367 books
—
1,506 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Gates of Thread and Stone (Gates of Thread and Stone #1)” as Want to Read:
Gates of Thread and Stone
(Gates of Thread and Stone #1)
by
In the Labyrinth, we had a saying: keep silent, keep still, keep safe.
In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time. When Kai was eight, she was found by Reev on the riverbank, and her “brother” has taken care of her ever since. Kai doesn ...more
In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time. When Kai was eight, she was found by Reev on the riverbank, and her “brother” has taken care of her ever since. Kai doesn ...more
Hardcover, 335 pages
Published
August 5th 2014
by Skyscape
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Gates of Thread and Stone,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Gates of Thread and Stone (Gates of Thread and Stone #1)

Just in case you missed the blurb, let me remind us all what this book is supposed to be about:
In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time... She will leave the only home she’s ever known and risk getting caught up in a revolution centuries in the making. But to save Reev, Kai must unravel the threads of her past and face shocking truths about her brother, ...more
In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time... She will leave the only home she’s ever known and risk getting caught up in a revolution centuries in the making. But to save Reev, Kai must unravel the threads of her past and face shocking truths about her brother, ...more

Unfortunately, I had difficulty connecting to the main characters (Kai, Reev or Avan) of Lori Lee’s Gates of Thread and Stone (Gates of Thread and Stone #1) for most of the book. I kept holding out hope because I felt the writing was good and the pacing worked. Gates of Thread and Stone gets more interesting as we move to the conclusion and learn more about where Kai’s magic comes from. Still, that was a long time without feeling very invested in what happened. So I can’t say I was overwhelmed b
...more

Jun 11, 2014
Valeria Andrea
marked it as to-read
This gave me a huge Tessa Gray vive. Seriously. I mean, with that Cover (pretty little thing, don't take me wrong) plus the "brother" thing & all the mysterious magic that's just too much to ignore.
So, Tessa's reincarnation, what do you say?
With some random Will, how about that.
I just... I love & miss Tessa so much * tear*
She can't never be replaced, but I will still give this a shot. ...more
So, Tessa's reincarnation, what do you say?
With some random Will, how about that.
I just... I love & miss Tessa so much * tear*
She can't never be replaced, but I will still give this a shot. ...more

4.5 stars
As voracious readers, we’ve learned to fear debut authors combined with gorgeous covers. It’s a Pavlovian reflex of sorts: see a pretty dress, get a panic attack and run. But the very conditioned response that keeps us away from sad excuses for literature could do some serious damage in this case. Why? Because The Gates of Thread and Stone is more than just a pretty cover. It’s perhaps one of the best books I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year.
All the unexpected developments lyin ...more
As voracious readers, we’ve learned to fear debut authors combined with gorgeous covers. It’s a Pavlovian reflex of sorts: see a pretty dress, get a panic attack and run. But the very conditioned response that keeps us away from sad excuses for literature could do some serious damage in this case. Why? Because The Gates of Thread and Stone is more than just a pretty cover. It’s perhaps one of the best books I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year.
All the unexpected developments lyin ...more

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee
Book One of the Gates of Thread and Stone series
Publisher: Skyscape
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
In the Labyrinth, we had a saying: keep silent, keep still, keep safe.
In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of ...more
Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee
Book One of the Gates of Thread and Stone series
Publisher: Skyscape
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
In the Labyrinth, we had a saying: keep silent, keep still, keep safe.
In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of ...more

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley.)
This started out okay, but I lost interest.
Kai was an okay character, and she certainly wanted more than anything to find her brother.
The storyline in this just lost me. I got bored, I didn’t care what was going on, and I just wanted to put this book down and never pick it up again.
There was some romance, and it was sweet, I wasn’t particularly interested though.
The end ...more
This started out okay, but I lost interest.
Kai was an okay character, and she certainly wanted more than anything to find her brother.
The storyline in this just lost me. I got bored, I didn’t care what was going on, and I just wanted to put this book down and never pick it up again.
There was some romance, and it was sweet, I wasn’t particularly interested though.
The end ...more

DNF at 52% because this girl was horny beyond sense or reason.

Not since Shatter Me have I encountered a book whose "what the what writing" distracted me so wholly and laughably. There was a good 10% of the book where I was engaged...but then I couldn't. BECAUSE THE HORNS.
There are some convincing reviews out there so maybe someday I'll attempt this again...but for now I just can't. BECAUSE THE HORNS.

Not since Shatter Me have I encountered a book whose "what the what writing" distracted me so wholly and laughably. There was a good 10% of the book where I was engaged...but then I couldn't. BECAUSE THE HORNS.
There are some convincing reviews out there so maybe someday I'll attempt this again...but for now I just can't. BECAUSE THE HORNS.
1) We’d been friends for long enough that he shouldn’t have affected me anymore, but try tell...more

Sep 27, 2016
Rusty's Ghost Engine (also known as.......... Jinky Spring)
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
high-fantasy
spoiler:
I was lucky enough to be able to read this on my kindle unlimited trial which is nearly at an end. Such an engaging book I've hidden the spoilers as a reminder for if I am to continue this series and because I don't know if I'll have a chance to read this again.
(view spoiler) ...more
I was lucky enough to be able to read this on my kindle unlimited trial which is nearly at an end. Such an engaging book I've hidden the spoilers as a reminder for if I am to continue this series and because I don't know if I'll have a chance to read this again.
(view spoiler) ...more

www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
That was a really good book! Kai and her brother Reev just try to get through each day without any trouble finding them. Kai works as a mail carrier and Reev is a bouncer/guard at some sleazy bar. They earn credits for a living through work.
Kai can thread and weave time, it's just too cool when she does it. She has no idea what she really is and when she finds out it's.. well pretty shocking to her.
Her brother Reev gets taken by the evil Kahl Ninu to fight i ...more
That was a really good book! Kai and her brother Reev just try to get through each day without any trouble finding them. Kai works as a mail carrier and Reev is a bouncer/guard at some sleazy bar. They earn credits for a living through work.
Kai can thread and weave time, it's just too cool when she does it. She has no idea what she really is and when she finds out it's.. well pretty shocking to her.
Her brother Reev gets taken by the evil Kahl Ninu to fight i ...more

Rating: 2.5 Stars
I felt hopeful, sliding open the cover of Gates of Thread and Stone. Lee's debut begins with promise, introducing us to Kai, a fierce and headstrong heroine whose ability to slow down time is refreshingly unique. Moreover, the first few chapters of this novel present us with an intriguing fantasy world, one in which Kai, living practically in the slums, must earn credits--opposed to hard cash--to rise above her rank. Kai, who was adopted by an orphan boy, Reev, when she was eigh ...more
I felt hopeful, sliding open the cover of Gates of Thread and Stone. Lee's debut begins with promise, introducing us to Kai, a fierce and headstrong heroine whose ability to slow down time is refreshingly unique. Moreover, the first few chapters of this novel present us with an intriguing fantasy world, one in which Kai, living practically in the slums, must earn credits--opposed to hard cash--to rise above her rank. Kai, who was adopted by an orphan boy, Reev, when she was eigh ...more

Thank you netgalley for providing me this book in exchange of an honest review
Okay I'll be perfectly honest here, this book was a bit better than I first thought it would be, as the reviews in goodreads wasn't high and I did not have to request to read this book in netgalley it was just there . Therefore I did not have a high expectation, but luckily this book exceed it/
I thought the concept was pretty interesting and unique as it's base of a mythology thats really originally, as Kai the prot ...more
Okay I'll be perfectly honest here, this book was a bit better than I first thought it would be, as the reviews in goodreads wasn't high and I did not have to request to read this book in netgalley it was just there . Therefore I did not have a high expectation, but luckily this book exceed it/
I thought the concept was pretty interesting and unique as it's base of a mythology thats really originally, as Kai the prot ...more

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me this book to review.
In the city of Ninurta, 17 year old Kai has the ability to manipulate the threads of time but only one man, the ruler of Ninurta, is meant to possess magic. Kai has no memories from the age of 8 since her adoptive brother, Reev found her on the river bank. When Reev disappears, Kai vows to find him no matter what it takes and with her only friend Avan, she leaves the only home she has ever known. To save Reev, Kai must u ...more
In the city of Ninurta, 17 year old Kai has the ability to manipulate the threads of time but only one man, the ruler of Ninurta, is meant to possess magic. Kai has no memories from the age of 8 since her adoptive brother, Reev found her on the river bank. When Reev disappears, Kai vows to find him no matter what it takes and with her only friend Avan, she leaves the only home she has ever known. To save Reev, Kai must u ...more

What I like to do when a certain book catches my attention is to read some of it's reviews here on Goodreads. What makes this particular book interesting is that it has so many different reviews. Some of my friends really liked it while others found it boring. That made me curious about how I'm going to feel about this story.
I can gladly say I had a good time reading this novel.
To be perfectly honest with you, I don't really know where to put it when it comes to genre declaration. Maybe in the e ...more
I can gladly say I had a good time reading this novel.
To be perfectly honest with you, I don't really know where to put it when it comes to genre declaration. Maybe in the e ...more

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Kai lives a semi-normal life in the Labryinth with her adoptive brother, Reev. Well as normal as living in the slums can be, with no memory of who she was before her brother found her when she was 8, and to add to all that she harbors a magical secret. A magical secret she must keep hidden or risk being caught by king Ninu. Kai is able to keep her abilities hidden until a fateful day delivering mail she's attacked, uses her ability to save herself, & ends up stabbing h ...more
Kai lives a semi-normal life in the Labryinth with her adoptive brother, Reev. Well as normal as living in the slums can be, with no memory of who she was before her brother found her when she was 8, and to add to all that she harbors a magical secret. A magical secret she must keep hidden or risk being caught by king Ninu. Kai is able to keep her abilities hidden until a fateful day delivering mail she's attacked, uses her ability to save herself, & ends up stabbing h ...more

