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A review by misscassylee
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I really want to give this 5 stars, but man I had to WORK for this book. This was my third solid try to get through it. The first 40% I would say is a slog. It’s complicated, there’s a lot of time dedicated to background (for each of the characters) and it’s flashbacks that can feel abrupt and nearly pull you off of the story, and I had to do some backtracking a few times to figure out who it was again. I wasn’t as invested in all the characters so there were moments I was annoyed when the book shifted POV. I was thankful when a character was killed off simply because it was one less to keep track of.
I also feel compelled to say that Tess was by far my favorite character and it was her storyline that kept me moving forward. Her little owl was simply delightful. I would have dnf’d a 3rd time if not for Tess. I think a standalone novel of just her character would be perfect. I also think she’s a delightful feminist interpretation of Tinkerbell. Very much a sprite and a protector.
I didn’t love Lila, although the interactions with Varys showed there was depth and breadth to the character, when I think the writing sometimes failed in showing a complicated woman whose cruelty belies a person capable of deep love and loyalty.
I liked the time dedicated to fully shaping out minor characters who were major plot devices. She took the time and it shows up in excellent plot devices.
Overall, this book was a big stretch for me. I normally do not read fantasy like this, but I’m wanting to push myself into some new genres and explore longer titles with big universes. I had to work for it, but man in the end it was worth it. I don’t think that I will go and read the other trilogy, because I just don’t have that much interest in Lila… But Maris, Tess, and Kosica (sp) are definitely draws for me to continue reading this series.
I also feel compelled to say that Tess was by far my favorite character and it was her storyline that kept me moving forward. Her little owl was simply delightful. I would have dnf’d a 3rd time if not for Tess. I think a standalone novel of just her character would be perfect. I also think she’s a delightful feminist interpretation of Tinkerbell. Very much a sprite and a protector.
I didn’t love Lila, although the interactions with Varys showed there was depth and breadth to the character, when I think the writing sometimes failed in showing a complicated woman whose cruelty belies a person capable of deep love and loyalty.
I liked the time dedicated to fully shaping out minor characters who were major plot devices. She took the time and it shows up in excellent plot devices.
Overall, this book was a big stretch for me. I normally do not read fantasy like this, but I’m wanting to push myself into some new genres and explore longer titles with big universes. I had to work for it, but man in the end it was worth it. I don’t think that I will go and read the other trilogy, because I just don’t have that much interest in Lila… But Maris, Tess, and Kosica (sp) are definitely draws for me to continue reading this series.