A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)

by V.E. Schwab

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...

• ISBN10: 1783295414
• ISBN13: 9781783295418
• Publish Date: 3 March 2015 (first published 1 January 2015)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Titan Books (UK)
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 488
• Language: English

Reviews

[elysium]

I really liked the idea of different worlds where in all of them there’s London in the same place. All of the worlds have something in common and still are very different.

Kell can travel between the worlds and it’s a rare ability since only two is known to possess it nowdays. He was raised with the royal family but doesn’t feel he belong there but I liked his relationship with his foster brother Rhy, the heir to the throne. Kell doesn’t know who his parents are or anything about his childhood and I hope we learn more about his past in the future. And he has a coat that has many sides depending how he wants to look. How cool is that?

When we first meet Lila I wasn’t too excited. I don’t know, I guess she was too reckless, selfish and caused unnecessary problems which lead to me wanting to shake some sense into her. But she did grow on me and I started to like her more.

This was my first book by the author and I really look forward reading rest of this series!

[nightingalereads]

3.5 stars.

Great writing and world-building, but the characters felt a little underdeveloped. Plus I found Lila annoying and a little too smug.

[paperbackjedi]

Kell is a Traveler. His Antari blood makes him a rare breed with the ability to travel between multiple universes which he does with a fair amount of reckless abandon. Because of this, his talents are used to relay messages between the ruling powers of three different Londons. Grey London which has insignificant, barely there traces of magic and is the one we knew during King George III’s reign, Red London which is Kell’s London, thriving with Magic, White London where magic has been dying out and the monarchy is desperate to restore it, and Black London which was destroyed years ago. As an adopted member of the royal family of Red London, Kell has certain obligations. Like making sure his brother Rhys stays out of trouble and making sure messages pass safely and securely between worlds. On the side, he makes deals with citizens from all the Londons and often brings back trinkets in exchange for payment. One of these trinkets ends up being a very dangerous artifact from a different time and place and puts him in the path of Lila Bard, pirate captain thief extraordinaire. What happens next is a whirlwind journey of protecting what you love and trying to make things right.

I really love V. E Schwab’s writing. I had read Vicious (her adult novel) a few years back and it rocked my world. When I heard she was writing a young adult series based on alternate universes set in the 1800s, I was ON FRIGGIN’ BOARD. Let me tell you. And this book didn’t disappoint. Where Schwab really excels is her world building and descriptions. The writing is detailed and rich and I could picture all the different London’s so clearly. I was definitely hanging out with Kell and Lila and checking out Kell’s fancy coat. Honestly, the amount of time and precision that went into creating these worlds and describing them is amazing. And it never felt boring! Sometimes when authors spend a lot of time exploring the small details, it can really slow the down the pace of the novel and get tedious, but it didn’t happen here and I was completely invested in what was going on at all times.

However, I did feel that the ball was dropped with regard to the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the characters overall, I just didn’t feel for them. Kell has such an interesting history and backstory, but I don’t feel like it contributed in any way to his personality. He definitely felt a little like day old soda to me. We don’t know what really motivates him aside from his love for his brother which doesn’t even come into play until later in the novel. He flirts with danger regularly, but not in a way that compels the reader to understand him. We’re just like, oh, Kell’s doing something crazy again, wonder what will happen. Again, the only time I really felt for him was when he was interacting with his brother, Rhy. Lila is a little better, but not by a lot. She’s given a bit more emotional depth and her character is a bit more nuanced, but she’s not exactly what I’d call likable. I happen to like characters like this, where they’re given traits that are interesting and complicated, but aren’t technically “good” or “nice” characters. Sometimes it could be a bit abrasive, but it was a nice change up for me.

