I read about 15% and decided it’s just not for me. I didn’t know a lot before going in and this style of fantasy is just not what I enjoy. That’s on me, not the book.

Another slam dunk from V.E. Schwab! I already love this world due to the Darker Shades of Magic series but to get to come back and see are characters in a whole new light was amazing. Not even including how awesome the new characters are. Can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I am a HUGE Schwab fan after Addie!!! How could I not be. Naturally after reading the invisible life I wanted more of her writing and The Fragile Threads of Power did NOT disappoint. V.E. has a way of creating characters we absolutely fall in love with and this case was no different. Intricate world building and a fun plot. This was a joy to read and I want more, MOre, MORE!!

Rated 3.5

This took me longer than I’m thrilled about to get through and I still only managed to get to 30%. It’s been some time since I read A Darker Shade of Magic so the finer details of how it all ended have been lost to time. This hops in and takes off with a whole pile of POVs that I had to struggle to keep straight on the audiobook and in the story.

The time was confusing in Lila and Kell’s early chapters. I felt like there were time jumps in the same chapters so I’ve felt wrongfooted the entire time.

I think the dread I’m feeling to be forced to take notes on a book I’d really just love to read and enjoy is kind of a review on its own. I wish this clicked for me more.

Dude this took me literally forever to read and I think my mistake was not rereading the series before I got here. I was so excited to pick this up and so I had to start it right away but I was CONFUSED.

I was so excited to come back into this world and loved the something old and something new element. Lately I've had so many series that were once completed come back with a new book and do it wonderfully and I feel like had I been more aware of what I left behind in this series, I would've given this a 5 star. We really need to consider adding a "that's what you missed on glee" type summary at the beginning of every book so that we can recap before jumping in.

VE Schwab, we love you forever.

thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

stepping back inside VE Schwab's masterfully crafted world felt like coming home.

full review to come.

I can't even put into words how happy I am to be returning to this world. I stared at the email stating I was accepted for this arc and I honestly believe I cried. V. E Schwab did it again by creating the most amazing characters. Full review to come when I have all my thoughts in order. I am just sitting in complete awe and pure happiness. I can't wait for the next book.

Ahh we are so back! A promising start for the new spin-off series . V.E. Schwab’s writing is incredible and the world building + magic here is so detailed and very well done. I can’t wait for more!

She can do no wrong!! This book was FIRE! After reading Addie LaRue I was already made into a life long fan.... and now it's set in stone. Thank you so much for an early copy.

VE Schwab is an incredible author. I love her storytelling, character development, and world building. I enjoyed this story but some of the fantasy elements were too much for me.

Schwab begins a new phase in her Darker Shades of Magic series. She returns to the realm of different Londons in multiple worlds, but now her latest book is set seven years later. Only the Antari who have special powers can open the doors to the different worlds. But for many years the magical gateways have been closed. When dangerous characters learn of the existence of a special device that can open the portals and are in pursuit of it, the race to stop them is on.

There were originally only three Antaris. Kell Maresh, who came from Red London, isn’t using his powers because of complications. Instead, he’s been learning to be a privateer on a ship with another Antari, Delila Bard. She came from Grey London. The third known Antari was Holland Vosijk, a White Londoner, but he is dead. Other returning characters include King Rhy Maresh (Kell’s brother) and Alucard Emery (a close friend of the king). These beloved characters are always welcome but there are some new additions to liven up the plot. Kosika is the young leader who took over Holland’s throne. There’s also Tes who is quite fascinating. She’s an orphan who is able to fix anything. Her ability to see the threads of magic and re-work them makes her truly special. Another new addition is a fascinating, mysterious ship that carries magical artifacts and becomes key to the plot.

Lovers of Schwab’s great writing and wonderfully imagined worlds of magic, will be thrilled that she is revisiting her beloved land of the different Londons. The return of so many fabulous characters is only enhanced by the additional new storylines. This book will be a welcome addition to her catalog of popular fantasy stories and will leave her readers in anticipation of what will come next.

