Perfection. This really felt less like the start of a new/spinoff series than a continuation of Shades of magic, which is perfectly fine with me. There is significant character development and I like the new characters a lot, but was also glad to have more of Lila and Rhy and Kell.

I did a literal dance of joy upon receiving this arc; thank you so much to Tor Books and NetGalley! I devoured this book and instantly wished I could fast forward to the release of the next installment in this series.

The Fragile Threads of Power continues the world of The Shades of Magic series, introducing a few new characters and catching us up on those that captivated us earlier. There was a a little difficulty at first to make sense of all the POV and storylines through various time shifts, but once everything was connected and flowing it was just spectacular. There are such lush and exquisite details of both the magic employed and the magical objects. The relationships are beautifully developed, particularly all those connected to King Rhy. The complexity and nuance of each character makes this so engaging.

This story is just an absolute delight, fully enjoyable even if the reader hasn't already read the earlier books.

I’m sure everyone will be reading this, this takes place 7 years after the events of the last book in the Shades of Magic series by V E Schwab and it follows 3 main plotlines, one being the original gain including Kel, and we have a couple other new characters, one of them being able to control the threads of power, so we have faces you know and love and then new added characters for a fresh perspective. They all have a new battle to fight, a new war to win. I know this fandom is very much freaking out about a new series in this universe so I’ll just leave it at that.

Oh. My. Gracious.

When I got the ARC for this book (thank you NetGalley!) I went back and listened to the audiobooks of the 3 that came before it, I devoured them in 5 days. Then I dove in and was completely hooked because while it’s a spin-off in the same world we got even more of the characters from the series before!!! Ahhhhhhhh!!!! It was perfect. V.E. SCHWAB IS A MAGICIAN. I don’t know how I’m going to recover from this massive magic book hangover tho, it was like eating an entire tub of amazing ice cream in one sitting and now I’m unwell because I have to wait for what comes next 🙈

Here’s what to expect:
✨ Immersive fantasy world building (read Darker Shade of Magic trilogy FIRST) that is V.E. Schwab’s finest
✨ magical London vibes
✨ magical objects, magical space travel, just a whole ton of magic 🤌
✨ multiple incredible plots with twists and turns that will have you in the edge of your seat
✨ flashback timelines
✨ top notch character and relationship development
✨ fantasy romance (more than one 😍)
✨ a lot of new characters as well as plenty of page time from our old favorites from the previous Darker Shade of Magic series
✨ a gut wrenching cliffhanger

Fantasy fans who love an immersive experience, this entire series is for you. Loved it. I am now going to sit and stare at a wall while I try to recover. Send help 😅

This book made me so incredibly happy from the first page to the last! It is a story of love and loss with lots of action and even a few very sweet moments between some favorite characters. If you have not read the first trilogy, you won’t be too lost I think, although some of the character relationships will make more sense if you have read it.

One of the best parts of this story, is that we get to catch up on all of our favorite characters from Shades of Magic. We learn what they have been up to for the last seven years, mostly through flashbacks and memories. It was hard, yet satisfying to see Kell learn to deal with the fallout from the last book, with Lilah being so supportive, in her own way. The moments between Alucard and Rhy were just wonderful as well, and it was nice to see that their relationship has thrived throughout the years and is just as strong. The love and support these characters give each other becomes very important very quickly as things go from bad to worse over the course of the book.

We also have two wonderful new POV characters, and they are both women! I loved Tes, the young girl that can not only see the threads of magic like Alucard, but can manipulate them. She uses these manipulations to fix and improve broken spells in objects. It is this skill that gets her caught up in all of the chaos facing our group. I really loved Tes, and admired how cool she was under pressure and her ability to work her way out of difficult situations.

I also really liked Kosika, although I was never quite sure about her. She is the queen in White London and an Antari. I think she means well but she is also very young and easily manipulated by those around her. I look forward to seeing her growth in the next book and seeing which side she ends up on.

The pacing is well done throughout, after abit of a slow start. There is lots of action, and the parts about the rebel group, called the Hand, were very interesting indeed. The writing is suburb and I love that even the minor characters have a bit of back story to them that makes them feel so much real. There are people in the hand that we already know from the other books, but some new ones too, and one that will be a surprise at the end.

Fans of the Shades of Magic series will rejoice and fall in love with these characters and world all over again. I am so looking forward to the next two books in this trilogy as I am anxious to see the fate of all the characters that I love and the fate of the four Londons as well.

It is always a challenge to add to a beloved series. The Shades of Magic series has been a favorite of mine for quite a while. I am sure I was not alone in being both elated and also a bit concerned when I heard Schwab would be adding new volumes. On the one hand I could not wait to go back to this world, but on the other, I feared it would be difficult to live up to expectations. In this case, I am happy to report The Fragile Threads of Power delivers a satisfying story.

