Name: A Darker Shade of Magic
Rating: 4.12853470437018 (1556 reviews)
ISBN: 9780765376459

V.E. Schwab

Serving as an ambassador of his own world while carrying messages to parallel-universe Londons with respective magical abilities and conflicts, Kell hides his secret smuggling activities only to be set up with a forbidden object from a dark dimension. By the author of The Near Witch.

A Darker Shade of Magic

Rowynn

Purity without balance is its own corruption.

Abigail F

Penelope

Nat Boeken 

atlas

Megan Lapides

Rebecca

 "I’ld rather die on an adventure than live standing still" 

STEP INTO A UNIVERSE OF DARING ADVENTURE, THRILLING POWER, AND MULTIPLE LONDONS. Kell is one of the last Travelers-magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes, connected by one magical city. There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, and with one mad king-George III. Red London, where life and magic are revered-and where Kell was raised alongside Rhys Maresh, the rougish heir to a flourishing empire. White London-a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London. But no one speaks of that now. Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, ambassador of the Maresh empire, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure. Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

A Novel

I have always loved a good magic story, and this one arrives in a genre I thought I had seen every version of, then does something I had not encountered. Four cities occupy the same point in space, all of them called London, each in a different parallel world, and only a rare handful of magicians can pass between them. It is my first V.E. Schwab, and on the strength of it, it will not be my last.

Kell is one of the few Antari able to travel among Red London, where magic is abundant and thriving; Grey London, drab and magicless; White London, where magic is starved and has made its people vicious; and Black London, sealed off long ago after magic consumed it entirely. The world-building is the heart of the book and the reason it works. What impressed me is that Schwab constructs each London through logic rather than decoration. The Londons are distinguished by how they actually function and how their magic behaves, so the differences feel structural rather than cosmetic. That rigour is what lets a premise this outlandish feel solid enough to walk into, and she deepens it with small histories folded through the text.

The characters hold up alongside the world, which is not always a given in a book this concept-driven. I was equally invested in both leads. Kell is powerful enough to root for and layered enough to genuinely care about, never just a vessel for the plot. Lila is a sharp-tongued thief who is by turns infuriating and completely magnetic, and she earns every scene she is in. Their dynamic is the engine, and it is the main reason I want the next book. The supporting cast pulls its weight, too, from the charming Prince Rhy to the genuinely unsettling Dane twins who rule White London.

One craft detail I keep thinking about is that Schwab invents a language for this world rather than gesturing at one. Right now it appears mostly in spells and commands, and I am intrigued to see whether it recurs and expands across the trilogy. That kind of choice signals a writer building a world with more depth than any single book needs, which bodes well for what follows.

Now my real reservation, and the reason this lands at four rather than higher. The book is slow to start. For a long stretch I was admiring the world and the characters more than I was gripped by any actual momentum, and the plot did not truly ignite for me until around page 200. That is a substantial runway to ask a reader to walk before the story kicks into gear. Once it did, I was fully committed, and the back half moved beautifully, but the front half tested my patience, and I have to be honest: it cost the book a half-step for me.

Michelle Dsouza

I have always loved a good magic story, and this one arrives in a genre I thought I had seen every version of, then does something I had not encountered. Four cities occupy the same point in space, all of them called London, each in a different parallel world, and only a rare handful of magicians can pass between them. It is my first V.E. Schwab, and on the strength of it, it will not be my last.

Kell is one of the few Antari able to travel among Red London, where magic is abundant and thriving; Grey London, drab and magicless; White London, where magic is starved and has made its people vicious; and Black London, sealed off long ago after magic consumed it entirely. The world-building is the heart of the book and the reason it works. What impressed me is that Schwab constructs each London through logic rather than decoration. The Londons are distinguished by how they actually function and how their magic behaves, so the differences feel structural rather than cosmetic. That rigour is what lets a premise this outlandish feel solid enough to walk into, and she deepens it with small histories folded through the text.


