Week 10- Shades of Magic Readalong

[@ashtyns3795]

Holland’s heart “winding down like a music box” killed me after how we learned Kell loved music boxes at the beginning of book one 😭😭😭 thank you for sharing this readalong with us this summer!!! we appreciate it so much ❤ I don’t think I can be more excited for Fragile Threads of Power than I already am but I’m sure I’ll find a way to be as release date gets even closer 😂

[@kxterameddins3285]

the little moment between lila and alucard when the antari get into the rowboat is so goddamn precious!! the way lila's eyes burn when he hugs her and she jokingly insults him and he tells her too look after kell!!!! CRYING i love their relationship so much

[@xela06]

MY POOR SWEET HOLLAND. I love him with my whole heart. Thank you so much for putting this readalong together. This series is one of my all-time favorites and it has been such a joy getting to share it with so many other people. I'm so unbelievably excited for Threads! BRING IT ON.

[@andreachavez9147]

This was such a ride! Holland’s death will always remain bittersweet and oddly both heart wrenching and heart warming. Your ability to write such dynamic characters like the antari trio is beautiful to read, and it makes me excited to read threads next month!!

[@laurynchristensen403]

Ugh my poor heart. Lenos was the hardest death in the series for me. He was so precious and sweet and it was so hard to read the confusion and resignation on his face. 💔 This series is just so, so good. Thank you for doing this read along to get us ready for Threads. I am even more excited for the next installment of this story!!

[@gabby_1256]

Ugh hastra dying was so brutal for my poor heart I loved him😭😭 This series has my whole entire heart I can’t wait for threads to come out!!! I need it NOW

[@paradeoflaughter]

this part broke me so much 😭it was beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you so much for doing this readalong!! And for keeping the thomas appearances in this part - we needed our emotional support cat ❤ Can't wait for threads of power!

[@booksandchocolate1660]

The best storytelling is when you no longer recognize the words. You just "see it". This is what i felt reading the Shades of Magic books and what I feel now as she reads them. I'm there. The hype, the humor, the heartbreak, I'm feeling it all. Thank you for this wonderful experience. Please keep writing, we'll wait.

[@littlecornerreads4209]

We really saved all the trauma for part 10, huh? 😩😩

[@dinosourkisses6425]

Honestly, this readalong really re-ignited the initial spark I felt when I read the first book years ago, back when I first discovered your books. This readalong made me finally tackle the second in the series that was lying forgotten on my shelf for a while and you know what? I loved it to bits. I've been following this readalong from the beginning and haven't tossed my hat in the ring for the other giveaways as I already own the first two books and knew others deserved them more, but I was sad to stop following along as I don't own the third book nor does my local library have it available (and I was not about to spoil the plot for myself!). All of this to say, your work is awesome, I'm so glad I found you as an author, and though I'd love the annotated copy of a darker shade of magic I know without a doubt that whoever receives it will love it and cherish it because all of these people make for a lovely fanbase!

[@kxterameddins3285]

having adorable drunk lila just before all that trauma is absolutely genius, and i end up crying like a baby for lenos and hastra every time

[@abigailrae5888]

Thank you, V for bringing these characters to life in your writing and giving them a voice during this read-along❤

[@hoi069]

I wish this kind of readalong by the author existed for every book ever, I've had so much fun watching these

[@sariyaadnan2156]

This series has such a special place in my heart. The characters, the writing, the emotion…I hope none of it will ever leave me. I’m so excited to reunite with Kell, Rhy, Lila, and Alucard-and meet the new characters-in ToP!! Thank you so much, V.E Schwab, for writing Shades of Magic.

[@throneofbooks]

6:00 So many souls died in this book. Hastra was so innocent why did he have to die??! 😭💔 8:12 YESSSS I tabbed Rhys earning his mythic role so many times! It was so atmospheric and beautiful. 14:20 I so badly want to read the comics! It’s so cool knowing how you came up with the concept/ideas for them. 😂 17:55 we get so little of Ojka in this book. I wonder what role will she playing in the next book. 23:30 That chapter with the three Antaris recalling memories of Ojka is genius! I love how their points of view contrasts so differently. 30:22 NED IS SO CUTE 😭😭😭 I declare that this will not be the last time we see of him. The antaris will need him eventually. ❤️😩 31:30 god I was really hoping Cora was one of the good ones. And I can’t help wondering how she came to possess a knife? Who showed her mercy?

