V.E. Schwab is the master at world building and getting you invested in characters. While this is the first in a new trilogy it brings in past characters from the Shades of Magic series.It is so good and I can't wait for the next book, please make time move faster.

thank you soooo much to Netgalley for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!!

and, as always, my wife never dissapoints 😍😍😍
it was THE BEST returning to this world and these characters, considering i had finished the trilogy not too long ago i had everything fresh in my mind so i didn't need any recaps to remember how the story had ended in ACOL. and ay, it was everything 😱 all the MCs are grown and have new responsabilities, so i loved reading them as people my own age. the new characters felt fresh and i'm really curious to see how they will develop in the trilogy. i keep saying this book can't be read without reading Shades of Magic because there is almost to none explanation about the world; i was fine because i was familiar with it, but someone who has no idea will be super lost. the mystery was really good, even tho the narration is the same, slow one it kept me interested all the time. and THAT LAST CHAPTER EXCUSE MEEEE VICTORIAAA I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOOOW 😭😭
i loved it. there is no way to hide it, i need more and i loved it so much. long live Kell, Lila, Alucard and Rhy... and even Ren 💕💕💕💕

I will always love ve schwab and the world she creates! This is absolutely no different. She continues on her shades of magic series in this new set and I couldn't be more excited!

A good sequel for the Shades of Magic series. A bit on the long side so it was a kind of difficult to stay interested in the story. I enjoyed the original trilogy so it was nice to be back in this world.

Such a magical read! I never finished the ADSOM books because I couldn't get into them but did enjoy her other books so I was skeptical to go into this since it is set in the same world. The characters were a lot more enjoyable for me and the story kept my attention longer, too.

Loved this return to the world of A Darker Shade of Magic, but I should've reread the original trilogy first!

What a great return to this world! I absolutely loved it! This book follows our main characters 7 years later than the last books, with some flashbacks telling how the characters ended up in the present. There are also 2 new main characters who are fascinating (I especially loved Tess) and bring new energy to the world, both figuratively and literally. I am highly intrigued by Kosaki's role in future books.

V.E. Schwab's writing is always a treat, and even though this book is long, no time feels wasted or poorly paced. One of my previous critiques of the last book was that it was almost too heart-thrummingly fast that I had to take breaks to chill out. This book has great moments of action and excitement without it becoming too much. It also ends satisfyingly but leaves many questions open and ready to explore.

I am so glad I started this year on such a good book, and I can't wait for the next one! If you are already a fan of this work and these characters, I think you will love this book just as much!

Phenomenal follow up to her much acclaimed "A Darker Shade of Magic" trilogy. As always the first line draws you right in with our favorite Kell and Victoria has an amazing way of seeming to know exactly which lines or quotes will especially strike true with her readers. While you can jump in to this series without having read the original trilogy, I highly recommend giving it a go first as you will run into slight spoilers and may miss out on certain key details.

surprised by how much I liked this!!
me and ve schwab have a bit of a complicated relationship because I like her concepts a lot more than I like their executions. the only exceptions to that rule so far have been vicious and vengeful and the shades of magic series, which, even though I didn't love the first book, I did enjoy books two and three.
but it's been three years since I read that series, and I didn't really want to reread them, so I wasn't sure if I would end up reading this; but because I got sent an arc, I thought, what the hell!! I might as well!!
overall, I really did enjoy it. I was impressed by the plotting, which was very well done. it's a book that does a great job of reintroducing us to this world, and these characters, while also having a new conflict. I think I even liked it more than the original trilogy.
I do have to say, though, that I don't understand why they marketed this as a separate series bc you really can't read this without reading shades of magic. also hate hate hate what they did with the covers.
I still don't like Lila Bard, and I still hate schwab's tendency to write every female character as a variation of "I’m not like other girls", but I love Alucard and Rhy! and I'm intrigued by the new characters!

“The Fragile Threads of Power" by V.E. Schwab serves as a continuation of her "Shades of Magic" trilogy, delving into the lives of both familiar and new characters as they navigate political unrest and emerging threats across different dimensions of London. Set seven years after the events of the previous trilogy, this novel immerses readers into the evolving world and the characters' transformed lives.

The book begins slowly, focusing on dropping hints and backstory, gradually reintroducing the returning characters and introducing new ones. While these elements provide engaging depth, at times, the narrative feels more like extended bonus content than a focused novel, contributing to its considerable length of 650 pages.

The story's pace is affected by its non-linear structure, divided into twelve sections exploring different locations and character perspectives. While these flashbacks effectively reveal character development and changes since the previous trilogy, they also create a tangled narrative web. Despite this deviation from traditional sequel approaches, the emphasis on exploring characters' pasts adds a unique layer to character development.

Similar to the original trilogy, the book features multiple character viewpoints, with some perspectives standing out more than others. Schwab's focus on the dynamic magic system adds depth and allure to the narrative, balancing expansive fantasy adventure with introspective character explorations.

