A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Series: A Darker Shade of Magic #1
Published by Tor Books
Published on: February 24 2015
Genres: Alternate History, Fantasy
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
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Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.
Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.
Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.
But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.
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A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC is one of those books that I needed to reflect upon before reviewing.
As far as I can tell this happens to me for one of two reasons:
1. It was awful, but in a way that confounded me, either b/c it was an author whom I love and trust and WTH happened? Or b/c my issue(s) is nebulous and thus has to be dissected to determine the root of the problem.
2. It was amazeballs, but in a way that confounded me, b/c SO MUCH CLEVER.
This was a #2 situation. Fyi.
And even though it’s been over a month, I’m still kind of at odds about what to say.
Firstly, it is a fact universally acknowledged that I am a character-driven reader.
BUT.
I was not more than mildly invested in these characters until I was more than halfway through it.
Secondly, it is a fact universally acknowledged that ROMANCE, I love it.
Yet there was very little romance in this book.
SO. We have:
1. Characters I didn’t immediately connect with.
2. Little to no swoons.
And still . . . I LOVED it.
Do you see why I needed time to traverse the dark and twisty paths of my mind? But ultimately, it comes down to this:
Victoria Schwab is a bloodydamn genius.
No really. She is.
She created a world so vastly different from others I’ve encountered, with hinted at conundrums for a later date, and characters who are . . . oblivious yet discerning, adventurous and daring, scared but determined, arrogant yet realistic, but above all else they are compelling. They are also broken. In remarkably similar ways despite the disparity of their situations.
Kell is a member of the royal family. A prince. Brother to the heir.
Except he isn’t. And he knows it, they know it, everyone knows it. B/c Kell . . . is a young man with a rare and remarkable ability, and was therefore removed from whence he came to become an adjunct extension of a pre-existing family.
But everyone pretends.
Just like Kell pretends not to be consumed with questions about what came before.
Lila . . . *shakes head at Lila*
Lila is a young woman who refuses to be confined by the restrictions of both her gender and her station. She is astonishingly intelligent. She is independent. If she had a middle name, it would almost certainly be Hubris.
And yet, she is bitterly fragile.
She wants nothing from no one, and accepts nothing she cannot immediately repay, negating any debt she feels is owed.
She’s painful to watch.
But I had to watch. Had to. If for no other reason, then to see what she would say/think next:
The rich strutted around, assuming they’d be safe, so long as they stayed in the good parts of town. But Lila knew there were no good parts. Only smart parts and stupid parts, and she was quick enough to know which one to play.
DO YOU SEE WHAT SHE DID THERE?! *head explodes b/c can’t contain the awesome*
That kind of brilliance is around every corner. That kind of brilliance is why, for the first time ever, I neither DNF-ed a book b/c characters I didn’t connect with or lamented my decision to stick with it after the fact. And honestly, I have no idea what my problem was. I’ve already said that, yes, eventually, they began to tug my heartstrings, but why it took so long . . . ? It shall remain a mystery.
But things like this:
“I’m not going to die,” she said. “Not till I’ve seen it.”
“Seen what?”
Her smile widened. “Everything.”
were the turning point.
Plot-wise, I’m not going to say anything, b/c the less you know, the better.
As for world-building, take the things you think you know about magic systems and toss them out the window.
When I first learned that one of the rulers of Red London had a special talent for controlling the will of others, I was like, “Well, that sucks,” and when Kell walked up the fortress steps that were guarded by ten soldiers who were indeed controlled, I thought, “That is such a waste of power. How many people could this guy possibly control at once, and how could he have any power left over to defend against a direct magical attack?”
But I had made an incorrect assumption. Just b/c that’s the way magic typically works, doesn’t mean that’s the way it works according to Schwab.
Arthos can control as many people as he wants. All he has to do is brand them with his particular kind of magic. And that, my friends, is terrifying.
And all of that is why A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC will be near the top of my Best Books of 2015 list. You will laugh at drunk men stumbling groggily on stairs (HA!), you will nod your head thoughtfully as Kell and Lila reveal the intricacies of what makes them tick, you will gasp in shock and horror when you find yourself walking across the bones of defeated enemies, and you will not regret reading this book for yourself. Highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon or like it on Goodreads!
My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
*applauds highly appropriate use of bloodydamn*
I adoooored this book! I love Kell, I love Lila and I simply was enthralled with the worlds and the magic and the plot and what’s to come!!
