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briannadasilva's review against another edition
4.0
Bethany has a way with words! This short story was enjoyable to read, very well edited, and I was able to care about the characters in just a few pages.
And even as someone who usually doesn't care for magic-centered stories, I thought the magic was cool. :) I look forward to seeing what Bethany writes next! For a short debut, she's off to a great start. ^_^
Also, unrelated, but THAT COVER. Who made that cover? It's boss!
And even as someone who usually doesn't care for magic-centered stories, I thought the magic was cool. :) I look forward to seeing what Bethany writes next! For a short debut, she's off to a great start. ^_^
Also, unrelated, but THAT COVER. Who made that cover? It's boss!
phyrre's review against another edition
4.0
This short story is fantastic and worth every cent. Bethany Jennings has a fantastic way of bringing a world to life. The writing itself is beautiful, but easy to read, and right from the start, the reader is dragged into the action.
The main character, Bess, has a gift: the ability to manifest threads of magic. During a battle, the magic is turned against her, and Bess' threads become tangled into a useless mess. No matter how she tries, they won't untangle, and Bess is forced to face the reality that she might have to give up the life she's known and live as a Threadbare.
Right from the start, the action pulled me in, and I read this pretty quickly, in one read, because I just had to find out what was going to happen next. The characters were great and really came to life.
The only real downside I could find with this was I wasn't a fan of the climax. It seemed very convenient, very deus ex machina. I can't really say anything more about it because of spoilers, but I loved about 90% of the story. The last 10% was really disappointing, because it felt just too convenient and too contrived and out of left field.
Despite that, I would still recommend giving this one a read. It was a great short story, and I look forward to reading more of Bethany Jennings' work in the future.
The main character, Bess, has a gift: the ability to manifest threads of magic. During a battle, the magic is turned against her, and Bess' threads become tangled into a useless mess. No matter how she tries, they won't untangle, and Bess is forced to face the reality that she might have to give up the life she's known and live as a Threadbare.
Right from the start, the action pulled me in, and I read this pretty quickly, in one read, because I just had to find out what was going to happen next. The characters were great and really came to life.
The only real downside I could find with this was I wasn't a fan of the climax. It seemed very convenient, very deus ex machina. I can't really say anything more about it because of spoilers, but I loved about 90% of the story. The last 10% was really disappointing, because it felt just too convenient and too contrived and out of left field.
Despite that, I would still recommend giving this one a read. It was a great short story, and I look forward to reading more of Bethany Jennings' work in the future.
michellembruhn's review
4.0
A fun, well-written short story. It was easy for me to relate to the main character, and I especially liked the unique way magic works in this world.
riannestratford's review
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
chocolatebooksthunderstorms's review
5.0
4.5 stars
I LOVED THIS. AND I NEED MORE BETHANY A. JENNINGS BOOKS IN MY LIFE. <3
I LOVED THIS. AND I NEED MORE BETHANY A. JENNINGS BOOKS IN MY LIFE. <3
nooralshanti's review
4.0
An excellent, masterfully written short story that gives the reader a glimpse into a a very interesting world. As a stand-alone, I felt it might need a slightly longer exploration of the feelings that come with being threadbare, but I suspect that there's a lot more the author plans to do in this world and this is only a teaser. I would love to read more from this author and in this world. I'm going to keep this review short to avoid spoilers, but I would recommend it for someone looking for a shorter read in a unique magic system.
jasoncjoyner's review
5.0
For a short story, Bethany's story packs an emotional punch. The group of magical protectors is quickly introduced, but in an intimate way, with the heroine Bess having her magic betray her. Bess wrestles with her place on the team and whether she'll be "whole" again. The answers are suspenseful and satisfying.
I really enjoyed this story, and my only complaint is I want something new from Bethany to read now!
I really enjoyed this story, and my only complaint is I want something new from Bethany to read now!
valiantginger's review
5.0
A Thrilling Ride!
In just a few pages, Threadbare successfully creates a world of interest and a battle for that world for readers to be invested in. The magic system is immediately fascinating, and the struggle the main character undergoes is relatable, even though as readers we don't have our own literal magic. Threadbare is a visual feast rising up from the text!
In just a few pages, Threadbare successfully creates a world of interest and a battle for that world for readers to be invested in. The magic system is immediately fascinating, and the struggle the main character undergoes is relatable, even though as readers we don't have our own literal magic. Threadbare is a visual feast rising up from the text!
hlburke's review
4.0
Quick paced short story. Feels a bit like a quick dip into a much bigger world, though to my knowledge there isn't another story here. The tale in itself does feel complete. It's little things like the mention of a handful of side characters who aren't the focus that make you feel this is a window to a world rather than a panorama.
The ending does feel a little unexplained. I think it's meant to be an act of fate/reward for sacrifice, which isn't a bad thing, but I wasn't sure if that was intentional or just my interpretation because it is left a little open ended.
The ending does feel a little unexplained. I think it's meant to be an act of fate/reward for sacrifice, which isn't a bad thing, but I wasn't sure if that was intentional or just my interpretation because it is left a little open ended.
ebdawson's review
5.0
I was not only hooked right from the beginning, I was deeply emotionally invested by page three, no easy feat. Jennings has created a fascinating magical world with relatable spiritual implications. Bess' struggle became my own and I felt so protective of her as I cheered her on.
Jennings' does a great job of giving you all the information you need to know without overwhelming you. Her writing is clean, light, and immersive.
This is a great read!
Jennings' does a great job of giving you all the information you need to know without overwhelming you. Her writing is clean, light, and immersive.
This is a great read!