[@fabivazquez95]

Can't believe we made it to the final week omg what an adventure :') thank you V for making space for us. Love you so much.

[@kxterameddins3285]

kell repeating lila's ' "everything" quote, and lila telling the crew they can call her "casero bard" has me smiling so hard that my face hurts, whilst still crying from the rest of the book

[@MsBianCola]

I haven't cried so hard for a character death as I have for Holland. It hit me so hard. I hard sobbed for poor, tortured, sweet baby angel Holland. 😢

[@rubyg575]

Can’t believe there’s only a month left before Threads is released!! It feels so wonderful to be able to anticipate a new release from my favorite series and I can’t wait to return home❤❤❤

[@viktoriyanossova6843]

Thank you for the read along! As a fan of this series I've read it twice in two years, but I feel like there's never enough times you can hear about this beautiful story! So listening to the readalongs reminded me of the beauty of this world. Time for another reread!!!

[@Rooks17002]

Really starting this part off with heartbreak 💔 Lenos and Hastra, sweet baby angels. The gasps that I let out during these last parts of this story made me feel so extra but my god they were warranted.

[@raven2930]

I love that you do these read alongs, it’s really nice to hear an author’s thoughts while writing and creating these stories!!

[@arminehdavis6106]

The end of an era 😭😭 what a fun journey back through this series. It just really solidified how much of a fave this is 🥰👏 thank you so much for doing this!!

[@larapatriciak]

I am going to miss the readalongs like crazy. They have been such a beautiful way to get back to the places and people of this story that somehow feel like home, the most perfect way to wait for Threads.

[@zgen2937]

This series has a little place in my heart. The last book absolutely takes it away with finalizing the amazement of these books. I loved this read along it allowed me to enjoy the books again before the new one comes out. Thank you!

[@chiaratessari633]

These final parts never fail to break me. In, like, the very best way. Victoria, thank you so much for all the work you put into this readalong. I am counting down the HOURS to Threads.

[@domeloki]

Thank you so much for doing these entertaining recaps! My husband and I don't have time to reread so we greatly appreciated these videos ❤

[@yunara1468]

I love this series so much and getting to re-experience them with you is just magical 😭😭

[@taylorjonckowski9678]

I have loved following the read along! This series is one of my favorites and you are my favorite author!! It has been amazing to get all of your commentary, which has made it even more magical❤️

[@ea_sanderson2241]

This book destroyed my soul and healed the corners of it too. This series truly means everything to me.

[@uuuuhhhhhhhhhhh]

what a fantastic story. having to relive it with your masterful storytelling is an experience. thank you so much!!!

[@TatianaSergent]

Ugh this book guts me every time in the best way. I love how much our band of magicians and thieves grows and evolves over this series! Thank you for reading them to us (twice!)! I loved these videos so much. 🖤

[@victol1848]

I have enjoyed going through the series with you immensely. My enjoyment for the books was multiplied by your commentary, especially as you threw in nuggets about how and why you wrote certain elements. Can’t wait for Threads of Power!

[@leahhansen8229]

Oh Holland, that final scene 😭 I love this series so much. The way you summarize and explain each part is so enjoyable to watch. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into these videos (a couple of them twice!). I'm so excited for Fragile Threads, can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

[@andrealutterman364]

Thank you for all the love you have put into this project. Revisiting the series has been so great. Cannot wait for threads!

[@pwhitewood]

It was my first time reading this series and they have become something so special for me. Thank you Victoria.

[@SidneyVanFossen]

I wish I could better express what a joy this readalong has been and the warmth it gives me. It's been the highlight of my week all summer ❤!

[@fragilepotato]

Thank you for taking the time to do this readalong! It was a joy and I hope this becomes a thing that authors do haha. That last chapter hits me right in the heart no matter how many times I've read it. Very excited to return to this world!