Brilliant review Jessica! 😉
Pili recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #89!!
*takes a bow*
I’m glad you loved this too. I can’t figure out why more people haven’t read Schwab yet, especially with all the hype surrounding her books. For once, it’s legit.
Thanks, Pili!
After this review there is nothing left to do but to read this book.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Short Review: Vengeance of the Demon by Diana Rowland
Concurrence!
I am super excited to read this book! Hopefully I get it soon from the library, I’m close to first on the waiting list. I just read her other book Vicious and omg it was so good, so I have a feeling I’ll like this one too.
Kelsey recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: A Court of Thorns and Roses
I hope you do, Kelsey! Clearly, I thought it was fantastic 😉
Oh Jessica…I love your reviews of books you didn’t like so much…but your reviews of books you LOVE? I’m glad you stuck with this one despite not connecting with the characters right off the bat. You have me so intrigued with Kell and Lila, and the unique world and magic of A Darker Shade of Magic. I’m thinking I may end up spending some of my birthday booty on this one. 😉 Best of 2015 list?? Yeah, I wanna read it.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…New Release Blitz & Giveaway ~ Tempest Raging ~ Michelle Mankin
Thanks, Brandee! If you do spend birthday cash on it, I REALLY hope it lives up to your expectations. *bites fingernails*
None of your recommendations have disappointed me yet. 😉
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…New Release Blitz & Giveaway ~ Tempest Raging ~ Michelle Mankin
I need to move this further up my wish list. Great review!
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Paranormal Road Trip: Destination New Orleans with Kristen Painter
I agree, and thanks!
So many people are loving this, I really should have picked it up.
kindlemom1 recently posted…WoW Pick of the Week!
Better late than never 😉
Love this review. I have never read any of Schwab’s stuff but I have heard she is amazing. This one is on my TBR! 🙂
Cynthia recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Characters I am Obsessed With!
Thanks, Cynthia! This is my first Schwab too, but it will definitely not be my last. I was supposed to participate in a BR of VICIOUS a few weeks ago, but I couldn’t find my copy, LOL. <------first world problems 😉
I just skimmed your review because this is one of the few books that I just want to dive into without knowing anything in advance. I can’t wait to read it!
I’m glad to see that you liked it.
Ugh. This is on my reading list this week, but unfortunately, I haven’t picked it up. I’m so glad you loved it. Just goes to show how Schwab is as awesome as I think she is. 😀
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[508]: We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
What a unique sounding story!
Sophia Rose recently posted…Bassist meets History Teacher – Fully Loaded by Theresa Hissong #Review
I felt the same! All those things you said, yes and yes
blodeuedd recently posted…So I married a demon slayer – anthology
Wow! You not have me wanting this book, but wanting to read the author’s works. Yea, guess what is going on my wishlist now? 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Audiobook Review: Flunked by Jen Calonita
I really want to read this! then again, I need to read SOMETHING by this author and I know I will love it when I do. I’m so glad this one worked so well for you when it’s not what your normally love.
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: Skyscraping
Amazing review Jessica! :] This book has been on my tbr list for a while. Your review just reminded me why I should move that book to my currently reading shelf! It sounds truly awesome! :]
Wow, the beginning of your review echoes my own thoughts. I found it difficult to pinpoint exactly WHY I liked this, because, like you, I also struggled to connect with the characters immediately. One thing I concluded is that I really liked the writing. She invests a certain amount of time in crafting her sentences and it shows. Secondly, the story, though not entirely unheard before, had however never been done. And the characters, despite the distance that surrounds them, are memorable. In the end, I think this is a case of exceedingly talented writing… She writes like every few do nowadays. Great review.
Ramona recently posted…Clean Reader Controversy
Agree with all of this. I thought I might be the only one that had trouble connecting with the some of the characters. Still loved and also one of my favorites this year.
Kristina D recently posted…Some Thursday Randomness
Such a fabulous review! Yes Lila was amazing perfect choice for quotes there. I know what you mean about it took awhile to get attached to the characters. So glad you did tho. And hey there were two kisses lol.
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
I’ve been wondering about this story! Lila sounds like a fabulous character, though I can see how she’d be hard to read (that definitely happens with some characters).
Mary recently posted…Do It In 140: Tweet-Short Reviews (14)