First off, Kell, Lila, Rhy and Alucard are all back! The story picks up seven years after the events of the previous series, but they are still very much themselves and are all key to the new story. It does take some time to catch us up on what has happened in the interim, and I will say the flashbacks to "5 years ago" "3 years ago" 1 year ago etc. are probably the most difficult aspect of the novel to follow. I see how picking up in the present and then using the first 1/2 of the novel to fill in how we got there is effective, but the back and forth does stunt the plot development in places. While I think most readers will be motivated to stick with it, this could be a hurdle for some.

Schwab also introduces some key new characters in a similar way. I loved Tess particularly. She is smart and magically gifted, but initially on her own. This makes it all the more gratifying when her story finally intersects with the group we have grown to love. I loved it, but again I wish I hadn't had to wait so long for it- much of the narrative doesn't converge until the last 100 pages or so, but again Schwab is setting the board for what is to come.

We still also have action in Grey, White and even Black London. In White London we see the legacy of Holland's sacrifice and follow another new character who has to take up his legacy. This is where the story is clearly a book one with more to come, but I am excited about the possibilities opened up here. Even so, these sections seem especially disconnected from the other aspect of the story until the end, so be prepared.

In short, I enjoyed The Fragile Threads of Power and was happy with this expansion, but fans will have to be patient with the set up required. I have no doubt what is to come will be worth it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Tor for access to an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Fragile Threads of Power. All opinions are my own.

VE Schwab is back to continue the world of Shades of Magic and she did not come to play around. This was so good for a continuation and the first in a new series!

We follow characters new and old as a door to all worlds is being pursued from all sides. A group threatening the Royal family has spurred calling themselves the Red Hand, and they won’t stop until they get what they want- King Rhy’s life put to an end. Our familiars Lila and Kell are roped back into the schemes as they follow the threatening threads of their enemy, new power, and repairing what has broken within Kell.

This was like sinking in to your favorite cushion on a couch, but also getting pricked by a knife you didn’t see. So comforting and familiar until you realize a blade has nicked your skin. I loved being back with the gang, but with it comes more trouble for them to face. Kell baby and my Lila shine so bright I actually love them with every fiber of my being!

With writing that wraps around my mind and doesn’t let go the whole book, to themes of family and power, VE Schwab has done a great service to fans of the series. Readers will LOVE diving back into this chaotic bunch!

And yes, I enjoyed Kell’s glow up as much as Lila does LOL.

There were once four worlds connected through magic. The magic became dark and grew too quickly.  In order to protect their worlds, they sealed them closed.  The only people who can travel between these worlds now are powerful magicians called Antari. We follow the Antari and the rulers of two of the kingdoms as they try to quell uprisings and keep their thrones.

I loved The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and knew I had to request this newest book by the same author.  What I didn't realize was that this follows a previous series of hers called A Darker Shade of Magic. This has some of the old characters along with some new ones.  The beginning of the book was a little tough to get into because there were a ton of characters, worlds, points of view, and a lot of descriptions to explain all of these things. It was hard to keep track and a little overwhelming.  With that being said, it was beautifully done.  I didn't feel like I needed to read the other series in order to understand this world. The characters were interesting and unique, and I enjoyed getting a peak into all their thoughts and feelings.  The magic in the story was so fun!  There were different types of magic, and all of this was explained.  Some were more powerful than others.  I liked how two of the more powerful/unique characters were females and no-nonsense.  There are parallel kingdoms that didn't really connect in this book, but I'm curious to see how they eventually do in future books.  This would be something to check out if you enjoy complex fantasy worlds with interesting characters with magical elements.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

V.E. Schwab has done it again. After six years since we departed from the magical world of Antari, multiple Londons, and violent, but lovable thieves, we are once again transported into the realm of many doors, some of which can be opened, if you only know the right words. . .and have the right blood.

I'll be completely honest, I went into this book with high hopes, and the author did not disappoint. Not only are we reintroduced to some of our favorite, and most beloved characters from the original series, but we are also treated to a brand new cast with their own magic, struggles, and goals. The story juggles events of the past with those of the present beautifully (as we knew V.E. was more than capable of doing courteous of Vicious and Vengeful) and there was never a moment in the manuscript where I felt the story was dragging or the pacing seemed off. I was captivated from the first page all the way to the last, and the gorgeous prose, rich magic, and brilliant struggles of our characters (yes, I'm looking at you Kell) were masterfully done.

This book is clearly the setup for a trilogy, and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the next installment (especially after that twist and ending; good God, I need book two yesterday) because this is going to be an phenomenal series and we, the readers, are in for one of hell of a ride.

There’s something so special about V.E. Schwab and I’ve always felt that - she has such a gift for storytelling and world-building that really do pull you in and make you fall in love with the characters in ways that few other writers do. Given how prolific she is, as well, I’m honestly bowled over at the consistent quality of her writing.

