Mysterious Magic by V E Schwab is an enchanting and captivating tale that explores the world of magic in a unique and intriguing way. The story is set in a world where there are multiple parallel Londons, each with its own magic and its own level of access to it. The protagonist, Kell, is one of the rare individuals who has the ability to travel between these Londons, serving as a messenger and smuggler of magical artifacts. Throughout the story, we get glimpses into the different dimensions and the various types of magic that exist within each one. From the vibrant and thriving Red London, where magic is revered and celebrated, to the dark and dreary Black London, where magic has consumed and destroyed everything in its path. Schwab's writing is incredibly descriptive and immersive, allowing the reader to fully experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of the different Londons.
(from the dust jacket)
There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, and with one mad king—George III. Red London, where life and magic are revered—and where Kell was raised alongside Rhy Maresh, the roguish heir to a flourishing empire. White London—a place where people fight to control magic and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London. But no one speaks of that now.
Officially, Kell is the Red traveler, ambassador of the Maresh empire, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. 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.
Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs into Delilah Bard, a cutpurse with lofty ambitions. 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.
There is a brief history of the world given in the beginning of the book, about how the worlds used to have doors open between them for the people to travel, until Black London let the magic take over and forced the other worlds to seal the doors leaving Black London in ruin. Logically, I knew he wasn t going to die a third of the way through the first book of a series, but I fretted and gripped the book tighter nonetheless.
Schwab's writing is incredibly descriptive and immersive, allowing the reader to fully experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of the different Londons. She has created a world that is both familiar and fantastical, pulling the reader into a realm where magic is both ordinary and extraordinary. One of the most interesting aspects of Mysterious Magic is the exploration of the idea that magic has a cost.
A Darker Shade of Magic | By V. E. Schwab | Book Review
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Author- V. E. Schwab
Publisher- Titan Books
Genre- YA Fantasy
My Rating- ★★★★★
CONTENTS
SYNOPSIS
MY REVIEW
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
In this world, magic is not infinite, but instead must be balanced. As Kell uses his magic to travel between the Londons and perform his tasks, he becomes increasingly aware of the toll it takes on him physically and emotionally. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story, as Kell grapples with his own limitations and struggles to find a sense of purpose and belonging in a world that sees him as an outsider. Overall, Mysterious Magic is a beautifully written and compelling novel that offers a fresh take on the genre of magic. Schwab's world-building is exceptional, and her exploration of the consequences of magic adds a thought-provoking element to the story. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and anyone looking for a captivating and immersive reading experience..
Reviews for "The Interplay of Magic and Mystery in V E Schwab's Compelling Narratives"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I didn't enjoy "Mysterious Magic" by V.E. Schwab at all. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The plot was also incredibly predictable, and there were no surprises or twists that kept me engaged. Additionally, I found the writing style to be lackluster, lacking the atmospheric prose that I usually associate with Schwab's work. Overall, this book was a disappointment and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I'm sorry to say that "Mysterious Magic" by V.E. Schwab didn't live up to the hype for me. The world-building was weak and underdeveloped, leaving me confused and unable to fully immerse myself in the story. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed, unsatisfying action scenes. The protagonist lacked depth and growth, making it difficult for me to care about what happened to them. Overall, I was left feeling unfulfilled and would not recommend this book to others.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really hoping to enjoy "Mysterious Magic" by V.E. Schwab, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot was messy and disjointed, with random elements thrown in that didn't seem to serve a purpose. The magic system and rules were poorly explained, leaving me confused about how things worked in this world. The characters were also forgettable, and I didn't feel invested in their journeys. While the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired. I would advise readers to approach this book with caution.