[@ea_sanderson2241]

Just the character progression over this series feels so real and tangible. I think in particular, Rhy’s. God in this book his development is so raw, heartbreaking and enlightening. There is so much plot and world building to bite into with this series and this book in particular but the characters are so, real, that the small moments between them makes it feel like the entire world shifts.

[@kxterameddins3285]

rhy wondering the streets in his gold armour is SO BEAUTIFUL!!! rhy just has the most wonderful heart, and i adore him so much

[@catherinecopley6849]

The imagery of the life seeping back into White London from the point where Holland’s life is fading away is so beautiful and bittersweet

[@greenpamd]

By far, this was my favourite book of the series. I loved watching you retell these stories and get the behind the scenes info on your process. Can’t wait for Threads of Power and seeing what happens next in this incredible world you’ve created ❤

[@angelamercurio6579]

Thomas is the cutest 🖤 thank you for making these read alongs, hearing you talk about and read some of the lines hits differently and I can't wait to read what comes next!!

[@laurenb_101]

I was chilled to the bone and cried so many times throughout this readalong, V. ADSOM is one of my absolute favourite series ever and it will always remain a favourite. Thank you SO SO much for hosting this readalong - I can now finally start reading my beautiful copy of The Fragile Threads of Power ❤️

[@kirafast353]

😭 well that was a lot. I sobbed. Ugh it was so good!! This read-along was brilliant. I don’t think I would have re-read the series before fragile threads without this. And I wouldn’t have been as excited to dive back in to this world without it either. Probably my favorite reading experience of the year. Good job 👏🏻

[@HeidiH-d8q]

I've loved this read along so much! Thanks so much for doing this! This series is seriously my favorite.

[@PernilleJK]

Can’t believe this readalong is already over! Thank you so much for taking the time to do all this! Just want I needed to have a fresh memory of the whole series in time for fragile threads of power.

[@AmandaMBooks]

You are an incredible storyteller. Listening to this moved me beyond words, thank you❤

[@sophiemitchell5999]

It was like reading it all again for the first time and I loved hearing you talk through it 🥰

[@pip8202]

Thank you. Thank you so much for this. For all the effort you put in (and then put in again when the tech issues occurred) despite everything else going on in your extremely busy schedule. We are all so grateful.

[@jessikaborsalino6923]

"And then, at last, the world breathed in." This was the sentence that officially broke me and opened the flood gates 😭 Thank you so much for creating this beautiful world, a home I can't wait to return to soon 😊

[@jennalouisedreams7002]

I really fell behind on the read a long but I'm about half way through and I just keep smiling and crying because of what this world and these characters mean to me. I can't thank you enough.

[@alexandriaperone8030]

Thank you so much for doing this! I love listening to you talk about your stories. I cannot wait for Fragile Threads Of Power!!!

[@Julia713713]

I'm crying... I also cried while reading Addie LaRue. Thank you so much for writing all your books! It is so appreciated. 💜

[@marilynashley838]

What a ride this has been!! These books are so masterfully done and these characters mean so much to me!! Thank you for creating them! 🩶❤️🤍🖤

[@hvacha]

I've wanted to read this series for a while but it never felt like the right time until you started this read along video series and I just wanted to say thank you for such an experience and for such a wonderful immersive world and complex characters. Holland is one of those characters that is gunna stick with me forever 🤍

[@marianaroberto]

Thank you for writing this series and for continuing it! Makes me so happy ❤

[@halles_reads]

thank you so much for doing this youtube series. i’ve never seen another author so this and it was so wonderful to have for my first read through of the series ❤

[@ajurgie]

I can't believe we're here at the end! It's been so cool going through this readalong with you, hearing about your process, and getting ready for Threads. I'm so excited for my preorder to get here!!!

