Name: A Darker Shade of Magic
Rating: 4.129415542710341 (1557 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

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

A Novel

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.

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

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)

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...

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!

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.

A Darker Shade of Magic

Reviews

Highlights