"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*

After my recent dive into the original Shades of Magic trilogy, it was a joy to head straight back into this iconic world. This new chapter pays tribute to the original while introducing us to a whole new world that will captivate and inspire.

Well V. E. Schwab has done it again. One of my favourite storytellers has produced yet another fantastic read. My all time favourite book is still Adie LaRue but this novel will not disappoint.
It carries on the Shades of Magic story (though if you have not read it you may be a touch confused but it is still possible to enjoy this book).
I like the new characters. Tess is intriguing and I hope there is more to come from her character as I feel her story is not explored enough.
Overall what is not to love magic, pirates and great characters. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'The Fragile Threads of Power' by V.E. Schwab

V.E. Schwab is back, baby! 'The Fragile Threads of Power' is the newest adult fantasy book by Schwab based upon the 'Darker Shades of Magic' Trilogy. Could you read this without that trilogy? Honestly, no. Unless you want to be utterly confused.

Years on, we see our lovely characters - and the supreme Lila Bard - navigating their lives and what has happened since we last saw them. We also have some new characters such as Tes in this series. Tes' premise is fabulous but I'm not so attached to her yet, maybe with time I might grow to love her but there's more books to go. If you loved the original trilogy like I did you will not be disappointed in this.

I was slightly nervous to start this book, The Shades of Magic series is one of my all-time favourites and I didn't know if I was ready to revisit characters that I loved so much. It turns out, I didn't need to worry, this novel is fantastic, and I loved being back in this world with these characters. I thought V. E. Schwab moved the story lines along while never compromising the arc of the original trilogy while also bringing something new to the table. Reading the chapters from the perspectives of Kell, Lila, Rhy and Alucard was like wearing comfy clothes and climbing under a blanket with a hot mug of tea. I loved seeing what they have been up to over the last 7 years. I also love the new characters we were introduced to, I'm particularly excited to see where Nadiya Loreni's story goes. To briefly summarise the plot, it's been seven years since Kell, Lila and Holland stood against Osaron to save the worlds of Red, Grey and White London. Now 7 years later we follow Kell and Lila on their sea faring adventure while Kell is grappling with his shattered magic. We follow King Rhy, Queen Nadiya and Rhy's consort Alucard Emery as Red London boils with conspiracy and rebellion. We follow Kosika, a child antari, and Queen of White London and we follow Tes, a young woman with a knack for fixing broken things. All these stories fit together in wonderful ways.

As with most of V. E. Schwab's books the morally grey characters were explored in depth even seeing new sides to characters that we know and love. I liked that the main plot of the book and also the threads that will be continuing into the next books. I ultimately think that if you liked the original trilogy then I think you will love this next illstallment and I can't wait to see where we go next with this world.

This is a work in progress as I'm still reading this book. I didn't read the Shades of Magic series but I'm tempted to stop reading this one and start from the first instalment as I'm loving this world and this characters.
It's not mandatory to read the series as there's enough world building and backstorytory to help you understand what is going on.
This is a story of stories, of different reigns, characters. It's a story of intrigues, conspiracies, and magic devices that makes you think of modern technological devices.
And it's novel that I can't read in the evening if I want to sleep as any chapter is full of surprises and wonders
I will be back and end this review after the last chapter.
Loving it, read it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Fragile Threads of Power is set 7 years after the ending of A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy. I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this book and this series. I was perfectly fine with where the original trilogy ended, but of course if I am being offered some of my favorite characters, I'm going to read it. I didn't enjoy this as much as the majority seemed to have.

I struggled a little with this book. For one I think that the book is too long. It spends a long time setting things up which made the book drag in a few places in the middle. The flashbacks felt unnessecary to me. I also am not feeling this rebel organization. So much time setting it up in this book and I still feel like they are a whole lot ridiculous. Obviously something bigger is behind it but for as much time was spend on it in this book, it wasn't sold well enough.

Having said that, I really appreciate the expansion on the magic. The further exploration of it through what Tess is able to. But also through white london. I don't care too much for Kosika at this point, but I do find the story line regarding the magic and black london really interesting.

I think I would have appreciated a bigger focus on Tess. I think having her as the main angle and having the rest slightly more to the background, would have focused this story better.

I did enjoy seeing our previous character back. I enjoyed getting more from Alucard's perspective. The way that the marriage is set up with Rhy, Alucard and Rhy's queen and meeting their child. It was also interesting to see what happened to Kell.

Once again I struggled with Lila like I did in the original trilogy. She was even more jarring than before, even more so once Tess came into focus. The way she treated Tess, how she was going to decide for Kell, it was not okay. I am also not sure how I feel about the ending regarding Kell.

I see good things, I see bad things. This isn't in anyway a bad book but things didn't work for me. However, I do see a lot of potential for its sequel.

What an amazing return to the ADSOM world! It's vibrant and rich and I loved every second of this new instalment. Whilst I did enjoy the ADSOM trilogy, I wasn't blown away by it, so was a bit tentative going into TFTOP. The new character additions add extra layers to this already full world, and the extra maturity of the existing characters from the original trilogy really developed the story and kept me hanging onto every word. I'm excited for the next book!