Hearts That Cut brought the series to a fantastic end.

I will start by saying that the first third or so of this book was a little hard to get through. It has been over a year since I read the first book, and I remember very little; while I love being thrown into the action, it took quite a while for me to remember what was going on and how it affected the characters since there was no real recap. On top of that, the pace felt sluggish, and it was, unfortunately, not very interesting. When Io and Bianca finally got to Nanzy, though? Oh boy, was I hooked. I breezed through the rest of the story, captivated once again by the mystery and the characters.

The characters were wonderfully fleshed out. They felt authentic, new and old alike, and their decisions felt right. I've read many books where characters make decisions that don't align with their character to further the plot, but I didn't feel that here. I liked every character in this series.

The mystery was one of the best I've read in a while, and the plot, once it picked up, was twisting and turning in all the right ways. Perhaps slightly challenging to follow, but good regardless. The ending was shocking, and I didn't see it coming.

I don't have much else to say. I love the world and mythology that Kika Hatzopoulou has created with this series. While I'm sad it's over, I liked the ending and can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

This book was just as good as the first one. Ahhh my love for this author is so big now. This book picked right up where the last one left off. The adventures are so thrilling and pulse pounding. I ate this book up and want more!!

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, but not the second. I found it hard to get into and truly appreciate. However, I felt that the book picked up during the second half!

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. Because it was a not-fully-edited copy, I have to give them a pass on editing and formatting. It was really the formatting that drove me crazy. I won’t go into detail because I’m certain the published work will be just fine. I only mention it because it slowed down my reading, and as a result, I found the book slow-moving, especially at the beginning. Sometimes, I find it difficult to place myself in a vastly unfamiliar environment than the one we live in; it takes me some time to visualize it and imagine myself there. While trying to acclimate to that, I also need to digest new characters and their motivations and actions. So again, it started off a bit slow for me. This might be partly because this is book 2 in a series I haven’t read. Considering that, it was surprisingly easy to follow.

The story takes place in a dystopian world plagued with natural disasters and great wealth contrasted with severe poverty. Particularly noticeable was the way that these natural disasters more directly impacted the poor people while the privileged were largely protected. It’s hard to miss the allegory here. It painted a bleak picture of what could await us if we don’t change course.

The nature of inequality is captured in this statement from Edie, Io’s love interest: “If all of us with less power think something is not right, that it hurts us, it requires change. We need to have the choice, at least. Even if the world works as it is right now, even if it’s nice and comfortable, it doesn’t mean we can’t choose something better, something just and kind and hopeful.”

The main character is Io. “The moiraborn always manifested in thee siblings: one to weave the threads of fate, one to elongate and measure them, and one to cut them. Io was the third, a cutter.” She could call forth what was called a “quilt” that only she and other moiraborn could see. It was “a tapestry of the silver threads woven between people and the things they loved.” They were descendants of Moira, the goddess of Fate. Other-born in the world were descendants of other gods and goddesses and exhibited different powers.

Although not explained until later, there is a prophecy connected to Io. “The cutter, the unseen blade, the reaper of fates. She watches silver like a sign, she weeps silver like a morning song, she holds silver like a blade. She cuts the thread and the world ends.” Naturally, this is open to interpretation, but since Io is the hero of this book, it’s hard to imagine her doing anything to intentionally destroy the world.

Since Io is the hero, it’s understood that she goes on a journey. This is both internal and external. She travels across the wastelands with Bianca, an unlikely ally, and hopes to find Edei along the way—since there is a fate thread that connects the two of them. Along the way, they face various tests, including some horrific “chimerini bugs,” a newly-created entity that’s a hybrid of every kind of pest. They’re quite large and deadly. There are enormous birds of prey that hunt humans, tidal waves, flooding, and acid rain. And other things I’m probably forgetting—everything you’d imagine would accompany environmental collapse. And even some things you can’t imagine.

Her internal journey is more of the typical hero’s journey—learning to believe in herself and her strength, facing her enemies with the help of allies, learning to embrace change, and so on. Bianca tells her, “Staying still is rot and death… The more you stand still, the more the world finds obstacles to place in your way. Grit your teeth and just go for it.”

Perhaps, learning to embrace change is Io’s hardest lesson. “Change was uncomfortable, sometimes filled with growing pains, but without it, there was no way forward. No way to keep going, to shed the scabs of your past and heal yourself in the present. Without change, there was no future.”

Any time an author can work personification into the narrative, I’m all in. I loved this one: “The statement hovered in the room, a dangerous thing with sharp fangs and a snout dripping blood.” And of course, humor is always appreciated: “Um,” Io replied, the very picture of articulation.

Now for my problems and the reasons I didn’t give this book 5 stars. One of the villains was described, in the space of several paragraphs, in different ways—first with graying hair, then with “hair the black of charcoal,” and finally, gray. Perhaps this was fixed in editing.

