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

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Book One of the A Darker Shade of Magic series

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: February 24, 2015

Rating: 4 stars

Source: ARC sent by the author

Summary (from Goodreads):

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. 

What I Liked:

My first Schwab read! I know this is a hugely prolific author and her work is very popular, but I just never got around to reading any of the novels. Schwab sent me an ARC of A Darker Shade of Magic, but please keep in mind that Schwab's sending me a copy has nothing to do with my opinion of the novel. My opinion is in no way influenced by Schwab's generosity (thank you though!).

To be completely honest, I was going to let this one fly under my radar. I mean, I could see how popular the author is, and how many people were/are really excited for this new book/series, but I wasn't all that interested. Had I actually read the synopsis, I probably would have been more excited - because this book is fantasy!

Kell is one of two last Travelers left. He hails from Red London, a seemingly perfect London, and he lives with the royal family (like a son, but also, a resource/tool). He travels to Grey London and White London, and there is also Black London, but no one goes there. On a trip in Grey London, Kell is given a mysterious rock with certain magical properties. Then he is almost killed for it. Then a pickpocket - Lila - steals the rock. Kell is at her mercy, until he gets the rock back. But nothing is as it seems anymore, and it might not just be the rock.

I liked Kell a lot. He's intelligent, quiet, refined, reserved, gentlemanly... very posh. I liked him from the start, but I really liked him after getting his background story, after seeing him defend a random stranger who pick-pocketed him (Lila), liked him after seeing him do anything to help his non-blood brother (the prince).

Lila really doesn't come into play until a portion into the book. I'm going to be honest - I didn't like Lila at all, especially after meeting Kell. She barges her way into everything, marches into matters in which she does not belong and has no business. This continues throughout the book, but she definitely proves her wit and usefulness, saving Kell in several sticky situations.

Both characters experience heavy pain and loss. Both characters are sucked into a madness and darkness for which they did not ask. Both characters rely on each other - though not quite at first - and work well together. There is no serious trace of romance in this novel, but I can see one manifesting in later books, between these two characters.

The world-building is superb. We really get a feel for each London (even Black London, which Kell doesn't visit). There are plenty of unique things about each one - especially the secondary characters. Athos and Astrid are the brother/sister rulers of White London, and they are the villains of the story. The second Traveler, Holland, is one of their minions. I love how Schwab crafts Holland as a villain, because I really feel bad for him. In the end, not as much, but Schwab makes him almost likable.

The story is quite intriguing, though it definitely takes a while to build. At first I wondered where Schwab was going with the plot, because I couldn't figure out where the story was going. But then the rock was introduced, and I could see the seeds planted from the beginning starting to grow.

The ending is satisfying, but I definitely want more. I'm so glad to see that this book is part of a trilogy. I think I will be looking for the sequel, whenever it arrives!

What I Did Not Like:

Mmm, I don't think I had too many complaints, so this is an example of me giving this book four stars because it *feels* like a four-star read, and not because I have enumerated a list of dislikes. I think the beginning of the book was very slow, but Schwab made up for this because of the strong world-building and characterization. Overall, I think this book is solid.

Would I Recommend It:

I know there is a huge Schwab fanbase, so for any of you Schwab fans, definitely get after this one (most of you already are, anyway). It's an adult one (though the content isn't necessarily Rated R or anything), and it's a good one. Definitely don't miss it if you're a fantasy fan, or fiction reader.

Rating:

4 stars. I know Vicious (Schwab's first adult book) did really well, and I expected this new book will follow suit!

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