I loved Threadneedle and was so excited to read the next part. Shadowstitch didn't disappoint with the same great characters and lots of magic and mystery.

When I read Threadneedle I loved it and have been on tenterhooks since then for the sequel. Reader, it was worth the wait. London and then St. Olav’s start to fall prey to a spell; Effie and Anna continue to suffer under their mutual curse; a new inquisitory organisation has an agenda- I loved the christmas spent by the coven at Rowan’s house and Attis’s christmas present to Anna. The last quarter of this book was amazing and took me surprise in a few ways. I had also thought this was probably a duology so am very pleased to discover there will be at least one more book. I cant wait for the rest of the story! (But I’ll have to!) many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

There are no words to describe just how excited I was to get my hands on Shadowstitch. Ever since I read Threadneedle back in early 2022, I have been dying to get my hands on the long awaited sequel. This was probably my most anticipated book of 2024… and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I am absolutely obsessed with everything about this series and once again Cari Thomas holds me in her magical clutches.

Shadowstitch picks up exactly where Threadneedle left off, with Anna having survived the Binders and moving in with her sister Effie, their guardian Selene and the boy they both love. I absolutely loved this new dynamic between all of the characters now than Anna knows the truth about her family and their curse. It is definitely much darker than the first book, as they journey more into forbidden magical worlds to try and find a way out of the curse without Anna or Effie killing the other. This book is such a tumultuous journey and I absolutely loved every moment of that. It was so addicting to see the characters grow more into their own and them going through their own personal journeys.

If you’re looking for a fantasy book that is super fast paced, then this is not what you’re looking for. But that definitely does not mean that this book is boring. It is slow paced, definitely. But it fits this story so well because Anna is so new to the world of magic, we learn tidbits as she does. Honestly, I’m usually such a plot focused reader and usually if a book is slow I’m like nope, I’m out. I don’t know what sort of magic Cari Thomas is weaving into her books but despite the slow pace, there was not a single second that I was bored or wishing that the pace would pick up. Cari expertly sprinkles these little bits of information at us every few pages that we grab onto greedily and cannot wait to see how they all weave together. It was utterly perfect.

This series has my whole, witchy heart. I loved every single moment of it. It made me feel all the emotions. I was in love one moment, scared for my favourites fate the next and crying the next. It was a definite rollercoaster of emotions and I already just want to dive into it again and experience it all over again. I have no doubt that this series has so many hidden depths that we just won’t know about until we re-read, and I am dying already to do that. The ending of Shadowstitch has me reeling and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book. I need it like I need air to breathe… but I guess I’ll just distract myself with other books until I can get my greedy little hands on it. If you enjoy witch books an urban fantasy then I highly recommend that you pick up this series. It’s honestly so fantastic… you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Harper Voyager for giving me an e-arc of this book to read and review.

Shadowstitch has been one of my highly anticipated reads of 2024 and wow did it not disappoint.

ThreadNeedle was such an incredible book and I really couldn’t wait to see what Cari did next with these characters and their plot.

Cari really did not come to play with this book, a modern world London begins rewinding back to the 1500-1700’s hunting witches across the city who are supposedly practicing witchcraft. What I love most about Shadowstitch is not just Cari’s incredible writing but the historical elements weaved in with fantasy.

Cari gives us a deeper look into the workings of the magical world, explaining a family history dating back hundreds of years as well as explaining the innings of dark magic, finding ones ‘soul’ magic, and also the dangers of magic and what it can do to just not a normal person but witches themselves.

We follow our main protagonist Anna who’s had a pretty tough time of it from book 1 and how she’s now coming to terms with what happened previously to her Mother and of course her Aunt. We’re now experiencing how she’s fearful of her magic and the curse that’s looming over her, how she feels she doesn’t have control of herself or her magic, she’s struggling to cope with what’s haunting her whether that be her Aunt or the new witchcraft that’s terrorising London. Cari writes Anna’s story so beautifully and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I also really enjoyed more of Anna and her Coven exploring their magic, dipping into new areas of magic and taking on the malefice that’s taking London by a literal storm whilst also fighting their own issues and the hatred that’s coming at them at school.

If you’re looking to read a more real and accurate witch inspired book that doesn’t sugarcoat witchcraft as this thing to be desired, Shadowstitch actually shows witchcraft at its nitty and gritty, fun at times but also destructive, consuming, evil and damn right fearsome.

Anna has survived almost having her magic bound and is now thrown into a world that only existed to her outside the confounds of her aunt’s house. Now armed with the knowledge of her curse, Anna and her coven are determined to beat it, but it seems there are larger forces at hand determined to beat them. As they tread through a world now turning against them, Anna and Effie are left to wonder, where is the dark magic consuming them and all of London come from and is defeating it even a possibility?

