The Shades of Magic volumes consist of a fantasy series written by V.E. Schwab. This series is set in parallel worlds, where magic exists and can be accessed by different individuals. The story follows the adventures of Kell, a powerful magician who can travel between these parallel universes. He serves as an ambassador for Red London, the prosperous and magical world, and gets involved in dangerous and thrilling escapades.
Writer’s Takeaway: I read that Schwab wrote these plots from one line of dialogue in the original trilogy and the idea of that is amazing to me. She thought so much about her characters and what made them the way they are that she could write a comic series about it. I think it’s wonderful to see her still living in the Shades of Magic world and exploring it so deeply. It can seem like a bit of a ‘cash grab’ to publish prequels and sequels to a series as successful as hers was, but I like that she took a very different approach by switching to comics for this release.
But the character I remember from the original series was also cold and distant so this version of him, a boy who had to be hardened, made some sense. Schwab was offered to have four books in the series, but declined as she only had plot for three and a half books and wanted three plot-heavy books instead of four plot-thin ones.
He serves as an ambassador for Red London, the prosperous and magical world, and gets involved in dangerous and thrilling escapades. **The first volume, A Darker Shade of Magic**, introduces the readers to the unique concept of multiple Londons: Red, Grey, White, and Black London. Each London has its own distinct characteristics and level of magic.
Graphic Novel Book Review: THE SHADES OF MAGIC COMICS by V. E. Schwab
I rarely read graphic novels, and never comics. The art and I often don’t click well. However, I adore the Shades of Magic series and these comic bind ups follow character who clearly has much more of a story than the novels have time for. It’s King Maxim’s life as a prince, set before the main series.
It’s taken me a very long time to read my way through these, mostly because the third one wasn’t really found on shelves.
While Red London is thriving and abundant in magic, Black London has been consumed by magic and is considered dangerous and destroyed. In the second volume, **A Gathering of Shadows**, the story continues as Kell struggles with his sense of identity and purpose. A magical tournament, known as the Element Games, takes place, attracting talented magicians from various worlds. Here, Kell faces new adversaries and makes unexpected alliances, all while trying to maintain the delicate balance between the worlds. **A Conjuring of Light**, the final volume in the series, brings together the battles and consequences of the previous books. A powerful enemy threatens to take control of all the Londons, and Kell and his companions must join forces to prevent this catastrophic event. The stakes are higher than ever as they fight for the survival of their worlds. Throughout the series, V.E. Schwab's writing style allows readers to immerse themselves in the intricate and enchanting world of Shades of Magic. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and struggles. The plot is full of action, mystery, and suspense, keeping the readers engaged from start to finish. In summary, the Shades of Magic volumes offer a captivating and beautifully crafted fantasy series. With its unique concept and well-rounded characters, it is a must-read for fans of magic and adventure..
Reviews for "The Shades of Magic Volumes: Exploring the Impact of Trauma"
1. Emma - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to love "The Shades of Magic" volumes, but I found them to be overly complex and confusing. The world-building was interesting, but it felt like there were so many different elements and plotlines that it became overwhelming. Additionally, I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters, and their motivations often felt unclear. Overall, I think this series could have benefited from some simplification and more focused storytelling.
2. John - 2/5 stars - "The Shades of Magic" volumes just didn't do it for me. The writing style felt quite dry, making it hard to stay engaged with the story. While the concept of multiple parallel worlds was intriguing, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Ultimately, I had high expectations for this series but it fell short in delivering a captivating and cohesive narrative.
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - I appreciate the creativity in "The Shades of Magic" volumes, but unfortunately, the execution was not up to par for me. The writing style was overly flowery and descriptive, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, I found the plot to be predictable and lacking in surprises. While there were some interesting ideas and moments, overall, I feel like this series missed the mark and didn't live up to the hype surrounding it.