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.

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

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?

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.

3.5

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.

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

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? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

comfort series<3

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! ❤️

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!

Actual rating: 4.5

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.

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

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.

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

I NEED BOOK TWO NOW!!!

V.E. Schwab is a national treasure

It picked up at the end but the beginning was a little hard to keep track of all of the characters. I always love how this author ends books but not how she starts them. However it was engaging once the writing picked up

me gustó el libro pero me falto esa conexión con los personajes. Literalmente muere mi personaje favorito y no solté ni una lágrima, no sé si el problema es la forma de escribir de la autora o es que no conecte con los personajes tanto como yo creía. Igualmente la historia es entretenida y me gusto <3

I wanted to finish for the New Years but that obvi didn’t happen… LOVED THE BOOK THO THE CHARACTERS AND THE PLOT 🤌 So excited for the next two. It better not disappoint.

3.5 stars I enjoyed this book but the pacing was a bit uneven. Whenever there was more action I got interested, but then it would go back to another slow section and I would lose interest again. It took me quite a long time to read it, which for me really shows that I was not really into it. I didn't like Lila at all at first but by the end she was by far my favorite characters, since she is the one who has more of a personality. The other characters were a bit bland. I hope that the second book grabs my interest more, but I think the world is original and am willing to continue with the series.