Now, let’s talk about “The Fragile Threads of Power.” I absolutely loved A Darker Shade of Magic and consider it one of my favorite fantasy series of all time. So, imagine my delight when I saw that we not only had another trilogy coming set in the same world, but that Lila, Kell, and Alucard were back for the adventure! That alone would have been enough to reel me in, but the inclusion of new major players, Kosika and Tes, was seamless. So often with books, I find myself thinking, “Eh, should have stuck to the original protagonists,” but again, Schwab manages to make these women multifaceted, interesting, and extremely likable.

This took me longer to read than it would have had I not been insanely busy/not had much time to read - I would have blown through it in a couple of days otherwise. In a way, I’m glad I was forced to pace myself, because who knows when the second book will come out and I’m going to be having withdrawals until then.

Engaging story, lots of action and intrigue, and plenty of cliffhangers to keep everyone on tenterhooks until book 2. I don’t want to give too much away here because I feel like it’s a journey best gone into completely blind, but Schwab fans and DSOM fans are going to lose their shit over this. I did!

Thanks to NetGalley for the early read, as usual!

V E Schwab has been one of my go-to readers for years. Like many, I was first introduced to her writing through Shades of Magic before falling down the rabbit hole of the amazing work she's done.

The Fragile Threads of Power picks up 7 years after the events of the Shades of Magic series and brings us back to new and familiar ground with old friends, such as Kell, Lila, and Alucard, whilst bringing a host of new and interesting characters.

The story she builds feels effortlessly rich, entrenched across the stacked worlds, turning a new lens onto the things we thought we knew.

I knew this was going to be a 5* read before I'd even hit the halfway point, and Schwab's storytelling never faltered. I can't wait to spend many more hours with this series in the books that follow.

An absolutely fantastic addition to the world of Shades of Magic! An adventure filled tale with lots of world building and character development. Can be read without having read the Darker Shades of Magic series but will be thoroughly enjoyed by those who have. Highly recommended!!

I was very excited to jump back into the world of ADSOM so thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an eArc.

This book was clearly written to be a setup for the remainder of the spin-off series and in saying that I will admit that I wasn't particularly hooked with the storyline until about 50% of the way through. I also felt that the book had too many POV characters (12 by my count but I may have missed some) and that the book was too lengthy and drawn out overall. I also felt that the book suffered from some plot devices that were solely thrown in to add unnecessary drama (ex. Rhy/Alucard/Nadiya). Unfortunately, I also struggled with Lila as a character in this series as she often came off as mean and downright cruel in some instances and I don't remember her being like that in the original series.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am eager to see how the story continues to unfold in the next two novels.

The Fragile Threads of Power was possibly my most anticipated book of the year. It has a LOT to live up to, kicking off a new trilogy that follows the bestselling (and a personal favorite) Darker Shades of Magic trilogy. I’m happy to report that I absolutely loved it.

The Fragile Threads of Power is set seven years after A Conjuring of Light, and it heavily features the characters we love most — Kell, Lila, Rhy, Alucard — while also introducing several new (excellent) characters. I don’t want to tell you much more, because I really enjoyed reading this without knowing any of the plot beats, but rest assured that it earns all of its 600+ pages and then some.

Darker Shades readers know this, but V.E. Schwab is a master plotter, a master of the details, a master of sentences — just a master of everything. Our beloved characters are seven years older and seven years harder. They’ve been through it — there was healing to be done after Conjuring that’s largely still in progress — and she’s matured them in a way that can sometimes feel not quite like what you expect, but always feels realistic and true.

I will warn you: There are a few places in the beginning, as she’s piecing together the events of the past seven years, when she tries to stress you out. But have faith, dear readers, she will not forsake you. I also counted two instances where the original canon was slightly broken (I reread Shades immediately before reading this, so it was very fresh), but they are things I can ultimately forgive.

Finally, what an ending!! Thankfully not as much of a cliffhanger as A Gathering of Shadows (IYKYK), but it’s a great setup for more books to come and I cannot WAIT for the next one.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Books for the ARC! The Fragile Threads of Power is the start of a new series from V.E. Schwab and a part two of the Darker Shades of Magic series. This new series introduces Tes, a girl with the remarkable (and dangerous) ability to see and manipulate the threads of power. Her ability centers the rest of the narrative which involves a plot to overthrow King Rhy Maresh (killing him if possible) and the quest for a door to other worlds that does not require an Antari. Of course, the story would not be complete without revisiting Lila Bard and Kell Maresh, the Antari from Grey and Red London respectively. The Kell we are reunited with is still dealing with the effects of the final battle at the end of the previous series. He can access his power, but is wracked with pain whenever he does. He reinvents himself to compensate for this loss, and he and Lila have been traveling the waters and going where needed. We also learn the story of the child queen of White London, Kosika, and quite the story it is. As this is the first in a new series, some things are resolved at the end, but there are several that remain open. Fans of A Darker Shade of Magic should love this journey back into the four worlds and not only the reunion with familiar characters. but the introduction of the new.