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

This week’s headline? Holland is my everything

Why this book? I really like the Shades of Magic series

Which book format? ARC

Primary reading environment? Parents’ and airplanes

Any preconceived notions? Yes! It’s going to be great!!!

Identify most with? Tes

Three little words? “[All] tools are weapons [in the hands of the wrong people]”

Goes well with? Plots of overthrowing the monarchy (ahem, government) and tinkering with toys

Recommend this to? Fans of V.E. Schwab and magic

Other cultural accompaniments: https://bookish.netgalley.com/exclusive-interviews/09/2023/ve-schwab-interview-the-fragile-threads-of-power/

I leave you with this: “Hard to pick a pocket when they’re already staring at your hands.”
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I already knew I was going to love this before reading it. Schwab rarely misses. This is a spin-off of the Shades of Magic series, with most of the familiar faces from the original trilogy and also some new ones. Tes is the best new character in my opinion - try and prove me wrong. I dare you. 😂

The Fragile Threads of Power is available now. It’s been available since last September. Where have I been? Wtf have I been doing? I… don’t remember.

Simply put, this was in my top ten of the year. V.E. Schwab just keeps getting better with every single book she writes. 10/10, 5/5 whatever scoring system you use, this book wins.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Nashville native V.E. Schwab continues the story begun in her Shades of Magic series with The Fragile Threads of Power, the first in a new trilogy that returns readers to the Four Londons seven years after the events of the first series. Fans will be thrilled to learn what happened to Kell and Lila and all the other fascinating characters, but this book introduces new characters and complications.

The Four Londons (Red, White, Black, and Grey) still operate distinctly from one another, with only a few powerful magicians (Antari) able to move between them. The new Antari queen in White London will do anything to preserve the safety and well-being of her people, and the king of Red London is facing an uprising that threatens to destroy his people’s peace and prosperity. The Fragile Threads of Power is a compelling, fast-paced, and sturdily built fantasy, and whether a returning fan or a first-time discoverer of the brilliantly designed Four Londons, readers will enjoy every twist of this sharp novel.

"Schwab's masterful storytelling effortlessly transports readers to a richly imagined world where power comes with a price and alliances are as fragile as they are essential. With its complex characters and intricate plot, this book is a gripping exploration of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of wielding power. Schwab's evocative prose and keen eye for detail bring this fantastical realm to life, making it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. "The Fragile Threads of Power" is a mesmerizing journey that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this thrilling series.

Following Schwab’s “Shades of Magic” series, this opens up a follow-up series into new worlds of magic, all centered around London. With each sealed off to the others, only a few magicians remain who can open the doors and cross between. Red, Grey, and White London(s) are faced with their own leadership battles and rising rebellions while a newcomer, Tes, with magical abilities comes in with the potential to change all four worlds, including Black London, either for the better or to destroy it all.
This is a good fantasy-magical realism story driven in multiple points of view. But while it can be read on its own, it’s incredibly confusing if you don’t have the background knowledge of reading the Shades of Magic series first, where many of these characters are introduced.
Thank you to Tor for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t know this book is a part of a series - just very excited to read anything by VE Schwab - but readers beware going into this! Would’ve loved to have read the first book before this one, so had to look up some recaps.

That being said, VE Schwab’s world building is just next level. It took me a hot minute to put all tbe puzzle pieces together but the writing as always is next level. I thought the characters and plot were compelling and I can’t wait for what’s next!

A wonderful return to the world of the ADSOM trilogy. Lila and Kell are out on the seas, living the life of pirates and we are introduced to several other new and amazing characters.
I especially enjoyed Tess, and would like to see more of her in future books, or even her own story.

It took me longer to get into this book than other Schwab books. Perhaps I should have reread ADSOM first. Once I got the flow of the book I thoroughly enjoyed it and many of the new characters. I also loves exploring some past favourites.