The characters hold up alongside the world, which is not always a given in a book this concept-driven. I was equally invested in both leads. Kell is powerful enough to root for and layered enough to genuinely care about, never just a vessel for the plot. Lila is a sharp-tongued thief who is by turns infuriating and completely magnetic, and she earns every scene she is in. Their dynamic is the engine, and it is the main reason I want the next book. The supporting cast pulls its weight, too, from the charming Prince Rhy to the genuinely unsettling Dane twins who rule White London.

One craft detail I keep thinking about is that Schwab invents a language for this world rather than gesturing at one. Right now it appears mostly in spells and commands, and I am intrigued to see whether it recurs and expands across the trilogy. That kind of choice signals a writer building a world with more depth than any single book needs, which bodes well for what follows.

Now my real reservation, and the reason this lands at four rather than higher. The book is slow to start. For a long stretch I was admiring the world and the characters more than I was gripped by any actual momentum, and the plot did not truly ignite for me until around page 200. That is a substantial runway to ask a reader to walk before the story kicks into gear. Once it did, I was fully committed, and the back half moved beautifully, but the front half tested my patience, and I have to be honest: it cost the book a half-step for me.


From #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab, return to the beginning of the phenomenal Shades of Magic series with A Darker Shade of Magic, now in a brand new trade paperback edition Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand. After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure. Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive. Other books by V. E. Schwab The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Shades of Magic series A Darker Shade of Magic A Gathering of Shadows A Conjuring of Light Villains Duology Vicious Vengeful

Nothing about this book was bad necessarily, but I do think I would’ve enjoyed this more if I was in my late teens / early twenties. Something about it reads younger than the supposed audience and is giving YA.

Overall, the characters were lackluster and one note. The FMC came across as a child or teenager, when she’s supposed to be an adult I think. I enjoy plot-driven stories, but it just felt as if the characters had NOTHING to offer besides extremely broad archetypes.

The setting and lore was interesting enough, though I struggle to think of LONDON as like the one thing that survives in every world. The book in general just fell short of my expectations because it was all too cartoonish for me.

Nik ✨

Nothing about this book was bad necessarily, but I do think I would’ve enjoyed this more if I was in my late teens / early twenties. Something about it reads younger than the supposed audience and is giving YA.

Overall, the characters were lackluster and one note. The FMC came across as a child or teenager, when she’s supposed to be an adult I think. I enjoy plot-driven stories, but it just felt as if the characters had NOTHING to offer besides extremely broad archetypes.

The setting and lore was interesting enough, though I struggle to think of LONDON as like the one thing that survives in every world. The book in general just fell short of my expectations because it was all too cartoonish for me.

Felix Micah

Confusing at first but I gradually got into it.

Confusing at first but I gradually got into it.

Not gay but it should have been.

Very heavy fantasy book that I was not expecting. Took a little bit to get into and understand the world but I’ve always loved Schwab’s writing so it was fun read. The two main characters seem at odds to go together but they worked out fairly well. We’ll see how the sequel compares. 

Paige Paul

As with most fantasy series, it took me a bit to get a grasp on the magic structure and world building. Once I got a handle on that, I was hooked. Hints of a slow burn love story, but it’s not the main focus which I liked. 

Emily Lucie

something about this book put me to sleep 😭😭😭😭 but it wasn’t boring. LILA SM KELL GEMES BGT OMG HAHAHAHHA this one doesn’t end in cliff hanger soooo till next time HAHHAA gw mau nyoba baca yg lain dului

hana

I devoured this series in a matter of a few weeks. I absolutely love the way the author writes, and the worlds she builds. It’s full of magic, adventure, personal growth, and a bit of romance. What more could a girl want? 

Liv Wukasch

millena

I’ve come to the conclusion that V. E. Schwab books aren’t for me, I finished this one with the SAME feeling as when I read Vicious, in both cases I understood that the book was good but it wasn't to my taste 😩

The premise is 10/10 and the magic system is perfect, I really loved the cities being separated by colors and each having a different personality but everything else felt wrong for me. I didn't go into this book expecting romance bc I already knew it was just a subplot BUT I think it could’ve been better developed even though it was barely present during the book, honestly I wouldn't even believe they were the main couple of the trilogy if I hadn't seen any spoiler.

