If you love V. E. Schwab you will love this series! The magic, the adventure, the tense build! Oh I could not get enough from the first book let alone this one! And the covers!

I didn't realize how much I'd missed the world of Lila, Kell, Rhy, Alucard, and the rest of London(s) until I returned to this book.

Reading The Fragile Threads of Power felt like visiting home. With a mixture of new characters who captured my imagination, and returning favorites who have matured and grown and grappled with their own challenges since we last saw them, I vacillated between excitement, nostalgia, concern, and anxiety as I turned the pages.

It's been awhile since a book kept me up late into the night, but that's exactly what this story did. I can't wait to see what happens next.

The Fragile Threads of Power starts seven years after the ending of A Conjuring of Light, so we get to know what happened with our favorite characters, and the consequences of the plague that almost ended with the magic of the world. With glimpses to the events that happened during that period and some new characters introduced to the story, our characters will have to face a new treat: the royal family is in danger, and those who love them will do anything that is on their hands to protect them.

I found myself hooked from the very beginning with this book. I love the characters since the previous trilogy, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that they were not side characters here but still the main focus of the story! I feel that seeing their relationships developed with time has a great impact in me as a great fan of the previous trilogy. I loved reading about the paths they have taken, the pain they have faced, and the love they have experienced. I think this is what makes me give this book 5 stars: it feels like coming home, to these characters I love so much, and the author knows how to bring us back to this world and make us feel as if we never left.
That being said, I really wished the author would give us more scenes of our favorite characters together! They spent so much time apart from each other (but the scenes where they were together, oh lord, I've SCREAMED).

The new characters are a perfect complement to this story, and I cannot wait to read more about them. Also, the new conflict the characters are facing feels so well structured and it makes so much sense. In a world where everything is starting to feel safer, something will start to burn, and that's exactly what V.E.Schwab brings us here.

This is a trilogy to keep on your radar if you are a fantasy reader with a love for magic worlds where the magic is making a mess and saving it at the same time.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of my most anticipated book of the year! This book was exactly what I wanted, no what I needed, from a continuation from the Shades of Magic. I still got the characters I love, and a few new favorites! It was definitely a fine balance between the existing world and this new story, and Schwab expertly threaded that needle for me. I can't wait to see where this series goes! This was the longest book I have read in awhile but it flew by as I read! Can't wait to listen to the audiobook, and have a physical copy of this beauty on my shelf.

This book was amazing! Set in the Darker Shades of Magic universe, it continues the magic created in that series and updates us on what some of the main characters from that series have been up to. This book is very well-written and will keep your attention!

This book continues the stories of Lila, Kell, Rhy, and Alucard, while introducing some new characters. I would warn readers to read the Darker Shade of Magic series first, as it relies heavily on the events of that series. I found myself having a hard time adjusting at first to this book as I hadn't read the series for a while.

I loved the Darker Shades of Magic series, so I was all too happy to catch up to what the main characters from that series had been up to over the last seven years. However, since it takes place over such a large time period and there are a lot of characters involved, I found it jarring at times to jump between characters and years at a time. The plot was enticing and I could see why the time jumps were used, so I was motivated to stick with the story. I felt like things got better the further I got into the story.

Overall, this was a very entertaining read, and I look forward to the next book in the series!

So much fun to get to revisit the characters and the world from the Shades of Magic series! This book can be read as a standalone; you don't need to read the Shades of Magic Trilogy first. Rhy is King - he's married with a daughter. Alucard is by his side. Lila is out adventuring with Kell. But peace is threatened by a mysterious organization called, 'The Hand'. A young girl, named Tes wants nothing more than to fix things that have been broken, but she has a powerful sort of magic and can't help but getting pulled into trouble. Tes is a fabulous character! I really enjoyed this fantasy novel filled with magic, intrigue, and strong female characters. For me, the one drawback was all of the flashbacks filling in the missing time since the conclusion of the original series because I kept wanting the story to move forward. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.

This sits somewhere between a 4 and 4.5.

"Threads" is a good word to describe this book because there were so many different plot threads happening at the same time. Things are happening from the get go so you never really feel like you're reading filler scenes. I will say it does feel a little overwhelming to be jumping from thread to thread in the first half of the book, but around 50% it all quickly comes together and the book takes off.

