"A Darker Shade of Magic" is a novel by V.E. Schwab that follows the story of Kell, one of the last Antari - a rare magician with the ability to travel between parallel worlds. Set in a world divided into distinct Londons, each with its own level of magic, Kell works as an ambassador for the royal family, traveling between the different London's to deliver messages and smuggle magical artifacts. The novel introduces the concept of multiple Londons, each with a unique color representing the amount of magic in their world. The story primarily focuses on four Londons: Black London, a city consumed by dark magic and sealed off from the others; White London, ruled by ruthless and power-hungry siblings; Red London, a prosperous and magical city where Kells resides; and Grey London, a non-magical and mundane city similar to Victorian-era London.
“Bad magic, Kell had called it. No, thought Lila now. Clever magic. And clever was more dangerous than bad any day of the week.”
In the end, I was left with the feeling that they were never proper villains, and it might indeed be true because they aren t the true villains of this book. Holland exits the prince s room and comes upon Parrish with a sigh it is clear that he is the one who sent Gen away and he s aggravated to find another guard there.
The story primarily focuses on four Londons: Black London, a city consumed by dark magic and sealed off from the others; White London, ruled by ruthless and power-hungry siblings; Red London, a prosperous and magical city where Kells resides; and Grey London, a non-magical and mundane city similar to Victorian-era London. Kell's adventures begin when he comes into possession of a dangerous artifact from Black London called the Black Stone. This sets off a chain of events that leads him to cross paths with Lila Bard, a pickpocket from Grey London, who dreams of sailing the high seas and yearns for a more exciting life.
Tor.com
As Kell and Lila journey through the various Londons, they encounter danger, betrayal, and uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the delicate balance between the worlds. Along the way, they explore the intricate magic system, encounter different factions vying for power, and discover their own inner strengths. The novel is known for its vivid world-building and complex characters. It explores themes of power, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. Schwab's writing style is engaging and evocative, immersing the reader in a rich and imaginative world. "A Darker Shade of Magic" is the first book in a trilogy, followed by "A Gathering of Shadows" and "A Conjuring of Light." It has captivated readers with its unique premise, compelling characters, and thrilling plot, making it a beloved addition to the fantasy genre..
Reviews for "The representation of magic in A Darker Shade of Magic and its impact on the narrative"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "A Darker Shade of Magic" based on all the hype surrounding it, but I was left disappointed. The world-building felt confusing and disjointed, with too many different Londons and not enough explanation of their significance. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to become emotionally invested in their journey. Overall, I found the story to be slow and lacking in excitement.
2. John - 2 stars - I struggled to get into "A Darker Shade of Magic" as it felt like a jumbled mess of fantasy tropes. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused about the rules and limitations. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of mundane dialogue and little action. The writing style also felt clunky at times, making it hard for me to immerse myself in the story. I wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
3. Emily - 1 star - I honestly don't understand all the hype around "A Darker Shade of Magic." The plot was predictable and lacked originality, following the typical chosen one narrative. The characters were flat and one-dimensional, with no real growth or depth. The world-building felt forced and unbelievable, and the constant switching between different Londons only added to the confusion. Overall, I found this book to be unoriginal and forgettable.