This book is what it feels like to visit old friends. They tell you all about the amazing things they did and you are so proud of them and happy for them and just thankful that they shared their story with you even though you can't actually be there with them through their adventures,

This book is also what it feels like when your old friends thrust you into a brand new beautiful world and you get to explore it together.

Another fantastic installment from the fantastic V.E. Schwab

After reading Addie (and re-reading Addie), I was ready for more from Victoria Schwab. The four worlds inside of London captured my imagination, and I stayed up way too late reading!

Schwab made me feel welcome back into the Shades of Magic world. I love the different perspectives and the characters.

I was thrilled to get to read The Fragile Threads of Power and get to return to Red London a little early. I was a little nervous to return to one of my favorite series, but Schwab absolutely drew me back in and soon I liked the new characters just as much as Kell, Lila, Rhy, and Alucard. The Londons remain so distinct and I loved the nods to the earlier books. I will definitely be rereading this one many times in preparation for the next one!

Words really cannot begin to describe what it felt like to be back in this world and seeing all the places and characters I know along with some amazing new ones. Even after just one book the plot is already shaping up to be so much bigger and scarier than the last trilogy. I'm both excited and terrified to read the second book all at the same time.

It's so nice to be back in the world(s) of Grey and White London. Shades of Magic is a personal fave of mine! The length seemed a bit much at first, but I relished the chance to spend so much time immersed in Schwab's Londons, and it was so engrossing that before you knew it it was over and I found myself wishing it was even longer. I am very excited for book two, even though I am a bit grumpy that it is so far out of my reach at the moment.

Not only has she done it again, she's actually raised the bar. The SHADES OF MAGIC trilogy was my introduction to Schwab's writing, and I loved it for its immense imagination and cozy-fall-tea-and-blanket prose -- but Schwab has really outdone herself in her return to the world(s) of London(s). This is a bigger book, slower of pace at times but not in a boring or dragging way; instead, she's diving into these characters, into what it means to be not the upstart or the rebel or the action hero, but what it means to be in power, to have power, to have 'won' the battle only to discover more battles needing to be waged. So much of this book is setting up the power struggles to come, but damned if that's not exactly what I needed to read right now. The possibilities in this world grow with each page Schwab writes, and I'll be there to see where she takes them next.

The "Magic of London" series that precedes "The Fragile Threads of Power" is among my very favorites; I had high hopes and night terrors about returning to this much-cherished world. Schwab manages a tightrope balancing act of introducing new characters and reacquainting us with old ones, and for the most part, she is successful: "The Fragile Threads of Power" is an entertaining, effective novel that sets up new players sufficiently within the old and beloved gang of magicians, pirates, princes, and urchins.

Key word there is "sets up". While reading "The Fragile Threads of Power", I couldn't help but feel that its 670 pages mostly put people in place for future novels. Indeed, I was well into the 40% mark before a character discussed in the summary was even introduced. The beginning is slow, the middle is satisfying, and the climax is exhilarating. As always, the strength lies in Schwab's world building and fascinating characters; even minor villains were interesting. Tes is probably the most important of the new pack; and given the loose threads (pun unintended) of her backstory, she'll likely have much more to do as the series continues.

If I had any criticism, it is that I wonder if Schwab is suffering from the same fate as other wildly successful authors in her bracket: gosh, this novel could have used a fiercer editor. 670 pages was entirely too long for what eventually went down here. An entire side character and plot felt unused and unnecessary at this point, distracting from the building tension every time they popped up. I have no doubt that said character will be important to LATER books, but to this one? It felt like a side novella.

So yes, I enjoyed this book. I suspect my enjoyment of this book in the future will be weighed against future installments in the series - whether or not the slow build here does indeed wind up to be "worth it". At present, I'll give a cautious "yes".

🪐review: the fragile threads of power by v. e. schwab (book 1 of the threads of power trilogy)

let’s start with the timeline: this is set up around 7 years after the end of conjuring of light and yes, we get to know what our favorite characters have been up to in that time, we get all of them, which was surprising for me because i thought the new characters will be more the center of attention but we get a great mix between the old and the new ones in this storyline but since it’s focused on the royal family and the risk they’re going through i think it makes sense everyone comes to defend them.

