Feathers Sharp as Knives

Threads of El Muriseano, Book 1

By: Kristina Atkins

Narrated by: Poppy Royana

"Once I complete the wings, and you conquer the labyrinth, we'll be free."

Noblewoman and inventor: In Rialto, a city ruled by money and powered by magical thread, noblewoman Imelda Albizzi has long toiled to invent human flight. She’s spent years stitching wings with the enchanted corincanto, and finally she’s on the cusp of success. But her cousin, Rialto’s ruthless leader, threatens her future by betrothing her to a greedy foreign king. If she can sell the wings to her cousin’s political rival before the wedding, she’ll free herself to live as she wishes and marry who she wants.

Super soldier and heretic: Anselmo Errari, the man she loves, hides a secret—corincanto runs through his veins, endowing him with superhuman strength. If revealed, the priests will torture and execute him as a heretic. He’s the strongest soldier in the military, but his lowborn birth forbids him from marrying Imelda.

For years, he’s attempted to carve his way from poverty to nobility, and now he's desperate for one last gamble to join the upper classes: entering the deadly minotaur labyrinth, where he will prove himself worthy or die trying.

©2023 Kristina Atkins (P)2023 Kristina Atkins

Can't Wait for the Next Book!

Loved the world building. Very fun and look forward tonthe next book in the series.

Unique & Unforgettable

This is a brilliant debut fantasy! I can't think of any cons, but I loved...
- the super unique, and kind of gross, magic system
- the rich visuals, bringing to mind Carnival in Venice
- the tricky, sneaky politics
- the believable characters with changeable minds and motives

If you love Leigh Bardugo's Shadow & Bone and Six of Crows, you'll dig Feathers Sharp as Knives!

Also, the narration is spot on.

Fantastic!

I loved the story and plot, world building was great and the reader perfect! Can’t wait for the next book.

Beautiful world building and fascinating magic system.

Author Kris Atkins weaves a beautiful story of love and betrayal in this novel set in a richly textured fantasy landscape that pays homage to Venice, Italy. From page one, the reader is immersed in a world of strict social classes, lavish parties, and political strategy. Woven throughout the rich history and culture, magic threads both bless and curse the characters as they strive for their goals. The characters are vibrant and believable, flawed and beautifully complex. There is romance, action, intrigue, revenge, grief, and elation between each page which keeps the pacing engaging. I eagerly await the next book in the series!

What a cool magic system

A delightful read. Atkins has given us a little of everything.
A lovely tribute to Venice mixed with a fascinating magic system, adventure, heartache, love and even a few twist and turns along the way! Well done Kristina! I look forward to the next one!!