Darker Shade of Magic A Novel

In Grey London, Magic is a legend. In Red London, Magic is breathed like air. In White London, Magic is consuming everything. Black London doesn't exist anymore. Four parallel worlds, connected by one city that exists in each of them: London. Traveling between them used to be possible, but since Black London succumbed to a dark magic, the doors between the worlds have been closed. Only two blood magicians, so called Antari, still have the ability to travel between them. A Darker Shade of Magic introduces an incredibly special magic system like I've never seen it before. It's intriguing from the first page, as we follow Kell through his different Londons. Lila Bard is from Grey London, a thief and a wannabe pirate. She has absolutely no connection to magic... not until she meets Kell. The plot is at a lot of points a little predictable for the avid fantasy reader, but that did nothing to make this book less enjoyable. The characters are all wonderfully layered and morally grey, and the worldbuilding is interesting to read about from beginning to end. Even when I was sure how it was going to end, I still found myself unable to put the book down, needing to see how they get there, and needing more information about the world and the characters. Even now that i've finished the series, I find myself unable to let go of them and searching for every other book and comic set in the world of Shades of Magic. If I could only recommend one series i've read this year... it would be this one.

Only a few people can travel between worlds, and Kell is one of them. Embark on an adventure through not only one but four different versions of London, each uniquely characterized by their political system, environment, and societies with their diverse living conditions and morals. The dynamic between two protagonists could not be written more exhilaratingly, and their upbringing in different worlds and social classes establishes a contrast between the two characters, who yet form a dazzling bond that is rooted in prejudice, the will to survive, and shared interests. It is a definite recommendation for all who enjoy fantasy full of complex characters, unexpected and forbidden relationships, blurred lines between enemies and allies, and fights to survive. 

The book is really good. very fast paced with likeable characters, my favorite being Rhy. The pacing is also one of the biggest downsides of this book. it feels like Schwab going through this book with a breakneck speed. I feel a few more chapters and a few more scenes too slow the pacing down a little bit. This could have give the characters some much needed breathing room. All criticisms aside: I am excited for part 2! :)

V.E. Schwab has written a richly imagined fantasy with a captivating and intricate magic system. I loved the world-building and how each London is similar yet unique in its society and relationship with magic. The villains are a bit one-dimensional, but the rest of the characters make up for it with their complexity and fun banter. Especially Lilah has a place in my heart, she's so fierce and isn't afraid to take up space! Another personal highlight was Kell's magic coat —practically a character in its own right—shifting and adapting in ways that feel almost sentient. The story wraps up in a satisfying way that makes it a solid standalone, but trust me—the series only gets better from here!

All I can say is wow! That was incredible! This book is dark and gripping and so full of magic. V.E. Schwab really knows what she's doing. There are 4 Londons. One filled with magic, one craving it, one where it’s been forgotten and one that got destroyed by it. This is such a good read! You can really connect with the main characters Kell and Delilah.