Book Review: The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab

As The Fragile Threads Of Power begins, V.E. Schwab introduces the readers (or re-introduces for prior readers of the series) to the magical system, an intro to the four worlds, all connected by a singular thing: London. We learn of the long-standing characters and way the previous set of events led to present day living—of which I was grateful it was done in that particular way, not too overboard on info and over-explaining, but informative enough so readers could get a picture of the story before and story to come. And speaking of the story, wow, was I sucked in from the start. I remember feeling that way about Addie, how one minute you’re on page 2 and the next, it’s night-time and you’re almost done—but with this 700+ page book, it was only just the beginning.

Several years have passed since the doors between the worlds were sealed off when Lila, Kell and Holland fought against Osaron to save Red, Grey and White London. Rare magicians were the only ones able to do such things as open doors to other worlds, Kell of Red London, Holland of White London and Delilah (Lila) of Grey London. During their battle, Kell’s magic was lost and Holland didn’t make it, something that’s still felt in multiple ways. Now, the ruler of Red London is Rhy and his new family: Queen Nadiya, their child Ren and Consort Alucard, but his city is growing impatient and dubious, with secrets swirling about the loss of magic. Kosika, a young Antari (one of the rarest and strongest kinds of magicians like Kell, Lila and Holland), has taken the throne of White London, ruling with rituals in blood to an altar in loyalty of Holland, although such power isn’t easy to control and master, nor is keeping her city from becoming overrun with the power she’s taking on. Meanwhile, Lila and Kell who have been living free are given orders to retrieve a powerful stolen artefact, leading us to meet a uniquely talented young woman named Tes, who gets thrust into the chaos of Antari and Nobility, with an inimitable power of weaving the threads of power together. But will she be the one to bring the four worlds together, or be the reason it all falls apart?

Overall, The Fragile Threads Of Power was an exceptional diamond of a book, taking me on a journey of enchantment, friendship, enemies and mayhem all from the comfort of my bedroom. Several of the characters were longstanding beloved familiar faces from Shades Of Magic, but it never felt like I was missing something, and I can definitely see how they’ve become comfort characters for readers. I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this sizable wonder, but whatever I was, this outdid it all. This was an instant classic, opulent and enthralling from the get-go, impossible to put down for a second—I’m convinced V.E. Schwab is magical. Five stars doesn’t feel enough. I can’t wait to pick up the Shades Of Magic books and for the rest of the Threads Of Power novels. This year’s most spellbinding must-read.