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?
Reminder: There are SPOILERS beyond this point. Don't proceed if you're not willing to read SPOILERS.
I'm really struggling with this review.
I loved the idea behind this, and the world building. For some reason, when I read the description, I thought this was slightly historical; more Dickens than current. However, it's right up to date, with laptops and smartphones. The world is well thought out, with what I think are actual Wiccan practises mixed in with made up rituals and ceremonies. Everything gels, everything makes sense.
However.
Pretty much all the characters were awful people. Aunt was a straight up abusive psychopath. Effie was a bully, literally; she cast a spell to force the others into detention, bullied them into her coven and kept pushing them even when they were obviously uncomfortable. Even a small thing; no matter how often Miranda reminded them of her name, Effie called her Manda and they all followed suit. I really didn't like her. Selene and Anna are the least awful of the lot, and even then, Selene was lying and manipulating everyone, and Anna angsted a lot and went along with whatever the most recent thing said to her was. Granted, her aunt raised her that way, but one thing that really annoys me in a character is when they flip flop back and forth multiple times over the same issue. Once or twice, with new information, fine. But every time a conflict came up Anna changed her mind completely, along with 'THIS time I won't change my mind!' declaration.
The plot, the world building, even the language used I really enjoyed. I thought the Knot magic was really clever and well thought out. The story was a little drawn out, but good. I just didn't like any of the characters, sadly. But I will try the next book in the series and see if the revelations at the end of this one change any of them.
Overall a good read.
Threadneedle publishes on the 27th of May, 2021. I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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