It’s always a little scary when authors bring back or continue well-loved, finished series. V.E. Schwab couldn’t have done it better! Our favourite characters are back, and yes some things have changed, but the characters are still true at their core. No drastic personality changes occur between A Conjuring of Light and Fragile Threads of Power, something that I’ve seen in quite a few series continuations rather than off-page growth of character. I really appreciate that I could jump straight into this book and feel that I really do know these characters and understand their decisions based on 3 books of previous knowledge. The new storyline and characters introduced are also absolute perfection. Believe it or not I’m actually MORE excited to learn about them in the rest of the series than even the original characters. I’m so thrilled to see where we go in the next book of this series. And always Alucard is my soulmate.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Fragile Threads of Power. I quickly reread The Shades of Magic trilogy to prepare myself to return to Red London and was so excited to see we were getting a new trilogy in one of my favorite magical realms.

I always love Shwab's story telling and the way she paints a picture with her words. Revisiting Kell, Lila, Rhy and Alucard, 7 years after their previous adventures, was lovely. I enjoyed many our of new characters, and learning about their backstories, but I wanted more of our main four. I found myself frustrated- every time I felt pulled into the story, there was a series of flashbacks that pulled me right back out of it. It seemed to really slow down the first half of this book but I loved the action in the last half and can't wait to see what adventures arise in the next book.

As usual, VE Schwab is a master of plotting and characters. If you are a fan of her already, then you will love this book. If you're new here, but are looking for complex and gray characters, magical suspense, and accessible fantasy, buckle up.

6/5 stars

When I heard one of my all-time favorite authors was writing a NEW series in a FAVORITE fantasy world, I was ecstatic, borderline unhinged with excitement. The original Shades of Magic trilogy is a series that means so much to me and I love and adore the characters and the world more than I can say.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from The Fragile Threads of Power. I didn’t know if our old characters would have cameos or be featured at all, and there’s always a little bit of trepidation for me when I’m approaching a much-loved fantasy world with characters that I don’t know yet.

But if you were wondering if we see our old characters rest assured that we do, they are back, changed of course after the events of A Conjuring of Light and also seven years older. I loved seeing how they had grown and changed since the end of that book, and it was so comforting to have what felt like old friends on the page again in Red London having new adventures.

There are, however, new characters to get to know and love too. Two of my favorites were Kosika from White London, and Tes from Red London. We get to see a lot of their backstory for the first third of the book until we see the even that features them as major players in Threads.

The first third of the book does have a lot of flashbacks and switching between POV’s. All of which is very deliberately done to get us to the meat of what the threat is in the current book and how the past got us here. And that can sometimes be something that is hard for me, but I felt equally invested in every storyline that was being told and didn’t feel pulled out of the story at all.

V.E. Schwab does a lot of things right for me in her books, and one of my favorites is her character and relationship development. I love seeing Lila and Kel back as well as Rhy and Alucard, and the added dynamic of a Queen and child in that family unit. Another thing I love about Schwab’s books is her world building and plotting. The opening chapter of this book is particularly strong for world building, plotting, and character introduction. We are immediately introduced to what this world is, who this person is, and what might happen from this one event. And then the way Schwab weaves in all the other characters, their past histories, and the threads of what is to come in the final chapters of this book was masterfully done.

I loved every single page of this book. I was captivated and never wanted to put it down. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it until I could get back to reading it again. This book honestly exceeded every expectation I had and is a new favorite from this author and for the year.

I received an ARC for review, thank you to the author and Tor Publishing!

It is so good to be back with these characters again. Threads of Power is set 7 years after the events on A Conjuring of Light, the third book in the Shades of Magic trilogy. While there is enough flashback scenes to talk about what happened, the joy you get seeing old characters again is just a whole different feeling.

There was such a good mix of chapters with old and new characters and I loved getting to know the new cast while catching up with the others. The first half of the book is an absolute ride and so full of MAGIC. I've missed this world and just love Schwab's worldbuilding.

There's plenty of action, surprises (good and bad), and tender moments that will tug at your heartstrings. Oh and pain, lots of that too.

As far as pacing goes the book slows down between 60-90% and then snowballs the last 10. This is very much a foundational book for this series so I'm very curious where it goes and what the exact roles of our new characters will be. 👀

Thank you Tor for my eARC, all opinions my own.

I can fairly confidently say that this was my most anticipated read of 2023. Not only have I enjoyed every V.E. Schwab book I’ve read, but my favorites by were were the three books that made up her “Shades of Magic” trilogy. And its been years and years and years since those books came out! I wasn’t even expecting a return to this world as the original trilogy ended quite neatly. But not only are we returning to the world, but we’re returning to the same main characters (plus a few extras) several years later! The best of the best.

