The Shades of Magic stories, written by V.E. Schwab, is a captivating and thrilling fantasy series that takes readers on a journey through multiple parallel worlds. The series consists of three books: A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. The main idea of these stories revolves around the concept of multiple Londons, each with its own unique magic. The protagonist, Kell, is one of the last Antari, magicians with the ability to travel between these parallel worlds.
No spoilers in this review of A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab A fun read! I give it 3.5 stars. I was very intrigued by V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic. Most interesting to me was the setting and premise which was refreshing and new. That alone was enough to keep me…
Yeah, there s a big overarching plotline that you re well aware of, but there s also a singular story in each of the books that begins and actually ends in each book let s here it for another YAY. Schwab Series Shades of Magic 3 Published by Tor Books on February 21st 2017 Genres Fantasy Pages 624 Format Hardback Buy on Amazon, Buy on Barnes Noble, Buy from The Book Depository Goodreads.
The protagonist, Kell, is one of the last Antari, magicians with the ability to travel between these parallel worlds. The different Londons are color-coded: Grey London, a dull city without magic; Red London, a vibrant and flourishing city where magic is revered and practiced; White London, a harsh and dangerous place where magic is scarce and fought for; and Black London, a mysterious and corrupted city that was consumed by magic long ago. As the series progresses, Kell becomes entangled in a web of political and magical intrigue, facing dangerous enemies and forming unlikely alliances.
A Darker Shade of Magic - (Shades of Magic) by V E Schwab
Prepare to be dazzled by a world of parallel Londons--where magic thrives, starves, or lies forgotten, and where power can destroy just as quickly as it can create.
Book Synopsis
A Darker Shade of Magic, from #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab
Kell is one of the last Antari--magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black.
Kell was raised in Arnes--Red London--and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.
Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.
After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.
Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.
"A Darker Shade of Magic has all the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy. Schwab has given us a gem of a tale. This is a book to treasure."--Deborah Harkeness, New York Times bestselling author of the All Souls trilogy
Shades of Magic series
1. A Darker Shade of Magic
2. A Gathering of Shadows
3. A Conjuring of Light
Review Quotes
Entertainment Weekly's 27 Female Authors Who Rule Sci-Fi and Fantasy Right Now
"A Darker Shade of Magic has all the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy. Its plot is gripping. Its characters are memorable. Its setting in four parallel, powerful Londons is otherworldly yet believable. Schwab has given us a gem of a tale that is original in its premise and compelling in its execution. This is a book to treasure." --Deborah Harkness, New York Times bestselling author of The All Souls Trilogy
"Compulsively readable. her characters make the book. Just as Kell has layers, Lila is a satisfyingly rich invention. With so many worlds on the map, there's plenty left to discover." --NPR
"A Darker Shade of Magic feels like a priceless object, brought from another, better world of fantasy books." --io9
"Schwab (Vicious) creates an ingenious set of nesting alternate Londons in this imaginative, well-crafted fantasy. Confident prose and marvelous touches-a chameleon coat, a scarlet river of magic, a piratical antiheroine-bring exuberant life to an exhilarating adventure among the worlds." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A Darker Shade of Magic is smart, funny and sexy . Schwab keeps the excitement coming with roller-coaster plot twists that establish her as, perhaps, the natural successor to Diana Wynne Jones's contemporary fantasy crown." --The Independent
"Fantasy fans will love this fast-paced adventure, with its complex magic system, thoughtful hero and bold heroine." --Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
VICTORIA "V.E." SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, This Savage Song, Our Dark Duet and Vicious. Her work has received critical acclaim, been featured in the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post and more, translated into more than a dozen languages, and has been optioned for television and film. When she's not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she splits her time between Nashville, TN and Edinburgh, Scotland and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
Kell was raised in Arnes--Red London--and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.
Alongside him is Lila Bard, a skilled thief from Grey London who has a hunger for adventure. Together, they navigate the complexities of the various Londons, encountering magical artifacts, power-hungry rulers, and forbidden love. The Shades of Magic stories are known for their richly imagined world-building and complex characters. Schwab's writing brings these worlds to life, immersing readers in a vivid and imaginative setting. The magic system is well-developed, with each London having its own distinct rules and limitations. One of the standout aspects of the series is the exploration of themes such as power, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. The characters undergo significant development and face moral dilemmas as they grapple with these themes. The Shades of Magic stories also present a diverse cast of characters, with various backgrounds and sexual orientations. Overall, The Shades of Magic stories are a must-read for fans of fantasy. With its intricately woven plot, compelling characters, and imaginative world-building, it is a series that will keep readers gripped from beginning to end. Whether you are new to the fantasy genre or a seasoned reader, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "The Unique Worldbuilding of the Shades of Magic Universe"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "The Shades of Magic" stories to be quite overhyped and disappointing. While the concept of multiple parallel worlds was intriguing, I felt that the execution fell flat. The writing style lacked depth and failed to fully immerse me in the story. Additionally, I found the characters to be one-dimensional and lacked development. Overall, I was left underwhelmed and would not recommend this series.
2. Sarah - 3 stars
I had high hopes for "The Shades of Magic" stories after hearing so much praise about them. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling let down. The world-building was interesting, but I struggled to connect with the characters. I found them to be cliché and lacking in complexity. The pacing was also uneven, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of monotony. While the concept was promising, the execution left me wanting more.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
"The Shades of Magic" stories seemed to have all the ingredients for an exciting fantasy series, but sadly, it didn't live up to the hype for me. The plot felt predictable and lacked surprises. It was as if I had read similar stories before and knew exactly how everything would unfold. The writing style was average, failing to evoke any strong emotions or engage me fully. While it had some redeeming qualities, overall, I felt underwhelmed by this series.
4. Michael - 2 stars
I struggled to finish "The Shades of Magic" stories. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked excitement. The characters were forgettable, and I found it hard to invest in their journeys. Additionally, the world-building felt incomplete, leaving many questions unanswered. The concept was intriguing, but the execution felt lacking and left me unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend this series to others looking for a captivating fantasy read.
5. Melissa - 1 star
"The Shades of Magic" stories were a major disappointment for me. The world-building was confusing and convoluted, leaving me feeling lost most of the time. The characters were flat and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. The pacing was also sluggish, with long stretches of dullness and little action. Overall, it was a struggle to get through this series, and I found it to be a waste of time.