Nearly all readers share one major dilemma. After finishing a book or series that we love with all of our hearts, there's an intense desire to revisit it for the first time all over again. However, that's an impossible task--or is it? I think V.E. Schwab made the impossible possible when she decided to write The Fragile Threads of Power, giving us all the chance to visit Red London for the first time... again.

While the author has mentioned that this book can be read as a starting point, I personally believe this book should only be read after completing the Shades of Magic trilogy. Without the original story to preface this one, there would be a great deal missing, both emotionally and in relation to the plot. Aside from a handful of new faces, the cast remains the same (and their history is intrinsic to this story--from the names they've given their ships to the "jewelry" they wear).

I was lucky to buddy-read this ARC with a friend of mine. I say that I was lucky because sharing this experience with someone else who loves this world as much as I do was such a blast! Between our constant late-night texts and the ridiculous number of comments in our buddy-read chat, we probably sent over 350 notes to one another about our thoughts as we read. It definitely brought out the "chaotic reader" side in both of us! If you have the ability to read this one with a fellow Shades of Magic lover, I highly recommend it for the peak reading experience.

Since this is the first in a continuation, there were a few new characters that have yet to be fully fleshed out. While I had hoped that we would learn even more about them in this book, I'm excited to continue getting to know them as the series goes on. I have a feeling there will be a lot of great character development as the story unfolds. Tes is absolutely fascinating to me and I just know that she's going to blow us all away (I mean, she already did in this initial book, so I can only imagine that there's plenty more where that came from).

If you think you're ready for the emotional rollercoaster that is The Fragile Threads of Power, I can assure you that you're not. In the span of one chapter, you will be giggling and kicking your feet at something adorable, then proceeding to want to throw the book across the room, and finally, you'll be sobbing and thinking your heart is actually being wrenched out of your chest. It's a lot... but in the best way. Schwab never fails to astound with her stunning writing and storytelling abilities.

The only real "critique" I have about this book is actually a spoiler, which is quite frustrating. However, if you are a disabled person, you may want to know about this ahead of time. (SPOILER AHEAD): There is a magical cure trope in this book. Now, I struggle with this one, because to a degree, it felt as though it fit the story. Kell's magic has been broken and it's causing him pain, therefore, the ideal thing would be to find something that heals him. However, the way that it's approached felt slightly insensitive and made me a little bit sad to read, as Lila really pushes it on him and seems to only care about his magic, rather than caring about him as a whole individual. (SPOILER OVER) Take this one with a grain of salt, folks. I know everyone stands in a different place when it comes to this topic, but seeing as this is my review, these are my thoughts on the matter.

I'm writing this review a full two months after reading the book and I can say that, without a doubt, it is still a 5-star read. I know I will be rereading this one again and again in the future, just as I have with Shades of Magic. It felt like it was perfectly in sync with the original story and brought me so much excitement and happiness. I look forward to seeing what V.E. Schwab has up her sleeve for the coming books in this series. I know there will be even more creativity and adventure to come!

[CW: (major) Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Blood, Physical abuse, and Death, (moderate) Torture, Toxic relationship, Body horror, Misogyny, Cursing, and Murder, (minor) Gore and Vomit]

Threads of Power was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year. Schwab’s writing and world building holds such a special place in my heart, and this story did not disappoint! 🖤

I adored the fantastic magic system, the new paths of our beloved characters from the Shades of Magic trilogy, and the amazing new cast we acquired in this book (Tes is a new fave for me)! I was also really moved by the divide/rebellion in the story brought forth by the Hands.

Give me moreeee of this world and our new characters ASAP. I’m so sad it’s already over.

So I would be the first to say that you would need to read the Darker Shade of Magic first before reading this one. My mistake only because this book does contain a lot of the familiar characters that many dearly love in the V.E Schwab series.

Do you really need to read the series? Not totally, you can jump right in and follow the new list of characters and the magic system. But to understand some of the characters that emerge from the previous series, you would want to.

So that said, make sure to read that series before tackling this one. You will thank me later.
I really enjoyed this one, even though I am totally not familiar with the characters in this story, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end. The magic system, so deep and intricate that it is so freakin fascinating.

V.E Schwab has a way to create a world and a magic system that boggles your mind and causes you to consume this book at alarming speed. She does have a writing style that really fascinates me that is whimsical and very flowy. Which is not a typical writing style that I enjoy but V.E. Schwab does it with such finesse that I cannot help but love this story.