3 Stars
A spiraling rewind through time, in a twisted world where magic thrives and danger rules, the GATES OF THREAD AND STONE had a fascinating plot, though did not live up to all my exceptions, but was still engaging enough to keep me reading until the end.
The GATES OF THREAD AND STONE was a totally different book then I thought it to be, and not as good as I hoped either. First, the plot was different then I anticipated, and confusing as hell at some parts. Their were a lot of parts where t ...more

I was probably less enamored with it the 2nd time around but I still really loved this story. It sucked me right in and it just got better and better. some parts...especially near the end, were confusing....and whereas I can usually picture things from books in my head...I found it difficult at times for this one. I love Kai and I really REALLY love Aven, haha, so I'm really excited to start the sequel!!
...more

An advance copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
I'll admit that seeing some of my good friends and fellow bloggers not enjoying Gates of Thread and Stone as much as they had anticipated -- or at all, in some cases -- had me pretty worried about what to expect from this book. I'll also admit that there are definitely times where the world-building gets a tad confusing and more than a little complic ...more
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
I'll admit that seeing some of my good friends and fellow bloggers not enjoying Gates of Thread and Stone as much as they had anticipated -- or at all, in some cases -- had me pretty worried about what to expect from this book. I'll also admit that there are definitely times where the world-building gets a tad confusing and more than a little complic ...more

RATING: 3.5 Stars
Gates of Thread and Stone was a nice start to a series that will grab you with its creativity. Although I switched my rating from a 4-stars one to a 3-stars, and then changed it back, it's probably somewhere in the middle. Not quite loved it, definitely liked it, kept me up all night, but, nonetheless, a few things bugged me.
I'll start with the things I disliked. My biggest issue I had with GoTaS was the pace. I'm a sucker for action-driven plots and unfortunately, this book wa ...more
Gates of Thread and Stone was a nice start to a series that will grab you with its creativity. Although I switched my rating from a 4-stars one to a 3-stars, and then changed it back, it's probably somewhere in the middle. Not quite loved it, definitely liked it, kept me up all night, but, nonetheless, a few things bugged me.
I'll start with the things I disliked. My biggest issue I had with GoTaS was the pace. I'm a sucker for action-driven plots and unfortunately, this book wa ...more

http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.nl/2...
I liked it. I didn’t fall in love with it the way I thought I would, but it’s a very solid story that promise something good for the sequels.
Kai’s brother Reev disappears and she is willing to do anything to get him back: even if that means she has to look for the Black Rider, a feared and mysterious man. Together with her youth friend Avan, a guy she secretly fancies, she hunts him down and he has to face some shocking truths about herself.
I liked the wri ...more
I liked it. I didn’t fall in love with it the way I thought I would, but it’s a very solid story that promise something good for the sequels.
Kai’s brother Reev disappears and she is willing to do anything to get him back: even if that means she has to look for the Black Rider, a feared and mysterious man. Together with her youth friend Avan, a guy she secretly fancies, she hunts him down and he has to face some shocking truths about herself.
I liked the wri ...more

An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Kai is one determined young lady..She seems like she's incapable of even finding her brother, but by the end she goes through a transformation that was really nice to see. I did admire the fact that Kai wasn't automatically amazing at everything she does. She struggles a lot. It's refreshing to have a character who isn't so good at everything. Detailed descriptions of the world and its history, but then the ...more
Kai is one determined young lady..She seems like she's incapable of even finding her brother, but by the end she goes through a transformation that was really nice to see. I did admire the fact that Kai wasn't automatically amazing at everything she does. She struggles a lot. It's refreshing to have a character who isn't so good at everything. Detailed descriptions of the world and its history, but then the ...more

So lots of my friends didn't like this one, but I felt it was a good, solid read and a great start to a series. I still am not certain if it is a fantasy or a dystopian or a little of both. I understand there is magic, but there were so many references to a previous society and a collapse that I was wondering if we were supposed to assume that it was a dystopian. The supernatural elements in the form of immortals was done well. I really felt that the world that was created was well thought out a
...more

This book started off strong but couldn't hold my interest. It was very different than what I thought it would be and not in a good way. There were a lot of highs and lows in terms of the quality of the story, which was a little frustrating as a reader because as soon as I got interested in the book, a boring part would proceed it.
This wasn't a terrible read, and I am tempted to give the sequel a chance since it has better ratings than this. Hopefully the next book will be an improvement upon t ...more

