Review: Darker Shade of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic #1) by V.E Schwab

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Title: A Darker Shade of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic #1)

Author: V.E Schwab

Publication: Febuary 24th 2015 by Tor Books
Book Description:
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.

My Thoughts:

I can explain this book in one word- BRILLIANT! This is actually my first book from Victoria and this won’t be the last.

Kell is one of the last of his kind that can weave magic through different dimensions. He is a traveler. The one who travels from one parallel world to another, but with that kind of power has its consequences. A sinister Kingdom wants something from him, and that something is far more evil than that Kingdom. Can Kell be able to evade the danger that lurks in every turn? Will he able to save all Kingdoms from the dark magic that consumes him as well? You really have to pick up this book to find out more.

The world-building is phenomenal. Victoria did an amazing job in making the readers comprehend the world she is making us to believe in. I find it easy to entwine myself into the story. Every pages and every turn is a spectacle. Truly, this woman writes well like she has magic herself. I sometimes comment great books as slow but entertaining. But this book is quick and engaging. I want more!

As for the character-building, it was hard for me to choose between Lila and Kell. I would say Lila is my favorite (After 5 minutes of thinking straight). Maybe because I was able to connect with her; she is human after all. She might be weak physically but her will is way stronger than Kell’s. Her thirst for adventure and lack of fear made her appealing. Kell on the other hand is the opposite of Lila. He is physically strong and powerful but not fearless. I would say they complement one another.  

As for the love-angle, this book has little of it. But as I reader, I think there would be something between them soon. It may not be in this book but I am hoping it will be on the next one.

Overall, this book is well worth your reading time!  Fantasy lovers would enjoy this too. If you are looking for an adventure with heart-pounding action then buy your copy now.

I give is book 4.5 Whales.

                    .5