We are introduced to many new characters, but there is a new trio of women that I especially loved: Kosika a 7 yr old thief (and new Antari) that has some become the queen of White London, Nadiya the wife of Rhy, and Tes a 15 yr old tinkerer that is able to see and manipulate magic. I found all three to be very intriguing (and am very interested to see where their stories go in Book 2) but Tes actually became my favorite character in the whole series. I kept getting excited whenever she would pop back up on the page. All of the original characters returned as well (and Alucard is still my favorite of them) so it was nice to hang out with them as well. But obviously, the best parts where when the old and the new characters mixed and gave us a taste of what the rest of this series will feel like.

I will say that once we got to the main part of the plot (probably starting around halfway through the book and powering through right to the end) you are able to get some glimpses as to what the larger story of this trilogy will be. There is a "Phantom Menace" type villain and a greater sense of dread for what is to come in some of the other Londons. By the time it was done, I was left wanting to read the next book to see what was going to happen. Overall, this was an excellent addition to the Shades of Magic universe and an excellent start to the new trilogy. I can't wait for Book 2 and hope we get it soon!

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Addie LaRue is a classic for our libraries - constantly taken and returned - and so anything V.E. Schwab puts out is going to get a first, second, and probably third look.

Schwab's writing is just so easy to follow and so enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

the fragile threads of power is the best shades of magic novel yet. it’s a phenomenal continuation that puts all of schwab’s passion, craft, and love for this world on full display and it made a miraculous wreckage of my heart. i promise you—not one of you is ready for what’s coming.

This book is a chonk but it is also FANTASTIC. Every time I was able to carve out time to pick it up, I didn't want to put it back down again. A great return to all our favorite characters with some great new ones added in. I now live in fear of what Victoria will put us through in books one and two and I definitely set my kindle down with a loud F*** ME when I finished, after staying up way too late. I read the Darker Shade trilogy once all the books were out and I'm slightly kicking myself now because this wait is going to be excruciating.

It's so nice to be back in this world. From the first page to the end, my mood was instantly better and as a mood reader it really made my day. Overall Shades of Magic has become one of those series that I want to introduce to anyone who is looking for slightly fast paced books. They're a bit of a slow burn but not so much so they it's easy to lose interest.

The Fragile Threads of Power does an excellent job of grounding old and new readers (and I needed help with hah grounding, too, because it's been awhile since I've reread any of the previous books).

V.E. Schwab casually introduces us to some new characters especially in White London at the start. I felt enthralled to learn more and usually get upset when I have to deal with new characters. All I want is more Kell and Lilah!

Between Kosika and Tes, exciting new storylines opened up. I couldn't wait to learn more about them and how their lives would become interwoven with with our main characters.

It's an exciting read that I'd introduce to hesitant readers and obsessive readers. There's a lot to dig through here and great new pieces of world building that I'd want to play around writing wise.

it was like stepping into a room someone rearranged, you know the contents but you see things in a new light, a stellar reintroduction to the world a perfect blend of old character with new ones. I hope to see more of Tess in the next instalment and loved what was going on in white London with its new leadership even though with every mention of black London gave me a heart attack. I'm excited to see where the story will take us and I was genuinely surprised and intrigued behind the 'hand' and their true motive is.

I have put off reviewing this for a little bit (it's not out until September, but I have been sitting on the galley since April, hah.) because I just didn't want it to disappoint. I love the originally trilogy so much--I have read and reread it so many times. I love the characters and the world and the magic, so I was beyond thrilled, but a little apprehensive, about getting approved to read it. My worry was unfounded because this was such an absolute delight to read and I'm honored that I get to review it early. I already cannot wait for more in this 'spin-off' trilogy where Rhy is reigning and there is a new cast of characters and the wonderful, magical world we love. Even though this was a hefty number of pages, I flew through it and was shocked and dismayed when I flipped the last page. If you loved the original trilogy, you're going to love this, too. I highly recommend this, and I am beyond thrilled to see the physical copies once my library gets them. I-*screaming*-I need the next one.

As a huge fan of this series, I was delighted to discover this continuation of the universe Schwab has created. Clearly the beginning of another trilogy, Schwab sets the stage for the reign of Rhy Maresh without Kell by his side. Alternating between current events and the events immediately preceding the last book, Schwab interweaves the magic and hope of a new world with new characters ready to take up the mantle of good vs evil. One of Schwab's unique talents is the complexity of characters with fully acknowledged flaws and virtues. Another winner for Schwab!

VE Schwab does not miss. It has been years since I read the prequel series to this and readers may benefit from brushing up on it, but I very quickly found my way back into this magical world and was totally invested in what was going on. With great new characters and the return of favorites, a must read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy stories.