And yes, there was a lot to like about this book! First and foremost, for fans of the original trilogy, I’m happy to report that our main characters are just as awesome as you remember them, perhaps even more so as they tackle the ever more complex relationships between one another. I was a bit concerned going in that Lila, Kel, Rys and Luc would be relegated to background characters who just flitted in and out of the main storyline. But rest assured, they play vital, central roles to everything that is happening. Per my experience with the first trilogy, Lila is still far and away my favorite character of the four. As the book plays out, the story jumps backwards in time at several points to show how are characters have lived over the last eight or so years. Through these flashbacks, we get to see Lila as a captain, Lila as a reluctant leader, and, best of all, Lila as a support system for Kel as he deals with the loss of his magic. Of course, her “support” comes in the very hard-nosed style that we all would expect from her.

For his part, Kel’s story was heart-breaking as he traverses the various stages of grief over the loss of the central portion of his identity. Schwab doesn’t shy away from the very dark places that this kind of loss can inflict on people. Rys probably gets the least page time, but for this book, at least, his story is the most straight-forward: learning how to become a king at a very young age. Alucard was the one who surprised me the most, however. In the original trilogy, he felt like the least of the four characters (not necessarily in preference, just in page time and the amount of story given to him). But here he is probably the most central character of the four to the main arch and mystery that makes up the plot of this book. I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with this character, and I’m very intrigued to see where he goes from there.

Now, to the new characters. Yes, of course, they are very good as well, especially Tes, the young girl with the extraordinary ability to see and manipulate magic itself. Her history was interesting, with a complicated and, at times, frightening family. And her abilities open a lot of pathways forward (perhaps too many? She definitely has the potential to run the story into the “Superman problem” where a character is so over-powered that essentially any conflict going forward could be solved by that one person simply intervening). I also liked the Antari queen that we meet in White London. There’s an interesting mystery building there, but I have to admit that she was my least favorite of the group. Not because she was a bad character in her own right, but because she had some stiff competition and there were a few mysteries that I feel are leading in a very obvious, dark direction which makes me struggle to truly connect ot her.

So, that’s a lot about characters, and there’s a reason why: Yes, I mostly read for characters, so that’s common of my reviews. But in this case, the characters were truly the heart of the story. As much as I enjoyed this read, and I really, really did, it definitely suffers as being the first book in a trilogy. Almost 90% of the story is devoted to understanding how our familiar characters ended up where they did and introducing the new characters and their history. Beyond that, there’s a rather short, simple mystery that is resolved at the end. But it’s also clear that Schwab is placing much larger pieces on this chessboard, and much of this book is spent properly positioning everything. That alone is why I had to knock this one down from a 10 star rating. But on pure enjoyment, pure joy at seeing beloved characters back on the page again, this is definitely a top tier book!

Rating 9: It’s a rare feat to return to a beloved fantasy trilogy, pick up fan favorite characters and manage to not break anything in the process, but Schwab makes it look easy! A triumphant return that’s nothing less than masterful!

(link will go live Sept. 20)

It felt like coming home.

The magic system and worlds Schwab has created continue to impress. Not to mention her characters fly off of the page.

A triumph

No one writes a fantasy novel the way V. E. Schwab does! The entire story is so original and unique, everything blended together so smooth and clean. She is the QUEEN of plot twists when you least expect them! The ending leaving you both gasping for more and wanting to read the book all over again!

You are following the stories of a few "Antari", magicians with the power to use magic from 5 different affinities, Wind, Earth, Water, Bones and Fire. It gives a very nostalgic feeling towards those who watched and enjoyed the Avatar The Last Airbender series as children and teens!

As the story progresses, you are able to watch each POV flawlessly tie into one another and become interconnected in a way I thought was perfect. The plot twists and turns are completely unexpected, having you hold your breath as each page is turned. just waiting to see what happens next (it's never what you expected)! The relationship between Kell and Lila quickly became one of my favorite parts of the series, showing how true and relatable they are, showing that a person does not need to be perfect or strong in order to be loved and supported. The family dynamic with the royal Maresh family is such a beautiful dedication to the LGBTQ community and the family Alucard has longed for.

The way this book begins and ends, and everything in between, was a genuine masterpiece. The magic and magical laws are unlike what you would normally read about, giving it that unique quality you search for in a book. Not only that, allowing characters to learn alongside each other and embrace their own weaknesses was such a lovely touch.

