If you are having difficulty navigating this website please contact us at member.services@bookofthemonth.com or 1-877-236-8540.

Get your first hardcover or audiobook for just $5.

Join now.
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
Fantasy

The Fragile Threads of Power

by V.E. Schwab

Quick take

From the beloved author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, a new epic fantasy about power, responsibility, and fate.

Good to know

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_400

    400+ pages

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_Action

    Action-packed

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_NonLinear

    Nonlinear timeline

  • Illustrated icon, Icons_Series

    First in series

Synopsis

Once, there were four worlds, nestled like pages in a book, each pulsing with fantastical power, and connected by a single city: London. Until the magic grew too fast, and forced the worlds to seal the doors between them in a desperate gamble to protect their own. The few magicians who could still open the doors grew more rare as time passed and now, only three Antari are known in recent memory—Kell Maresh of Red London, Delilah Bard of Grey London, and Holland Vosijk, of White London.

But barely a glimpse of them have been seen in the last seven years—and a new Antari named Kosika has appeared in White London, taking the throne in Holland’s absence. The young queen is willing to feed her city with blood, including her own—but her growing religious fervor has the potential to drown them instead.

And back in Red London, King Rhy Maresh is threatened by a rising rebellion, one determined to correct the balance of power by razing the throne entirely.

Amidst this tapestry of old friends and new enemies, a girl with an unusual magical ability comes into possession of a device that could change the fate of all four worlds.

Her name is Tes, and she's the only one who can bring them together—or unravel it all.

Read less

Free sample

Get an early look from the first pages of The Fragile Threads of Power.

Why I love it

If there’s one thing I appreciate as fall hits and the days get shorter and colder, it’s sitting inside with a long book and immersing myself in a world that’s not my own. Enter V. E. Schwab and her astonishing latest novel, The Fragile Threads of Power.

Schwab, author of 2020 BOTY finalist The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, triumphantly returns with the first installment of a new trilogy. She plunges us headfirst into a world of mesmerizing characters and a universe so rich you’ll forget your current reality. Four distinct worlds exist within The Fragile Threads of Power. After the magic connecting them all via London grows too strong, the connection point is severed, leaving four Londons in its wake. As tensions rise within each world, the few remaining magicians who are able to pass between them become increasingly elusive. And lurking beneath the political schemes and sly betrayals is Tess, a girl with a unique gift and destiny. While Tess would rather keep to herself, she soon finds herself in possession of a device—one that could define the very destiny of all four worlds. With expertly crafted intrigue, Schwab binds together each world and its unique players through Tess’s story.

While over 600 pages, there was not a moment in this book that broke my interest. The Fragile Threads of Power is a dazzling adventure that is deliciously dark, pulse-pounding, and hopeful all at once. It’s a fantasy world you won’t soon forget—and you’ll be eagerly awaiting more.

Read less

Member ratings (1,023)

  • Julie D.

    Helotes, TX

    Loved the continuation of the Darker Shade of Magic series. I loved seeing how her characters have aged. This book was everything I wanted: great story, a satisfying ending, and no “cliffhanger.” 😘

  • Amanda H.

    Baton Rouge, LA

    An excellent continuation of the Shades of Magic trilogy, this book feels even more richly imagined and layered than the original books. I loved seeing returning characters and meeting new ones.

  • Leighellen L.

    Arvada, CO

    Schwab does it again!! The world building is phenomenal. I loved returning to this place and favorite characters while having a totally new + unique story. The perfect blend of old and new.

  • Carrie J.

    Northport , AL

    Totally immersed in the world built in the book. Left me with a terrible book hangover in the best way. I can’t wait to be in this world of Londons again in Book 2!

  • Carissa S.

    Eau Claire, WI

    Just so happy to once again return to this world and have more adventures with my favorite characters! It did not disappoint and I can't wait for the next book.