In the sequel to Threadneedle, Shadowstitch weaves a captivating tale of cursed love, witchcraft, and coming-of-age, set against the atmospheric backdrop of London. The story follows Anna, haunted by her aunt’s death and living in fear of a family curse destined to pit her against her sister over the same boy. Amidst this turmoil, a witch hunt sweeps across London, adding a layer of madness to the mix.
Cari Thomas’s banter and sharp one-liners perfectly capture the essence of teenage British humour, creating a vivid portrayal of English schools, London’s landscape, and a world gripped by conspiracy theories, fuelled by the internet. The combination of these elements makes for a spellbinding read.
Effie, a complex and manipulative character, brings both strength and trouble to the coven. She’s confident and well-connected but often leads the group into conflicts. The coven’s dynamic, enhanced by Thomas’s breezy dialogue, showcases how well the characters work together despite their differences.
The Christmas chapters evoke a warm, nostalgic feeling reminiscent of the Weasleys from Harry Potter, and the gardening magic is a delightful touch. Bertie, in particular, stands out as a character worthy of her own book. It was actually a nice reprieve from the tension and overall darkness of the book, and part of me wishes there were more to the Christmas chapters.
The novel introduces dark themes relevant to our current reality, though it occasionally diverts from the main plot of the curse. This book felt…long compared to Threadneedle. It was almost like much of it could have been tightened. I’m not sure if this is because the book is to be a trilogy and has fallen victim to a murky middle, or just poor editing. This might have been more streamlined as a duology, but the full judgment awaits the release of the third book.
One of the standout aspects is the protagonist, Anna, who grows significantly throughout the story. She is a relatable character, cautious yet determined to do good and save those she loves. Her journey of self-discovery and embracing her power is compelling and heartwarming.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. While the author’s careful crafting of each chapter is commendable, the wait for the finale will be a challenging one for fans as the second book wasn’t as riveting as the first.
Shadowstitch is an immersive and engaging read, with well-developed characters, rich atmosphere, and a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Despite its length, I will be counting down the days until the next release.
Shadowstitch is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Anna survived the attempt to bind her magic, but Anna and her coven aren’t free from danger yet.
Haunted by her aunt’s death, living in fear of her curse, and fated to love the one man she can never have, the last thing Anna needs is a witch hunt. Now she must conceal her magic once more or risk losing everything.
But when deadly hysteria strikes across the capital, and in her own school, the coven are left dangerously exposed. Delving deeper into the magical underworld of London, Anna and Effie must find a way to work together to protect the coven.
But as the witch hunt intensifies and the hysteria spirals out of control, can Effie and Anna truly trust each other?
