Book Review: These Infinite Threads (This Woven Kingdom, #2)
As a fan of Tahereh Mafi’s earlier works, I was both excited and cautious to dive into These Infinite Threads, the second installment in the This Woven Kingdom series. Mafi’s lyrical prose enchanted me in the past, but after my experience with the first book, I couldn’t shake the feeling of trepidation. Would this book rekindle my love for her writing, or would it further solidify my reservations? Unfortunately, it appears to cycle back into a familiar pattern for me—one of disappointment.
A Day in the Life… or Is It?
One glaring issue with These Infinite Threads is its pacing. The entire story unfolds within a mere 24 hours, creating a suffocating sense of urgency that nearly overwhelmed me. While real-time narratives can be thrilling, the execution here felt rushed. Characters seemed to transition through emotional arcs that, while they were presented as profound, lacked the necessary time to breathe and develop organically. For instance, Alizeh and Cyrus’s relationship—rife with tension and potential—felt incredibly forced, as they go from adversaries to emotional caretakers within the span of hours. This rapid pace left me skeptical rather than enchanted.
A Writing Style That Misses the Mark
Mafi’s dialogue, which I had hoped would shine, instead felt stilted and overly ornate. It seemed as though she was trying too hard to demonstrate her growth as a writer. The lines were laden with smart-sounding phrases that fell flat. While literary flair can dazzle, it shouldn’t overshadow character authenticity.
Alizeh, once a compelling heroine, was reduced to a repetitive chorus of “How dare you,” a phrase she uttered a staggering 16 times. This became more of a comedic note than a dramatic assertion—yet it didn’t feel intentional. I yearned for depth and complexity from her character, but instead, I saw fragments of her former self overshadowed by contrived reactions and clichés.
Characters That Waver
Speaking of characters, let’s address them briefly. Kamran? I skimmed through his chapters after finding him insufferable. In contrast, Cyrus offered a glimmer of hope amid the dissatisfaction, but ultimately felt like just another collection of common tropes. I can’t help but feel that Mafi didn’t fully capitalize on their potential. Characters deserve to be fleshed out, but here, they seemed like hollow shadows of what they could be.
Romance in Fast Forward
The romance, a pivotal element of any Mafi novel, left me wanting. Cyrus and Alizeh’s quick progression from disdain to affection was bewildering. Their sweet moments were overshadowed by the absurdity of their rapid emotional shifts. “How could you?” one might ask, but when Alyzah’s sentiments change at the speed of light, it diminishes sincerity. In a narrative that promises enemies to lovers, it felt less like a battle of hearts and more like a hasty resolution just to meet a plot point.
The Verdict
In conclusion, These Infinite Threads may find a home with devoted followers of the first installment, but for many, it might slide into the realm of mismanaged hopes. While I appreciate Mafi’s attempts to weave together rich themes of destiny and love, the execution fell short of deeply engaging storytelling. If you’re a reader who thrives on emotional nuance and well-paced narratives, this sequel may not resonate. However, if you enjoyed This Woven Kingdom, you might just find comfort in the familiar beats of Mafi’s world.
As I close this chapter, I’m reminded that not every book can strike gold, and not every author’s evolution aligns with our tastes. Here’s hoping for a brighter shine in the next journey!
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