The Fragile Threads of Power

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.

First thoughts as I read The Fragile Threads of Power: this feels like coming home.

Like using a time machine, crawling into your childhood bed, and feeling as if no time has passed at all since you last laid there.

But at the same time, so much time has passed because you're different now and that change makes it sweeter, softer, and warmer.

You're not taking a single blink, a single feeling, a single moment of the experience for granted. You know you're so blessed to be here, feeling these sacred moments of comfort again.

That bed, that comfort, that moment out of time.

That is this book.

I have cried more times than I can count.

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These were my first thoughts when I was partway through, and they are even more true now as I reach the end.

This book is a masterpiece.

If you're nervous about returning to the Shades of Magic world, if you're scared it won't be as good as it once was: don't be. This is everything I could have dared hope for, and more.

I can't wait for the everyone to dive in.

(Shared to Netgalley as well but it won't link)

This book stressed me out and gave me anxiety dreams, but it was perfection.
Welcome back to Red London, where no one can be trusted and even less people are safe.
I audibly gasped at the 50% mark and then once I was over my shock lived in doubt of people's intentions.
That is the thing with Schwab, you can't trust anyone even those you really desperately want to.
Fragile Threads of Power is setting the stage for the trilogy, a lot of new world building and character development but it was all so satisfying. Beautifully written, absolutely worth the wait. Ren may be my favourite new character. Although Vares is a pretty close second.

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. This is Schwab at the height of their powers, keeping us up to date with the original Shades of Magic cast and introducing us to the new Threads of Power crew, all the while weaving everything together into a thrilling, expertly plotted story that will appeal to old and new fans alike. I promise you—not one of you is ready for what's coming, and I can't wait for this novel to hit shelves this fall so the world can see what Schwab has accomplished!

(And while Schwab has done an excellent job ensuring that you don't need to read the Shades of Magic trilogy prior to reading this one, I will say that the emotional depth and impact will be much more satisfying if you have, and I would wholeheartedly recommend reading those first, to ensure that you get the richest experience possible from this one.)

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.

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.