I really missed the presence of more side characters too, Rhy seems to have great potential despite appearing very little in this first book, Holland also looks like he's going to have some development (I really believe he's not as bad as he seems) but perhaps this could’ve started to be introduced already in this book.

Again, I believe this book is (and rightfully so) loved by many people but her writing really isn't for me, if you have already read and loved any of her other books, I highly recommend this one.

such a cool world and magic system, i loved the characters and i want MORE but the whole fever with the black eyes pov was kinda boring but overall very enjoyable and i had a fun time :) gonna keep readinnngg (also rhy MY LOVEEE)

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZINGGGG!!! With amazing and soulful characters, a well-explained and understood magic system, and a good plot, this book exceeded my expectations. I loved the universe and the incorporation of magic into it. I have read the Vicious series of V.E. Schwab and loved it too, so I was not surprised to love this as well.

I am amazed at how well Schwab designed and built the worlds and put specific characteristics into it that fit so well. I only wished we could've had a look of Black London and I still hope to see that in future books, though I do not wish for any of the characters to die. 

Also, I was shipping Kell and Lila a lot. Like freaking kiss already DAMN!

THATS ALL! 5/5 STARS FOR SURE.

ploral

Most people only know one London; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There’s Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There’s Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London...

Monicap

So. I read this book as Audio.

Didn't really like it. 

The narrator was just awful--his voice for Lila was the ABSOLUTE WORST. I mean, it took me three months to listen to this 12-hour audiobook. It was bad.

But that begs the question, would I have enjoyed this more if I had read it?

I mean, probably at least a little... but the reason I wanted to listen to this as an audio, is because I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. It just doesn't really have a very intriguing concept. 

Everyone says this book is so original, but I don't see it. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd been younger, because I used to read a lot more fantasy like this when I was younger. But I also think that it's because I read so much similar fantasy when I was younger that stole the novelty of this book that everyone sees. 

So, yeah. Not my favorite ever. 

Mind you, it's not a BAD book. It's a BAD audiobook, but it's not a bad book.

Nova

i loved this So Much. the characters are wonderful and lovable in their flawed ways, the writing captured me instantly and makes plot flow so beautifully. the idea is also really fresh! i loved everything so so much

ayan.

Absolutely incredible. The world-building and character development in this book is unrivalled - I hesitated to read this for a long time, I couldn’t tell you why, but now that I have I can’t believe it took me so long. I have to admire V.E. Schwab for inventing one of the more original fantasies that I’ve come across. The elements of otherworldliness, dark magic, and a hint of pirates and thievery made this an incredible adventure from start to finish. It took me a while to get through, but this book was a delight to come home to at the end of everyday. I absolutely can’t wait to dive into the next book and meet with Kell and Lila again. 

How could I give this anything but 5 stars? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

envee

Sunny

4.5 stars

I absolutely adore the world(s) and the magic is so cool! I like how it's worked with on such a face value level, like Kell knows exactly how it works so we don't get to see too much of the why it works, if that makes sense? It makes a nice change from the usual info dumps.
Also I'm p sure I don't need to go into how wonderful each and every character is. I even ADORE the Dane twins!! This was my first series by V.E. Schwab but I can assure you it won't be the last! ❤️

chloe rae

Incredible! What an adventure! Victoria Schwab is single-handedly writing some of the most kick-ass, unique characters I've EVER read. She is just STELLAR. This book is so goooood! I'm already digging into the next one!

