VE Schwab is BACK with this incredible new addition to her bestselling Shades of Magic series that takes place in 4 worlds, all connected by a common point on the map: London; and all affected by the power of magic — the pulse of it or the lack of it. The Fragile Threads of Power continues the epic story of the characters we know and love while also opening a door to new people and new frightening possibilities. This is storytelling on a grand scale.

Not only do we catch up with Kell, Lila, Rhy, and Alucard, we also meet Kosika, a powerful new Antari queen who rules White London with hope and desperation in equal measure; and Tes, “a girl with an unusual magical ability who comes into possession of a device that could change the fate of all four worlds”. These new characters gripped my heart faster than I expected. (I would literally die for Tes.) And this story is the perfect continuation of a breathtaking tapestry that Schwab weaves with seemingly effortless skill.

The Fragile Threads of Power feels like a heartfelt gift for old fans, and a delicious initiation for new ones. I am thrilled to have been given an ARC, and I cannot wait to discuss this new adventure with old fans and new ones alike. All I can say is that readers are in for decadent treat that will only leave them wanting more.

A Darker Shade of Magic was the first staff recommendation I chose when I began my bookstore job nearly 6 years ago and it hasn’t left that spot since, retaining its place as my favorite book series, and I’m thrilled to say I look forward to placing The Fragile Threads of Power right beside it come September! I can’t begin to express my gratitude for receiving an advanced copy of this book (I nearly cried at work when the email arrived), and must say that the continuation of this story so dear to me was everything I had hoped for, from the return of familiar faces to the introductions of new ones. It felt like returning home to a safe space after an extended absence, or donning another side of a familiar coat. Admittedly, I had worried my excitement for the returning characters would make it more difficult to connect with the new additions, but from the moments of their introductions I became invested in Kosika and Tes and the unique perspectives they offered on familiar worlds (and of course Vares and his ability to lighten even the most dire moments). In fact, I found myself so invested in every character that once I finally allowed myself a reading day I finished the last 50% of the book in one sitting, just a few minutes ago. I simply could not stop, and was shocked to see how long the book was at the end because it seemed to fly by, and I would’ve happily read another 500 pages. I’m already looking forward to a reread when the physical book is released later this year.

The only problem now is the wait for the second book, and the annoyance everyone in my life will feel when I talk endlessly of my love for these characters, this world, and V.E. Schwab.

“The Fragile Threads of Power” is a worthy successor to V.E. Schwab’s incredible “Shades of Magic” trilogy. Set in the same universe, this volume sets up a new adventure that will satisfy fans without alienating newcomers. Seven years after the events of “A Conjuring of Light,” magic has returned to White London under the stewardship of the Antari child queen Kosika. Meanwhile, unrest is growing in Red London, where magic is continuing to wane. Tes, a girl who can see and manipulate the threads of magic, becomes embroiled in the plot of a mysterious rebel group working to overthrow the Maresh Dynasty. Schwab does a masterful job of weaving together multiple plots within multiple timelines, paying enough attention to fan favourite characters without neglecting her new heroines. Readers will be clamoring for the next volume in this exciting new trilogy.

Oh to be back in the world of Schwab's Londons - with Lila and Kell and Rhy and Alucard and a few new faces (so delightful it was love at first read/sight)! Schwab's writing is like a precious dagger - beautiful, ornamental, and exacting. I know of few others who can craft a world, from the visuals to the spirit of it, quite the way this woman can. And the pacing - languid and sumptuous while somehow managing to rocket forward like a wall of elemental magic. There is so much happening in these 600-odd pages but Schwab never makes it feel like work to keep up and remember it amidst the ever-changing perspectives. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series unfolds - a treasure.

I mean, what can I even say? V has done it again!
If you loved Shades of Magic, I genuinely think you'll love Fragile Threads of Power even more! Dark and twisty, with some familiar faces and some new. Lots of magic and sweet moments, blood and fighting, and of course, quite a bit of adventure.

Thank you for the advanced copy! I'm honored that I made the list, and so pleased that I decided to read early. As a reader I am a huge fan of Schwab's work, have read every book, and was excited to return--and catch up--with old friends Lila, Kell, and Rhy, and meet new ones in Tes and Kosika So many new threads and possibilities!

THE FRAGILE THREADS OF POWER is a balm, a story told with depth and skill. Quite honestly it felt as though I'd never left the world. With the turn of a page, I had become Antari, pressed my hand to the wall and traveled back to London.

Also where can I get my own Vares?

Five stunning stars. What a beautiful continuation of one of the best fantasy series of all time. I am excited for fans of the original series, as well as new fans of the author's more recent work, to read this book. It has all the makings of a fantasy classic while still feeling fresh and new. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I am so, so lucky to have gotten my (metaphorical) hands on an early copy of this book!! VE Schwab is my all-time favorite author, and this book definitely did not disappoint.

Falling back into the Shades of Magic world was like coming home, in the very best way possible. We got to see so many characters throughout this story-- old favorites like Kell and Lila, as well a new ones like Tes and Kosika-- and go to new places. VE Schwab did a great job reminding the reader of the events of the previous series without it feeling heavy-handed and sprinkled in just enough to nudge our memories of the world and its magic system.

