V. E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic

Kell is Antari, which means he can move between worlds. There are four Londons out there – Grey London, Red London, White London, and Black London. After the magic in Black London spread like a plague, the city fell and the other Londons sealed themselves off, meaning only Antari could pass between the doors. Only Kell and one other. But once a dangerous talisman appears, Kell must do everything he can – including asking a thief for help – to banish it before all the Londons fall.

Paperback: 400 Pages

Language: English

Format: Kindle Edition, Audiobook, Hardcover, & Paperback

5/5
Reviewed By Reviewed By Violeta Nedkova
“A story that immerses the reader into the world and doesn’t let go until you’ve finished. If you like stories about parallel worlds, magical adventures, and morally grey characters, this is for you.”
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I love this strange and fantastical story!

If you combine Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, you’ll get this book. There’s dark magic, there’s a badass thief, a man whose magic is limitless, and a lot of political games being played between the worlds. I loved the premise, that there are four Londons, and that only the main character, Kell, can pass through them (apart from one more Antari, who is also a fascinating character). Each one of these cities has their own character, their own royals, and their own atmosphere, which was fascinating to read. I loved Kell and Lila, the two main characters, who were quite interesting and relatable themselves.

As is always the case, V E Schwab’s characters are morally grey. They’re not heroes and villains, but rather, they have the potential for both light and dark, good and bad, within them. Kell, with all the magic inside him, is not perfect. Lila, with all the thievery insider her, is not all bad. Holland, with all the anger and villainy inside him, has his reasons. All of them are just people, people who make their own choices and whose circumstances have shaped them into the people they are today.

The other thing I love about Schwab’s stories – and I have read a lot of them – is that they never follow some kind of formula that I can immediately recognize. The story starts from one point, then goes into multiple directions, never really letting you know what’s going to happen next. You’re also treated to seeing the story from multiple point of views, even though we only have two main ones.

The best approach with this book is – the less you know in advance, the better.

It’s a story full of adventure, magic, humanity (and the lack thereof)… a story that immerses the reader into the world and doesn’t let go until you’ve finished. If you like books about parallel worlds, magical adventures, and morally grey characters, this is for you. As is always the case with V E Schwab, I couldn’t ask for more from this book. I’m giving it 5 very deserved stars. Enjoy!

-Reviewed by Violeta Nedkova

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