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
It did take me a little bit to get into this book but once I was in, I was sucked in. My favorite part was the depth and wonders of the magic, Cari made me feel like I was 16 again reading about the magical worlds that were only real in our heads. She put a twist on what we know and introduced fun magic like anti-blush blush that stops you from blushing (how cute!)
But on to the story....I was terrified for our coven the whole time as we experienced a modern day witch trial, I wanted to jump in the page and save them while also helping them defeat the evils that overcame London.
And the ending, what a cliffhanger, I cannot wait for the final book!
I’d like to live in this magical world alas, I am a cowen and I will live with that....to the magic that exists beyond me!

I loved the first book and I couldn't wait to see what will happen in Shadowstitch.
Wonderful and gripping writing style that gives an amazing atmosphere and all the characters are so distinctive and with a strong presence.
Unfortunately, despite my efforts to love this book, I had problems with it that I couldn't brush off.
Plot wise, I had the feeling of déjà vu and reliving most of the things of Threadneedle and the characters didn't evolve with the plot. Anna is struggling with her magic, no one believes her or even tries to hear her when she shares her worries, the same school dynamic, falling in her sister's trap.
Moreover, my biggest heartbreak was that the romance between Anna and Attis wasn't there at all for me. Since the first installment, all we hear is how close Effie and Attis are, how inseparable they are and every given chance they rub it in Anna's face. And I understand Effie doing because she is jealous, but Attis too! He always goes ballistic and rushing for Effie when something happens, and the only thing Anna gets is a mildly concerned look from him and “Are you OK”. Not to mention that my jaw dropped when he confessed his love for Anna, he somehow AGAIN made it about Effie and how he loves her and will always care for her. And the fact he told Effie about his first kiss with Anna just made it impossible to see a love story between Anna and him….he is acting like Effie's lapdog and doesn't see anyone else.
Another thing that irritated me was the fact that Effie's presence in the mission to Hel was absolutely pointless. She didn't do anything except complain the whole time and Anna had to save her in the end….and if I must be honest i she didn't deserve her badass tattoo and was a bit miffed that she got that honor alongside Anna.
Furthermore, I was surprised by the decision to put under one roof Attis,Effie and Anna given their curse and everyone knows how dangerous and risky this is! What happened with Marie and Viv should have been an eye-opener for all of them.
I think Anna's character was the only thing that drove me to read forward—she went through so much pain, trauma and still manages to be a remarkable and kind person! No one stood by her side when she lost her aunt and she had to go through it alone! Another thing that I was pissed at Effie and Attis for! Attis was so kind to take into consideration Effie's feelings and be with HER (although she didn't lose anyone)and left Anna to deal alone with her grief and didn't even check on her and only confused her and played with her popping some gesture just to keep her interested….so he can continue his Effie worshiping and sleeping with countless girls.
Yeah, as I said, Anna was the warrior and the star for me that no one acknowledged her strength and how she cared for everyone while they continued to ask her to deal with her trauma already.
I got carried away emotionally with the review because, as I said, the writing style was remarkable, and it sucks you right into the rabbit hole and the fact that elicited such strong feelings from me is a further proof of that. And despite my heartbreak with the plot, I will try to follow the story and hope there is more development in the third book.

3.75 stars

When I read the previous book, I found myself swept into the fantastical world created by Cari Thomas. In reading Shadowstitch I experienced the same feeling. This is a sweeping fantasy tale filled with dangerous elements that will make you flip through the pages, wanting to know what happens. We pick up almost immediately from where we left off in book 1, with Anna reeling from her aunt's death and haunted by her spirit. She's forced to go back to school to gain a sense of normalcy in her life, but even that doesn't work as she and her group of friends are accused of being witches. Amidst rising accusations of witches' existences spreading across London and dangerous magic spells being cast, we see Amy struggle.

The first few chapters, although quite a bit slow for me, highlight this point. We see Amy dealing with her aunt's death, her funeral and then dealing with her twin sister Effie, who brings her own set of troubles. Honestly, I didn't like Effie in book 1 and I am still not that big of a fan after reading this, although I completely understand her motivations.

The issue that I had with this was, at least I felt it, was that the pacing was oddly slow at points, but picked up later and then slowed again. A lot of information is being given to us and with such pacing, makes it weird to digest. Plus, sometimes the explanation felt a little hard to grasp. But I think I got a basic idea of how things worked after reading the whole book.

I will say, with the climax chapters and the ending, things really ramped up. Like things happen quickly and fast and I was eager to find out what happens. It ends on a cliffhanger, and an intense one. I had thought this was a duology, but I honestly am excited that we would be getting a sequel for this. I only hope that it's not too long a wait.

