A Darker Shade of Magic by V E Schwab

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...

Reviewed by Emma (SCR) on

4 of 5 stars

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This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I bought this book because I have seen it all over Instagram. This book has a lot of hype and I sadly didn't get it. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the story and if it didn't have so much hype then this would be a solid 4 star read and I wouldn't feel guilty.

I liked Kell. He has a mysterious back story and I am hoping this will be unearthed in the future books. Kell has an important role to go between the different London's to pass messages between the monarchs. He also does some side smuggling of magical objects. Kell is troubled but also has a cheeky side. I liked that about him.

Lila Bard is a great character and the perfect companion for Kell. She takes no shit and puts Kell in his place on more than one occasion. She is witty and very clever.
I really like Lila's character.

I loved that there were parallel London's. I liked hearing the differences between them and about the history of Black London. This is a very unique story. I've certainly not read anything else like it. Victoria's writing is enchanting and she has quite the imagination to think up not 1 but 3 alternative London's.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing how it all unravels.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 27 April, 2020: Reviewed