A Darker Shade of Magic

by VE Schwab
A Darker Shade of Magic cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Fantasy
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Technical
  • ID: 4635
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781783295418
  • Publisher: Titan Books
  • Published: 2015-02-20
  • Reviews: 4

A Darker Shade of Magic introduces a captivating multiverse where four parallel Londons coexist, each with its own unique characteristics and levels of magic. Kell, one of the last Travelers, possesses the rare ability to traverse these worlds, carrying messages and artifacts between them. The story unfolds with intrigue and adventure as Kell becomes entangled in a dangerous game of power and survival. /n/n The novel explores themes of magic, identity, and the consequences of power, set against the backdrop of vibrant, immersive worlds. With a richly detailed narrative and a cast of compelling characters, this book promises an enthralling journey through realms both wondrous and perilous.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2025-10-21
entertaining 4.00

The story is fun and entertaining, with a lot of magical action scenes and compelling characters. The book is surprisingly bloody and action-packed.

The reviewer finds the book to be a thrilling and entertaining read, filled with magical action scenes that keep the pages turning. The characters are compelling and well-developed, adding to the overall enjoyment. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance action with character development, making it a satisfying read. The book is praised for its ability to keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    It's just a fun, incredibly entertaining story with a lot of magical action scenes and compelling characters.

    A surprising amount of blood too.

    The characters are compelling and well-developed.

Goodreads · 2025-10-21
excellent 4.00

The characters are multidimensional and flawed, making them deeply engaging. The magic system and world-building are intricate and well-crafted.

This book is praised for its richly developed characters, each with their own complexities and flaws. The reviewer highlights the author's skill in creating a world that feels both immersive and believable. The magic system is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the story. Overall, it's a compelling read that keeps the reader invested from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Schwab is truly a master when it comes to crafting multidimensional, well rounded, and flawed characters.

    Kell deserves love and ...

    The magic system is intricate and well-crafted.

Hobbleit · 2021-08-06
disappointing 2.00

The book did not hold up to a re-read, finding the story lacklustre, boring, and tedious. The characters were also found to be uninteresting.

The reviewer found that A Darker Shade of Magic did not hold up to a re-read. They found the story to be lacklustre, boring, and tedious to read. The characters were also found to be uninteresting and did not hold their attention. The reviewer mentions that the book might have been enjoyable on the first read, but upon re-reading, it fell short of their expectations. They also mention that the book might not be worth the hype it has received.

Quick quotes

    A Darker Shade of Magic is not a book which held up to a re-read for me.

    The story is lacklustre, boring, and tedious to read.

    The characters are also uninteresting and did not hold my attention.

Book Nook UK · Farrah · 2021-05-27
great 4.50

The world is immersive, the characters are three-dimensional, and the story is action-packed from the start. The reviewer read it in two days.

Farrah found the world-building in the book to be immersive and the characters to be well-developed and three-dimensional. The story is action-packed from the very first page, which kept her engaged and she read it in just two days. She appreciates the fast-paced nature of the story and the detailed world-building, which makes the reading experience enjoyable and thrilling. Farrah also mentions that the book is a great introduction to the series, with plenty of potential for future stories.

Quick quotes

    I found the world immersive, the characters three-dimensional and the story action packed from the very first page.

    I read it in two days and couldn't put it down.

    The pacing is fast-paced and engaging, while the world-building is well-thought-out with excellent details.

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