’Coven of the Dark Moon, Effie declared triumphantly. 'We're back, bitches.'

Haunted by her aunt's death, living in fear of her curse fated by generations to love the same boy as her sister - one to kill the other. The last thing Anna needs is a witch hunt that swoops over London as a madness descends.

Cari always has the best banter and excellent one-liners that are reminiscent of teenaged British humour, creating an atmosphere that captures English schools, London landscape, and the current conspiracy-shocked world we are dominated by currently, especially with the ease of the internet.
Then bring in coming-of-age, witches, cursed love, and fear and you’ve got a binding (get it?) read!

’We're a coven. We stick together, no matter what. To the very end. You confess - we all confess. You drag us to hell and we're going with you. That's how this works.’

Effie is a complicated character as she’s extremely manipulative. She’s confident, strong, powerful and goes to all the parties and knows all the right people. Yet she seems to get their coven into trouble and cause more fights than she has solutions.

I have to shout out the Christmas chapters because it gave me Weasley vibes from Harry Potter and I loved the gardening magic. I would read a book on Bertie alone.

I have to shout out Cari’s fun, breezy dialogue. The coven work so well together and bounce off each other despite seeming opposites.

’But I think I might be more afraid of being alive than dead, so I've decided to embrace it. Death seems peaceful anyway. Neat. Like you've finally ticked off your to-do list.’
‘Only you could put death on a to-do list.'

I feel like this could have been condensed into a duology, but I can’t say that until I read book three which is of course a long way off!
This introduced a new thread (get it?) which was dark and relevant to our own current reality, yet it felt like it drew away from the main plot of the curse.

I officially hate cliffhangers.

Thank you to Harper Collins for providing an add in exchange for a review!

Thank you Netgalley & Harper Collins UK, & Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this title.

Shadow Stitch is the sequel to Thread Needle, we start back with Anna, and follow her journey dealing with suffocating grief, and watch her learn to deal with her magic capabilities along with dealing with the impending danger of a witch hunt.

I really enjoyed this book, Cari’s writing is atmospheric and has the capability to transport you into a different World, it completely devoured me. If you love witchy/magical books with a pinch of Romantasy then you need to read this series!!!

The writing is poetic, lyrical and engaging. The book is mysterious and filled with danger, curse, love, prophecy, secrets from the past, revenge and unthinkable happenings. Though it focuses more on siblings bond. I love the Author’s inspiration behind the cover.

Anna and Effie are sisters. But they were kept apart. Anna’s aunt has died but her Aunt’s death, memories and thoughts still haunts her. So many heartbreaking things happened in the previous book. Anna learned about the secret that her Aunt lock her dreams so that she can’t unlock her powers and her darkest secrets as well. Effie’s secrets and all the evocative memories of Anna’s parent’s death. As well the tragic happenings.

Now Anna is working on her magic so that she can able to control it or bind it but danger is still lurking around them and she is finding a way to break the curse. In an attempt to break it, she discovers buried secrets, learn about Hel, prophecy, tragic death of witches in the past, shadows and they both are trying to save Attis. The curse that breaks them also brings them together and the prophecy is powerful. The mystery of the hysteria kept me on the edge.

The world building is perilous and complex. I loved the characters and how they work on each other. I liked Manda, Selene, Darcey and Attis too. The book ended on cliffhanger, I need the next book. I loved it.

Many Thanks to the publisher and Author.

Anna's resilience shines as she navigates a world fraught with danger and haunted by her past. The threat of a witch hunt looms over her, adding layers of tension to her already complex situation. As she grapples with her own magical abilities and the looming danger, Anna must also contend with forbidden love and the bonds of sisterhood. The intricate world-building of magical London draws readers in, with every corner teeming with secrets and power struggles. Effie and Anna's dynamic as twin sisters adds depth to the story, as they must learn to trust each other in the face of escalating danger. Betrayal, familial love, and a deadly curse drive the plot forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. This is a captivating tale of magic, mystery, and the bonds that hold us together even in the darkest of times.

Title: Shadowstitch by Cari Thomas
The Language of Magic #2

Release Date: June, 6th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Anna has survived the attempt to suppress her magic, but danger still looms over her and her coven. Haunted by her aunt's death and living under the shadow of her curse, Anna faces the threat of a witch hunt that puts her entire existence at risk. With deadly hysteria spreading through the capital and her own school, Anna and her coven must navigate the treacherous magical underworld of London to protect themselves. As tensions rise and trust is tested, Anna and her friend Effie must find a way to unite and defend against the growing threat. But with the witch hunt escalating and paranoia gripping the city, their bond will be put to the ultimate test.


Shadowstitch is a spellbinding sequel to Threadneedle that had me hooked from start to finish!