There were no real relationships at the heart of this novel other than Kell and Rhy which I loved. There are hints of romance between Kell and Lila and they do share some cute scenes, but romance wasn’t a huge part of this story and I also liked that. Honestly, I found the character histories much more intriguing and Kell’s sense of not belonging anywhere even though he has a family who loves him and who he loves as well, struck a few chords with me. And the genuine love and affection for Rhy was my favorite part of the book. I think the characters will be explored more thoroughly in the subsequent books and I’m also looking forward to seeing a bit more romance between Lila and Kell because they do make an interesting pair. A Gathering of Shadows, the second book in the series, is slated to come out in late February of next year so we’re in for quite a wait.

All in all, this is a really great story with some good characters who have a lot of potential. Schwab is an incredibly gifted storyteller and a master of the vivid detail so this was a great book for me. I wish more energy and time had been spent crafting the characters, though. I think they definitely took a backseat to the story and it was a bit disappointing to me. I do tend to like plot driven novels more than character ones, but it really bugged me in this case because the world was so amazing that I felt like the characters should have been as vibrant and textured. If not for that, it would have been a perfect read for me. I will definitely be checking out the next book though, and I hope that we get a little more insight and development from Kell, Lila, and the extended cast. If you like historical books with a touch of magic and science fiction, this book is definitely for you.

[mary]

http://fiercefolly.com/book-review-a-darker-shade-of-magic/

I liked this book, but didn't love it. Maybe because it was over-hyped or it just didn't meet my expectations when it comes to fantasy. It fell a little short for me, especially when it comes to backstory and character development. I always seem to have qualms about character development in YA novels and this book was no exception.

Basically the story is about Kell, a traveler, who has the magical ability to travel between alternate Londons. He and one other person, Holland, possess this rare Antari blood magic. They are the last remaining of their kind. I loved the descriptions of the three alternate Londons and one which has fallen known as Black London. There is White London which is ruled by the ruthless and cruel Dane twins (overall very creepy villains) where the people are power hungry and the common people are oppressed by the elite. Then there is Red London, home to Kell, and it is the one thriving with life and magic. Everyone there seems content and happy with the balance between humanity and magic. Finally, there is Grey London, which I would say is similar to London now, where magic is not known of anymore. These three Londons were separated from one another when Black London fell to an evil and powerful type of magic. The plaque consumed that London and the alternate ones were left to block themselves from that evil source of magic.

I loved the idea of the magical and different Londons, I do wish they was more world building in the novel, but maybe that will come later in the series. At least I hope it does. I especially wanted to feel more of a connection with the Red London and the history of how Kell came to be part of the royal family. Barely any information was given on Kell which is disappointing because he is the main male protagonist and the one that leads an interesting life. Of course I was left wanting more.

I did find Grey London fitting to house the strong female protagonist, Lila Bard. She is a stellar thief and I found it quite hilarious that she got away with dressing up as a boy. I liked her character: strong and witty. Again I wish there was more back story and development. I couldn't really grasp the relationship between Kell and Lila throughout the book because dialogue was greatly lacking. Maybe the book should have been much longer, adding more dialogue and back story to allow the reader to grow more attached to the characters presenting. I'm hoping all these issues will be taken care of as the series continues though.

For me this was a rather quick read. I probably could have finished it in a day. The plot did grab my attention and I was never bored the entire time reading the book. Which is a great feeling when you pick up a book to get lost in another world. I loved the fantasy elements, the magic, creepy villains, and alternate worlds. It was a really great dystopian concept and I am looking forward to the next in the series. I may even pick this up again before the next one comes out, just to see if maybe I missed something.

[sarahjay]

Lila is amazing. My only complaint was that there was not nearly enough witty banter to suit my tastes. What was there was fantastic, but MORE PLEASE. I have a feeling the sequels are going to be even better. Plus I have SO MANY THEORIES.

[Rinn]

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

I still have yet to read Vicious by V.E. Schwab, but when I heard about A Darker Shade of Magic I knew this was one I had to read, so imagine my delight when I was offered a copy by Titan Books! Plus those covers… I could stare at them all day.

I really love the concept of different versions of our own world, filled with magic, and it’s definitely something I haven’t read enough of. A Darker Shade of Magic is technically about three different worlds, one of them our own, within each of which London has the same name and location, despite differences everywhere else. Grey London is our own world, so named for its lack of magic. Red London is where magic is embraced, whereas White London is where magic is almost feared, and those who brandish it are not to be trusted. There was a fourth London, Black London, but it was destroyed by magic. Kell, as a Traveller, can move between the three worlds, passing messages on for the monarchs.

Kell was a bit of mystery although his intentions were always good. Lila was a bit of a contrast, a somewhat morally ‘grey’ character just trying to survive. The contrast between the two of them was nice, and I feel like they could both really help each other. I desperately wanted more back story for both, so that better come in book two!

I have to say, V.E. Schwab has some serious talent. Her words paint such rich and vivid scenes: I could practically see the foggy, shadowed streets and smell the scents of beer and roasting meat pouring out of the taverns; each London was so markedly different. Too often, books featuring magic make it seem so easy – wave a wand, speak a few words and bam, magic. When a magic system requires some sort of sacrifice, that’s when I really love it, and this particular system requires blood. It makes magic something to be feared, reinforced by the destruction of Black London, something that is not easy to control. And despite the fact it is about magic, it makes it more believable, in a way…

My only issue with the book was, ironically, the setting, or at least the setting in a larger context. Because Kell’s visits to every world were limited to London, and we didn’t see or even hear much of the worlds past London, it felt very small. Therefore if something were to happen to the people of one of those worlds outside London, it wouldn’t feel ‘real’, if that makes sense.

But apart from this small issue, A Darker Shade of Magic was a wonderful read. Vivid and original, it’s only convinced me further that I need to get my hands on a copy of Vicious and sample more of V.E. Schwab’s fantastic writing.

[Amber]

Also posted on Books of Amber

A Darker Shade of Magic was my second V. E. Schwab book (and my fourth overall book by the lovely author) and I have to say it was pretty awesome. Without going on and on about comparisons, Vicious is still my favourite of hers but A Darker Shade of Magic comes a close second. I think Schwab is a very talented writer, whose style best fits with the adult books that she writes rather than her YA.

A Darker Shade of Magic has a couple of main characters – Kell and Lila – but it is told from a number of different points of view. Let’s start with Kell, our resident Antari (magician/world hopper), who works for Red London’s royal family. I really liked Kell, although he’s not really a standout character for me. He’s pretty awesome, and his knowledge and use of magic was interesting to read about, making him interesting as well, but his personality wasn’t all that amazing. That is, until he mixes with other characters and they bring out a different side to him.

While we’re on the topic, can I just mention my ship? Because of course I had one. So, there’s Kell and Rhy, both are guys. Rhy is openly bisexual/pansexual and it is proven by the story, and while Kell’s sexuality is never mentioned (because it never comes up) I am 99.9% sure that he is in love with Rhy. Which made things a little awkward for a hot minute right at the beginning but IT’S OK, MY SHIP AND I WORKED THROUGH IT. So Kell and Rhy are best friends and they love each other so much and they go through a lot and if you’ve read A Darker Shade of Magic then you have to tell me that you ship it too okay? Especially after what Kell does at the end of the book because ERMEHGERD, OTP. And I’m also 99.9% sure that V. E. Schwab agrees with me. If not, I will write her an essay on exactly why they should be together.

Anyway, the second main character is Lila, a cross-dressing wannabe pirate from Grey London. I’m not going to lie, she annoyed me a little at first. She didn’t seem to think things through or look at the bigger picture before taking action, and in a story such as this with high stakes and death around every corner, you have to pause to think about what you’re doing. But she grew on me as the book went on, and I actually quite liked her by the end. I also loved how Kell was constantly having to apologise for the things she did because it was absolutely hilarious to me.

Another character that I absolutely loved was Holland, for Spartacus-type reasons. I would go into greater detail but SPOILERS, but basically Holland is an antagonist and he seems pretty evil but then you discover things and oh my god, my heart just melted. Team Holland 5ever.

I should probably talk about the world-building since this is a fantasy novel, huh? Okay so in this book you have four Londons (I previously thought it was only two. Silly me.) and Kell refers to them all by colour to keep them straight. We have Grey London, a place mostly without magic, Red London, where Kell is from, White London which is creepy as fuck, and Black London, which isn’t a place anyone can go to. PARALLEL UNIVERSES, YO. I thought the concept was awesome, and especially loved it when Schwab would talk about how each London is different and how they each had a different relationship with magic. And hey, get this. Antari all have one black demon eye. A DEMON EYE. If you watch Supernatural then you’ll know that this is very exciting and you’ll understand why I’m rolling around on the floor.

My main gripe with this book is that it wasn’t long enough. Because it is a fantasy novel, I would have loved a couple of hundred more pages to expand the world a bit more and to give us some more background on the cities and the royal families. Of course, keeping the book to roughly 400 pages was a good idea to keep the plot speeding ahead, as there’s never a dull moment, but I wanted more stuff on the magic system and the world-building. But I expect we’ll get to know more about those in book two, right? Along with Kell’s backstory and also Black London because I want to know allllll the things.

I love it when a book wraps up as nicely as this one did but still leaves you with questions. I am so, so intrigued about the sequel and I haven’t yet been able to stop thinking about this book and its characters (except for when The 100 was on last night because obviously).

A Darker Shade of Magic is an action packed thrill-ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. Fantasy lovers will love this one, because while it’s not long enough to have the epic worldbuilding of Brandon Sanderson or the detail of Scott Lynch, it makes up for that in terms of plot and pacing. And demon eyes. I would highly recommend this book to you all because it’s a hard one to put down and forget about. And now I shall begin the wait for book two. *settles in*

[jnikkir]

This review can also be found at my blog, There were books involved...

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There's this feeling I sometimes get after finishing a book -- it's extremely rare, and only happens when the book was a whole other level of intense and amazing. It's this euphoric, wrung-out, disoriented stupor, and it leaves you speechless and reeling.

Well, I got that feeling after finishing A Darker Shade of Magic. And that's the highest praise I can give.

Victoria Schwab originally teased A Darker Shade of Magic as "pirates, thieves, and sadist kings." If you're any sort of fan of her work, and she throws those words at you, you're a goner. But then you read the synopsis (Schwab-fan or not), and you sort of side-eye it. How is this possible? This book seems to have way too much going for it, way too many good things in it -- How? Why? What's going on? Is this for real?!

Well, before you get too excited, let me just make it clear how many good things there are in this book, because the synopsis actually doesn't cover it.

• (Aspiring) pirate ✓
• Thieves ✓
• Sadist kings ✓✓
• Amazing magic system(s) ✓✓✓
• Flawless worldbuilding ✓✓✓✓
• London(s) ✓✓✓✓
• Fabulous magical coats ✓x∞
• Incredible characters ✓✓✓✓
• Amazing friendships/brOTP's/nemeses ✓✓✓✓✓
• Ship potential (no insta-anything) ✓!!!
• Banter ✓!!!!!!!
• FEELS ✓✓✓✓✓✓!!!!!!!

Yep, your eyes do not deceive you. A Darker Shade of Magic ticks ALL THE BOXES -- and revels in it.

A Darker Shade of Magic does with the fantasy genre what Vicious did with superheroes. It takes things we've seen before -- magic, evil tyrants, world(s)-in-danger, etc -- and turns them upside-down. Raises the stakes. Makes them new. This is fantasy at its finest -- and Victoria Schwab at her best -- and it is not to be missed.