Additionally, I never quite understood how the opening scene fit with the rest of the story. I mean, sure, going back and reading it after finishing the story, I could see what it was about. But at the beginning, it simply added confusion to a story that already had the potential to be confusing. And I didn’t understand the significance of the thread shimmering “like liquid flames on Io’s palm, a razor of silver-and-gold twine… It was a god’s thread…she would rather cut off circulation to her hand than risk it slipping free.” But, spoiler alert, when she lost it, nothing changed. If it was so significant, why didn’t it make a difference?

In general, I think the story was very good with a lot of action and compelling characters. It certainly followed the formula for a successful plot, and I can’t fault it for that. Unfortunately, I had a few unanswered questions. I also found the opening scene unnecessary. Perhaps, it could have been worked into another section of the story. The story ends, but it leaves room for a sequel.

Initial Reaction: 9
Characters: 10
Setting: 9
Plot: 8
Pace: 7
Style: 9
Ending: 10
Enjoyment: 10
71 / 16 = 4.5

Really enjoyed book, and feel the same about book 2!

The characters and plot were so much more developed in this story. The atmosphere was richer and gave for a new perspective on mythological fantasy. Though the story was slow at times, and a bit much all at once, it really dived deep into friendship and self discovery. I would have loved to seen a little more character development for some side ones

Oh how this series has my whole heart!!!! This fantasy series felt like a breath of fresh air which such a different take on the concept of gods and it had me enthralled!!!! I love the characters so much my only teeny tiny complaint was I wanted a little more interactions between Io and Edei. I just felt like there wasn’t enough!!! Overall Great ending to the series!!!

Single POV, Bonds Between Sisters, Found Family, Fated Love

Threads That Bind was an easy 5 star read, unfortunately I didn't love this book as much. The pacing of the book felt very strange to me. The first half of the book dragged on as Io and Bianca chasing false leads while the end of the book felt incredibly rushed. And while I understand this isn't a romance book I was hoping the romance subplot between Edei and Io would play a larger role in this book then the first one but that was not the case. After all the talk of cutting the fate thread between them and wanting Edei to have a choice there was very little talk and connection between the two of them in this book. The ending was so unsatisfying and abrupt ugh...I had such high hopes for this book.

It’s been 5 weeks since Lo followed the gold tread that is supposed to be tethered to a God. She spends her days in long, agonizing, travel just for the answers she needs. But as she gathers clues to the missing God, she discover and new mystery and a new investigation begins. A new adventure with new enemies await her.

The characters and plot were so much more developed in this story. The atmosphere was richer and gave for a new perspective on mythological fantasy. Though the story was slow at times, and a bit much all at once, it really dived deep into friendship and self discovery. I would have loved to seen a little more character development for some side ones.

All in all, this was a fun unique story

Thanks to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This really gets 4 stars because I love Edei and Io so much. I was hesitant as I started reading this book because the first couple of chapters were boring—Bianca and Io traveling. But then they finally stopped in a city and found some old friends and I really felt like we were back in the book I enjoyed so much. All of the moments between Io and Edei have me in a tight grip and won’t let go. The back and forth between them and the possibility of cutting their fate thread had my really worried, but I think it goes to show that you’ll always find your way back to your true love, thread or not.

It was really interesting to see Ava and Thais again, as I felt like Thais was a completely different character or maybe simply that Io had lost the facade in which she saw Thais. Gone was the soft spoken Thais and here we have an indignant woman whose plans seem to be going to ruin. Ava felt a bit like a back burner character in that she didn’t play a super huge role in Io’s life here, and most of her actions seemed to be off page.

The ending, the discovery of the gods and their intentions, really threw me for a loop in a good way. I never could have predicted what had truly happened and it was interesting that we got there. I hope the final book comes with a glossary of some kind because I feel like it might be hard to follow even more now all of the other-born and who their power stems from because the author weaves so many mythologies together.

I also wish this has an epilogue. The ending felt a little abrupt and I’d give a lot of see more of Edei and Io. Regardless I’m eager to see what else the author will write because I enjoyed this duology a lot.

This book provided a satisfactory ending with a good arc for our protagonist. It started off pretty slow — that first third could have been shortened for sure — but the rest of the book was intriguing and interesting and kept me reading.

The group dynamic is what I really enjoyed from this book, and I was happy to see the cast all back together (plus a few additions) in this book! Io is a complex, conflicted main character, and while her internal conflict was a bit heavy-handed in its narration, I did enjoy her journey of self-acceptance, standing up for herself, and accepting change. It’s a good message to send to younger readers.

The final twist wasn’t what I expected since it actually related to the gods (which I thought was a cover up). The big twist was interesting, though their reasoning wasn’t super thoroughly explained. Nevertheless, it was a satisfying conclusion to this story, though I wish there was an epilogue!

Hearts That Cut is the second book in the Threads That Bind fantasy series about a young woman in a storm-ravaged world.

After the events of the last book, Io is on the hunt for answers with her reluctant sidekick, Bianca. The leads send them to various cities, all affected by destructive weather and monstrous creatures. They’ll need allies, both new and old, if they want to defeat the strong magic behind everything they’ve faced.

Although this wasn’t as enjoyable as the first book (I’m not fond of books with journeys or road trips), I did appreciate the action of the last few chapters.

