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beccaj2180's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't have any real expectations for this book when I began to listen to it today, except that a lot of the reviewers that I follow thought it was a great book. Most of the time, that's enough for me. Anyway, I agree that this book was fantastic. The story and world building were incredible - very unique. My only real issue with the book was Kai.
I remember saying at one point when I read Deception that I feel like some authors think that an angry girl = a strong girl - in this book, just like that one, I felt like the author replaced strength with anger. The character is determined to do everything herself - she absolutely does not need anyone else - and she is right about everything, except that she's ridiculously naive when it comes to boys and their passionate looks and stares. She fights and screams and pushes everyone away, makes stupid choices that put her in peril, and then feels super guilty when the people around her get hurt. This girl is NOT strong. This girl is a brat, thus my "she's a brat" shelf.
None of those things made this book terrible, though. I caught myself rolling my eyes a few times when it seemed like she was purposely trying to piss someone off, but ultimately I really, really enjoyed the book.
I remember saying at one point when I read Deception that I feel like some authors think that an angry girl = a strong girl - in this book, just like that one, I felt like the author replaced strength with anger. The character is determined to do everything herself - she absolutely does not need anyone else - and she is right about everything, except that she's ridiculously naive when it comes to boys and their passionate looks and stares. She fights and screams and pushes everyone away, makes stupid choices that put her in peril, and then feels super guilty when the people around her get hurt. This girl is NOT strong. This girl is a brat, thus my "she's a brat" shelf.
None of those things made this book terrible, though. I caught myself rolling my eyes a few times when it seemed like she was purposely trying to piss someone off, but ultimately I really, really enjoyed the book.
cat1586's review against another edition
4.0
I'd have to agree with some of the comments in other reviews about the more splendid covers of books being almost directly linked to a very subpar story line these days, but take the chance on this one. Not only is the cover eye catching, I found the story to be one of the best stories I've read this year, and in this particular genre, one of the best I've read in a really long time.
From the beginning you're brought into action, and what I later found I loved about this story was how everything that happens to Kai is meant to serve a purpose. There are very little filler pages in this story and that helped it progress easily. From literally the first sentence in the book the frame work is being laid, and even though Lori managed to spin some awesome world building into this first book, she doesn't weigh you down with information you aren't going to need. Even some of the instances between Kai and Avan, that everyone wants to roll their eyes at, comes back to be usable in the second book. With all of this though, the book isn't heavy. With a story line taking us to a world that hasn't been beaten to death, (looking at you vampires), it could be so easy to weigh everything down with Martin like detail in every single brick wall. Lori doesn't do that though. She gives you details that you can use as you go; to build onto the frame that shes set for you. By the end of the book you have a pretty good understanding of the world, the state it's in now, and what happened to bring it there. (also, prequel. Just sayin)
The characters Lori introduces are unique and have enough substance in themselves to carry this story well into an interesting trilogy. The substance that those characters then give to each other and the world that is built in this book only do more to make it a stronger story line. I could go on about a few of them that I found to be favourites, but I would give the story away and that's no fun. But... just make it to Irra.
I can see where some people have rated this book low due to the angsty almost-romance that flows throughout the entire story, but honestly, if you read beyond that, the world that Lori has built is quite unique and worth exploring. And Kai? She's more than just a damsel in distress. While she may not have a firm handle on her powers, she still charges off into the unknown, willing to do anything it takes to save what is most important to her. By the final chapters of the book shes even more capable and she's accomplished a lot of things a lesser person might not have. All be it, with some help. But a guiding help, more than the typical "let me do this for you" help one tends to find with lead female characters. Even if her one blunder could have been avoided with a little more thought and a little less blind emotion taking control. If I were to fault Kai in anything really, it would be her tendency to become hot headed and shut down instead of listening to what the other character is trying to tell her. I think you see that more toward the end of this book and definitely throughout the sequel, but I think that kind of immature behaviour is more frustrating to read through than any of the romance going on in this book.
The romance itself would be lovely to watch unfold if Kai had shared a little less of her back and forth, and sometimes more than mildly oblivious, thoughts when it came to Avan. After a while I did roll my eyes a few times and think to myself "get it together girl!". But on the flip side, if you can refrain from eye rolling long enough, I think you get to see so much emotion coming from Avan, that while Kai is apparently oblivious, you as the reader are not. You get to see how affected he is by her, and maybe its just me, but its been so long since I've found a book that includes a romance that isn't completely just some hopeless girl biting her fingernails over which boy to choose, that having this two sided, hesitant, version of a romance was in itself a little refreshing. Was there a little too much time spent on Kai reiterating how well she got to know every muscle in Avan's back? Probably, but I'm inclined to let it slide because everything outside of that is worth getting to know.
