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A review by theespressoedition
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Nearly all readers share one major dilemma. After finishing a book or series that we love with all of our hearts, there's an intense desire to revisit it for the first time all over again. However, that's an impossible task--or is it? I think V.E. Schwab made the impossible possible when she decided to write The Fragile Threads of Power, giving us all the chance to visit Red London for the first time... again.
While the author has mentioned that this book can be read as a starting point, I personally believe this book should only be read after completing the Shades of Magic trilogy. Without the original story to preface this one, there would be a great deal missing, both emotionally and in relation to the plot. Aside from a handful of new faces, the cast remains the same (and their history is intrinsic to this story--from the names they've given their ships to the "jewelry" they wear).
I was lucky to buddy-read this ARC with a friend of mine. I say that I was lucky because sharing this experience with someone else who loves this world as much as I do was such a blast! Between our constant late-night texts and the ridiculous number of comments in our buddy-read chat, we probably sent over 350 notes to one another about our thoughts as we read. It definitely brought out the "chaotic reader" side in both of us! If you have the ability to read this one with a fellow Shades of Magic lover, I highly recommend it for the peak reading experience.
Since this is the first in a continuation, there were a few new characters that have yet to be fully fleshed out. While I had hoped that we would learn even more about them in this book, I'm excited to continue getting to know them as the series goes on. I have a feeling there will be a lot of great character development as the story unfolds. Tes is absolutely fascinating to me and I just know that she's going to blow us all away (I mean, she already did in this initial book, so I can only imagine that there's plenty more where that came from).
If you think you're ready for the emotional rollercoaster that is The Fragile Threads of Power, I can assure you that you're not. In the span of one chapter, you will be giggling and kicking your feet at something adorable, then proceeding to want to throw the book across the room, and finally, you'll be sobbing and thinking your heart is actually being wrenched out of your chest. It's a lot... but in the best way. Schwab never fails to astound with her stunning writing and storytelling abilities.
The only real "critique" I have about this book is actually a spoiler, which is quite frustrating. However, if you are a disabled person, you may want to know about this ahead of time.There is a magical cure trope in this book. Now, I struggle with this one, because to a degree, it felt as though it fit the story. Kell's magic has been broken and it's causing him pain, therefore, the ideal thing would be to find something that heals him. However, the way that it's approached felt slightly insensitive and made me a little bit sad to read, as Lila really pushes it on him and seems to only care about his magic, rather than caring about him as a whole individual. Take this one with a grain of salt, folks. I know everyone stands in a different place when it comes to this topic, but seeing as this is my review, these are my thoughts on the matter.
I'm writing this review a full two months after reading the book and I can say that, without a doubt, it is still a 5-star read. I know I will be rereading this one again and again in the future, just as I have with Shades of Magic. It felt like it was perfectly in sync with the original story and brought me so much excitement and happiness. I look forward to seeing what V.E. Schwab has up her sleeve for the coming books in this series. I know there will be even more creativity and adventure to come!
While the author has mentioned that this book can be read as a starting point, I personally believe this book should only be read after completing the Shades of Magic trilogy. Without the original story to preface this one, there would be a great deal missing, both emotionally and in relation to the plot. Aside from a handful of new faces, the cast remains the same (and their history is intrinsic to this story--from the names they've given their ships to the "jewelry" they wear).
I was lucky to buddy-read this ARC with a friend of mine. I say that I was lucky because sharing this experience with someone else who loves this world as much as I do was such a blast! Between our constant late-night texts and the ridiculous number of comments in our buddy-read chat, we probably sent over 350 notes to one another about our thoughts as we read. It definitely brought out the "chaotic reader" side in both of us! If you have the ability to read this one with a fellow Shades of Magic lover, I highly recommend it for the peak reading experience.
Since this is the first in a continuation, there were a few new characters that have yet to be fully fleshed out. While I had hoped that we would learn even more about them in this book, I'm excited to continue getting to know them as the series goes on. I have a feeling there will be a lot of great character development as the story unfolds. Tes is absolutely fascinating to me and I just know that she's going to blow us all away (I mean, she already did in this initial book, so I can only imagine that there's plenty more where that came from).
If you think you're ready for the emotional rollercoaster that is The Fragile Threads of Power, I can assure you that you're not. In the span of one chapter, you will be giggling and kicking your feet at something adorable, then proceeding to want to throw the book across the room, and finally, you'll be sobbing and thinking your heart is actually being wrenched out of your chest. It's a lot... but in the best way. Schwab never fails to astound with her stunning writing and storytelling abilities.
The only real "critique" I have about this book is actually a spoiler, which is quite frustrating. However, if you are a disabled person, you may want to know about this ahead of time.
I'm writing this review a full two months after reading the book and I can say that, without a doubt, it is still a 5-star read. I know I will be rereading this one again and again in the future, just as I have with Shades of Magic. It felt like it was perfectly in sync with the original story and brought me so much excitement and happiness. I look forward to seeing what V.E. Schwab has up her sleeve for the coming books in this series. I know there will be even more creativity and adventure to come!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Misogyny, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Minor: Gore and Vomit
In regards to Kell’s inability to use his magic… the “magical cure” trope is used in this book, which was hard to read as a disabled person.