A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy | Publication Date: February 24, 2015 | Narrator: Steven Crossley

☕ Quick Take:

Travel through parallel Londons with a smuggling magician and a daring thief in a high-stakes, magical adventure.

📖 Plot Overview:

Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with the rare ability to travel between four parallel Londons: Red, Grey, White, and the mysterious, long-gone Black London. Raised in Red London, Kell serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, but he has a risky side gig as a smuggler, bringing forbidden objects between worlds.

Things take a dangerous turn when a smuggling exchange goes wrong, and Kell finds himself in possession of a mysterious artifact from Black London. He flees to Grey London, where he encounters Delilah Bard, a pickpocket with dreams of grander adventures. She robs him, saves him, and then coerces him into taking her on a journey to other worlds.

Together, they face treacherous magic and deceit at every turn. Their mission is to return the artifact to Black London and prevent the dark magic from consuming all the worlds.

💭 My Thoughts:

I’m thrilled I finally picked up A Darker Shade of Magic after it lingered on my TBR for so long. V.E. Schwab’s world-building is extraordinary. I loved the concept of the four Londons—distinct, parallel versions of the same city that share geography but exist as entirely different realities layered atop one another. The magic system is also brilliant, with the Antari’s blood magic adding a fascinating layer of complexity.

Kell is a compelling protagonist, shrouded in mystery with hints about his past that I’m eager to explore in future books. Lila Bard was an absolute delight—her cunning and thirst for adventure kept me on the edge of my seat. The action scenes were intense, and once the plot took off, it didn’t let up. I was genuinely worried for the characters at several points, a testament to the high stakes and immersive storytelling.

I’m especially intrigued by the mystery of the Black London token. I can’t wait to discover more about its origins and what lies ahead for Kell and Lila. While this story feels different from The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, it’s no less captivating. Schwab’s writing continues to impress.

Steven Crossley was an amazing voice to listen to. He leant such a sophisticated tone to the story.

🌙 Standout Moments:

The first meeting between Kell and Lila was unforgettable, setting the tone for their dynamic partnership. The tension during their escape scenes, especially when dealing with the dark magic of the Black London artifact, kept me hooked.

🌱 Who Should Read This?

If you enjoy fantasy with rich world-building, complex characters, and a unique magic system, A Darker Shade of Magic is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman.

📚 Final Thoughts:

A Darker Shade of Magic is a thrilling start to the Shades of Magic series, filled with intense action, intriguing mysteries, and unforgettable characters. V.E. Schwab has crafted a unique world I’m eager to revisit. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and continue the journey with Kell and Lila.