Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic
Author: Victoria Schwab
Hardcopy, 400 pages
Published:  February 24th 2015
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: YA - Fantasy

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.

Purchase at: Amazon | B&N | TBD | Kobo

  I received an ARC copy from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

  Although A Darker Shade of Magic didn't end with a cliffhanger that makes one want to kill and hug the author at the same time, I am still desperately waiting for the release of the next book!

  A Darker Shade of Magic is unlike any other book I've read. It's plot and world are both very original, magical, intriguing, and full of mystery. This is my first V.E. Schwab book and I must say, I can finally understand all the hype and even join the bandwagon myself!

  When I read the first few parts of this book, I wasn't thrilled. The world was slow to set and it took a while for the plot to unravel. But as I read on, I slowly became immersed in the world to the point when I couldn't put the book down anymore. I was totally pulled into the world, turning the pages as fast as I can because I just needed to know what happens next. It was an exhilarating journey, and one that I extremely enjoyed.

  I have to say, my favorite character from this book is Lila. She's strong, independent, clever, and very unusual. She's a one of a kind female protagonist. She's complex, but so very easy to love. She has a thirst for adventure and she can stand on her own two feet and never relied on anyone, while still finding it in herself to help Kell. I must admit, she's a badass character, and probably one of my favorites of all time.

  There's one thing you must know about me, and that it I usually refuse reading books without romance. Which is why I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Yes, there was definitely something between Kell and Lila, but it wasn't a big part of the plot. It was just a teeny tiny part of it, which is really surprising for me.

  A Darker Shade of Magic is told in third person, and focusing on many different characters throughout the story. But let me tell you something - it wasn't confusing as it usually is, which made me glad. It wasn't overly complicated, but of course it wasn't simple either.

  A Darker Shade of Magic is very different from the books that I usually like or even read, but I must admit that I am pretty taken by it. Ahh, I just can't wait for the second book!

 Totally Awesome! I loved it, would read again.