From its worldbuilding and characters, to its plot and pacing, A Darker Shade of Magic is complex and intense, but still balanced by aspects that had me grinning like a loon. There's something about this story that screams, "Magic! Thieves! Adventure! Are you having fun yet?!" It's not a "light" sort of fun; but like I said, it seems to revel in everything from the heroes and their fabulous coats, to the villains and their unapologetic badness. And that's something that I appreciate with my entire being. I love the fantasy genre -- high fantasy, urban fantasy, what have you -- and A Darker Shade of Magic takes great joy in each of its (somewhat familiar) fantastical elements, but it's also utterly without compare. I adored everything about it.

One thing I can always count on with with Victoria Schwab is that she crafts complex, layered characters. We saw it in Vicious -- instead of a true "hero" or "villain", the main characters were a combination of both. In A Darker Shade of Magic, the lines between good and evil are more clearly drawn, but this doesn't mean the characters are any less complex. It's always been my belief that heroes need a bit of darkness in them and that villains should always be more complex than they're often given credit for. And in both of those roles, A Darker Shade of Magic does not disappoint.

Kell, the Red traveler and ambassador for Red London, is my favorite kind of hero. He's charming, cocky, a bit defiant, and somewhat bitter about some of the things life has thrown at him. But when it comes down to it, his loyalty runs deep, and he will do anything to protect what he loves -- he's almost self-destructive in his protectiveness. He's also got this ability -- his ability to travel -- that, even as it broadens his world, isolates him within it. And yet he cherishes it; it offers him a freedom and joys he wouldn't have known without it. I just... I have a lot of feelings about his character. He's amazing.

He also has a truly remarkable coat, which is actually multiple coats -- and infinitely stylish. ...This has nothing to do with why I love him. Though it certainly doesn't hurt. >_> What, I like a man in a nice coat, okay?! Jeez. ;)

Lila Bard is a thief and aspiring pirate, and she is flawless. I want to use words like "feisty" and "kickass" and "sassy", but honestly, those words are over-used -- and they don't do Lila any kind of justice. I have to admit, I'm a little bit in love with her.

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

ARC, pg 205

That quote really does encompass who Lila is. Her life is something she's fought for, killed for, guarded with everything she has. But she's also filled with this fierce joy, and the drive to wring all the adventure and greatness she can out of her life. So when Kell shows up, and she learns about Grey, Red, White, and Black London, there's nothing that can stop her from hitching a ride with Kell -- and Kell has to let her, because, of course, she's stolen something pretty important from Kell, and she refuses to return it until he's taken her to these other Londons.

In addition to Kell and Lila, we also have Rhy Maresh, who holds a very special place in my heart. Rhy is the dashing prince of Red London, a brother to Kell in everything but blood -- and who, according to Kell, would "flirt with a nicely upholstered chair" (ARC, pg 254). Then there's Holland, White London's traveler, the only other person Kell knows who can open doors between their worlds, and someone whose situation is, shall we say, a lot more complicated than it might appear. And finally, Astrid and Athos Dane -- rulers of White London, and the kind of horrifically believable bad guys who make your blood run cold, and who genuinely test your belief that anyone could possibly gain the upper hand against them.

But Astrid and Athos aren't the only forces for destruction that Kell and Lila have to worry about. In most fantasy books, "black magic" is often just what the user makes of it. In A Darker Shade of Magic, black magic is... rather a force of its own.

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

In conclusion...

I'd love to include so much more in this review. Like, how about Rhy's and Kell's incredible friendship, guaranteed to latch onto your heart (and possibly crush it)? Or what about Lila and Kell's growth from "pickpocket" and "victim", to friends who understand each other on a level that doesn't just "bring the feels", it punches you in the gut with the feels? Or how about all the twists and turns in the plot, and the ending that will have you going "What?! No. That can't happen. wait, WHAT?! NO. WHAT IS GOING ON?!" in the best way possible? Because seriously, the ending (really, the last 25%) had me absolutely dying.



I may not have had any coherent words for that ending, but I can tell you one thing for sure: A Darker Shade of Magic is hands-down my favorite book of 2015 so far -- and I will not be surprised when it remains my favorite as the year goes on, despite all the good things coming our way. Yes, it is that good.

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There were books involved...