V. E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic is the first book in the Shades of Magicseries. Many years ago, four parallel universes existed together seamlessly; connect by the magical city of London. One day, the Londons separated each retreating into its own reality. Red London became a beautiful and magical city that lies at the heart of a thriving empire. Gray London lost its magic and lives in a universe similar to the one we know. White London is dying as citizens desperately cling to the remaining shreds of magic. Black London is dead and only exists in rumors and fairy tales. Kell is one of the few remaining people that can travel between worlds and acts as an ambassador between the remaining cities. As he travels between worlds, he smuggles items to curious people who long for a world they will never see. Unfortunately, this illegal hobby can have dangerous ramifications and he discovers just how grave these consequences can be.
Kell is a layered character. He grew up in the magic filled city of Red London and his rare form of magic marked him as special. He was taken away from his previous family and raised by a caring king and queen.Despite the love he received, he never felt like a true part of the family. However, that doesn’t diminish his undying loyalty to his brother and prince, Rhy. Along with being loyal, Kell also proves to be clever, caring, and powerful. His rare magic makes him a force to be reckoned with, but also comes with a bit of arrogance. His illegal hobby of smuggling goods is driven by fascination and rebellion and he soon discovers just how dangerous his hobby can be.
Delilah Bard (Lila) is a cross-dressing thief in Gray London. This defiant pickpocket has a dream of becoming a powerful pirate. With her intelligence, skill and sass, Lila works to accomplish her goals through less than legal means. When she first meets Kell, she robs him, but soon discovers the adventure and opportunity her provides. As she allies herself with Kell, she proves to be strong, brave, a capable fighter even against powerful magic wielders.
A Darker Shade of Magic is a unique book. The unique thing about this series is its setting. The setting is complex, intricate, and amazing. The author creates three parallel universes for our characters to travel through. Each London is distinct both atmosphere and character, making them easy to distinguish and interesting to explore. While the plot is confined to London, the book gives us a little bit of context to help a character place each city in its unique universes. This book also has an unique magic system that is based on five main elements. Unfortunately, we don’t learn much about the elemental magic, as we focus on Kell’s Antari abilities, which are based on blood magic. The new magic system and fascinating setting make the novel’s beginning feel very slow. A lot of exposition needs to be unloaded on the reader, causing the plot to slow immensely. Thankfully, the plot picks up after the exposition and the plot are established. The rest of the book is an action packed ride that is not afraid of darkness and murder. In addition to the fabulous setting and plot, V. E. Schwab creates beautifully crafted characters. The main characters are layered and interesting and the supporting characters are well written and deep. Even the background characters work to personify the region they are from. I give this 398 page novel 4.5 stars.
Shades of Magic
In this intriguing world there are four parallel universes that are all connected by the magical city of London. Red London is a city filled with magic at the heart of the Maresh Empire. Grey London is a familiar city living without magic. White London is a dying city where people cling for the remaining bits of magic. Black London is a dead city, that is only spoken about it whispers and rumors. Each London is separate and only an Antari can traverse through them freely.
Series Analysis
Many books boast a fantastical world full of magic and excitement. Some worlds even promise an extensive fantasy world with complex politics, intricate class systems, and interesting people. Only V. E. Schwab can create not one, but four worlds of magic and intrigue, with distinct differences. Journey with Kell into a London of dying magic, a London overflowing with power, and one carrying on with out a drop of magic in it. This plot driven breathes new life into the retired trope of elemental magic and provides a great story with great characters. This series receives 4.833 stars.