Audiobook Review – Threadneedle

Title: Threadneedle (The Language of Magic #1)

Author: Cari Thomas/ Narrated by Bea Holland

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy

Goodreads Rating: 4.16

My Rating:

Source: ARC

Synopsis:

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?

My Review:

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for approving me for and ARC of this book.

Once again I was blown away by the narration. Bea Holland told this story beautifully and captured my attention from the start. She gave the characters unique voices and captured their personalities excellently.

I have to applaud Cari Thomas for the magical world she created. It has been a very long time since I read anything that was remotely witchy and this was filled with magic, spells and covens galore. Cari’s world was well thought out, meticulously planned and stitched together perfectly. Yes there was a lot of information and initially I felt that I needed a guide to refer to but I soon found myself captivated.

I loved the coven that Anna found herself in. All four girls were completely different but when they worked together I thought they complimented each other nicely. Whilst Effie was the least likeable of them all part of me felt her attitude and ideas were a way of lashing out at Selene. I loved Rowan and her constant need to fill the silences. She was the sweetest member who didn’t deserve the bullying she faced at the hands of the Juicers, her family were fantastic too. Attis was another character entirely. He was cheeky, obnoxious and very vain but you couldn’t help but like him. He had a way of charming everyone and when he showed his softer side I honestly felt that was the real him.

Anna’s backstory and treatment by her Aunt were deeply sad and very disturbing. I enjoyed Anna’s journey as she started to rebel against her chosen destiny of becoming a binder. This was one way that Effie had a good effect on her. Effie brought Anna out of her shell and helped her to become more fearless and be seen. I connected mostly with Anna through her love of playing the piano, as a pianist myself I could fully appreciate the joy she felt when playing. I could also understand the nerves she had about performing!

Once the witchy world and all its history has been set a full on adventure of discovery takes place. We learn what happened to Anna’s parents, why Anna’s magic is acting strangely and what it truly means to join the binders! With a climatic ending that leaves no cliff hangers but readers wanting more this is one not to be missed!