This was honestly such a delightful, exciting return to the world and characters I fell in love with in the Shades of Magic trilogy.

VE Schwab does an incredible job balancing old characters with new. I would do anything for Lila and her relationship with Kell is too wonderful for words. I really enjoyed getting back into the world of Red London specifically - the book picks up 7 years after A Conjuring of Light but has flashbacks throughout filling in what's happened in that time.

I loved the way I could see the pieces (or threads!) starting to come together as a reader - for me there's nothing more exciting than realizing two characters could change EVERYTHING if only you could get them in the same room.

I did not re-read the Shades of Magic series before reading this and I did not have any issues! The new characters and magical concepts are so refreshing, it's just enough new without distracting from all of the characters and elements we're already familiar with. Everything about the character of Tes is deeply exciting to me and I cannot wait to watch her story continue - I'm a sucker for thread magic!!!!

THANK YOU to Tor Publishing and NetGalley for this digital ARC

Rating- 4.5 stars

To someone who absolutely loves the A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy, reading The Fragile Threads of Power is a book that feels like coming home and returning to the magical world that I already knew and loved. Not only does this book return us to that world, it also expands on the country of Arnes, the world outside it, and even the other Londons and their worlds. The magic that began in ADSOM not only continues in this book, it amplifies and expands.

One of the best parts of this book is being able to see what the beloved characters from ADSOM have been up to in the seven years since the end of that trilogy, and it was not at all what I was expecting, in the best way. There were some shocks in what all has transpired in the intervening seven years, but I was happy for all of those changes, especially once I got used to them. Another great thing about the time skip between books is getting to experience sweet domestic moments between the characters, especially Alucard and Rhy, though Lila and Kell had me kicking my feet as well!

One thing about this book is that it is LONG. There are a lot of characters and perspectives to follow, which is especially good for those who enjoy books that are more character driven, but it can take some time to get through and for the plot to feel like its really moving. However, I think this is offset by just how fascinating each of the characters are on their own and when they meet and their lives weave together.

This book is an absolute delight that, in true V.E. Schwab fashion, will leave you crying and desperately waiting for the next installment of the series.

As typical with Schwab novels, the first part is very heavy with introducing new characters, plot, and ideas, but once the book gets going, it goes hard. I loved that we were able to see our favorite characters again, and were given some brand-new ones to enjoy, as well as ones we do not (and as always, for a very good reason). The time jumps can be slightly confusing, but it always comes together to better understand the plot, and WOW I did not expect some of the smaller plot twists, nor the very big one. I honestly can’t wait for the next book, another 5/5 Schwab book for me!

Thank you to Tor for an e-arc of this book!

Oh, it was both strange and wonderful to be back in the London's. I wasn't sure how exactly this was going to pickup from the previous books, but thankfully, you do get a bit of background, so it doesn't feel as if you're tossed directly into it. Although I feel a series recap would be helpful for those of us who haven't read in a while...anyways.

Kell and Rhy remain my favorite characters of them all. Although I also loved Lila and Luca as well! And Ren. Schwab is always so great at giving us such good characters, and it was cool to see both Kell and Rhy and Lila and Luca in different positions than they were last time.

it helped to add to their character growth. One thing I will note though, is despite the fact you're told you don't need to read the original trilogy, having read it would be immensely helpful.

We're also introduced to new characters and "antagonists" in this one, and the background the book is set against is seven years later. Tes and Kosika are the other two main POV characters we get (we get lots of POV characters in this book).

Honestly, we get just as much character development in this book as we do plot development, I will say as with the other books, this one is full of action.

There are some great lines in this book, and clearly it is going to be a tangled web that Schwab weaves, as this is the start of a new trilogy. We have all separate stories at the beginning of this book, but the further along you get, the more they begin to intertwine...and I love a good book that does this.

The writing was as excellent as ever!

I can't wait to see what the next book holds!

It is such a great feeling to be back in this world! Like going on a new adventure with your favorite friends.

V. E. Schwab has not lost a single step in creating something new and exciting from its former trilogy. All your favorites are here, full of strengths and doubts as they have lived full lives in the intervening years. But we are also introduced to some new and intriguing characters that twine within the story.

There is a new threat to the kingdom, a possibility of magic disappearing, or maybe the cracks in the walls between the kingdoms are set to wreak havoc if the dams burst. Take your glorious pick of mysteries to solve here for our characters! All I know, is I cannot wait until the next book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this early copy to read! **