A Darker Shade of Magic: A Novel (Shades of Magic, 1) Paperback – January 19, 2016

Actual rating: 4.5 starsKell is a Traveler. His Antari blood makes him a rare breed with the ability to travel between multiple universes which he does with a fair amount of reckless abandon. Because of this, his talents are used to relay messages between the ruling powers of three different Londons. Grey London which has insignificant, barely there traces of magic and is the one we knew during King George III’s reign, Red London which is Kell’s London, thriving with Magic, White London where magic has been dying out and the monarchy is desperate to restore it, and Black London which was destroyed years ago. As an adopted member of the royal family of Red London, Kell has certain obligations. Like making sure his brother Rhys stays out of trouble and making sure messages pass safely and securely between worlds. On the side, he makes deals with citizens from all the Londons and often brings back trinkets in exchange for payment. One of these trinkets ends up being a very dangerous artifact from a different time and place and puts him in the path of Lila Bard, pirate captain thief extraordinaire. What happens next is a whirlwind journey of protecting what you love and trying to make things right.I really love V. E Schwab’s writing. I had read Vicious (her adult novel) a few years back and it rocked my world. When I heard she was writing a young adult series based on alternate universes set in the 1800s, I was ON FRIGGIN’ BOARD. Let me tell you. And this book didn’t disappoint. Where Schwab really excels is her world building and descriptions. The writing is detailed and rich and I could picture all the different London’s so clearly. I was definitely hanging out with Kell and Lila and checking out Kell’s fancy coat. Honestly, the amount of time and precision that went into creating these worlds and describing them is amazing. And it never felt boring! Sometimes when authors spend a lot of time exploring the small details, it can really slow the down the pace of the novel and get tedious, but it didn’t happen here and I was completely invested in what was going on at all times.However, I did feel that the ball was dropped with regard to the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the characters overall, I just didn’t feel for them. Kell has such an interesting history and backstory, but I don’t feel like it contributed in any way to his personality. He definitely felt a little like day old soda to me. We don’t know what really motivates him aside from his love for his brother which doesn’t even come into play until later in the novel. He flirts with danger regularly, but not in a way that compels the reader to understand him. We’re just like, oh, Kell’s doing something crazy again, wonder what will happen. Again, the only time I really felt for him was when he was interacting with his brother, Rhy. Lila is a little better, but not by a lot. She’s given a bit more emotional depth and her character is a bit more nuanced, but she’s not exactly what I’d call likable. I happen to like characters like this, where they’re given traits that are interesting and complicated, but aren’t technically “good” or “nice” characters. Sometimes it could be a bit abrasive, but it was a nice change up for me.There were no real relationships at the heart of this novel other than Kell and Rhy which I loved. There are hints of romance between Kell and Lila and they do share some cute scenes, but romance wasn’t a huge part of this story and I also liked that. Honestly, I found the character histories much more intriguing and Kell’s sense of not belonging anywhere even though he has a family who loves him and who he loves as well, struck a few chords with me. And the genuine love and affection for Rhy was my favorite part of the book. I think the characters will be explored more thoroughly in the subsequent books and I’m also looking forward to seeing a bit more romance between Lila and Kell because they do make an interesting pair. A Gathering of Shadows, the second book in the series, is slated to come out in late February of next year so we’re in for quite a wait.All in all, this is a really great story with some good characters who have a lot of potential. Schwab is an incredibly gifted storyteller and a master of the vivid detail so this was a great book for me. I wish more energy and time had been spent crafting the characters, though. I think they definitely took a backseat to the story and it was a bit disappointing to me. I do tend to like plot driven novels more than character ones, but it really bugged me in this case because the world was so amazing that I felt like the characters should have been as vibrant and textured. If not for that, it would have been a perfect read for me. I will definitely be checking out the next book though, and I hope that we get a little more insight and development from Kell, Lila, and the extended cast. If you like historical books with a touch of magic and science fiction, this book is definitely for you.

Welcome to the magical world of London. Actually, welcome to the magical worlds of Londons. Confused yet? Don’t be. A Darker Shade of Magic is like stepping in to the Twilight Zone. Schwab will immerse you in to a world of parallel Londons, full of magic, danger, and intrigue. Are you ready?“In truth, the cities themselves bore little resemblance to one another…” (Schwab, 15).The Plot: A Darker Shade of Magic will take you in to a world where four Londons exist in parallel. Our main character, Kell, keeps these worlds separated in his mind by calling them Red London, White London, Grey London, and Black London. As an Antari, a rare magical being, he is one of the only two people in the world who can travel between these parallel Londons, due to a struggle with magic and power from long ago that resulted in the doors between Londons being shut. Among his journey between Londons, to keep the peace between their rulers, he discovers something powerful and dangerous that could destroy the balance he tries so desperately to keep. He meets an unlikely ally in the fierce, spunky, independent Delilah Bard, and has to make a deadly decision that could affect the future of the parallel Londons and their rulers. Can he save his precious London, the parallel Londons, and Lila?“Only those few who could move among the Londons needed a way to keep them straight. And so Kell-inspired by the lost city known to all as Black London-had given each remaining capital a color.” (Schwab, 15).A Darker Shade of Magic is a story that is rich in mystery, magic, and intrigue. I found myself quickly turning each page to find out more about Kell, Lila, and the amazing parallel Londons. I was under Schwab’s spell and densely immersed in to this bizarre world where magic runs rampant through the cities. The world building in this one was incredible, and though the character building may have lacked just a hair, that only added to the mystery and enchantment of the story. I loved the idea of parallel cities and enjoyed the different characters.Kell was such a mystery to me. I enjoyed reading his character, and yet felt that I hardly knew him at all. He was so hard to picture in my mind, but that added so much intrigue to his past and his involvement in the story. I hope to find out more about him in the next books.“As an Antari, Kell was made of both, balance and chaos…” (Schwab, 44).Lila was such a fun character! I LOVED her! To make a well known comparison for readers, I pictured Kiera Knightly and her Pirate of the Caribbean character as Lila! She was brave, strong, feisty, and self-sufficient in her life. Even though she was a thief, she had a good set of morals and I think she paired well with Kell.“Lila Bard knew in her bones that she was meant to be a pirate.” (Schwab, 64).The rest of the characters, Holland, Rhy, and the rulers of each London, were developed just enough to make fine supportive characters. I feel like Holland was a good contrast to Kell and Rhy was quite entertaining to read. I would love to learn more about the Grey King and am certain we will learn more of Rhy in the next books.If you enjoy magic, mystery, intrigue, and a great “Twilight Zone” like story, then A Darker Shade of Magic is for you. I would rate this book 4 stars. I cannot wait to find out what happens next!