[@beccas07]

Thank you for the readalongs!! truly they have made my day each time they came out and it’s been so lovely remembering this incredible series! x

[@bookgabz]

I feel totally prepared for the next book!!! This was such a wonderful refresher. I especially loved hearing you talk about writing this series and picking out your favorite parts. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@kxterameddins3285]

i just want to give rhy the biggest hug in this book holy shit. he deserves the absolute world, honestly. and the way lila holds kell in the little boat is so beautiful omg

[@KristenBranch-McGlamery-xd4go]

Makes me happy to hear that V.E. Schwab loves the chapter with Rhy walking amongst his sleeping city because that’s probably my favorite chapter of the whole series! Leaves me speechless every time.

[@AlyssaBlack13]

Reading all of this again along with you has been an absolute joy thank you so much. It was very stressful. I loved every second of it.

[@morgane4709]

I can’t wait to see where your mind is taking us. You have such amazing comfort each books.

[@ashdanielle7260]

😭 Ugh, my heart! Thank you so much for doing this! It's been amazing to have a recap of these while hearing your thoughts throughout.

[@hopebolton2160]

Thank you V! This readalong was so much fun and it was great to revisit this beautiful world before stepping into Threads when it comes out ❤️

[@Ingee]

Thank you so much for doing these, rereading the trilogy together has been so much fun! I really enjoyed your insights and commentary.

[@AshleyCobert]

Such a wonderful series - my absolute favorite. Can't wait for this new series.

[@JustineBarr-xu9bp]

I have loved this read along so much! Thank you, thank you thank you… For this world, for these characters, and for what is about to come!

[@annabellaangelastro]

I have loved this read along. Such a wonderful time discussing and experiencing all my favorite shades of magic memories and characters.

[@catherineswindle7322]

Thank you so much for doing these readalongs V!! They’ve been so great ❤️

[@kelliemarie39]

Your excitement is so contagious. 😊 I love these books so much and tell everyone who asks for a fantasy recommendation to pick these up. ❤ Thank you for being a storyteller and sharing your characters with us!

[@nicolehowie9778]

Thank you so much for this read-a-long. It's been so fun to experience these characters again with your thoughts and insights. These videos will definitely be something I return to every time I reread the series!

[@justplaythrough]

Thanks for putting in so much time and energy to do (and redo) these!

[@JRose-wu2um]

I loved this book so much and it is one that I hold close to my heart. I loved all the characters, but the character that I often times find myself thinking of is Holland. His end was bitter sweet, it was sad because I adored his character and his life was one of suffering, but at the same time he finally gets to let go, finally gets to rest. “His heart slowed, winding down like a music box, a season at its end. The last air left Holland’s lungs. And then, at last, the world breathed in.” At the time, I was listening to the audiobook while working and oh my goodness, I was an EMOTIONAL MESS and I probably looked like a mad woman viciously moping trying not to cry(luckily it was night so no one was around). I loved these read alongs so much, so thank you! I cannot wait to read The Fragiles Threads of Power!! As someone who is always caught in a daydream, “For the ones who dream of stranger worlds”, has always stuck with me. P.s as someone who loves tattoos, I really want a tattoo inspired by this series!

[@heathwitch]

I so appreciate and enjoyed this series, and I am so looking forward to Threads. Thank you so much for your time, passion, creativity, and words! Love this book so much. I have a thing for books that break my heart -- the more they do it, the more likely they are to become a favourite. This is no exception! Thank you again, and please look after yourself as you craft more wonderful worlds for us to get lost (and find ourselves?) in. :)

[@kaylpossible]

I made it through nearly the entire video without crying until you started recapping the last chapter in the ANTARI section and then the tears did NOT stop flowing hooooo boy 😭 I love this book with my whole heart and have had so much fun during this readalong, it’s so magical to hear you talk about these characters! Can’t wait for everyone to read the masterpiece that is The Fragile Threads of Power!!! ❤

[@courtneyhill5692]

So awesome you’re doing this readalong!!! Love hearing you talk about your books 🤓❤

[@mayabieszki6906]

Lila Bard was a character I heard about long before I actually read Shades of Magic. Turns out, she’s just as incredible (if not even more so) than I was told. By this point in the series, I was thoroughly convinced that Lila Bard is one of the best characters I’ve ever come across (made all the more impressive by the fact that this series is full of fantastic characters). Thank you for creating the characters and stories that you did, as well as for all the time, energy and effort you put into this readalong! ❤️❤️❤️

[@klester7]

I will never emotionally recover from this book 😭💔 thank you for sharing this amazing and magical story with us, and for creating this readalong to get us even more excited about threads!!! sending you lots of love

[@kayleeishere]

I have loved this series so so much! (The readalong too!!!) Thank you so much.