From the beginning you're brought into action, and what I later found I loved about this story was how everything that happens to Kai is meant to serve a purpose. There are very little filler pages in this story and that helped it progress easily. From literally the first sentence in the book the frame work is being laid, and even though Lori managed to spin some awesome world building into this first book, she doesn't weigh you down with information you aren't going to need. Even some of the instances between Kai and Avan, that everyone wants to roll their eyes at, comes back to be usable in the second book. With all of this though, the book isn't heavy. With a story line taking us to a world that hasn't been beaten to death, (looking at you vampires), it could be so easy to weigh everything down with Martin like detail in every single brick wall. Lori doesn't do that though. She gives you details that you can use as you go; to build onto the frame that shes set for you. By the end of the book you have a pretty good understanding of the world, the state it's in now, and what happened to bring it there. (also, prequel. Just sayin)
The characters Lori introduces are unique and have enough substance in themselves to carry this story well into an interesting trilogy. The substance that those characters then give to each other and the world that is built in this book only do more to make it a stronger story line. I could go on about a few of them that I found to be favourites, but I would give the story away and that's no fun. But... just make it to Irra.
I can see where some people have rated this book low due to the angsty almost-romance that flows throughout the entire story, but honestly, if you read beyond that, the world that Lori has built is quite unique and worth exploring. And Kai? She's more than just a damsel in distress. While she may not have a firm handle on her powers, she still charges off into the unknown, willing to do anything it takes to save what is most important to her. By the final chapters of the book shes even more capable and she's accomplished a lot of things a lesser person might not have. All be it, with some help. But a guiding help, more than the typical "let me do this for you" help one tends to find with lead female characters. Even if her one blunder could have been avoided with a little more thought and a little less blind emotion taking control. If I were to fault Kai in anything really, it would be her tendency to become hot headed and shut down instead of listening to what the other character is trying to tell her. I think you see that more toward the end of this book and definitely throughout the sequel, but I think that kind of immature behaviour is more frustrating to read through than any of the romance going on in this book.
The romance itself would be lovely to watch unfold if Kai had shared a little less of her back and forth, and sometimes more than mildly oblivious, thoughts when it came to Avan. After a while I did roll my eyes a few times and think to myself "get it together girl!". But on the flip side, if you can refrain from eye rolling long enough, I think you get to see so much emotion coming from Avan, that while Kai is apparently oblivious, you as the reader are not. You get to see how affected he is by her, and maybe its just me, but its been so long since I've found a book that includes a romance that isn't completely just some hopeless girl biting her fingernails over which boy to choose, that having this two sided, hesitant, version of a romance was in itself a little refreshing. Was there a little too much time spent on Kai reiterating how well she got to know every muscle in Avan's back? Probably, but I'm inclined to let it slide because everything outside of that is worth getting to know.
linzthebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
*Disclaimer: I received an e-book copy for review from NetGalley*
I found this to be a really refreshing read. I felt that Kai was a strong character who was able to protect and fight for herself. I was pleasantly surprised by many of the twists, but felt like some of the sequences were too convenient. Everything seemed to go a little to easily in Kai's favor, and it would have been nice to see things be more challenging to her. I didn't really trust Avan through most of the story, and the ending made sense as to why. Overall I really liked it, and would definitely give the second book in the series a try.
I found this to be a really refreshing read. I felt that Kai was a strong character who was able to protect and fight for herself. I was pleasantly surprised by many of the twists, but felt like some of the sequences were too convenient. Everything seemed to go a little to easily in Kai's favor, and it would have been nice to see things be more challenging to her. I didn't really trust Avan through most of the story, and the ending made sense as to why. Overall I really liked it, and would definitely give the second book in the series a try.
babs_reviews's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the book, enough that I'm curious for the next installment.
I had a hard time connecting with the main character Kai, she seemed a little wish-washy to me at times and honestly I just couldn't picture the name Kai for a girl. She seemed to bounce from fierce and independent to naïve and dependent. She was adamant that she didn't need Reev or Avan to 'take care of her' but really she did. At times she was clueless.
