Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Posted by The YA Book Traveler , Tuesday, March 24, 2015 6:59 PM

A Darker Shade of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic #1)

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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Hardcover400 pages
Published February 24th 2015 by Tor Books

My Thoughts - 3.5 Stars


Well, I am basically in the minority with this book. I was HIGHLY anticipating this book after all the amazing comments and constant flailing online from fellow bloggers.

Now, don't get my wrong I didn't hate this book or anything I only "liked" it. I was expecting to fall in love but it fell a bit flat for me.

The Story:
The story line is interesting. There are parallel Londons that each have a varying degree of magic within them. Kell is one of two people who can travel between these worlds. He gets mixed up into something unexpected and his life changes.  

The Characters:
Kell - Kell is a great character. Perhaps my favorite part about him was his magical coat. It has many many coats within itself and changes shapes, sizes and colors. He's a pretty serious person who rarely smiles or jokes. 

Lila - The word I would use to describe Lila would be spunky. She's tough, a thief, and a fighter. But she's ready for any adventure that will come her way. Freedom is important to her.

Romance:
This is totally a personal preference and not a criticism of the book, but there wasn't much romance in this book. I LOVE swoony moments that make my heart skip a beat. This was not in this book. 

Overall:
Sadly, I did not love this book as much as everyone else. It was good but I wasn't blown away as many others were. The book does have the feeling of a standalone which is nice compared to some other books that leave you on a cliff hanger. I had suspicions and predictions about some characters that were never really revealed within the book (perhaps book 2?).

Bottom line: I'd recommend this book solely for the fact that MOST people love it.


3 Response to "Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab"

Unknown Says:

HUGE BUMMER! i was the same way as you; i heard so much about this on twitter lately and everyone blogging about it that i just assumed it was amazing. not sure now though! might have to give it a try just to see what all the fuss is about. thanks for the honest review!
http://www.wholly-books.com

The YA Book Traveler Says:

Definitely read it though. I'm super in majority here, you probably will love it! I liked it but didn't love it. I've felt a bit of a loser lately because I felt similarly about An Ember in Ashes.

So, just read it anyways! :)

Pili Says:

Aweee, I'm sorry to hear you didn't love it more, Sarah!

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