“a girl with an unusual magical ability comes into possession of a device that could change the fate of all four worlds.
Her name is Tes, and she's the only one who can bring them together-or unravel it all”

i have to say i fell in love with tes since the beginning, she reminds me a lot of lila at the beginning of book 1 of the shades of magic trilogy, she has this amazing power that will be the definition of the salvation of the four worlds, her backstory is a little teased here and it made me appreciate her even more, i really can’t wait what she’s going to do in the next two books, i would love to see her work alongside lila please victoria, make that happen 🙏🏼

this books comes out in september 26th so if you’re a fantasy lover like i am make sure to add it to your tbr immediately! thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

V. E. Schwabs writing is incredibly captivating and enthralling. I believe this is a spin-off or related series? Of a series I haven’t read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t have any problems.

First off, let me say - if you haven’t yet, go read Shades of Magic before this! You won’t be disappointed.

The Fragile Threads Of Power drew me in immediately. Schwab has a delicate yet precise way of slowly unfolding a story and deliberately introducing new characters along the way. It’s simultaneously gripping and wholly immersive. The story just seems to effortlessly unfold before you, each chapter building upon the last until everything comes together… It’s truly something one of a kind. I find myself completely at ease, calm and content while reading her words. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Overall, though, I'd say, this book is a stepping off point. It’s setting the stage, if you will, and is heavily character driven with a unique weaving of the old with the new. Each character we meet gets a dual timeline and backstory that weaves seamlessly together with the present. I always love the intrigue of Schwab's many POVs and subtle plot progressions! And being back in the Shades of Magic world was immensely nostalgic. I was just absurdly happy to be back there. The one thing I did find was that I wanted more of the plot. It was definitely there and interesting, but just felt a little secondary.

Do be prepared for surprises along the way!!

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN EXPECT:
— rebellion x heists
— threads of magic
— shifting, multiple POVs
— large cast of characters
— dual timelines
— kingdom on the brink of war
— rags to riches
— parallel worlds

It's like coming home, and I'm so sad to leave now...

Picking up 7 years after the events of Conjuring of Light, Kell and Lila have been sailing the open seas as Arnesian privateers and Rhy has been ruling over Arnes as king. But now, a new threat is attacking the peace of Arnes and the crown. A mysterious group who have named themselves The Hand have been stirring up unrest in the kingdom, mainly due to the dwindling number of magicians being born and they believe Rhy Maresh is the cause.

A new Antari has also risen to power in White London, Kosika, who is determined to finish her Saint's (Holland) mission: rekindle the power of White London, provide for her home, and keep the other worlds at bay.

Now, a young girl named Tes--who possesses a rare, magical gift--comes into possession of a dangerous device, one that could doom Arnes and the Royal Family as well as alter the fabric of the other worlds.

Worlds collide in this epic return to the world of Shades of Magic, weaving new stories and characters into THREADS OF POWER!

UGH, I loved this book so much. It seriously is like coming home. Shades of Magic was my introduction to V.E. Schwab and she has since remained one of my all-time favorite authors. Seriously, meeting her is like a bucket-list item for me. This new installation into the realm of SoM is so inventive and fun, it was so sad to see it end. I think I put off reading it so fast solely because I did not want it to end. Yes, it is a slow build like all of Schwab's works. However, when it comes to action and the crescendo of a story does Schwab absolutely nail it! I cannot wait for the next in Threads of Power! I can wait, just not well.

Unfortunately I didn't realize that this was part of a series so felt a little lost through some of it. That is my own fault and not anything to do with the writing or story. With that said, this book was still a great read and I can't wait to go back and start at the beginning.

No thoughts, head empty, except for how utterly spectacular this was.

As a Shades of Magic fan, the return to this world came with high expectations, but not only did V. E. Schwab meet every one, she exceeded them in every way. I was immediately captivated by her new cast that was introduced in this spin-off series, while also tremendously gratified by the direction of fan favourite characters as we learned of their lives for the past seven years and what that means for their futures.

The Fragile Threads of Power, simply put, only further cemented my adoration and respect for Schwab, making her an auto-read author for me for years to come.

I love love love V.E. Schwab’s writing style and she just never lets me down ever. I felt the threads of power weaving through every scene in this story. I love her ability to make a scene bloom, versus simply unfolding.

When I read, I tend to speed read during scenes I feel are either unnecessary or just so simply written that I speed through without even realizing it. With this book, I found myself flowing through the words and feeling that it would be wrong to speed through, in the same way that it would be wrong to speed walk through an enchanted rose garden. Better to enjoy the beauty and be one with the magic of it all.