I. LOVE. V. E. SCHWAB! Honestly she is just brilliant. I had to re read the shades of magic first before reading this, once I realized this continues after those books, and I am so glad I did. I forgot just how much I enjoyed those books, and this one was just as great! I need the other books now, but sadly I will have to be patient. But honestly. Amazing! Loved this book so much!

It feels wonderful to step back into the Shades of Magic world. While this is presented as a new trilogy, I would not recommend it to anyone who hasn't read the first set. I do wish there had been a book to bridge these together, the catch up and backstory provided for new characters made it a bit difficult to really get submerged into the new storyline. However, with the original trilogy I also found the first book to be a bit of a struggle so this is consistent with the writing style. I loved the new character Tes and can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the series!

The threads that connect V.E. Schwab’s books together are anything but fragile. She excels at the structure of magical world building, flawed and beguiling characters that get gummed up in the past and sometimes overcome it, plot points that cause a severe case of the shudders, and bifurcated but compellingly cohesive story lines and POVs. Happily, in Fragile Threads of Power, we return to the magical and non-magical worlds of the simultaneously existing white, red and grey Londons (with a brief side tour of the fourth, black London) after an absence of seven eventful years. Schwab is a confident enough writer to set considerable off page action during this time-the mercurial Lila Bard is living the dream and thriving as a ship’s captain with her lover, the self-contained, self-controlled Kell, whose magic has trickled to a stuttering stream. But an amazing discovery for a very endangered species, for in addition to Lila and Kell, there’s a new Antari in town, and she’s a tween, residing in white London where the martyred former Antari, Holland, has become the equivalent of a martyred saint, and maybe something more. New forms of magic, and magic wielders with the potential to change the power balance, steams up the complexity and tension of these overlapping worlds.

The dazzling displays of magical ferocity in incantation and battles is Schwab’s forte along with the serpentine twists and turns of the narrative. Among the many enticements, the richly imagined near inaccessible floating market is back, along with its indomitable ageless proprietor, Captain Maris Patrol. King Rhys Maresh, who has pledged his heart to former captain Alucard Emery, has made some status changes befitting his station, and now there are new royal members in the family line. In the Red Kingdom, Schwab has cleverly created echoes of the political turmoil in our own world, as a new movement begins to flourish which seems to thrive on chaos and dissatisfaction. Magic is eking, ebbing and flowing between the worlds, in places it should not be, and the cost is just beginning to be recognized. Schwab’s writing and her zeal and enthusiasm for her characters and world building are contagious. But perhaps the greatest enchantment is the evolving, often painful, self-awareness of Kell, Rhys and even Lila, as they acknowledge, hone, and test their magical and non-magical abilities with their growing list of foes, with each other, and ultimately with themselves. There’s spellwork in the reading also, for how else to explain how 600+ pages can whip by so quickly and leave you with a near insatiable craving for the next book of this planned trilogy. I’m ready! So very recommended. My thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books.

This is a continuation of the world in the Shades of Magic series - which are a must read prior to this. Dive back in in you want to go back to that world as this book introduces a set of great new characters you are sure to fall in love with.

"The Fragile Threads of Power" by V.E. Schwab is a mesmerizing addition to the world of Shades of Magic, showcasing the author's skill at crafting intricate worlds, complex characters, and compelling narratives. In this new fantasy series, Schwab delves into a world of magic, power struggles, and interconnected realms, captivating readers from start to finish.

The novel's strength lies in its world-building, which seamlessly weaves together four distinct worlds, each with its own unique magical system and atmosphere. The concept of doors connecting these worlds adds a layer of intrigue and mystery, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. Schwab's vivid descriptions bring each world to life, immersing readers in the settings and cultures of London's various iterations.

The characters in the story are multifaceted and relatable, with both new and familiar faces making appearances. The main characters, Tes and Kosika, bring fresh perspectives to the narrative, while beloved figures like Kell, Lila, and Rhy continue to evolve. Schwab expertly explores their personal growth, inner struggles, and the complexities of their relationships. The dynamics between characters add depth to the plot, and readers will find themselves invested in their fates.

The plot is a masterful blend of intrigue, political maneuvering, and magical discoveries. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both moments of tension and introspection. The narrative seamlessly shifts between different perspectives and worlds, gradually weaving their threads together into a larger tapestry of events. The themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions are explored with depth and nuance.

Schwab's prose is elegant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the worlds and characters. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the distinct voices of each character. The author's ability to create suspense, convey emotions, and build tension enhances the reading experience.