The returning heroes from "Shades of Magic" undergo substantial growth, notably Kell, who grapples with the aftermath of a significant sacrifice and copes with newfound disabilities. Lila's character continues to captivate as a daring rogue, while Rhy, Alucard, and the new character Queen Nadiya navigate royal life in Red London.

The addition of Tes, a powerful young runaway, adds complexity to the series, presenting a character grappling with uncertainty amidst a cast of more assured individuals. Bex and Calin, bickering assassins, add an interesting dynamic but lack sufficient backstory. Kosika, the child queen of White London, brings depth to the narrative, despite loosely connecting to the main storyline.

Overall, "The Fragile Threads of Power" offers a sprawling narrative that traverses time jumps, multiple worlds, and numerous characters. It's an unconventional, atmospheric, and artistic continuation to the dense fantasy series, offering an intricate tapestry of evolving lives and worlds well worth exploring.

A Darker Shade of Magic is my favorite book of all time so to say I have been eagerly awaiting a return to this world would be an understatement. This book did not disappoint. The new characters were a fantastic addition but never took away from all the original things I loved about this series and it was so good to read about them again. Another knockout from V.E Schwab.

V.E. Schwab's Fragile Threads of Power is a triumphant return to the world of the Shades of Magic trilogy. It's a novel that picks up the threads of beloved characters and weaves them into a fresh tapestry of political intrigue, magic-fueled rebellion, and poignant personal journeys.

Familiar Yet Fresh:

While familiar faces like Rhy, Lira, and Alucard grace the pages, their paths are now distinctly different. Rhy grapples with the weight of kingship in Red London, facing a rebellion fueled by fear and desperation. Lira navigates the treacherous waters of White London's political landscape, searching for a way to mend the fractured magic system. And Alucard, ever the enigmatic figure, embarks on a quest that takes him beyond the boundaries of London altogether.

Intrigue Abounds:

Schwab's masterful worldbuilding is on full display, with each London rendered in vivid detail. The political machinations in White London are as thrilling as ever, while Red London's simmering unrest threatens to boil over. The introduction of new characters and factions adds further layers of complexity, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you navigate alliances, betrayals, and the ever-present threat of chaos.

Beneath the Surface:

But Fragile Threads of Power is more than just an exciting adventure. It's a story that delves into the profound themes of power, responsibility, and the cost of progress. Each character grapples with internal struggles, questioning their own choices and the impact they have on the world. The novel explores the complexities of grief, forgiveness, and the search for belonging, making it a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant read.

A Worthy Successor:

Fragile Threads of Power is a worthy successor to the Shades of Magic trilogy. It delivers all the thrills and chills of its predecessor while offering a fresh perspective and deeper exploration of the characters and world we've come to love. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this novel is sure to captivate you with its intricate plot, unforgettable characters, and poignant reflections on the human condition.

So, if you're looking for a book that will transport you to a world of magic, intrigue, and profound human truths, look no further than Fragile Threads of Power. It's a must-read for fantasy lovers and anyone seeking a story that will stay with them long after the final page is turned.

Stunning, intricate, and well worth every minute readers have waited to reacquaint themselves with old friends and new foes.

V.E. Schwab returns to the Londons with a gripping novel brimming with new and old povs alike. Readers are met with the new voices first, as new problems are introduced; but never fear, gentle reader, familiar faces and coats are never far away.

Catching up with Kell, Lila, Alucard, and Rhy Maresh after the devastating events of A Conjuring of Light will leave readers equally pleased and concerned as the crew navigates the new world of their making. Particularly, Kell's evolution and Schwab's exploration of "what happens when the Chosen One isn't chosen anymore? What's next?" will pull and tear at readers' heartstrings. Just as a new face, Tes, can pull and tear at the fragile threads of power.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book! V.E. Schwab has done it again, and I'm so grateful to have been able to read this story. I have been a fan of Schwab for years, A Darker Shade of Magic was the book that introduced me to the fantasy genre as an adult. I'm so happy that I was able to get more Rhy and Luc content, they were my absolute faves! This book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023, and it exceeded all expectations. Schwab proves again that she is a wonderful talent, and I can't wait to see what she gives us next!

I really loved the first series that Schwab wrote and I thought that this book was a perfect continuation of it. I loved delving back into the world again of Kell & Lila and love the relationship building within this story. Furthermore, I was surprised by the times we see the original characters in this book.

You cannot read this book as a standalone. You have to read the original series BEFORE this book, or else you will not understand what is going on.

I love this trilogy and was excited for this book. There were multiple POVs, fascinating new characters and a tantalizing ending that me so excited to be back in this magical world.

VE Schwab is an auto-read author for me after Addie LaRue and she does NOT disappoint here! I love how she brought these characters back.

Being back in this world is the most incredible feeling.

We fell in love with these characters through one story and now we get to see them change and grow like real people in the next chapter of their lives.

I will read anything Schwab writes.

#TheFragileThreadsofPower #NetGalley
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this novel. Check it out! It is worth picking up and taking home for the weekend! Perfect once again. #Edelweiss