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Reading Order

V.E. Schwab

Shades of Magic Reading Order

V.E. Schwab's Shades of Magic trilogy is a masterwork of portal fantasy — following Kell, one of the last Antari magicians who can travel between parallel Londons. Here's the complete reading order, plus her other must-reads.

Where to start

Start with A Darker Shade of Magic (Book 1). The trilogy flows directly from one book to the next and should be read in order.

Complete V.E. Schwab Book List

  1. 1

    A Darker Shade of Magic

    V.E. Schwab·2015·Book 1 — start here
    Buy
  2. 2

    A Gathering of Shadows

    V.E. Schwab·2016·Book 2
    Buy
  3. 3

    A Conjuring of Light

    V.E. Schwab·2017·Book 3 — trilogy finale
    Buy

  4. Vicious

    Optional
    V.E. Schwab·2013·Villains duology Book 1 — standalone, dark superpowers
    Buy

  5. Vengeful

    Optional
    V.E. Schwab·2018·Villains duology Book 2
    Buy

  6. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

    Optional
    V.E. Schwab·2020·Standalone — literary fantasy phenomenon
    Buy
  7. 4

    The Fragile Threads of Power

    V.E. Schwab·2023·Threads of Power Book 1 — sequel trilogy to Shades of Magic
    Buy

V.E. Schwab — Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a sequel to the Shades of Magic trilogy?

Yes — V.E. Schwab returned to this world with The Fragile Threads of Power (2023), the first book in a new sequel trilogy called Threads of Power, set years after A Conjuring of Light.

Do I need to read Shades of Magic before The Fragile Threads of Power?

Yes — Threads of Power is a direct sequel. Reading the Shades of Magic trilogy first is essential; Fragile Threads of Power references characters and events throughout.

How does Vicious relate to Shades of Magic?

Vicious (Villains series) is set in a completely separate world with no connection to Shades of Magic. It features supervillains instead of magic. Both are great, just different.

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