Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) (Non-Spoiler)

VE Schwab’s writing style was definitely a talent to live for. I will literally read anything she writes, even if it was a grocery list.

Synopsis

This book was about Kell, one of the last magician, and has the ability to travel into different Londons. Yup, plural, LONDONS. He serves for the King and Queen of Red London. But one day, while he was in the middle of travelling between Londons, he was caught in an unexpected trouble. The story was his journey of fixing it and along his way, he fought enemies, met friends, and a lover?

“Sure I do,” countered Lila cheerfully. “There’s Dull London, Kell London, Creepy London, and Dead London,” she recited, ticking them off on her fingers. “See? I’m a fast learner.”

― V.E. Schwab, A Darker Shade of Magic

I opened A Darker Shade of Magic with high expectations, fueled by the glowing reviews and the promises of high fantasy, magic, and a captivating world. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the very beginning, I was enthralled by V.E. Schwab’s masterful storytelling.

Writing

V.E. Schwab’s writing style is extraordinary. Admittedly, it took me a little while to fully embrace her unique prose, as this was my first experience with her work. But once I acclimated to it, I was completely captivated. Schwab’s talent is undeniable, and I found myself appreciating every carefully crafted sentence. Her writing has a distinct quality to it, a signature that sets her apart from other authors. I would gladly devour any piece of writing she produces, be it a novel or even a grocery list.

“Aren’t you afraid of dying?” he asked Lila now.
She looked at him as if it were a strange question. And then she shook her head. “Death comes for everyone,” she said simply. “I’m not afraid of dying. But I am afraid of dying here.” She swept her hand over the room, the tavern, the city. “I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.”

― Victoria Schwab, A Darker Shade of Magic

Plot

The plot of A Darker Shade of Magic started off slowly, making it a bit challenging to grasp initially. There were moments when I considered giving up on the book, but something kept me going. And I’m so glad I persisted. As the story unfolded and the world became more fascinating, I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the lives of the characters. The slow build-up was worth it, as the book evolved into a truly gripping tale. It centers around Kell, a messenger from Red London who becomes entangled in a dangerous smuggling operation, setting off a thrilling journey to return a forbidden item to its rightful place.

The Different Londons From Best Fantasy Books HQ

Characters

Kell Maresh – Kell Maresh, the adopted Antari Prince, immediately won me over with his endearing nature. As an Antari, he possesses rare and powerful magic, but it is his caring and selfless personality that truly sets him apart. He is a devoted brother and would go to great lengths to protect those he loves. Kell serves as an exceptional protagonist and drives the narrative forward.

“As Athera. To grow.

As Pyrata. To burn.

As Illumae. To light.

As Orense. To open.

As Anase. To dispel.

As Hasari. To heal.

As Travars. To Travel.”

― V.E. Schwab, A Darker Shade of Magic

Lila Bard – Lila Bard, the skilled pickpocket with dreams of becoming a pirate, stole not only from the characters within the story but also from my heart. Her multifaceted personality, blending sassiness with a surprising sweetness, made her an instant favorite. Despite her morally ambiguous actions, she exudes a captivating charm that is hard to resist.

“I apologize for anything I might have done. I was not myself.”
“I apologize for shooting you in the leg.” said Lila. “I was myself entirely.”

― V.E. Schwab, A Darker Shade of Magic

Rhy Maresh – While Rhy Maresh, the crown prince and brother of Kell, had limited appearances in this book, his love and concern for his brother were evident. I look forward to getting to know him better in the subsequent books.

Athos and Astrid Dane – They can choke.

Holland Vosijk – He was cool, but he can choke too.

Overall

I rated “A Darker Shade of Magic” 4 stars on Goodreads. The writing was splendid, and the characters were truly engaging. While the plot had its moments of brilliance, it did feel slightly dragging at times, which may have been due to my high expectations. Nevertheless, V.E. Schwab’s writing style was the standout aspect for me. As a first-time reader of Schwab’s work, I was blown away by her talent and artistry. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of dark and mysterious adventures, though I’m unsure about recommending the audiobook due to some voices of the characters being way different than what I imagined them to be.

About The Author

Victoria “V.E.” Schwab is the #1 NYT, USA, and Indie bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including Vicious, the Shades of Magic series, and This Savage Song. Her work has received critical acclaim, been featured by EW and The New York Times, been translated into more than a dozen languages, and been optioned for TV and Film. The Independent calls her the “natural successor to Diana Wynne Jones” and touts her “enviable, almost Gaimanesque ability to switch between styles, genres, and tones.”

https://www.veschwab.com
Twitter: @veschwab
Instagram: @veschwab
Goodreads: VE Schwab