My only critique is that I enjoyed all of the characters and want to dive even deeper into them. I would love for this series to go full Sanderson mode and deliver 1200 page beasts so that I can soak in more and more of each character. I know hefty books are not everyone’s cup of tea, but with this level of writing and this particular story, I need it to be twice the size. Give me more, Schwab!

PS- going to do a review on my socials when the publishing date gets a little closer, but thought I'd throw in my NetGalley two cents early.

Schwab has done it again. I loved the Darker Shades of Magic series and Lila and Kell most of all, so getting the opportunity to go back to the Londons AND getting to hear more of their stories was wonderful! Additionally, Tes and Kosika have broadened the scope of the worlds and with a new problem on the horizon, I can't wait to see where this new series goes from here. Though I don't love books with cliffhangers, I suppose I'll accept it for the opportunity to spend more time in Red London with some of my favorite characters.

Six years after publishing A Conjuring of Light, the conclusion to her Shades of Magic trilogy, V.E. Schwab returns to London with The Fragile Threads of Power.

I can't think of many things more challenging. While reorienting readers to her world, characters, and magic system, Schwab also has to prove this world's dynamism. Few sequels are as disappointing as those set years later but feel as if nothing has happened in the interval. Plus, the previous trilogy escalated into a stressful, high-octane adventure that tested each of its protagonists in brutal ways. How does one raise the stakes to keep readers engaged, while still giving a new story space to grow?

At an event in New York earlier this year, Schwab and her conversation partner Tochi Onyebuchi decided there are no rules except, "The rule is: do it well." And she does.

When I heard we were going back to London, I reread the original trilogy to prepare, so I can't speak to the experience of reading this new book cold. What I can speak to is the seamless characterization of all our favorites. Kell finds it difficult to adjust to his weakened state. Lila refuses to let him wallow in it. Rhy steps into his new role with the same heart he's always had for both his country and his brother while Alucard adapts to his own new position. Barely 20 when their story began, six years has forced all of them to grow, but they are instantly recognizable with or without the flashbacks explaining how we got here.

The new faces in Red London are equally compelling. I loved Tes from the moment she appeared on the page. I was more skeptical of Nadiya - being the ardent Rhy/Alucard shipper that I am - but she, too, won me over...and provided the last piece of evidence any of us should need to prove this isn't just a book that features queer characters but is, at its core, a Queer Book. (Thank you, Victoria.)

It is also a massive book. Schwab is doing a lot of things to bridge the old series and the new, including multiple flashbacks, developing White London more thoroughly, and giving the reader firsthand insight into The Hand, our new group of villains hoping to depose King Rhy. Even in Schwab's expert hands, this does present some pacing issues. A few sections drag a bit, and I'm still not sure why we spent so long with a man she never names. Meanwhile, though we know how The Hand and the Royal Family feel, I would have like to see more about how the average citizen of Arnes is faring under Rhy's reign.

Overall, the intrigue, adventure, and, yes, romance are spot-on and exactly what brought us to London in the first place. I look forward to all the ways this trilogy is going to emotionally destroy me.

So good. I couldn't put it down. Great characters, fascinating world, a story that leaves things open for more books. Excited for more in the series!

I was so happy to revisit this world. VE's writing is just as lyrical and poetic as ever and she had me hooked from the very beginning with her new characters. It was also such an amazing treat to see how much has happened with the characters from the original trilogy, as well as their struggles in the years following the final battle.

I will forever follow V. E. Schwab to the ends of the earth. When I got the news that there was a new book in the Shades of Magic universe, I honestly thought it was a joke. How amazed did I feel when Netgalley blessed me with an advanced copy.
The Fragile Threads of Power is set in the same universe as the Darket Shades of Magic books. The different Londons with varying levels of power. Schwab incorporates the characters from the last set of books but incorporates new life and new challenges along the way. We meet new characters, characters like Tes and Kosika, who test new powers and the limits that come with them.
All in all, I loved this book. It was like stepping into the warm comfort of home, but a home that had been redecorated. I was dying to a view into the new life that Rhy, Alucard, Kell and Delilah, built for themselves but was oh so curious to see where Schwab would take the new story line. I will be anxiously awaiting the next installments of this series, for sure.