I'm grateful to Titan Books for letting me have an advance e-copy of The Fragile Threads of Power via Netgalley to consider for review.

I was glad to see Schwab return to Grey, Red, White and (shudders) even Black London, the variously magic (or not) settings for her magnificent Darker Shades of Magic trilogy.

Glad - More Lila! More Kell! - but also slightly apprehensive because, and we've all seen them of course, I didn't want this to be another example a of writer returning to familiar ground when they should have left alone and done something new instead.

I needn't have worried. Schwab is canny enough to not simply repeat what worked so well before, and bolsters the book with new characters who intrigue the reader while the central quad - Lila, Kell, Ray and Alucard - settle down, as it were, and focus. Those familiar with that group will though recall that they're a pretty awkward, intractable lot who aren't going to behave and pay attention at the snap of the author's fingers and indeed, we have Lila Being A Pirate, Kell Sulking, Rhy Kinging and Alucard, well, Alucarding.

This first half of the book serves as a helpful reminder of just what went before and how each of the four stands in relation to the others, but Schwab doesn't have the story on pause - as the four sort out their issues, or not, we're also introduced to new comers Tesali, a sparky young runaway who has some serious magical abilities and runs her own repair shop in red London, and Kosika, the new Queen in White London. Both are outsiders, living on their wits and having to make sense of a dangerous world. Both have a lot of backstory, which Schwab allows to unfold slowly - if ever tempted to hurry this, she resisted and rightly; there is a lot to tell and both women are fascinating. They are destined, it's clear, to attract trouble and we begin to see that for Tesali (for Kosika I think it's looming in the next book).

(Apart from Tesali and Kosika, Rhys' new Queen, Nadia, an enchantress with her own underground lab, also intrigued me. She's clearly up to something more than simply defending her family, but what?)

Of course once trouble starts, Lila won't be far away and the really good news about this book is that as things heat up, with the sinister rebel faction The Hand making its move, Lila gets REALLY knife-y and plunges into the thick of things. This is what I was waiting for. Red London is absolutely made for sinister plots, for skulking figures glimpsed in dark alleys, strange conspiracies and for treason. And there's plenty of all these. (Yes, treason - there is a traitor in this book, in fact more than one, and you'll be smart if you can spot them - I didn't).

It all creates an engaging, fast-paced and pleasingly complicated story that benefits not only from those new characters but from the returning, somewhat older (I won't say, more mature) cast from the earlier books. As established figures, it's good to see them bickering away but even better to see the impression they make on the newcomers. I didn't think Tesali was actually very impressed by Lila, and The Fragile Threads of Power sets up some dynamics that it will be fun to see play out in future books.

A strong followup to Darker Shades that definitely avoids all those "second trilogy blues".

I was so happy when I realised a new book in it Darker Shade of Magic series was being written.

Set seven years after the last book ended it picks up the story of all your favourite characters,

Also introduced are some new characters and if this is your first look at the Four Londons then you can easily read this before the Darker Shade of Magic series.

It did not disappoint.

What can I say??!! I was so excited to be back in this world and it was so good.

The book picks up a significant number of years after the events of A Conjuring of Light - we meet up with all the major players from The Shades of Magic series but everything has changed, nothing is as it was - the powerful are now powerless and are having to make some major changes in order to adapt.

We also meet some new characters who definitely bring a new dimension to this world and I am excited to see where we go in the next books. 



I love the idea if I’ve understood correctly that you can eventually read this series or shades first or read either as a standalone if you choose to leave it there but honestly I have no idea why you’d do that - I can not wait for the next book.

Anything V E Schwab writes goes straight onto my TBR and this was no different. A brilliant revival into the Shades of Magic world featuring the characters we know and love as well as some exciting new additions, It was exciting returning into the brilliantly written world and having the addition of flashbacks helped me relate back to the previous books.
As always, a great read from V E Schwab!

I absolutely loved being back in this world again, getting to see the characters we got to know and love from the original trilogy, as well as meeting new characters. I really appreciated how there was a significant amount of time that had passed between the end of A Conjuring of Light and this book, and how we got ‘flashbacks’ to see all the important moments that we need to know in that time. Schwab never fails to pull me into a story and this one was no exception

Reading anything V E Schwab writes is like wearing Kell's coat - it just fits perfectly. We return to familiar Red London and its familiar characters, all of whom have grown up (in theory) since the last trilogy ended. But a new threat is approaching, one that they slowly discover, in combination with some interesting new players, as well as insights into the other Londons. It didn't entirely blow me away, but I loved returning to a familiar story told well.

