A Darker Shade of Magic

Books, Coffee & Passion

This was so good! It was so entertaining and I couldn't put it down.

Kell is an Antari, which means he has the ability to travel between the different Londons: Red London, where Kell was born and where he lives, a healthy empire with regulated magic; Black London, dead and forbidden after being consumed by its own magic; White London, where magic is crumbling, ruled by ruthless twin monarchs that will do anything to gather more magic and, the only other Antari Kell knows, Holland serves them; Grey London, with very little to no magic and where Lila, a magic-less thief, lives.

Kell gets into trouble, after smuggling a mysterious artifact, and ends up crossing paths with Lila. While Kell struggles to right his wrongs, Lila is an unexpected and refreshing help.

The different Londons and the magic system were interesting. Even though the first quarter of the book is somewhat slow, I was intrigued by this world very early on. The characters were fantastic too! I loved Kell and Lila. Their dynamic and their banter were perfect! Holland intrigued me. I hope we get more from him in the next books. Everything felt fleshed out and V.E. Schwab's writing was flawless.

There were a few things that were resolved a little too easily, though. And some mysterious details that will probably be significant in the next books. But it was so enjoyable and entertaining! Can't wait to read the next book.