Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee

About Gates of Thread and Stone:

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’t know where her ability comes from—or where she came from. All that matters is that she and Reev stay together, and maybe one day move out of the freight container they call home, away from the metal walls of the Labyrinth. Kai’s only friend is Avan, the shopkeeper’s son with the scandalous reputation that both frightens and intrigues her.

Then Reev disappears. When keeping silent and safe means losing him forever, Kai vows to do whatever it takes to find him. 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, her friendship with Avan, and her unique power.

Lori M. Lee makes her debut with this captivating YA fantasy.

My Rating: 5 Stars

First, I was captivated by the cover. Isn't it gorgeous? Then, the story drew me right in. The world building is breathtaking, even if the world itself is dark, dangerous, and unfair for many. You learn that this world exists after the Rebirth, and these are the remaining survivors of the great war. Kai is the ultimate survivor. She is street smart and careful, yet she's not hardened, which I really loved. She is brave and fiercely protects those she loves, maybe even those she doesn't, as we see in the first chapter how compassionate she can be to a stranger even when her personal cost is high.

There is a mystery element woven throughout. Kai's childhood memories are lost, and she doesn't know where she comes from. She only knows Reev, the boy who took her in and made them a family. Early on, Reev goes missing, and Kai begins her journey to find him. Kai's friend, Avan, joins her. The budding relationship between them is sweet and very well paced. I like that Kai has a head on her shoulders and doesn't allow herself to lose focus on her goal. Find Reev first, romance later. She is a smart, independent heroine and makes a great role model.

The imaginative way Ms. Lee built this world was as fascinating as it was thorough. The Outlands, the Void, and everything Kai and Avan encounter along the way was described so well. I could picture it all in my mind. The mix of technology, like the Grays, and magic was very unique.

I would have a hard time classifying this book. It's listed as YA Fantasy, but its truly a story any age could enjoy. It's fantasy, dystopian, and science fiction with adventure, romance and mythical elements sprinkled in. The ending both surprised and delighted me. I already have The Infinite (Gates of Thread and Stone #2) ordered and on its way. I can't wait to read it!