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Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. The Sunday Times No.4 bestseller Within the boroughs of London, nestled among its streets, hides another city, filled with magic. 'Magic and love. Love and magic. They destroy everything in the end ...' Anna's Aunt has always warned her of the dangers of magic. Its twists. Its knots. Its deadly consequences. Now Anna counts down the days to the ceremony that will bind her magic forever. Until she meets Effie and Attis. They open her eyes to a London she never knew existed. A shop that sells memories. A secret library where the librarian feeds off words. A club where revellers lose themselves in a haze of spells. But as she is swept deeper into this world, Anna begins to wonder if her Aunt was right all along. Is her magic a gift ... or a curse?… (more)
User reviews
It is a book of contrasts, between the control and oppression of the Binders, an almost religious organisation to which Anna's aunt and guardian is a senior member; to the hedonistic freedom shared by the fairy godmother figure of Selene. Selene is an old friend of Anna's late mother who moves back to London with her daughter Effie and a teenage boy called Attis and this changes Anna's world.
This has echoes of the Craft and other books about teenage witches learning about their abilities; I would like to read more in this world but I'm not rushing to read it.
At the heart of the story is Anna, a 16-year-old schoolgirl
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.
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Signed by the author, city skyline stencilled on black sprayed page edges, alternate cover design.
GSFF Book Club, May 2021. Signed by the author with a cityscape stencilled on the page edges.