That said, the only thing I struggled with is the multiple POV’s and events in the story are constantly changing. For me it was hard to keep up with since there isn’t a real, this is this person and this is that person POV intro.

This is a great introduction to a new series and I am looking forward to this series progressing in the plot that the first book started.

Well I’m definitely buying the Shades of Magic Series now!!!
You do not have to read them before reading this but I would highly recommend it!
Fans of Shades of Magic will be stoked that the original characters are back along with new ones. You will be immersed in a world of magic, adventure and complex characters.
Schwab’s attention to detail is amazing and allows us readers to visualize the magical realms. This is a true gem.

This was just as engaging as the previous books in the series. It was a bit jarring to be 7 years in the future but it was easy to overcome.

V.E. Schwab continues to exceed my expectations! This spin off is just as magical, magnificent, and compelling!

As a fan of the Shades of Magic series, I LOVED being back in this world! I don't know how Schwab does it, but this start of the series gets even more complex and intriguing! I enjoyed the masterful way Schwab wrote the world-building and explored a new sense of magic, power, and leadership. Right from the start, I was instantly immersed in this world that soon sunk it's claws on me, as Schwab's writing always does.

It warmed my heart to be reunited with Kell, Lila, Alucard... Just some of my favorite characters that continue to live in my soul. Getting to experience them once again in a "new" way felt so bitter-sweet.

Schwab truly did a great job in opening this series for new readers in a way they wouldn't be lost, while also leaving crumbs and enough details for the fans of the Shades of Magic series to feel like we're home.

This immaculate story is one not to be missed!

Thank you to NetGalley, Tor, and Ms. Schwab for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Frankly I am in awe of Ms. Schwab's mastery of plot, of worldbuilding, of characterization. After quite a bit of time apart from the Darker Shade of Magic trilogy I was worried it would be difficult to follow the characters and plotlines I had half-forgotten. Despite a slightly slow beginning, by a couple chapters in I was HOOKED. Kosika and Tes, two of the new MCs, are superb characters. Each of the Londons feels fully realized and completely real. My favorite portions were the visits aboard the Ferase Stras - wow. What a cool setting, like a Pandora's box crossed with Aladdin's cave.

As grating as I'm sure others find her, I enjoyed Lila and she certainly livened up the pages. (I wish she had been a little more FINAL in her bouts with Bex but that's because I'm heartless, apparently.) The twists were great and there's SO MUCH I want to know and I guess I'll just sit on my hands for a year or two until the next book comes out. (PS, and I hope this is not a spoiler? but I was so so so so so happy to see a certain royal get her comeuppance. Something about her just rubs me all the way the wrong way.)

This was masterful and I loved it and I would say without reservation if you liked the original trilogy you will LOVE this. And also that I would like my own Vares. 🦉

Thanks to Tor for the copy of this book!

Wow. VE Schwab does it again. I just can’t get enough of her writing! Sometimes I get nervous than authors, dive back into a series, especially if it’s years later… But I love how this new characters along with our old friends. It was just absolute perfection and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

To start: I did not realize this was a continuation of the Shades of Magic series. I have not read those - but I will now!! - so it took me the first 20% of the book to get into it because I was trying to figure out and keep track of everyone.
BUT THEN. V.E.Schwab weaves such detail and beauty into her fantasy. So much is happening; it seems like even a tiny gesture has meaning that you're going to understand later. The story is fantastic and captivating, and I'm going to binge the first series while I wait for the next one.

V.E. Schwab is back, and ready to take you on another rollicking ride.

It’s been seven years since the events of A Conjuring of Light. Seven years since King Maxim died, and Arnes’s capital of Red London was plunged into darkness. Seven years since Black London’s monstrous ruler, Osaron, tried to destroy everything that Kell, Lila, and Rhy held dear. In the wake of the battle to save the worlds, many things have changed. Rhy Maresh is now the king of Arnes, with Alucard Emery ever by his side as his lover and bodyguard. However, Rhy is seen as a target of ire for the people of Arnes as magic seems to be fading from their world. A group known as The Hand plots to kill him, hoping that removing the magicless king from the throne will restore their own dwindling power.