The plot was a bit slow, as the author set us up for this new epic series and all the twists and turns it will bring. Still, every bit of it was masterfully written and so well-done-- you can tell VE Schwab is careful and caring about every word she puts on the page, and it really pays off. The book is immersive and entertaining, perfect for fans both old and new.

4.5 stars!!

I absolutely loved being back in this world and VE Schwab's writing was phenomenal as always.

I honestly loved getting to be back in this world with my favorite characters and getting to meet new characters. Tes and Kosika had my attention from the very beginning and I'm excited to see where their story leads to.

But even though I did enjoy this book and loved being back, I will say that the book did not have to be this long. There were a couple times were I felt like it was dragging on or it just felt unnecessary. So while I would recommend this book, I would recommend that they read the original trilogy first.

I have to say first of all, I am biased for this author and this series. I adore her work and this book is no exception. What a rollercoaster it was !
I loved diving back into this world so much. It was like reconnecting with an old friend.
I was a bit worried about meeting new characters and how the book would feel with new characters in the original setting-- but I loved Tes so much. Her magic breathed new life and brought new adventures- adding a new layer to this captivating story.
With the world already built for us, Schwab takes us deeper into the character's lives and minds in a way that only Schwab can. Its a rich and lush story-- so immersive and consuming, I didnt want it to end.

It was such a treat to return to V.E Schwab's world of magic. I absolutely love the original trilogy and was beyond excited to hear that there is going to be another trilogy. Set seven years after the events in a Conjuring of Light, much has changed for Kel, Lila, Rhys, and Alucard. Not only do we get to hear what they have been up to over the last seven years, we get introduced to magical tinkerer Tes (and my new favorite character Vares) and Kosika, new queen of White London. White London is experiencing a new religious fervor and Red London is dealing with the whispers of rebellion against the crown. Then throw in a powerful magical that could change the fate of four worlds. The Fragile Threads of Power is an incredibly exciting start to a trilogy that both new and old fans will appreciate. New readers could definitely start with this story, but I would highly recommend reading the previous trilogy to experience the true depth and emotions of the characters. I cannot wait for others to get to read this, and am eagerly awaiting the next book. I am still processing the end and probably will be thinking about it for months to come. Also, more books should have magical skeleton owls in them. If The Fragile Threads of Power is not already on your TBR you should add it and preorder it. This is not a story you want to miss.

4.5 stars
It was great to be back in this world! I just really love Schwab's writing style so every time I opened this book I was completely drawn into the world and the characters.

However, there were like so so so many characters. Part of me loved that, because we got to explore what happened to all my favorite characters from the first series while still getting to know new characters Tes and Kosiska. I was really happy to see that Schwab improved from A Conjuring of Magic and spent a good amount time with each character's arc so that each section felt meaningful and impactful on a character level. BUT part of me also knows this book probably didn't HAVE to be 700 pages and that a lot this book wasn't so much moving the plot forward as catching us up on the last 7 years of everyone's life. Because of this, this would not be a good jumping on point to the Shades of Magic world, but for the people who already love these characters and this world I don't think this will really be a problem.

I deeply enjoyed sinking back in with these characters and worldbuilding and I'm so excited to see where this new series will take them. Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC so I didn't have to wait 6 whole more months to read this.

Fantastic as always from V. E. Schwab. Slick, smart writing, great characters. I can only recommend this.

Huge fan of VE Schwab. My first foray into her books was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and that was the beginning of the Schwab love affair. This felt like returning to a much loved place, especially after reading A Darker Shade of Magic. It is what they say about magical places-- once there, you don't ever want to leave. Beautiful book that's certain to be in our collection!

V.E. Schwab is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and this book is a perfect example of why. The world-building is phenomenal, the characterization is brilliant and the characters are so life-like that you forget you are reading - what you are doing is feeling, breathing, thinking, experiencing their world and story right along with them. This plot was excellent and I felt like I couldn't put the book down until I knew what happened. I highly recommend this novel and I think this will be a bestseller!

V.E. Schwab is a master with words. Whether writing as V.E. or Victoria her books never fail to immerse me as a reader. Her worlds are fascinating and her characters and stories are phenomenal. I thought this one was no different. I loved the experience reading it.

V.E. Schwab has talent! I love her stories and the way she can spin interesting ideas into interesting tales. It was nice to be back in this world because it always felt like there was so much more to explore. Can't wait to see where we go next!

I love these characterd, the old and the new. This shows the author's growth since the original 3 and that's really lovely as well. EPICLY looking forward to more reading in this world again

THE FRAGILE THREADS OF POWER brings readers back into the world of the SHADES OF MAGIC series, that readers fell in love with. V.E. Schwab has truly done it again with this book, that was beautifully woven with a masterful plot and world. I truly could not put this book down from start to finish. Schwab is an absolute genius and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!

A great follow-up to the original series. Written for new and old fans who will want to reread or start the series for the first time. Loved meeting new characters and learning more about older ones. Can't wait to talk to people about this after it releases!