Zahra

Mel 

I’m very very intrigued to see what happens next. 
I found the world to be very unique and interesting and the magic of the Antari even more so. Although I kind of wish the world was more fully developed. It felt very surface level to me. 
Kell felt like a lesser version of Kelsier from Mistborn to me but I still liked him best between Rhy and Lila. I kind of have a love-hate relationship with Lila. I found her really annoying and pretentious for the most part but I started to like her by the end. Rhy was okay. I wish we knew more about Astrid/Athos as well. 
It was a solid first book but it was just missing something.

A Darker Shade of Magic, the first book in V.E. Schwab's New York Times bestselling Shades of Magic trilogy, is now available in a special collector's edition. With a revamped, metallic ink detailed cover and reading ribbon, this edition will also feature the following bonus material: *End papers featuring fan art *A glossary of Arnesian and Antari terms *An interview between author and editor *Original (never before seen!) tales from within the Shades of Magic world *Signed title page "A Darker Shade of Magic has all the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy...a gem of a tale. This is a book to treasure." —Deborah Harkness, New York Times bestselling author of the All Souls trilogy Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand. After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure. Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive. Shades of Magic series 1. A Darker Shade of Magic 2. A Gathering of Shadows 3. A Conjuring of Light

A Darker Shade of Magic Collector's Edition

Ryan 

4.5 stars

there is nothing like it, i will never get over schwab's prose, one of the best writing i've read this year

Tatiana

A Darker Shade of Magic: 4/5


  “I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still.”

It is no secret that I am a massive fan of V.E. Schwab. After over a year of this book staring at me from my bookshelf, I have FINALLY picked it up, and I am so glad I did.

Premise:
A Darker Shade of Magic takes place in London in the early 1800s, but there's a twist. This isn't the only London. The reader is met with four different Londons in different planes of existence, each with a varying degree of magical existence. Magical travel between these Londons is restricted, with the one exception of blood magicians known as Travellers. Here, we meet our protagonist named Kell, who acts as a messenger between London governments and a secret smuggler. 

Enter Lila Bard, a thief of Grey London. Her life becomes intertwined with Kell's when he accidentally reawakens secret dark magic that has been dormant for years. As this magic threatens to take over, Kell and Lila embark on a journey to save their universe.


  “Bad magic, Kell had called it.
No, thought Lila now. Clever magic.
And clever was more dangerous than bad any day of the week.”

Writing & Plot:
I am always astounded at how V.E. Schwab can paint a complex setting into something entirely believable. Although the plot may seem complicated, this is an excellent book for those looking to branch out into adult fantasy. The writing is easily approachable and relatively easy to understand and digest. I am such a fan of V.E. Schwab's writing, so this comes as no surprise. 

The plot is pretty straightforward, with its own twists and turns. There was consistent pacing throughout, but at some points, the story was predictable and mundane. Overall, it is a good story with a great plot, but it didn't entirely cross the border into excellence.


  “I'm not going to die," she said. "Not till I've seen it."
"Seen what?"
Her smile widened. "Everything.”

Characters:
I am always captivated by Schwab's characters no matter what book, and this is no exception. Her characters leap off the page and are some of the most dynamic characters I've ever read. Kell is badass, and you cannot help but root for him. From page one, the reader can't help but love him.

Enter Lila Bard. I'm in love. She is dirty, mean, funny, witty; she is everything. I am obsessed with Lila Bard, and I cannot wait for her in the following books. I feel like I can't accurately describe her because she is so great. I feel her down into my soul, and she speaks to me. Lila encapsulates who I am as a human being. She is the morally grey protagonist I've been waiting for my whole life.

Besides our protagonists, we are met with incredible villains as well. Each is so unique and so well written I was scared of what would happen to our protagonists. Overall, V.E Schwab knows how to write insane characters who leap off the page and live rent-free in your brain.

Conclusion:
I loved this book. It is a solid start to a great fantasy series, and I am excited to see what happens next. I genuinely do not know why I put this book off for so long. It is incredible, and I recommend it to anybody who likes fantasy... or even if you don't like fantasy. This book may change your mind.

Janice

Although the story took quite a long time to get going, it was quite enjoyable when it finally got going.

A Darker Shade of Magic

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