This book follows on from The Darker Shade of Magic trilogy. We see old characters and what they are up to since the end of those books while also being introduced to new characters.

I really enjoyed being back in this world with these characters. I really like the new character of Tes. Seeing her particular skills at work was so interesting.

I am very interested to see how this series continues.

"There is nowhere you go," said the Antari to her prince, "that I cannot follow."

What a joy to be reunited with these incredible characters!

It's been seven years since Lila, Kell and Holland defeated the Shadow King. Since then, Lila and Kell have traveled the world in her ship, while he waits and hopes that his broken magic will heal. But to no avail. Instead, Lila teaches Kell to fight using his hands and blades. Will he ever be the world's most powerful magician again?

At the same time, in Red London, a new threat is emerging – The Hand is an underworld group that wishes to overthrow King Rhy Maresh. No one knows who they are, how they're meeting and what they're planning. Until a heist at the world's most secure black market sees the theft of a device with dark magic, one that puts the entire royal family, and everyone close to them at risk. Tes, a 15-year-old girl with a penchant for fixing broken magical objects is unwittingly drawn into The Hand's plans. Now, Lila, Kell and their allies will have to race to make sure she doesn't become a deadly pawn.

I have loved Lila, Kell, Rhy, and Alucard fiercely since reading the Shades of Magic trilogy a few years back. And now, I can love Tes, too. While 'The Fragile Threads of Power' is a long book, it's full of intrigue, dark plots, delicious fights and gorgeous magic. The characters have developed and matured since the original three books, and are even more complex and well-rounded now, if that's even possible.

If you have yet to read 'Shades of Magic', do it now. You won't regret it. And then immediately jump onto 'The Fragile Threads of Power'. I cannot wait for the next instalment.

Absolutely adore this book. I'm so in love with this world and the characters. It was super nostalgic seeing the old characters and the new ones were great additions. To say i need the next book now is an understatement!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

The Fragile Threads of Power offers the perfect, thrilling return to the world of the many Londons. I definitely enjoyed this more than the ADSOM trilogy, because there's just something about this story that draws you in. It's kind of slow paced at the start, however, it picks up pretty quickly and you are racing to read on and trying to find out what's happening. Schwab's writing is decidedly less dry and more descriptive than ever, and I found myself enjoying it so much. It was so great to see Kell, Lila and Rhy's adventures again. Kosaki's character left me quite intrigued and so did Tess, and I can't wait to learn more about them as the series progresses.

The Fragile Threads of Power is the perfect return to a beloved world with characters you already know and throws them into another adventure with high stakes. ADSOM fans, you're gonna love this one.

This was such a wonderful return to a series I love very dearly. The new characters added a freshness to the world while retuning characters were given ample time for readers to reconnect with them.
The plot was interesting and well thought through, if a little bloated at times, but overall an enjoyable read,
An outstanding continuation for fans of the series and of Schwab’s other works.

I dragged this book out for sooooo long because I didn’t want it to be over. I adore this world and the magic and the characters so much

So, we’ve had a 7 year gap since the ending of <I>A Conjuring of Light</I>, we get to see what our fave characters have been up to in the meantime, and have a new storyline with new characters.

This does slow the pace of the book down significantly, as for every couple of present day events we get one in the past. This didn’t bother me and I actually thought it was done seamlessly, but I do want to highlight that I don’t recommend people read this book if you haven’t read the <I>Shades of Magic</I> trilogy. If I weren’t already invested in these characters I’d have probably been bored. If you have read <I>Shades</I>, it’s like catching up with your faves. I definitely still noticed the slow pace, and this absolutely wouldn’t have been the kind of book I could finish in a couple of days, but I just enjoyed being along for the ride in this world again. Overall, I think Schwab managed the 7 year gap well, and I expect book 2 to be even stronger now that this is out of the way.

The two new characters, Tes & Kosika, are well-developed and engaging. We got enough time with them to cement their role in the story, understand their motivations and past, and invest in them enough to want to know what happens next. It was balanced well alongside Kell/Rhy/Alucard/Lila, and I’m really interested to see what their role is in the next two books.

I enjoy the way the story is going at the end of the book, it’s something I’ve suspected since fairly early on in <I>Shades</I> and I’m very excited to see it play out more. I’m also so glad to see Holland’s legacy hasn’t been forgotten, as he’s currently my favourite tragic character! Rhy and Alucard are so heartwarming in this book, their parts made me so emotional.