Cari Thomas creates a captivating tale filled with complex characters who feel incredibly authentic. The intricate storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Thomas throws in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me desperate for more.

If you're looking for a magical read that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further than Shadowstitch.

Tropes:

Romantasy
Witch Hunt
Forbidden Love
Coming of Age
Magical World


Thank you to The Publisher HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager, The Author Cari Thomas & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. Its written so lovely that I could not put it down. I hope there's more

A wonderful follow up to Threadneedle! Lots of storylines that intersect, but so enjoyable! If you loved the first book in the series, you'll adore this one as well!

What can I say expect for if you've been a fan of the first book you're absolutely going to love this one!! It's continueing as amazing as the first one ended and the stories are super intriguing!

Anna may have survived the attempt to bind her magic but she isn’t free from danger yet. Haunted by her aunt’s death, living in fear of her curse, and fates to love the one man she can never have the last thing she needs is a witch hunt. Now she just conceal her magic once more or risk loosing everything she holds dear.

But when deadly hysteria strikes across the capital, and within her own school, the coven are left dangerously exposed. Delving deeper into the magical underworld of London, Anna and her twin sister, Effie must find a way to work together to protect the coven. Bit as the witch hunt intensifies and the hysteria spirals to of control will they truly be able to trust each other?

Enter a world on intricate world building, incredible magic and a characters driven plot. This world exists within the bounds of London with magic teeming in the streets and flowing through the blood of witches and their covens. Learn about different powers and abilities alongside the characters while trying to break a curse, keep each other safe and not lose your heart. A novel filled with betrayal, familial love and a deadly curse.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘝𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘪 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴

Deftly written with many intricate storylines that the author kept a good track off. This was a dense book and sometimes suffered for it but ultimately an enjoyable 2nd book and I’m looking forward to the next one after that cliffhanger.

Cari Thomas has been a sure fire ‘she produces amazing books’ author and I LOVE this series. So I could not wait to get well and truly stuck in and it was everythingggg.

So happy to be back. It’s so well constructed you feel as if you’ve literally stepped into another world and the escapism is next level. The writing is seriously amazing and even though it’d been a fair while since I read the previous book, I found that I slipped effortlessly back into this world like I’d never left it.

The cursed sisters. The forbidden boy. Magic. It couldn’t have hooked me more if it tried.

Even though it’s a fair chonk of a book, it didn’t make for hard reading and I normally struggle with 500+ page books as it can be harder to remain engaged if it doesn’t keep up with good pacing but it was perfect. In fact, if anything, I wanted it to be longer! I could have read 1000+ pages and still wanted more.

Effie continues to absolutely infuriate me and I love to hate her, Anna you long for her to break free from her fear and discover who she is and the underpinning curse throughout the story is so compelling. Also, as Rowan is my absolute favourite character, I loved catching up with her and seeing her within the story. Manda too and Attis - they make for one epic coven.

It was just as good as I hoped it would be and as ever, I can’t wait for the next instalment of the series. GAH I’m so happy to be back reading this world and now I’ve finished it, I feel bereft. And after such an amazing ending too! Counting down the days until the next now, I need it yesterday!!

I absolutely adored Threadnedle, Cari Thomas' first book in this dark YA witchy series and have been impatiently waiting for a sequel for that seems like forever, so was delighted when Shadowstitch popped up on Netgalley, knocking a few months off my waiting time.

We are whisked straight back into the story, although with plenty of reminders of the major turning points for people like me with memories like sieves (all sequels should have a recap at the front imo). Anna is struggling with her change in circumstances, guilt for her role in her aunt's death and fear thanks to both her curse and what that means for her, Effie and Attis, and her conviction that the Hunters are on the rise, just as her aunt always said. Oh, and she is haunted by her aunt, seeing her in reflections, hearing her laugh... Returning to school doesn't mean a return to normality. Anna and her friends are being openly called witches and an investigator has been appointed, one with sweeping powers and an army of prefects ready to do his bidding. All Anna wants to do is put the past behind her, get on with her exams and break the curse, but a series of hysterical events are sweeping London, the clamour against witches is getting louder and her situation with Effie and Attis more complicated by the day.

It took me a while to get into this book, partly because the first few chapters of Anna moping are a little slow and densly written, the stitching motif maybe overused a little, but once we got into school and the plot took off, I was as hooked by the sequel as I was by the original, the tension racheting up page by page until it reaches a thrilling, cliffhanging end which has left me just as impatient for book three as I was for this. Highly recommended.

This was fun and fast paced with an interesting story and well rounded characters. It was well written but a little bit too YA for my personal tastes
The story moves along quickly which keeps you engaged all the way through and it was a good follow up to the first book

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc