Dark, twisting and utterly addictive. Threadneedle is the witchy fantasy to read this summer.
Anna may have been born a witch, but she's been brought up to believe magic is too dangerous to practice, and her aunt will go to any lengths to make her to resist its call. When Effie arrives from New York, Anna's life of secrets, sewing and pain is turned upside down. But as rumours buzz around her school, causing decay and devastation, Anna starts to wonder if there's a reason Aunt stops her from practicing magic, and whether continuing to do so will put everyone she cares about in danger.
Thomas's world building is superb - in Threadneedle, magic never takes just one form. From knots to herbs, there's a different language to discover with the introduction of every new character, each more exciting than the last. There are also magical shops, clubs and a creepy library readers will desperately want to visit.
Threadneedle charts the ups and downs of female friendship, as well as the life-changing impact of finding people you fit with when you've spent most of your life as an outsider. I loved the friendships between Anna, Effie and the rest of the coven, and their bond was one of this novel's greatest strengths.
The writing is also really special, with beautiful, lyrical language and gorgeous descriptions. This novel really was a treat to read.
Anna's aunt is one of the most unsettling villains I have come across in a while, but I have a felling things will take an even darker turn in the next book.
I was provided with an advanced copy of Threadneedle for review via Netgalley.