My main critiques are in the treatment of Kell and Lila. I don’t love what happens to Kell at the end of <I>Conjuring</I> and how it’s continued into this book. He’s gone from being the main character to very sidelined, most of his important scenes told through someone else’s perspective - obviously intentional and reflects how he feels himself. I hope we get more of his old self back in book 2.

You can very much tell that Schwab’s favourite character is Lila, and it often comes at the cost of her others.

This was something that began to bother me a little in <I>A Gathering of Shadows</I> and more so in <I>Conjuring</I> but has continued into this book and sadly will probably bother me for the rest of this series. I know not everyone shares this opinion but a heads up that if you didn’t like the treatment of her towards the end of <I>Shades</i> you probably won’t like it now either.

Overall - I have a few gripes (*cough* Lila) but thoroughly enjoyed being in this world again and desperately excited for the next two books!!

Did I just read a whole book, minus 50 or so pages, in a day?

Oh, but it was worth it.

Finding a place to begin with this one is difficult. There’s so much about it I loved that I just want to word vomit on the page, but let’s try to be a bit better than that and say that this book felt like coming home. The characters, the world, the magic, were all there, right where Schwab had left them, just ready to be picked up and slipped back on like a familiar coat.

It really is little wonder that I stayed up until 1am reading this. Or that I read it all in one day. (Well, barring the first 50 pages, which I read the night before, when it was still easy to put the book down.)

All in all, an excellent read. I blazed through the last 100 pages, and most of the book, to be honest. Cannot wait for the next one!

'For the ones who still believe in magic'
This was the perfect continuation to the Shades of Magic Series. I adored being back with the original characters aswell as being introduced to a new set of characters. Following the old characters brought back so much nostalgia and comfort as we returned to the world seven years after a conjuring of light. I was super intrigued with how the new characters would be mixed into the story. We follow 3 new characters who all play a prominent role in the story, however our original characters still are main characters which I loved. Fragile threads of power was full of suspense, drama and plot twists. The plot of the book was amazing and I truly cant wait for the next.
Thank you so much for the opportunity for the early read!

Title: A Mesmerizing Tapestry of Magic and Intrigue

"The Fragile Threads of Power" by V. E. Schwab is a spellbinding addition to the world of fantasy literature, weaving a complex and intricate tale of magic, politics, and power.

Schwab's storytelling prowess shines in this novel as she introduces readers to a meticulously crafted world where magic and politics are intricately interwoven. The story revolves around a compelling cast of characters, each with their own ambitions, secrets, and desires. The depth of character development is remarkable, allowing readers to connect with and empathize with the characters' struggles and triumphs.

The plot is a mesmerizing tapestry of intrigue, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Schwab skillfully navigates the complex web of political maneuvering, alliances, and betrayals, keeping readers guessing at every step. The pacing is expertly balanced, providing moments of tension, action, and introspection in perfect harmony.

What truly sets "The Fragile Threads of Power" apart is Schwab's exploration of power dynamics, morality, and the consequences of wielding immense magical abilities. The novel delves into the moral gray areas that often accompany the pursuit of power, making it a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read.

Schwab's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the world she has created. Her descriptions breathe life into the setting, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and sensations of this fantastical realm. Additionally, the magical system she has developed is both imaginative and well-conceived, adding depth and wonder to the narrative.

While this book is part of a larger series, it stands firmly on its own, offering a self-contained story while hinting at the broader world and mysteries awaiting exploration. It's a testament to Schwab's skill as a writer that readers can dive into this novel without prior knowledge of the series and still fully appreciate the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Fragile Threads of Power" is a masterfully crafted fantasy novel that is sure to captivate fans of the genre. V. E. Schwab's ability to blend intricate world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes creates a reading experience that is both enchanting and intellectually stimulating. Whether you're a longtime fan of Schwab's work or a newcomer to her storytelling, this book is a must-read that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment.

With The Fragile Threads of Power we return to the world of the Shades of Magic, and what a return it is.

This is the kind of book that was made for the readers, the fans, and the ones who missed this universe like hell. It is so clearly a love note to the people who loved the series, and the four Londons and all its promises.

I was so elated when Titan Books approved me for an ARC of this book, it was one of my most anticipated releases of the year!

I started reading immediately, and one of the things that most caught my attention was the writing. In the Shades of Magic series the writing was growing with each volume, and it reached a peak in Conjuring of Light on my opinion. It was superb, sublime. With Fragile Threads of Power you can clearly see the talent of the author shine through, and how she has honed her craft in the six years since the third Shades book came out. It is a damn fine writing.

