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

V.E. Schwab,

Victoria Schwab

Start date: May 1, 2016

Finish date: May 31, 2016

Discussion: Series

Why we're reading this: Won the poll for the series BOTM
[close] Won the poll for the series BOTM

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Series

* Continuing Series- Nightbane
By Bailey · 4 posts · 30 views

last updated Aug 12, 2025 07:32AM

* New Series- The Princess Trials
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last updated Aug 27, 2025 04:41PM

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What Members Thought

Jan 18, 2018 Keyona rated it really liked it

I loved this fantasy adventure. This world was easy to follow and get into. We follow Kell and Lillah on their journey to return something to one of the Londons. I enjoyed Kell and Lillah's banter the entire way. The different Londons Kell visited were all so different from the languages to the way people dressed. I think the most I enjoyed about this novel was the character development. Lillah was a real badass and doesn't need anyone. Kell has people around him but still feels somewhat alone. ...more

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Dec 26, 2016 Talia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, i-own-this, fantasy

I had no idea what to expect when my father told me I should read this book. I finished it within two days, because I could not stop reading it. I even tried to slow down, but it absolutely consumed me, from the writing itself, to the plot, to the characters, to the world that Schwab has created.

This book is very smart in many different ways. The magic itself of the world is very carefully thought out and even original, as it is so closely intertwined with the plot. It's not the most creative fo I had no idea what to expect when my father told me I should read this book. I finished it within two days, because I could not stop reading it. I even tried to slow down, but it absolutely consumed me, from the writing itself, to the plot, to the characters, to the world that Schwab has created.

This book is very smart in many different ways. The magic itself of the world is very carefully thought out and even original, as it is so closely intertwined with the plot. It's not the most creative form of magic (as it is an elemental based system), however, the way Schwab describes it, and the complex political systems that revolve around it are what capture my attention. Schwab writes wonderful prose, that is often funny and snarky too, especially when the characters are talking to each other. But I believe the biggest draw for this work is the amount of world-building it does in a short amount of time and space. The fact that Schwab juggles three different, distinct Londons, each with their own characteristics, history, and geography, goes to show the amount of time she has spent thinking about this world. And we don't even see the full glimpse of Kell's world until the second novel.

The plot moves quickly, spurred along a short amount of time, and pushing the characters forward into each other's lives. At times I do find Lila a bit of a cliche, as she refuses to wear dresses, saying they're silly and stupid. (I wish that Lila could be more forgiving to members of her own gender, seeing as they're just doing what they need to survive, just as she does). However, the two main characters are still engaging, despite their general mysteriousness, and they continue to evolve and grow more complex as they learn more about themselves and each other. I like the way the two of them interact, and how they push each other, even as they form a bond of sorts.

I won't go further into details, for spoilers sake. If you enjoy fantasy in alternative worlds, high-stakes magical duels, and cross-dressing thievery read this book. And the next. And then join me in waiting for the third. ...more

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Aug 18, 2019 JazzyReadz💜 rated it it was amazing

Ugh this was such a good book. Wonderful plot. Wonderful characters. Wonderful world. Wonderful writing. I left it with a smile on my face. Not sure where the story will go next but I’m excited to find out. ❤️

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