"The Fragile Threads of Power" not only stands as a captivating story in its own right but also adds a new layer of depth and intrigue to the Shades of Magic universe. V.E. Schwab's ability to craft intricate and immersive fantasy worlds shines through in this novel, drawing readers into a richly imagined narrative that is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking. Fans of the author's previous works and newcomers alike will be entranced by this masterful addition to the fantasy genre.

A caveat before I get started: it's crucial to read Schwab's Darker Shade of Magic series before you read this one. Described as a spin-off, The Fragile Threads of Power is essentially a direct sequel to the other trilogy. There is very little hand-holding in this book, and it makes the book much stronger.

VE Schwab is an incredible writer, and you can really see her development between the previous series (where she was already brilliant) and this one. Unencumbered by initial worldbuilding, characterization, and magic system exposition, Schwab dives DEEP into all of these topics, who trended toward interesting but flat previously, and breathes extra dimensions into just about every detail in the book.

Power dynamics are put on their heads, stakes are both elevated and more personal, and even more examples of realistic and impressive women in fantasy are introduced.

If the first trilogy is about coming to terms with your past, this one is about looking to the future.

It's the author's strongest work yet. Do yourself a favor. and read every book.

I can’t believe I have to wait for the second book to come out and I don’t even know when it’s going to be out 😭

If you loved the last book of the Darker Shades of Magic trilogy, you’re in for a treat. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been living in this world for the last week or so, but this one just gripped my heart in the best of ways.

Schwab’s writing is exceptionally breathtaking in this one—bringing in so much action and emotionality into the heart of its pages. We get to see our beloved favorites again, back with their rakish remarks and lovable quips. I loved how the plot intersected with Kell’s own dilemma, and how well all of the pieces of the puzzle came together. New characters were brought in for this book—with certain abilities that made it even more exciting (if that’s even possible!). Each of the characters’ different complexities were explored here, and I love that Schwab answered a lot of the questions that the last book left me with. That said, she leaves us with a cliffhanger and wanting more—and boy, am I begging for more. This book was RACKED with suspense and mystery, and it seems that the story just gets better with EVERY book. I thought A Conjuring of Light was hands-down my favorite in the series, but the fragile threads of power has me in a chokehold.

If you’re a fan of the different romantic pairings in the last three books, you’re in for a treat! I feel like this book satiated my hunger to see more of these pairs interact with each other—I was not short on squeals, even biting my own wrist. I loved everything about this book—and it’s my favorite one out of the series yet. 5🌙

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with early access to this title in exchange for a review.

It was honestly so wonderful to catch up with these characters again, and to meet so many new characters in the process. My biggest complaint is that I will have to wait until the next books come out! This one felt like a great way to catch up and set the stage for the coming conflict.

I do not recommend this unless you’ve read the previous Shades of Magic series. This is very much a follow up to that and should be read as such.

I'm a big fan of Schwab at this point so I was very excited for more adventures in this world.

The magic system and the world building are the strength... and some characters.
I really liked Tess and her magic - she can see the threads of power - but I still have issues with Lila lol

Enough action with people wanting to overthrow the crown and I'm curious of what will happen with the other Londons.

It's difficult coming back into a world you know with characters you don't. Luckily, for me, that only lasted for part one of the book. Even with Alucard in the first part, it wasn't until Kell and Lila that I really got into the story, and then a few more parts before I couldn't put it down. With such a large gap between storylines (seven years) it's a big question as to how has the world progressed, and with Fragile Threads of Power, Red London seemed to progress in an eerily similar way to the first season of Legend of Korra with a hidden group of non-magical people rebelling against the ruling powers, in VE Schwab's case, King Rhy Maresh.

Outside of that parallel, we see more from White London and a bit from Black London. We pop into Gray London, which is a small treat, and we spend the majority of our time in Red London. The White London storyline is...interesting, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out. A fair amount of the new characters are incredibly morally gray, but that's sort of V's style. I'm definitely buying this book when it comes out.

I wish it was hornier, but I'm sure the Tumblr girls are gonna pick up the slack. A worthy continuation of the series, however I would like some more day-to-day for the main cast. Four stars no hesitation.

I am SO thrilled to be back in this world.

I was so excited to see that our main characters from the Shades of Magic series were back, and in major roles as opposed to just cameos! The three new MCs are also great, I can't wait to see them through the rest of the series. Overall an A+ cast.

As always, the writing was impecable. The enthralling story had me wishing it wasn't over, despite it being so long to begin with. And holy cliff hanger! Can't wait to see what's to come.