One of the things that did annoy me a little bit is that there are so many introductions at the start of the novel when all I wanted was to see familiar faces, but alas, they eventually appear.

I do have to be honest and say that this book is very much vibes, not a lot of plot, and during a particular stretch of the story, this got me. Around 35% I reached a wall. I couldn’t advance further, and ended up not reading a single word for over a week. This is in part my fault because I had been going through some reading slumps prior to picking up this book, but it is also the book’s fault. It just gets too slow in a certain point. However, that passes. It passes really well actually. I felt like the second half of the story, and specially the last 30% had just incredible pace, and I couldn’t put it down. In my opinion if the book were about a hundred pages shorter, it would have avoided this slog in the early part, without loosing substance.

Nevertheless, despite this setback, I was still enamoured of so many things. Things I won’t mention for the sake of spoilers, but they made me so happy. Also, it is incredibly satisfying to read a first book in a trilogy that resolves book-problems within the book but leaves a door open for series-problems to be developed further, in the best style of Schwab. I really appreciate that, because I feel like not every book in a series needs to end in a cliffhanger, or have 989485 unresolved things to be dealt with in the next volume, sometimes you just want some closure and that’s okay.

Another thing that I’ve noticed is how cinematic some of the writing felt in this one. I could see so many scenes as if on a film, vividly, perfectly described. It made me picture, once again, how it would feel to see this story adapted into an animated film or series, because yes, I would prefer animated over live-action, especially for powers, and for the literal shades of london, if you know what I mean. Imagine something in the style of Arcane, it would be insanely good.

I am super excited for the next volume, and I am so glad Schwab decided to return to this universe.

Many thanks to Titan Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Shades of Magic trilogy is one of my favourite ever series, so when I heard that V.E. Schwab would be revisiting that world in The Fragile Threads of Power I was beside myself with excitement. I had planned to make this a measured, constructive review but in truth it's just going to be me fangirling about Schwab's incredible talent and this spectacular visit back to the Londons.

It's not an over-exaggeration to say that I missed these characters - I don't think I realised quite how much though until they leapt off the page and back into my life!

The Fragile Threads of Power is set 7 years after the close of A Conjuring Of Light. With everyone that we loved from The Shades of Magic series, as well as some intriguing new characters, Schwab has created yet another stunning novel that I quite honestly did not want to end.

Reading this felt like coming home to a warm cup of tea, putting on a warm pair of socks, snuggling down with a warm blanket, and everything else around you is warm because the house is on fire. Which is to say, this was such a comforting read even though I was suffering the entire time because V. E. Schwab refuses to give their characters a break. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The new entry into the Shades of Magic world never felt superfluous, instead exploring any loose threads or possibilities spilling over from where we left our cast seven years ago. The new faces are just as loveable as the old (of which there are plenty — the scream I let out at 56% was inhuman) and the story really kicked off when all the threads entwined. The stakes are fresh with new threats looming around every corner, and although it left plenty of mysteries to be solved in future entries, every character had their own arc neatly wrapped up for now. Impeccable stuff as always from V. E. Schwab.

What an absolute delight being back in the world of Schwab's Londons. I loved that we get to return to some of our favourite characters from the original trilogy whilst also being introduced to some very interesting new perspectives. As I've come to expect, Schwab managed to completely sweep me along and suddenly several hundred pages had been read. I had so much fun reading and am just so happy to be able to spend more time in this world.

Fragile Threads of Power
Threads of Power #1
Fantasy
V. E. Schwab
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Even though I haven't actually read the Shades of Magic series yet, I still felt like a lot happened in this book that maybe could've been published as a separate novella to bridge the gap and the time jump between the last Shades book and this one.

I found it a little tricky to keep up with the different plots and POVs, especially because there are a lot of flashbacks and time jumps. At times I wanted the plot to just kick up a gear and show me it was going in a clear direction.

I did feel like the pacing was slow in places. I wanted to skim paragraphs but at the same time I was worried that I would miss something important. The world building was quite heavy, sometimes it was a little too much considering how many characters were followed.

I loved the characters themselves though. The witty banter was *chefs kiss* 😂 and the interactions between certain characters was great. My favourite characters were Kosika, Tes and Lila and I wish their stories were focused on a lot sooner.

There was a plot twist towards the end that I didn't see coming and it worked really well.

I admit that I struggled with this book because while there were things I did enjoy, there are a lot of things I didn't like, too. That being said, the last 20-ish percent had me hooked and I loved the ending. So much so that I would give the next book a read, and maybe even try The Shades of Magic series too.

*Thank you to @Netgalley, the author and the publishers for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*