The concept of bending time was unique and the way she wrote it was incredibly creative though I would have liked to see more of it. It was only a handful of times Kai actually used the threads. It was meant to be this great power that she held but it felt small compared to what others could do.
I liked the world she built but felt it came to end toward the 3/4 mark. Like she just stopped building it. I would have liked a little more insight into the Infinites as the story unfolded instead of in a heap at the end.
I'll be adding the next book to my TBR but I won't rush it to the top.
Overall, I'd give it more like 3.5. I liked it but it wasn't amazing.
I had a hard time connecting with the main character Kai, she seemed a little wish-washy to me at times and honestly I just couldn't picture the name Kai for a girl. She seemed to bounce from fierce and independent to naïve and dependent. She was adamant that she didn't need Reev or Avan to 'take care of her' but really she did. At times she was clueless.
The concept of bending time was unique and the way she wrote it was incredibly creative though I would have liked to see more of it. It was only a handful of times Kai actually used the threads. It was meant to be this great power that she held but it felt small compared to what others could do.
I liked the world she built but felt it came to end toward the 3/4 mark. Like she just stopped building it. I would have liked a little more insight into the Infinites as the story unfolded instead of in a heap at the end.
I'll be adding the next book to my TBR but I won't rush it to the top.
Overall, I'd give it more like 3.5. I liked it but it wasn't amazing.
rebelkiss's review against another edition
3.0
A girl and her adopted brother live in the ghetto part of the entire ghetto. They work. She has magic. He doesn't want her to use it. One day, her brother vanishes. She and a hottie set off to find it. She uncovers the truth, sh!t his the fan and then there's a sequel. Honestly, I liked the storyline. I'm sure the author has a good writing style. But I listened to this on audio. The gal who read it....was horrible. I wanted to just give this book 2 stars because of her. But, as I said, I did enjoy the storyline. Not enough to want to read the next book though.
rikerandom's review against another edition
2.0
Diese und weitere Rezensionen findet ihr auf meinem Blog Anima Libri - Buchseele
Liest man sich die Inhaltsangabe zu „Die Fäden der Zeit“ von Lori M. Lee durch, bekommt man den Eindruck – oder zumindest habe ich den Eindruck bekommen -, dass einen ein actionreiches Fantasyabenteuer erwartet, voller Magie, getrieben von Geschwisterliebe und mit dunklen Geheimnissen gespickt. Tja… Ich bin mir sicher, all das steckte auch irgendwo in dieser Geschichte, die ich gelesen habe, nur war es halt wirklich sehr, sehr tief versteckt.
Denn die Geschichte ist vor allem eins: Langsam. Ja, „Die Fäden der Zeit“ ist der Auftakt zu einer Serie, zu – oh Wunder – einer Trilogie und Hauptelement der Handlung ist eine Suche, die sind nun einmal von Natur aus nicht unbedingt schnellgängig, aber leider ist Lori M. Lees Roman so langsam, dass er langweilig wird und das sogar relativ schnell. Das liegt auch daran, dass sich die Ereignisse in einer Art Dauerschleife befinden, denn Protagonistin Kai trifft massenweise Charaktere, immer und immer wieder, nur um diese nur Seiten später wieder zu verwerfen.
Leider konnte mich auch der Weltaufbau nicht überzeugen, denn für meinen Geschmack gab es hier eindeutig zu viele Lücken, zu viel das – wie in der Handlung selbst – relativ lieblos zusammen gepflückt zu sein scheint, vieles das erstmal keinen rechten Sinn ergeben will und bis sich schließlich ein Gesamtbild offenbart, ist man doch leider schon so gelangweilt, dass es einem relativ egal ist. Es gibt einfach nichts – keinen Ort, keine Figur -, das als Anker dient, zumindest wenn man die Protagonistin und ihren besten Freund/Schwarm nicht als solchen sehen kann, wie es bei mir der Fall war.
Alles in allem hat „Die Fäden der Zeit“ von Lori M. Lee definitiv Potential, richtig viel sogar, aber so wie man quasi nichts von der eigentlich so beeindruckenden Fähigkeit der Protagonistin zu sehen bekommt, so bleibt auch das restliche Potential der Geschichte weitestgehend ungenutzt. Zum Ende hin zeigt die Autorin allerdings doch noch, was in dieser Geschichte steckt und das macht mich, trotz des ansonsten eher enttäuschenden Leseerlebnis, dann doch auch wieder neugierig auf die Fortsetzung.
