Published: 24, February 2015
Book 1 of 3: Shades of Magic
Author: V. E. Schwab
Genres: Action, Adult Fantasy, Adventure, Alternate History, Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Science Fiction
This book is a mix of magic, interdimensional travel, strong female characters, criminal activity, a little romance, and four Londons set in four different dimensions. The author came up with one of the most original series ideas and executed it flawlessly.
This is an adult fantasy novel with so many amazing things to read about that I had to ask myself several times during the first read what parts of the book I enjoyed the most? In fact, the concept as a whole was quite unique. The four Londons that the protagonist can visit are White London, Red London, Black London, and Grey London. Whether they embrace it, worship it, kill for it, or don't believe in it, each London has a unique relationship with magic. Only major characters are able to travel between the Londons, implying that they are messengers and ambassadors for the rulers and this comes with some difficult challenges.
Another thing I liked was the main characters' collaboration, and the romance felt natural and not forced on the reader just to attract romance fans. I discovered relationships that aren't just between a girl and a boy and the like; in fact, I was impressed by the author's treatment of brotherly relationships and the relationships we have with people who aren't family but still we treat them like family.
In this book, I found a question that was partially answered, namely, what would you do if you had the power to do evil at a great magnitude, would you do it or would you control yourself? If you are not an evil person, it will be a test of your willpower as well as a self-discovery experience.
A few things were a little off, which wasn't a problem for me, but I felt compelled to inform the new readers. One thing I wanted more of was detail, which this book lacked.
The main female character may also offend some readers because, in order to portray her as a super tough woman, the author has almost turned her into a man who requires no assistance and, in particular, does not require the presence of a man in her life. I understand that it could be any woman we know, which is why I am fine with it, but it is not for everyone.
The dialogue was a little clichéd, but it was still a fun read, and I enjoyed it so much that I read all three books in the series and plan to read all of the author's books.
I believe a film adaptation of the series is in the works, but nothing has been heard about it since 2019. Keep an eye on this section because I'll post an update as soon as I find any new information on the subject.
Synopsis:
“A Darker Shade of Magic, from #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab
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.
"A Darker Shade of Magic has all the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy. Schwab has given us a gem of a tale...This is a book to treasure."―Deborah Harkeness, New York Times bestselling author of the All Souls trilogy
Shades of Magic series
1. A Darker Shade of Magic
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Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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