The Fragile Threads of Power
By V.E. Schwab
Tor Books, 2023. 416 pages. Fantasy
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.
This book is the first of a new series set in Schwab's many Londons from her Darker Shades of Magic trilogy. Readers are reunited with spunky Lila Bard and longsuffering Kell, and additional main characters are added to the story. These new protagonists are intriguing and likable--and even more believable. This book did seem to gloss over the romance between two of the characters which might be disappointing for some readers; but, despite its lack of deep romantic tension, the plot and suspense drive it forward.
Those who enjoy reading gateway fantasy novels with court intrigue and suspense should pick up this one.
JJC
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