Threaded by Tay Rose

This early review copy was gifted to me by Tay Rose through Book of Matches Media. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Threaded

Series: The Solstice Cycle

Author: Tay Rose

Release Date: May 1, 2024

Publisher: L’eau de Lune Publishing

Genre: Romantasy

Source: digital, Book of Matches Media

TW: sexual assault, cursing, death, rape, gaslighting, alcohol

Synopsis

In a world where magic means servitude, being giftless is a blessing.

Mariah’s twenty-first birthday was supposed to bring freedom: from expectation, from scrutiny, from the oppressive lord reigning over her hometown. When a summons from the Queen puts those dreams at risk, she has no choice but to follow through—even if it means a future she doesn’t want or deserve.

Thrust into a world of cutthroat politics, secret rituals, and ruthless power grabs, Mariah is forced to come to terms with her new position as terrifying hidden magic begins to awaken in her veins. Meanwhile, the brooding, disgraced royal heir selected to serve in her sworn guard inexplicably hates her, yet he can’t seem to stay away. As the kingdom’s delicate balance shifts and crumbles, Mariah’s freedom seems further away than ever.

Relationships blossom, schemes are unearthed, and gods are awakened… yet her heart may be the biggest threat of all.

Love is a weakness. But will fate weave a different thread?

Threaded, Book One in The Solstice Cycle, is an epic adult fantasy romance perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, The Plated Prisoner Series, and The Serpent & The Wings of Night, with a new world rich in magic, legends of dragons, and gods and goddesses bearing ancient, deadly secrets.

Thoughts

I recently dove into "Threaded" by Tay Rose, and I have to say, it was quite an intriguing read. Right from the beginning, I thought the pacing was a little slow at times, but it kept me engaged throughout most of the book. The cast of characters was diverse and compelling, each bringing something unique to the story. The world-building and the magic system were particularly interesting, and I could visualize Verith and the palace perfectly, which added a lot to my reading experience.

However, it's clear that this book is meant to set up a series, and while that's exciting, I found myself wishing for a bit more action right out of the gate. The initial chapters felt a little slow and filled with what seemed like filler content. I actually ended up skipping over a lot of the content in the first couple of chapters. But that quickly changed once Mariah, the protagonist, accepted her magic. The pace picked up significantly, and things got spicy with her Armature, which was a thrilling turn of events.

I absolutely loved the plot and the character development. Mariah's journey of self-discovery was beautifully portrayed. She learns so much about herself, the kingdom, and her destiny, which kept me hooked. The unique magic of the world was fascinating, and the fact that the female main character (Mariah) was so strong and angry added depth to her character that I really appreciated. The dynamic between Mariah and the broody, mysterious male lead was electric, making them the perfect duo in my eyes.

As the story unfolded, I found myself more and more invested in the characters and their relationships. The book delves into themes of power, freedom, and self-discovery, all while maintaining an air of mystery and suspense. The political intrigue and secret rituals added layers of complexity to the narrative, making it a rich and immersive experience.

In summary, "Threaded" is a fantastic start to what promises to be an epic series. Despite a slow start, the book quickly gains momentum and delivers a captivating story with well-developed characters and a unique magical world. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here.