A review by vermidian
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It was a lot of fun to be back in the world of many Londons. I was very much looking forward to seeing how this series would play out, considering I didn't think that there would be a whole new series to come when I finished the original trilogy. I'm not sure where this series is leading, but I'm interested in taking the ride at the very least.

I'm not sure I liked this one as much as I liked the original trilogy. The time jumping was a little frustrating at times. I very much would have preferred to read some of those chapters in the order in which they would have happened, even if it was every other chapter or so. But that's an artistic choice and I respect Schwab for making it even if it wasn't to my preference. I almost wish that it had been its own section of the book, or perhaps its own novella, but it is what it is. I hope the next book is able to move forward without quite so much time jumping.

Tes was a fun new addition, who offered a very different perspective than our other characters. She was refreshingly not used to having to fight for her life regularly, which was occasionally quite funny. Her power was definitely neat. However, I found Lila to be a much angrier character than I remembered, which might just be a natural progression of settling into a life rather than being someone ready to run when things get hard like she was in the original trilogy. Kell was still very much Kell, though I enjoyed seeing him pick up new skills out of necessity. Alucard as a consistent main character was fun, although he was a bit of a sad boy in this one. I do not trust the queen in any way, shape, or form. She seems like the kind of person who would do a vivisection just to know what it's like and she's concerning, but I love her for it. She's a neat character and I think she'll be very important going forward.

I look forward to seeing how the plans laid out in this book unfold in the next installment.

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