Look… Urban Fantasy is not something my hand necessarily reaches for, nor are stories that have fae in them, but luckily I am the type of reader that will give a go at anything for a chance that it all works out in my, the reader’s, best interests (meaning a good hell of a time had).

For me, By a Silver Thread had a difficult start. I just felt there was too much info-dumping happening and I wanted the story to reveal itself to me as opposed to reading more background info, or description, or read about the MCs love of noodles… I didn’t want any of that until I had at least an inkling of momentum. Luckily, once I hit around-about 30% mark, I was pretty much glued to the book. In fact, I recall being a bit pissed off for having to stop reading to go to work. Every reader knows that this is one of the best compliments a book can have.

Aaron has cleverly created this central issue for our main character where she has a sort of race against time on her hands. Such a simple concept but it immediately adds a level of urgency to the story. But Aaron doesn’t rest on laurels after adding this urgency-element, she actually adds a nice twisting path during the countdown that balances out waiting for the unsurprising culmination point. That is all to say that Aaron knows how to keep the reader entertained and the story rolling on nicely!

By a Silver Thread had some interesting concepts. For one, our main character is not human, but a changeling named Lola who is being controlled by a human “blood mage” named Victor Conrath. Victor is like a human version of the pact making devil. I liked how much the beliefs and the magic and magical beings were made to rely on human’s belief. Particularly, upon turning the concept on the head – you believe it, it exists. I liked all of the characters introduced in this story, good and not so good, because they were each, even if on page for a brief time, somehow larger than life. Also, the action scenes? Hello, action scenes… very creative and fun to follow!

I had a really good time with this book. The story is wholesome, the central concepts give space for reader to understand the importance of close, caring relationships and also the importance of small yet enjoyable moments, like eating your favorite food or the importance of breakfast, or a hug and a kind word. I absolutely plan to continue reading Lola’s story in the sequel and explore Aaron‘s other works.

Huh… and just like that, I am no longer quite so opposed to Urban Fantasy and faes. Thank you, Rachel Aaron!

PS! Whilst I was at first a bit surprised at the intimate scene that appeared as I had sort of hoped it wasn’t going to go down the usual route, I have to admit that after some consideration… I get it, Lola, I’d totally tap that, too!