[@taintedcrimson]

I've loved this journey so much! Thank you for doing these readalong videos, it's been an incredible experience. ❤️

[@rachell5858]

That ending 🥲 Thank you again for doing this little recap / readalong for us! I cannot wait to read Fragile Threads and I am so excited to see you on tour 🥹 So so happy the stars have aligned ♥

[@gabriellegomez2874]

Thank you for sharing this story and this journey with us ❤ It’s been an adventure to tune in every week and absolutely can’t wait for the story to continue. Anoshe.

[@emilyfraser1926]

Even though I've read this series 3 times now, I teared up at the end with you, too! Love it and can't wait to see what happens next!

[@sishii8402]

Thank you so much for this read along. I so enjoyed experiencing the books through your eyes and heart. Looking forward to the new book!

[@Dragoonthegreat]

These videos are amazing. Thank you so much for doing them. I cant wait to rewatch them during my next reread ♥️

[@KaraBrandon-zx7nq]

Really loved this read along!!! Thanks again for taking the time to do this with us 🥰

[@arianaquintana3037]

This final book has been such a wild (and incredibly traumatic) ride, especially since this is my first time reading the series 😭 I truly appreciate you doing this read along, though! It's been so much fun, and I looked forward to the new video each week.

[@aaronconnolly9479]

This made me so emotional. I remember the first time I read the lines "the king is coming" I cried. I've enjoyed every week of this and I'm sad to see it end, but wow. What a gift.

[@olivia2405]

Gosh I am so sad this is coming to an end but it was SO much fun. Thank you so much for doing this whole series

[@meganshallman2767]

Thank you so much for these readalongs! This is my all-time favorite books series and I've loved getting to revisit it in this way. I'm SO happy the story will be continued with Fragile Threads and can't wait to see what's in store 💛

[@karifrazier3953]

I just loved so much how they worked together to use the rings! It was so satisfying ❤

[@IloveHeartlandX]

Thank you so much for doing this readalong, it's been so much fun and reminded me of a lot of details that I had completely forgotten since reading the books. I'm even MORE excited for Threads now, if that was at all possible. I'd forgotten how much of a ride this whole final section was, especially that battle with Osaron. I actually cried at the end of this book and I never usually cry at books, this is one of only three that I've ever cried at, so it's a very small club. I loved how this final book brought everyone full circle to exactly where they needed to be, and Holland's arc in particular was just beautiful, I was not expecting to feel so much for him. I can't wait to see all these characters again in Threads of Power and see what adventures they get up to this time.

[@BreefinsKnowsBest]

Thanks so much for doing the readalong!! I really enjoyed re-reading the series

[@AmandaOtten-y1w]

Thank you so much for creating this read along (some of them twice!) it has been a balm for my soul💕💕💕

[@CMaine_]

"The someday king" That small line has stuck with me ever since I read it. There's a hope suspended in disbelief, both held in perfect balance. A tale Holland has carried with him every day, but never too close. In white London, everything has to be kept at arms length, because he lived in a world where precious things were stolen and broken. And if he held it too close to his heart they would shred that too as they took it. Even even when Holland wore the crown, he knew it wasn't his. Osaron simply used his head to hold it. But he didn't let go of that tale. He kept it. At arm's length, never allowing himself to believe in it even as he clung to it. And in the end, it was the one thing no one took from him.

[@therainyatlas]

ugh I just love these books and I'm sooo excited for the story to finally continue 🎊your writing is incredibly beautiful and I can't wait for more!

[@erinblake7922]

Thank you so much for doing these! I've loved them all. Can't wait for Threads!