Buckle up urgently for an unforgettable and marvelous ride that will transport you to realms beyond imagination! Prepare to surrender your full concentration and let go of any distractions because, my dear reader, you are about to embark on a literary journey that will not only surpass the best Dark Shades of Magic book but also rank among the finest fantasy tales of our time—perhaps even the entire decade! Believe me when I say that I am not exaggerating in the slightest.

While the length of this book may seem daunting, fear not, for not a single moment will you find yourself bored or disengaged. On the contrary, it will engulf you so completely that you'll yearn to lock yourself away in a ship cabin, blissfully surrendering to the captivating days and nights, oblivious to the ports you pass or the passage of time. The world V.E. Schwab has skillfully crafted will enthrall you, and the best part is that there are more books to come, causing your heart to race with anticipation and shouting "Ship Ahoy!" in delight.

Allow me to refresh your memory on the events that transpired seven years ago. Delilah, Kell, and Holland valiantly saved the world from the clutches of dark forces sealed within Black London, albeit at the cost of Kell's magic. In this latest installment, we journey alongside Kell and Lila as they spend years at sea, embracing the life of privateers. Kell, in an attempt to cope with his pain and enhance his combat skills, creates an alternative persona, all while navigating the labyrinthine corridors of his complicated relationship with Lila. The bond between Kell and his brother, King Rhy, grows stronger with each survival and attack they face together. When an assassin threatens the life of Rhy, both Lila and Kell find themselves drawn back to Red London, their presence necessary to safeguard the king and protect Alucard, his beloved and trusted confidant.

Amidst this backdrop, a precocious seven-year-old girl named Kosaki, once a thief, ascends to claim the throne of White London. This sudden shift in power sends ripples throughout the realms, altering the political landscape in ways unforeseen by many.

Furthermore, we are introduced to an extraordinary new character, Tess, a gifted tinkerer with a profound understanding of magical forces. With her unique ability to see the threads of magic and skillfully reweave them, she becomes an integral part of this intricate tapestry. However, the stakes escalate when a thief's son brings forth an item of immeasurable value, obtained at great personal risk. Unbeknownst to them, this object holds the potential to unlock doors that should forever remain sealed.

I find myself compelled to restrain from divulging further details, eager to grant you the space and freedom to explore the depths of this vicious, dark, yet undeniably inventive and exhilarating universe.

Prepare yourself for a cliffhanger that will leave you breathless, matching the intensity and anticipation found within the pages of its predecessors. Oh, how I wish I could indulge my cravings and delve into the remaining books of the series immediately! My anticipation knows no bounds, coursing through me with fervor and excitement.

Consider yourself warned, dear reader, for this book possesses the power to forever alter your expectations of fantasy literature. Anything you read henceforth will pale in comparison to the sheer perfection found within these pages.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and the Tor Publishing Group/Tor Books for generously providing me with the opportunity to experience and review this exceptional literary masterpiece. Their willingness to share the digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is truly appreciated.

I think I just have to admit defeat and acknowledge Schwab’s writing is not for me. I never get more than an ‘it’s ok’ feel from reading any of them. I’m never connected to the characters or invested in the worldbuilding or conflict, but there has so far never been anything I hated either. Overall I just don’t get what all the fuss is about. This seems to be more of the same – competently written fantasy with a few cool ideas and turns of phrase that ultimate just did very little for me. Please take other reviews into account over mine. I am clearly not in the author’s target audience.

A really enjoyable book maybe takes a bit too long to get the story started, There are a lot of things that seemingly happened in the seven years between the last book and this one and, frankly, it sounds like it could have been a book of its own. It's not a complaint, just mentioning it because this book might take a little bit of patience to get into. Once it's going, it's such a familiar ride and you're just happy to be back in that world. Very well written. Made me want to revisit the previous novels in the series.

So happy to return to this universe, and its characters. I'm excited for the future installments but my one concern with this book is that it was setting up a somewhat similar arc as the first series. I did like -- or at least was interested by -- all the new characters introduced, and the world-building was delightful, as always.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Tor Publisher.

The Fragile Threads of Power was such a solid book for the first new book in the series.
It was perfect. Again. V.E. Schwab did it!!

+ Beautiful world writing
+ Polyamory relationship
+ Kell's development character
+ Many conflicts in different london, but it didn't get messier.

It was nice to back to Londonverse.