SPFBOX Status: Finalist
Rate: 8.5/10
Medium: Audiobook
Overview (No Spoilers):
Lola is a monster. Well, she’ll turn into one without the appropriate medicine from her master, the blood mage, Victor Conrath. In return for the magic that sustains her, Lola has worked for Victor for over 20 years, wearing many different faces as he’s built his illegal empire. When Victor disappears unexpectedly, leaving her with a limited stash of pills, Lola is up against the clock to find him before her monster is no longer held at bay (as well as being on the receiving end of some very unhappy customers and law enforcement). Along the way, Lola encounters situations and questionable characters where each new piece of the puzzle only seems to obscure the larger picture. Will Lola be able to find Victor before she runs out of time?
I have to say it was genius of Aaron to include the number of pills poor, frazzled Lola has left at the start of each chapter. It helps maintain a looming sense of dread, reminding us of how rapidly Lola’s stash is dwindling. All the while, Lola is an easy character to root for, especially considering how she first finds herself in Victor’s employ. And although I was happy for any joy Lola could find in her lonely life, choosing to include romantic aspects when every minute matters did take me out of the story a bit.
As the story progresses, the motivations and backstories of the supporting cast around her are kept rather vague, adding an element of mystery, as you never quite know whose allegiances are uncompromised. There are plenty of interactions and altercations that will keep you guessing. From an analytical standpoint, I thoroughly enjoyed how Aaron takes all of the small facts and oddities that Lola uncovers and masterfully ties them all together for a plan that has been decades in the making.
As a Michigander, I loved that By a Silver Thread is set in an alternate version of Detroit, renamed the Detroit Free Zone (DFZ). Aaron imagined a technologically-advanced world where magic has recently returned and powerful beings rule cities. Interestingly, part of what makes some beings powerful and the restrictions they might have is based on how much belief is placed in them by humans, like with urban legends. Aaron pulled inspiration for DFZ’s ruling entity from a familiar and much-loved statue, the Spirit of Detroit. There were other references too that brought a burst of nostalgia every time I heard them. Plus, somehow in this modern city, Aaron weaves in dragons as commonplace which is a fun element that is not often found in modern-day fantasy.
Overall, By A Silver Thread is a highly entertaining race against time, with new complications arising by the page as competitors begin to sense Lola and her allies’ unexpected weaknesses.
Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound):
- Will Lola’s “sister” wake up? Will she know anything about what happened to her and her time with the Underground King? Will she have magical abilities? Will she accept Lola?
- Will Victor’s new-found hero status make him invincible?
- Will Lola still be able to go through Victor’s wards, if needed, without his blood since she’s a changeling?
- How long will it take for Morgan to rebuild? Will she able to retake her barrow and queen status from Alva?
- Does Lola still have magic in the vessel from people’s fear/curiosity of Fenrir?
- Can Lola still turn into the monster if she wants to or would that just be more of an illusion as a changeling?
- Are Lola and her sister able to eat anything without consequence as guests of Tristan’s apartment?
- Did Simon survive? Could Lola have saved him by removing his picture from Victor’s vessel?
- Will Buster forgive Lola for the fear she caused in her monster form?
The Critiquing Chemist 