I cannot believe I was able to wait this long for this book. I loved Threads That Bind and nearly liked this one as much. Hearts That Cut maintains the momentum the first book ended on, which meant I instantly inhaled the book. The story gets intricately more complicated with so many things I did not see coming and a few others I had inklings about only when I got closer to the end. Surprisingly, Bianca, the former gangleader, easily became a favorite secondary character. It was hard not to like her after everything she goes through and eventually becomes.

If you like books that feature children of gods like those of the Greek fates and mysteries that need solving, this is a duology I recommend. (4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars)

this duology will probably go down as one of my favorites of all time.

io and edei are just so loveable and i love that they make realistic mistakes and have worries that feel genuine to their characters. their love is also just so cute and warms my cold cold heart.

i only wish the ending was a little bit slower. the book’s pacing was really slow (which i enjoyed) until the last like 40 pages when everything hit the fan. i wish i could’ve seen the action a tad bit more drawn out.

absolutely amazing conclusion and i need everyone and their mother’s to read these books rn please and thank you :)

Hearts That Cut is a thrilling sequel to Threads That Bind, which was one of my top reads of 2023! To say that this was my most anticipated read for this year would be an understatement and I'm very happy to say it lived up to my expectations!

This sequel truly was non-stop anxiety for me. Things were constantly happening and it was a really exciting read! The plot took so many turns that caught me off guard and by the last quarter of the book I was gasping and on the edge of my seat the whole time.

The characters only got better in this one! Io is such an interesting character, in my opinion. She feels so real and her reactions / actions never felt completely out of left field. I really liked her time spent with Bianca and watching their relationship develop! The new characters were also great! I would've loved to see more of them. My only complaint is not enough Nico but that's because he was my favourite in the last book.

Overall, this was a really satisfying and fun sequel! I had a great time reading it and I'm thrilled it was as good as the first book for me! Would 100% recommend both of these books.

Hearts That Cut picks up the golden thread where Threads That Binds leaves off. Io and Bianca are on the hunt for Thia, Io’s sister and the god at the other end of the plot to resurrect the extinct line of Furies’ descendants. The mystery grows as they travel through the Wastelands, and our heroines hear of a series of disappearances of other-born siblings connected to the murders in Alante. All clues lead to the Golden City of Nanzy and the fate Io was prophesized by The Nine. Meanwhile, Io and Edie continue to grapple with the issue of choice, destiny and their fate thread. Io and Bianca will form new alliances, battle powerful adversaries and uncover a conspiracy that could change the world they live in.

I was excited to catch up with Io and Bianca on their dangerous adventure and the Duology’s dynamic conclusion. The world building expanded and kept my interest. But mostly, I was delighted to see how the characters faced the challenges set before them, how the various relationships resolved their conflicts and of course how Io would face her fate and triumph. I highly, recommend Hearts That Cut to readers who would revel in a myth inspired dystopian world where kick-ass heroines aren’t afraid to fight for what is right.

Many thanks to the author @KikiHatzopoulou, @PenguinTeens and @NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure!

I really enjoyed the first book and couldn’t wait to dive into the sequel/conclusion! That cliffhanger left me wanting more.

This book is told in the same way as the first. There is one point-of-view and it comes from Io. There are also some flashbacks throughout that help paint a picture of what happened during the Moonrest Riots and what Io’s fate is all about. How they did the flashbacks was really cool because they used some of the powers of the other-born to do it. I’m still fascinated with this world and the magic system that was created by this author. One of my favorite aspects of this duology.

I had hoped that the plot would be filled with action just like the first, but for me this one fell a little flat in that department. Don’t get me wrong, there were some intense moments but it just wasn’t as gripping and sometimes few and far between. There was a lot of traveling and minor things here and there to get to the main event, but the main event only lasted for the last 10% percent and it was very lackluster. The payoff just wasn’t there.

Another thing that I wasn’t too keen on was the romance between Io and Edei. I felt like things moved too slow between them and I didn’t feel the connection like I had in book one, even if it was small. I just didn’t care about their storyline together.

Overall, this was a decent conclusion. There was some questions answered, but I still wonder a lot of things. I do wish that the climatic ending would have really wowed, but it is what it is!

I was obsessed with the first book and I’m obsessed with this one. I love how this series mixes mystery with magic. I love the threads that connect people and that there are some that can see and cut them. There were some many unexpected twists and turns that were expertly sprinkled throughout the story.

I’m very sad the duology is finished. I could read about this world and these characters again and again

Thank you again to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review!

I will be raving about this series for the foreseeable future because it’s a breath of fresh air! Recently, I’ve been craving something different and unique in fantasy, and this series delivered. With elements of Greek mythology, teenage angst, and thrilling quests.

Io, a descendant of the Greek Fates, uses the threads of Fate to track others as a private investigator. When wraiths wreak havoc on her city, Io must solve the mystery with her soulmate and estranged sister. The captivating plot, relatable character dealing with guilt and insecurities, and the superb humor, angst, and fantasy setting had me hooked.

The magic system, particularly the different threads, was my favorite part, and the ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking fresh YA fantasy, especially if you love Greek mythology!