Book Summary:
Fans of the Darker Shade of Magic series are aware of a universe containing four worlds. Four Londons. More specifically, they know all about a young prince and his antari brother. This is the story of their father before he took on the mantle of king – or father.
Prince Maxim Maresh is young, stubborn, and determined. He's also worried about the walls blocking Red London from the others. He knows they will fall and wishes to prepare for that day. Which more or less leads directly to him being sent away to the Blood Coast of Verose – a lawless landscape that doesn't look kindly upon military or princelings.
My Review:
So...this series has been on my TBR list longer than I would like to admit. The good news is that Shades of Magic Vol. 1 lived up to my expectations! It was very insightful, to say the least. I'm not Maxim's biggest fan (kinda hard to be after reading the main series...), but I did enjoy getting a chance to see how he came to be the person he is.
It's also fascinating to see a bit more of the world. In this case, the term 'see' is more literal because of the format. That was a fun change of pace. I only wish we could see Kell, Rhy, and Lila similarly. That'd be so much fun.
This story did not go the way I expected it to. Not the antagonist bit, but the whole story. Granted, I don't really know what I was expecting other than the vague idea of a prequel. Maxim's story is pretty complicated, and clearly, we have a long way to go before he becomes the king we know him as.
For me, at least, one of the biggest highlights in Shades of Magic Vol. 1 would have to be some of the secondary characters. While they could use a bit more fleshing out, they are still fascinating and fun in equal measure.
Likewise, I adore the artwork in Shades of Magic Vol. 1. It's bold and bright, as Red London should be. The magic really pops in this world, no pun intended. You never know how magic is going to be portrayed in a graphic novel, no matter how carefully it's previously been described. I'm thrilled with what I saw on the pages here, and I can't wait to see more.
Highlights:
Part of a Series – A Darker Shade of Magic
Magical World
Multiple Worlds
Struggle to Prove Oneself
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Reviewed by Quirky Cat on
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 7 April, 2023: Finished reading
- 7 April, 2023: Reviewed