Meanwhile, Lila and Kell have begun a journey on board Lila’s ship. Sailing under no flag, they secretly aid King Rhy by observing and investigating things that might be of interest to him. Kell’s own access to magic is hampered by the lingering effects of the battle with Osaron years before. As such, he’s been forced to train his martial skills under Lila Bard’s watchful eye and serving as her lieutenant aboard the ship. Lila’s magic does not seem diminished, but with the shifts the world is undergoing, it may only be a matter of time. She’s had seven years to boost her own skills since then, and she’s only grown more comfortable with her Antari nature.

And then, in Red London, there is a young girl running a repair shop. She, like Alucard Emery, has the rare gift of seeing the lines of magic that swirl around and between things and people. She’s taken to using that skill to repair magic items, and she may be the unwitting key to The Hand’s plans for King Rhy.

V.E. Schwab promised us an eventual return to the world from the Shades of Magic trilogy, and that wait has paid off many times over. The Fragile Threads of Power skillfully introduces new players and reminds of why we loved the returning characters. The new threat to the Arnesian throne feels almost too believable in a kingdom already torn between people who can access magic and those who can’t. Prepare yourself for a journey as we launch into the first book of a sequel series that promises to be just as addictive of a read as its predecessor.

My utmost thanks to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a fair review. The Fragile Threads of Power is available for purchase as of today, 9/26/23. As Travars.

This review originally appeared here: https://swordsoftheancients.com/2023/09/26/the-fragile-threads-of-power-a-review/

Some authors have a hard time finding the same stride when returning to an old series, but Schwab's The Fragile Threads of Power does not suffer the same fate as many. This book felt a wonderful balance between meeting new and engaging characters that add well to the plot and revisiting old, familiar characters from the original trilogy. Never once did I wish to return back to the familiar, as I am often to feel when an author revisits an old work. Schwab does an amazing job writing characters that breathe off the page. Even the inconsequential characters, who only have a small chapter before we never see them again evoke emotion from readers. Or at least this reader! Could not recommend this book more, especially to old and new readers alike!

Thank you for this arc.


I LOVE THIS BOOK-THIS UNIVERSE.

I can’t even form normal thoughts at this moment other than I love it so much.

The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
Rating: 5 stars
Pub date: 9/26

The Fragile Threads of Power was my most anticipated read this year, and I’m happy to say that it did not disappoint. This masterpiece comes out tomorrow, and I’m so excited for everyone who loves The Shades of Magic series to get their hands on it.

This book takes place seven years after A Conjuring of Light, and we get to see what all of our favorite characters have been up to. Kell is just as wonderful, and his tender moments with Lilah made me swoon. Lilah is still a total badass, and the Rhy/Alucard storyline lived up to my hopeful expectations. A lot has changed in seven years, and seeing how each of my favorite characters has grown was really special.

There are quite a few new characters and storylines to follow, along with additions to the magic system and the four Londons. You can expect incredible banter, heartbreaking angst, gooey love interests, new enemies (and some old ones), and expanded world-building in this new installment. I’m keeping the details vague on purpose so I don’t spoil anything for anyone!

As always, Schwab’s writing is incredible, and the fast pace and immaculate prose kept me captivated the whole way through. I never wanted to put this down and read it way too quickly. I cannot wait to see what happens next, and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next installment.

Thank you so much to Tor Publishing and VE Schwab for my advanced copy. It made my year, and I’m so excited to get my physical copy when it comes out! For BOTM subscribers, The Fragile Threads of Power is an add-on for October, which is where my copy is going to come from.

okay wow!!! this one took me forever to get through - it really had no business being 600+ pages 😧

it started off super slow and confusing (as all fantasy novels tend to be), but seeing as how I binged the darker shades of magic series earlier this month, the world building and characters came back to me pretty easily. if not, I would definitely refresh because there’s no recap 😬 I think for me, the jarring time jump combined with all new characters for the first 20% of the story really didn’t capture my interest

however, once the old and new characters started blending together, I definitely found my groove again and relished in ve schwab’s excellent storytelling writing! 😇 all of the faves are back and living their (best? worst?) lives seven years later - and I have to admit, it made me a little sad seeing them all grown up 🥲

nonetheless, newcomer tes is a force to be reckoned with and I’m obsessed with her!!! she’s smart and witty without being over the top like lila constantly is … I said what I said …

while the story definitely took a while to get moving (I really meant it when I said it was glacier slow), knowing that this is going to be a trilogy helps to pace accordingly. the action and adventures weren’t as hard hitting as the original three books, but I have a feeling shit is about to hit the fan in the next installments!!!

