Genres: Fantasy Romance, Romantic Fantasy, Epic Fantasy | Release Date: 11 August 2026 | Series: The Thread That Binds Us | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 384 | Publisher: New Dawn | Review
“You were always meant to be my reckoning.”
Helena Potter
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to Helena Potter and New Dawn Publishing, for letting me read an ARC of The Thread That Binds Us! This debut is just the first instalment in a romantic fantasy trilogy, but I’m here to already tell you that Helena is an author you’ll want to be following. Turn on all the notifications: for Helena’s socials, her author profile on Amazon, everywhere! Yet before I go any further, let’s give you an overview…
Yiva Ulfrik has long since stopped placing a value on her life. She gambles, she drinks, and she pretends that she’s never wanted more for herself than this. But she has. When Yiva is called up to participate in a deadly quest, she knows she’s already at a disadvantage—cartographers aren’t taught to fight. But when the King’s Blade is tasked with her training, Yiva will find no sympathy from this legendary warrior. Aksel will push her until she either breaks or becomes stronger. And he won’t accept the former. Can Yiva and a ragtag crew succeed in this quest, when everyone else has failed? Why is this lost artifact so necessary to everyone’s survival? The world is on a knife’s edge… And Yiva’s choice could push it to ruin.
The gorgeous dragon by Dirty Paws Australia has also given his seal of approval.
Happiness Boost:
The Thread That Binds Us reminded my why I love this romantasy genre down to my very bones. Within this tale? We get emotional turmoil, perilous choices that will tip the scales at the slightest breath of a secret, and a forced proximity romance which has left me reeling for reasons I won’t say here. Because—obviously—spoilers. If you remember nothing else in this review, do remember this: Helena Potter is an author to watch. Because this debut? It isn’t just a wonderful romantasy with tropes we all know and love (although of course it has this in spades)… It’s also a story which seems to effortlessly sprinkle some kind of alluring magic over the reader after just a few words. But keep playing this tune, Helena. I’ll follow your pied piper ways anywhere.
I’m afraid I became a little bit unhinged at one point… And those who follow my Instagram stories will know the screeching I’m referring to. But Helena Potter completely obliterated my heart at a certain stage, and I was literally sobbing in the sunshine… So I think I’m entitled to the screeching, right?? You are *not* going to sail through this romantasy without losing a piece of yourself, glitterbugs. But the tears you’ll shed? Just embrace it. You’ll thank Helena for it. Although heaven help me with the rest of the trilogy if she can already eviscerate me in book one!
The Thread That Binds Us gave me chills. There were plot twists within this story I could never predict, and I like to think I have a good handle on the genre at this point? But Helena just said ‘Hold my beverage of choice’ and gave us a fantasy I’m still incoherent over. Seriously, it’s been days since I meant to write my review… But here I am, still gobsmacked and struggling to tell you just how brilliant this story is. But let’s make that a happiness boost, because I promise it’s certainly a compliment in my eyes!
Downside:
There’s no downside for me, aside from the agonising wait for the next instalment!
Final Thoughts:
The Thread That Binds Us by Helena Potter is an emotionally devastating romantasy debut, featuring an incredible found family and a defiant hope in the face of ruin. Saying I’m a fan honestly doesn’t do justice to the love I have for this book. But Helena? Brace yourself. Because you’ve got this bookworm hooked for life, and I *will* be talking about you and your writing to anyone and everyone who’ll listen. Especially how well you can hit the heart—because nothing more accurately says I’m friends with someone than telling them ‘Read this book, it made me cry!’ Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on either of the links below to pre-order this incredible romantasy debut! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order The Threads That Bind Us via these links:
