★★★★★ | book 82 of 2023 — a truly magical return to the world of Shades, through both familiar and new eyes. A must read for all lovers of the Darker Shade of Magic trilogy.
The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab is the newest book in the Darker Shades of Magic world, initiating a new trilogy beginning seven years after the conclusion of A Conjuring of Light. In addition to the familiar characters of Kell, Lila, Rhy and Alucard, we are introduced to new characters like Kosika the White London Queen, Tes the tinkerer who can manipulate the threads of magic, and the new Queen of Red London (among others). It is a testament to Schwab’s skill that I loved being in the POV of Tes as much as I did the original characters and I am so looking forward to reading more from her POV (hopefully!). I have always liked White London POVs the least, but the inclusion of Kosika really held my interest.
Threads of Power incorporates a masterfully detailed plot, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next book. The world that we thought we were well versed in at the end of the original trilogy continues to be expanded as the secretive rebellion force The Hand is prowling the city with the intent of killing the royal family. Of course, chaos and adventure and magic ensues.
I think one of the aspects of this series that makes it so engrossing is that Schwab’s characters are unlike any other character I’ve read - there is no need for Lila to stop being pointy and geared for violence 95% of the time, and there is no need for Kell to stop being a mildly grumpy worrier 95% of the time. It doesn’t mean we don’t see a change in them, but they don’t stop being who they at their core, just because they are seven years older and in a different circumstance than they once were. Schwab represents the whole spectrum of humanity, and it is because of this, I think, that this series is still a favourite of mine. Seeing lovely moments between Kell and Lila, and between Rhy and Alucard made my heart melt, not to mention the personal growth they have all gone through. Reading this book truly felt like coming home.
If you have read the original trilogy and this new instalment, let me know what you think of it in the comments or over on my Instagram @kell_read!