By Miriam R. Kramer

Who is writing fantasy accessibly and well these days for those of us wishing to immerse ourselves? If you are taking vacation or skipping holiday parties, this is a fun time to delve into the work of V.E. Schwab. About ten years ago she began the Shades of Magic trilogy, comprising A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. She eventually created the first book in a sequel trilogy. The Fragile Threads of Power triumphantly fulfills the promise of the first series seven years into the future.

At the heart of the Shades of Magic trilogy lies an ingenious concept: four parallel London’s—Red, Grey, White, and Black—each existing in its own dimension and distinguished by its relationship to magic. Red London pulses with life and magical energy, a city where magic is woven seamlessly into everyday life. In this kingdom magicians wield air, earth, wind, water, and bone magic. Grey London, reminiscent of historical London during the reign of George III, is mundane and devoid of sorcery. White London is cold, brutal, and fading, its people fighting desperately for control of dwindling magical resources. Black London, once vibrant, has been consumed by its own unchecked magic into ashes and dangerous magical remnants.

Schwab’s plotting is consistently gripping. A Darker Shade of Magic introduces us to a sharp, adventurous tale of smuggling, sorcery, and political intrigue. By the time we reach A Gathering of Shadows, the narrative embraces a lavish magical tournament that crackles with tension and character growth. A Conjuring of Light—epic, emotional, and relentless—delivers one of the most satisfying fantasy conclusions in recent memory as the Antari magicians battle magic that has developed a personality and lust for ultimate domination.

With The Fragile Threads of Power, innovations build upon the foundations of the original trilogy. The new novel explores the delicate balance between the worlds and the aftermath of cataclysmic changes wrought by the events of A Conjuring of Light. The Fragile Threads of Power picks up where the high-stakes drama left off, but with an eye turned toward healing and rebuilding. Schwab navigates themes of recovery and the search for meaning after devastation, along with exploring a dangerous secret society threatening the kingship.

The characters of the Shades of Magic series are its greatest strengths. Kell, the Antari magician designated by the king to travel between the Londons, serves as a compelling protagonist—principled but haunted by his past and responsibilities. Antaris are few in this world and others, accorded fear and respect for their fearsome magic.

Lila Bard, the flamboyant pickpocket from Grey London, is a standout. Her fierce ambition and quick wit make her one of fantasy’s memorable current characters. She reminds me of the flawed, amoral, over-the-top heroines I love, such as Lisbeth Salander in the Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson, and Arya Stark from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Lila’s journey from amoral street thief to knife-wielding pirate and magician is exhilarating, fun, and surprisingly relatable.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. The appealing Rhy Maresh is the prince of Red London and Kell’s adoptive brother. His lover, the talented magician and showy sea captain Alucard Emory, gradually shows his true character. Beyond Red London, the complex and tragic Holland Vosijk, an Antari from White London, devotes himself to bringing healing magic back to his violent city. Along the way, Schwab’s inclusive representation of gender, sexuality, and ethnicity enriches the narrative without ever feeling forced or tokenistic.

The Fragile Threads of Magic both honors these established legacies and introduces a host of new characters. Tesari Ranek, a runaway and tinkerer who can see threads of magic and fix broken items, takes center stage in fixing a dangerous magical object. She then must run from those who want to use it to kill the king. Kosika, the Antari and child queen of White London, connects with the spirit of the Antari and former King, Holland, as they search for a way to revive their city. The novel stands as a bridge and a beacon—offering closure to old wounds while opening doors to complex prospects of future evil. One can only wait eagerly for the plot weaving to continue.

I found myself thinking of George R.R. Martin and his medieval Game of Thrones fantasy world in comparison with Schwab’s creation of the steampunk aspects of Red London and diverse historical realities of the others. Martin is unrelentingly cynical in his emphasis on merciless political actions and the conquering or defense of continents. Schwab’s world building, while less complex, allows room for characters to grow in positive ways, reaching stages of profundity and joy along with the pain they experience. While both series draw you in completely, Schwab offers a lighter touch with humor to leaven violence or more serious insights. Plus, she will probably finish her series, in comparison to Martin, the serial procrastinator. Do not get me started in talking about his supposed next book, The Winds of Winter!

V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic trilogy is a very enjoyable, well-written achievement in modern fantasy, accessible to older teen readers and adults. I hope to read the prequel trilogy about Rhy Maresh’s father, King Maxim Maresh, soon. Her fragile threads between books, worlds, and you the reader remain unbroken—and enchanting.

About the Author: Miriam Kramer worked at Olsson’s Books & Records before it closed in 2008, welcoming Old Town, Alexandria, residents to a unique place where employees with encyclopedic knowledge of literature and music enriched the community. As a global nomad, she has lived, studied, or worked in diverse countries overseas. With her experience writing and studying international affairs, she has promoted democracy, international media, the arts, peace building, and citizen diplomacy during her career.