Liest man sich die Inhaltsangabe zu „Die Fäden der Zeit“ von Lori M. Lee durch, bekommt man den Eindruck – oder zumindest habe ich den Eindruck bekommen -, dass einen ein actionreiches Fantasyabenteuer erwartet, voller Magie, getrieben von Geschwisterliebe und mit dunklen Geheimnissen gespickt. Tja… Ich bin mir sicher, all das steckte auch irgendwo in dieser Geschichte, die ich gelesen habe, nur war es halt wirklich sehr, sehr tief versteckt.
Denn die Geschichte ist vor allem eins: Langsam. Ja, „Die Fäden der Zeit“ ist der Auftakt zu einer Serie, zu – oh Wunder – einer Trilogie und Hauptelement der Handlung ist eine Suche, die sind nun einmal von Natur aus nicht unbedingt schnellgängig, aber leider ist Lori M. Lees Roman so langsam, dass er langweilig wird und das sogar relativ schnell. Das liegt auch daran, dass sich die Ereignisse in einer Art Dauerschleife befinden, denn Protagonistin Kai trifft massenweise Charaktere, immer und immer wieder, nur um diese nur Seiten später wieder zu verwerfen.
Leider konnte mich auch der Weltaufbau nicht überzeugen, denn für meinen Geschmack gab es hier eindeutig zu viele Lücken, zu viel das – wie in der Handlung selbst – relativ lieblos zusammen gepflückt zu sein scheint, vieles das erstmal keinen rechten Sinn ergeben will und bis sich schließlich ein Gesamtbild offenbart, ist man doch leider schon so gelangweilt, dass es einem relativ egal ist. Es gibt einfach nichts – keinen Ort, keine Figur -, das als Anker dient, zumindest wenn man die Protagonistin und ihren besten Freund/Schwarm nicht als solchen sehen kann, wie es bei mir der Fall war.
Alles in allem hat „Die Fäden der Zeit“ von Lori M. Lee definitiv Potential, richtig viel sogar, aber so wie man quasi nichts von der eigentlich so beeindruckenden Fähigkeit der Protagonistin zu sehen bekommt, so bleibt auch das restliche Potential der Geschichte weitestgehend ungenutzt. Zum Ende hin zeigt die Autorin allerdings doch noch, was in dieser Geschichte steckt und das macht mich, trotz des ansonsten eher enttäuschenden Leseerlebnis, dann doch auch wieder neugierig auf die Fortsetzung.
amethystbookwyrm's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me this book to review.
In the city of Ninurta, 17 year old Kai has the ability to manipulate the threads of time but only one man, the ruler of Ninurta, is meant to possess magic. Kai has no memories from the age of 8 since her adoptive brother, Reev found her on the river bank. When Reev disappears, Kai vows to find him no matter what it takes and with her only friend Avan, she leaves the only home she has ever known. To save Reev, Kai must unravel her past and discover the secrets that everyone has been hiding.
Gates of Thread and Stone is a really good fantasy novel which was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat. It has interesting mythology, action and romance. While it is a fantasy novel, it was unusual as it was dystopian fantasy world and I have never read anything like it.
I like Kai as she is a good person who is loyal and caring but is also stubborn, determined and feisty. Avan is enigmatic, protective and unlike some romantic interests has a past. I also like Reev as he was the perfect big brother and Mason and I hope we learn more about them.
It has a bitter sweet ending and I am looking forward to reading the next book, The Infinite. I would recommend Gates of Thread and stone to fans of Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne and Threats of Sky and Sea by Jennifer Ellision.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
In the city of Ninurta, 17 year old Kai has the ability to manipulate the threads of time but only one man, the ruler of Ninurta, is meant to possess magic. Kai has no memories from the age of 8 since her adoptive brother, Reev found her on the river bank. When Reev disappears, Kai vows to find him no matter what it takes and with her only friend Avan, she leaves the only home she has ever known. To save Reev, Kai must unravel her past and discover the secrets that everyone has been hiding.
Gates of Thread and Stone is a really good fantasy novel which was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat. It has interesting mythology, action and romance. While it is a fantasy novel, it was unusual as it was dystopian fantasy world and I have never read anything like it.
I like Kai as she is a good person who is loyal and caring but is also stubborn, determined and feisty. Avan is enigmatic, protective and unlike some romantic interests has a past. I also like Reev as he was the perfect big brother and Mason and I hope we learn more about them.
