I wasn’t a fan of the Darker Shade of Magic series, but I’ve loved a lot of Schwab’s other work so I decided to give this a try. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me, though if you liked the original series set in this world, you’ll likely enjoy this one as well.

There’s no issue of quality here, I’m just not a fan of the world building for these books, mostly because it’s based more on concept than setting. The magical system in these is also a bit of a dud for me.

The story itself is fine, but not enough to hold my attention in a book that is fairly lengthy and rooted in a setting and magical system that I just can’t get excited about.

To me, Schwab has a number of other far better books, but if you enjoy this type of high concept world building and/or were big on the Darker Shade of Magic series, you’ll likely be pleased with what you get here.

So I came into this book blind, having never read the series at all. I only knew that I loved The Invisible life of Addie larue and was curious when i discovered she had other books.

this one didn't disappoint and now i have to go back and start from the beginning!
thank you to netgalley for the Arc. All opinions are my own

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

I love all V.E. Schwab books, have for about 10 years. I read the first 6 or so chapters of this and of course everything held up except for my memory. While Victoria has said that you can go into this book without having to have read Shades of Magic, I don't know if I would agree. I haven't read the series in a number of years but thought I had remembered enough, that was quickly proved wrong, so I will be returning to this once I have time for a reread.

Basically, I love it but didn't finish it because I need the full experience of reading this series back to back.

This book is the start of a new trilogy from V. E. Schwab, set in the world of her well loved Shades of Magic series. At least, that's how it was marketed. In reality, it is more of a sequel series than a spin-off. Which is fine, but I don't think you could read this book and fully enjoy it without having read the SoM trilogy. About half of the POV characters are ones we already know from the previous series, which made the development of the new characters feel a bit odd to me. These new faces are just as lovable and by the end, I was attached to each of them, but I was not expecting to be hearing so much from the original cast.
It was interesting to see how our familiar faces have changed and grown in the seven years since the events of A Conjuring of Light, and to see what the world looks like for those who were just children at that time. The world V. E. Schwab created here continues to evolve and expand as each of the worlds faces the consequences of a finite supply of magic. Red London falls into chaos, White London is focusing on regrowth, and I assume Grey London remains blissfully unaware.
This was a long read at 650 pages, but I finished it in 3 days, so it wasn't too painful. I feel similarly about this installment as I did about the other three books--it was a fun read, just ok from a craft perspective, but with a heart that really pulled me in. 3.5 stars.

This was a super fun and intriguing read, I was a little lost because I didn't realize this was a continuation of a darker shade of magic and I haven't finished it yet (my bad, that was on me) but overall I had a good time! Maybe a little too long for my usual taste...

This book started off a bit confusing, as I had not read V.E. Schwab's Shades of Magic trilogy. It can be read without reading the trilogy, however, the events leading up to The Fragile Threads of Power are the same characters in the future, and some new ones. After about 20% into the book, I understood the multitude of characters, their relationships, and their magic (or lack thereof). Once I was entrenched in the book, I could not put it down. The seemingly disconnected stories, including those in the other worlds, started to intermingle. Tes, Lila, and Kosika were my ultimate, favorite characters. From their strength in power as Antari (Lila, Kossika) and their ability to see and manipulate the threads of magic (Tes), I adored these characters' strength, endurance, and ability to overcome hardships.
While I do suggest reading the 1st three of the Shades of Magic trilogy, you can still obtain great pleasure, as I did, from this book.

This book. This book is so wonderful and feels just like coming home. The Shades of Magic series was my introduction to Schwab’s work and I immediately fell in love with Kell and Lila and Rhy. I was thrilled when she announced that she was continuing the series and I am happy to report that Fragile Threads of Power is a very worthy continuation of the series. It’s like slipping on a favorite comfy pair of the softest winter pajamas to have found that, somehow, pockets were added to them, making them the best pjs ever! The new characters are intriguing and fierce and smart. The old characters have grown and changed a bit due to life experiences. I adore the banter between Kell and Lila. They really are so good for each other! There is lots of action and intrigue, and a continued exploration of the four Londons. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! Run and pick this one up!!!

Absolutely fantastic! To all you fantasy lovers, this book is an absolute must-read. V.E. Schwab has masterfully crafted a story that, well, can only be described as magical.

The characters? Oh, they’re brilliant. And the world-building? Top-notch. Now, I know it’s a chunky one, weighing in at over 600 pages, but trust me, not once does it feel like slogging through a tome. This story grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go for a second!

This book is set in the “Shades of Magic” world! This book elevates the story further and the addition of the new characters is great. I was thoroughly invested!

Highly recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved every book of V.E. Schwab’s that I’ve read so I went into this one with very, very high hopes.

Unfortunately, I really struggled to get into it and stay with it. While the writing was fabulous and it had all the elements I’ve come to expect from Schwab, I can’t really pinpoint why, but this one just didn’t do it for me.

I’m seeing really great reviews for it on Goodreads and that makes me very excited because this is an author I love to support. I will definitely attempt this book again in the future. Maybe it’s me.

Thank you Netgalley and TOR publishing for the ARC of Fragile threads <3

This fantasy, world building story is beyond my level of comprehension- but I liked it! There are four world, each with magical realms, connected by the single city of London. When dark magic spreads to fast, it forces the worlds to seal the gate between realms. Antari and Kosika (my favorite characters) camp out in White London. They are the new Antari (will not give this away). Administ the trials and tribulations of pirate ships, fighting and thievery- they are making their way across seas and worlds. Insert- Tes, who is in the possession of an object that carries more weight than she even knows.

Really just exceptional compelling writing. Told in 3rd POV. The plotting and suspense here are truly masterful. Many characters with flawed deep life like qualities. Long, but it will keep you engaged throughout.

Final thought: the cover??? Brilliant- buying just to have on my favorites shelf.

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/