I still prefer the original series to this one, but it was so good to be back in this world! thank you to netgalley and tor books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!

rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: morocco spiced red wine

I love this author so much. Schwab writes such interesting fantasy concepts and endearing multifaceted characters. I would definitely recommend this for any fantasy lover. I did not realize it was linked to the Shades of Magic trilogy, and now have a goal to read that!

I loved the Shades of Magic trilogy so much, it is one of my favourite fantasy series of all time. So I was VERY excited when I heard V.E. Schwab was writing a new book in the same universe that follows the same cast of characters and takes place 7 years after the original trilogy. I had such high expectations but V.E. Schwab delivered. The Fragile Threads of Power gave me everything I wanted and more!

I loved catching up with my favourite characters, especially Kell and Lila. I loved how V.E. Schwab managed to take this already skillfully crafted universe and expand on it in a way that made it even better. And I loved the new characters that were introduced in this book that added so much to the plot, specifically Tes. I loved every single moment of this book and I can’t wait for book 2!

If you’re interested in reading The Fragile Threads of Power, I strongly recommend reading the Shades of Magic trilogy first. You won’t get the intended experience or have a complete understanding of the characters without reading the original trilogy first in my opinion.

Thank you so much Tor Books and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book, it is one of my favourite reads this year!

Picking up Fragile Threads of Power is like jumping into the deep end of a pool. You are immediately and fully enveloped in the atmospheric world Schwab has built throughout her series'. She never flags on world building or character development nor does she rely on the reader to bring knowledge of the prior books to understand the world and stakes of this book. 

It has been quite sometime since I have read A Darker Shade of Magic and was worried I may not be able to track some aspects of the story, but I never found that to be true. Schwab strikes the perfect balance of recapping and rebuilding the world without condescending to the reader. She revisits old favorite characters and builds complete new, and realistically imperfect people.

If you enjoy the feeling of reading by flickering candle light while wrapped in a cozy blanket while the wind howls outside in a storm, you will enjoy the feeling of this book. It is a darkly compelling tale with a complete and well developed system of magic that draws the reader in and leaves them in suspense. A word of caution- be prepared to agonize until the release of the second book in the trilogy.

I will never not kneel at the throne of VE Schwab and The Fragile Threads of Power only proves how incredibly talented they are at crafting a story. Picking up several years after A Conjuring of Light, the latest instalment picks up with some favourite characters and introduces some new ones as well. I loved seeing Kell and Lila in a comfortable, yet still charmingly combative, relationship, and couldn’t be happier to see Alucard and Rhy again! TFTOP is a long book and takes a little while to get going, in Schwab’s signature style, but once the threads (pardon the pun) started weaving together to create a gripping plot that kept me interested into the final page. TFTOP works really well as both a transitional book for readers of the original trilogy and as a fantastic jumping off point for a new series.

The new dimensions to the magical system in the original trilogy might’ve been my favourite part. I really enjoyed learning more about White London in particular, especially the re-emergence of a certain beloved character, and genuinely can’t wait to see where the story is going to go.

VE Schwab is so immensely talented and I genuinely think anything she writes is a guaranteed hit. Couldn’t recommend this book (and the original trilogy) more!!

At the end of A Conjuring of Light we learn the word "anoshe" - until another day. At the time, it felt like the right note to end the trilogy on because the world of the Londons would go on, but it would go on without us. It was bittersweet and hopeful, and I never imagined that this world would come back to me to reveal more of its stories. Coming back to Red London, to Kell especially, felt like home.

Am I crying right now as I try and write this? Absolutely.

This is a brand new story with characters both familiar and new. While a big bad was defeated in the previous trilogy, there's always going to be a new villain. We get a new enemy to fight, new complicated, emotional characters and the familiar complex web of entanglements. While bonds were formed before, they are going to be tested in new and terrible ways.

It felt familiar with the sass, sarcasm, creativity, and violence that weaves the plot of this book together, and yet it took people and powers in directions we haven't seen before. It was like putting on a jacket you haven't worn since last winter and finding $20 in the pocket. Somehow both frustrating and delightful.

Schwab has not lost touch with this world at all, and is pushing the reader forward to attach to new characters without having to let go of the old. I cannot wait to see where this trilogy takes us...or how it's going to break our hearts.

I had no idea what I was getting into with this next installment of this series. I did like that you could start this if you were new to this world but I felt like I appreciated it more woth reading the other books. I can't wait to see how this series unravels.