I had my eye on Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee ever since I first saw the blurb, and I'm glad to say the story more than lived up to the beautiful cover! There's so much originality here, and so many cool elements (time manipulation, mythology, even a dash of steampunk). Highly recommended!
...more
...more

3.5 Infinite Stars
It was an OK read...up until the last 1/4 of it...then I couldn't put it down!
...more
It was an OK read...up until the last 1/4 of it...then I couldn't put it down!
...more

Look at this cover!!!! It's so pretty!!!! Unfortunately, the cover and the synopsis fooled me.
What I expected:
a cool setting like the labyrinth hinted at in the synopsis
interesting magical powers
a slightly historical fantasy setting
a strong sibling bond
What I got:
no labyrinth. The labyrinth wasn't really described at all and the characters left it behind within the first couple of chapters
Kai's magical powers were cool, no doubt and the three times (I don't think it was more) she used them was f ...more
What I expected:
a cool setting like the labyrinth hinted at in the synopsis
interesting magical powers
a slightly historical fantasy setting
a strong sibling bond
What I got:
no labyrinth. The labyrinth wasn't really described at all and the characters left it behind within the first couple of chapters
Kai's magical powers were cool, no doubt and the three times (I don't think it was more) she used them was f ...more

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
4.5 stars
First Thoughts
And with that opening paragraph, I ...more
4.5 stars
First Thoughts
Death lived in a glass tower in the center of the White Court. I could see the tower from anywhere in the city. It cut the skyline like a blade. Death--she probably had a real name--was Kahl Ninu's right hand and his personal executioner. Or, at least, that's what the rumors said. I didn't really care if they were true so long as it wasn't my head on the chopping block.
And with that opening paragraph, I ...more

Check out my review + storyboard at The Quirky Reader!
4.5 stars Immediately after reading the synopsis, I knew I was going to love this book. It had that air of awesomeness around it, for lack of a better term. And I was right, I did enjoy this read even if it took a piece of my heart with it.
Gates of Thread and Stone is very reminiscent of the Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo. From the female heroine gifted with an otherworldly ability to the rich and intricate culture of this fantasy realm, no ...more
4.5 stars Immediately after reading the synopsis, I knew I was going to love this book. It had that air of awesomeness around it, for lack of a better term. And I was right, I did enjoy this read even if it took a piece of my heart with it.
Gates of Thread and Stone is very reminiscent of the Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo. From the female heroine gifted with an otherworldly ability to the rich and intricate culture of this fantasy realm, no ...more

Jul 02, 2014
Marie
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
arc,
cover-love,
ebook,
netgalley,
review-book,
wibbly-wobbly-timey-wimey,
swoonworthy-guy,
read-in-2014,
favorites
4.5 stars
When I read the synopsis of Gates of Thread and Stone, I was really excited. Plus, I mean, that cover is just so beautiful and eye-catching, right? Between the cover and synopsis, I had extremely high hopes for Gates of Thread and Stone, and I’m thrilled to say it lived up to my expectations. This book drew me in from the first page and held my attention right to the last page. It was gripping, exciting, mysterious, and well written, with a tightly woven, inventive plot.
I really liked K ...more
When I read the synopsis of Gates of Thread and Stone, I was really excited. Plus, I mean, that cover is just so beautiful and eye-catching, right? Between the cover and synopsis, I had extremely high hopes for Gates of Thread and Stone, and I’m thrilled to say it lived up to my expectations. This book drew me in from the first page and held my attention right to the last page. It was gripping, exciting, mysterious, and well written, with a tightly woven, inventive plot.
I really liked K ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
YA Buddy Readers'...: Gates of Thread and Stone (Gates of Thread and Stone #1) by Lori M. Lee - GBR - Starting October 22nd 2016 | 4 | 102 | Oct 29, 2016 05:09AM | |
YA Buddy Readers'...:
![]() |
120 | 85 | May 17, 2016 08:41PM | |
Crazy for Young A...: Gates of Thread and Stone (#1) by Lori M. Lee → Start Date: September 25, 2015 | 25 | 24 | Oct 06, 2015 10:09PM | |
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish | 1 | 4 | Mar 02, 2015 11:27AM | |
YA Book Gang!!: Gates of Thread and Stone - January 15th | 17 | 31 | Jan 18, 2015 12:04AM |
Lori is an avid writer, reader, artist, and lover of unicorns. She should probably spend less time on the internet (but she won't). She considers herself a unicorn aficianado, is fond of talking in capslock, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and family.
...more
Other books in the series
Gates of Thread and Stone
(3 books)
Related Articles
As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of young...
68 likes · 18 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“But I understood why people would want to believe in those sorts of things—they made the world feel less lonely. And you never knew what a person could do fueled by hope.”
—
6 likes
“Was I seriously ogling his wrist?”
—
5 likes
More quotes…