It has a bitter sweet ending and I am looking forward to reading the next book, The Infinite. I would recommend Gates of Thread and stone to fans of Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne and Threats of Sky and Sea by Jennifer Ellision.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
manoncremers's review against another edition
2.0
More reviews on my blog, Exploring Pages.
Thank you Skyscape for providing me with an advanced reading copy for review.
My overall reaction with Gates of Thread and Stone has a lot to do with my disappointment. I expected to receive an epic fantasy about a girl who can weave the threads of time, unraveling the mystery behind her brother's disappearance. It certainly had those aspects, as it started out great and also ended on a high note. I can't shake off the feeling of discontent. I wanted so much more.
In the beginning of the book, I found it to be well-paced. The mystery jumped in from the start and made my interest grow with every page I read. Somewhere along the thrilling ride, that very interest suddenly disappeared. Although I was already two hundred pages in, I felt like there was nothing happening anymore. The more the book progressed, the less I knew what was actually going on. The characters were heading back and forth and no one seemed to have a plan anymore. The several actions scenes didn't even feel as action scenes anymore. They were rather scenes to fill up the pages. They weren't enough to make me want to continue, which resulted into a reading slump that carried on for far too long.
It wasn't until the book was nearing its climax that I grew interested again. The dull storyline picked up very quickly, and from then on the thrilling chapters kept coming. Even though the ending was a bit weird and rushed, it certainly left me wanting more. Something that didn't improve, was my lack of care. The characters themselves, for example, were okay. They didn't stand out, but there was nothing that made them bad or underdeveloped. I still felt no attachment to any of them.
The best thing out of the entire book would have to be Lori M. Lee's world. Ninurta is simply put, fascinating. I have always had a thing for a world where the chasm between the rich and the poor is remarkable, and has a huge effect on the population. As Kai has always lived in the Labyrinth, she knows how to survive on her own and doesn't act impulsive. The story puts her into unknown territory, yet she manages to play the game. Even if it takes her to unexpected losses and victories.
All in all, Gates of Thread and Stone is the kind of trilogy that could have been fitted easily into one or two books. I could have been so much more than what it is now. Despite it not being as good as I first expected, I do think this series still holds some potential. I may be hesitant towards the sequels, but I wonder where this might be heading.
“My nails clawed against the smooth tiles as I pushed up onto my hands and knees. I rose unsteadily to my feet.
Speed is my ally. Breathe. In and out. Focus. Time is my power.”
― Lori M. Lee, Gates of Thread and Stone
Thank you Skyscape for providing me with an advanced reading copy for review.
My overall reaction with Gates of Thread and Stone has a lot to do with my disappointment. I expected to receive an epic fantasy about a girl who can weave the threads of time, unraveling the mystery behind her brother's disappearance. It certainly had those aspects, as it started out great and also ended on a high note. I can't shake off the feeling of discontent. I wanted so much more.
In the beginning of the book, I found it to be well-paced. The mystery jumped in from the start and made my interest grow with every page I read. Somewhere along the thrilling ride, that very interest suddenly disappeared. Although I was already two hundred pages in, I felt like there was nothing happening anymore. The more the book progressed, the less I knew what was actually going on. The characters were heading back and forth and no one seemed to have a plan anymore. The several actions scenes didn't even feel as action scenes anymore. They were rather scenes to fill up the pages. They weren't enough to make me want to continue, which resulted into a reading slump that carried on for far too long.
It wasn't until the book was nearing its climax that I grew interested again. The dull storyline picked up very quickly, and from then on the thrilling chapters kept coming. Even though the ending was a bit weird and rushed, it certainly left me wanting more. Something that didn't improve, was my lack of care. The characters themselves, for example, were okay. They didn't stand out, but there was nothing that made them bad or underdeveloped. I still felt no attachment to any of them.
The best thing out of the entire book would have to be Lori M. Lee's world. Ninurta is simply put, fascinating. I have always had a thing for a world where the chasm between the rich and the poor is remarkable, and has a huge effect on the population. As Kai has always lived in the Labyrinth, she knows how to survive on her own and doesn't act impulsive. The story puts her into unknown territory, yet she manages to play the game. Even if it takes her to unexpected losses and victories.
All in all, Gates of Thread and Stone is the kind of trilogy that could have been fitted easily into one or two books. I could have been so much more than what it is now. Despite it not being as good as I first expected, I do think this series still holds some potential. I may be hesitant towards the sequels, but I wonder where this might be heading.