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A Darker Shade of Magic - SAMPLE
The first 150 pages available on NetGalley as a sneak peak.
From V.E. Schwab, the critically acclaimed author of Vicious, comes a new universe of daring adventure, thrilling power, and parallel Londons, beginning with A Darker Shade of Magic.
Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes—as such, he can choose where he lands.
There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there’s Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne—a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, 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 the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see—a dangerous hobby, and one that has set him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations, who first robs him, then saves him from a dangerous enemy, and then forces him to spirit her to another world for a 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—and that is proving trickier than they hoped.
From V.E. Schwab, the critically acclaimed author of Vicious, comes a new universe of daring adventure, thrilling power, and parallel Londons, beginning with A Darker Shade of Magic.
Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes—as such, he can choose where he lands.
There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there’s Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne—a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, 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 the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see—a dangerous hobby, and one that has set him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations, who first robs him, then saves him from a dangerous enemy, and then forces him to spirit her to another world for a 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—and that is proving trickier than they hoped.
150 pages, ebook
Published November 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
1413 people want to read
About the author
V.E. Schwab
65 books74.8k followersThis author also writes under the name of Victoria Schwab.
VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Fragile Threads of Power. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she can usually be found in Edinburgh, Scotland, tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Fragile Threads of Power. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she can usually be found in Edinburgh, Scotland, tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 5, 2018
This book has been on my shelf forever, but I'm glad that I got to it when I did...at least this way I don't have to wait for the sequel.
February 17, 2015
What it can't end there! I rarely request ARC previews because they are a cruel tease, and this one is no different. However I found myself so drawn to this story that I couldn't resist. I devoured this book and am in love with the world building in this story. I would rate this teaser 4/5.
While not a huge fan of the second narrator she is still intriguing, and I was curious as to how the two narrators stories would twist and weave into each others. I was also impressed with how much was packed into 150 pages sans info dumping. I shall now pray to the ARC Gods for the full book.
Check it out for yourself here https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
November 26, 2014
Preliminary Review:
Since this is only a sample, I will not be doing a full in depth review. That would be unfair. However, I will give you a taste of what is in store for this magical tale of wizards with scars, a Queen who drinks blood in tea cups, and a female smuggler dressed as a man. Schwab has an engrossing tale for you which will make you do one of the following:
1. puke.
2. drive over to fed ex so you ship all the things.
3. Die from a heart attack of awesomeness
Your choice, dames and gents.
"Do you trust anything?" he countered, rubbing his wrist. "Or anyone, for that matter?" The queen considered him, her pale lips curling at the edges. "The bodies in my floor all trusted someone. Now I walk on them to tea."
Just a taste for what's to come. *evil grin*
Kell is what's called Antari. He's able to command magic with his blood. Kell is both respected, feared, and taken advantage of by those who surround him. Since he's an Antari, he's able to go to other worlds, where he meets with Kings and Queens trading messages from each other. In exchange, they provide him with a trinket from their world. Kell is fascinated with trinkets. He's got that obsessed bloodshot look in eyes whenever he looks at something that interests him. Something not of his world. Something he knows nothing about, like a music box. He originates from the Red Kingdom. The universe Schwab has created includes different worlds that Kell transports to, each named after a color: Red, Grey, White, and Black. Each has characteristics, each has it's own involvement with magic, sometimes no involvement at all, and each Kingdom's people differ from each other. Scars and magic play a huge part in their similarities and differences. Some try to control magic, some try to expel, and others embrace it.
I couldn't help but read through this. It was quite the SHIPPER. Just poke, poke, poke the screen. That's all I knew. I both laughed and loved Kell's odd obsession with clothes and trinkets. I love the queen of the White Kingdom, Astrid. She's so fucking scary and disgusting. But as a reader, I couldn't help but be like "YES. I want to know more about this awesome pant defiling wearing, blood in a tea cup drinking, smirk-tastic chick. Bring. It."
Thank you Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sending me this sample through Netgalley.
March 20, 2017
I received this excerpt from Tor Books through NetGalley.
4/5 stars
I really enjoyed this sampler! V.E. Schwab came up with such an interesting concept that is set in an amazing world (or should I say worlds) with fantastic characters. I can't wait to read the full book and find out what happens to Kell and Lila!
4/5 stars
I really enjoyed this sampler! V.E. Schwab came up with such an interesting concept that is set in an amazing world (or should I say worlds) with fantastic characters. I can't wait to read the full book and find out what happens to Kell and Lila!
February 5, 2015
Guys, go get this book NOW. Acquired it through NetGalley and am slathering to get my hands on an actual copy. The premise of the story is genius and the writing pulls you in within the first few paragraphs. You will not be getting any sleep once you start this book. Excellent and I only got to read a few chapters. Definitely going to be one of the best of 2015!
April 8, 2015
And so Kell—inspired by the lost city known to all as Black London—had given each remaining capital a color.
Grey for the magic-less city.
Red, for the healthy empire.
White, for the starving world.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this sample.
Since this is only a preview, I'll keep the focus on the setting and the characters; which will give me plenty to write about because this was incredible.
Let's start with the world-building -- or, rather, worlds-building. It was on another level entirely. I'm in awe. This fragment of a story managed to fit in a more vivid description of several parallel worlds than most books (with only one world) manage to cram into four times as many pages. Schwab's writing style lent itself exceptionally well to creating deeply atmospheric settings for each world, making it clear just how much they differed from one another. They truly felt like separate dimensions; it felt like a gift, as a reader, to travel between each one.
The characters, too, were a gift.
We got the fullest picture of Kell, who was wonderful, all around. With his wit and a fantastically mysterious back story, he roped me in right away. I'm dying to know more about the reason for his memory rune scar, and to learn more about his abilities. He is a completely enthralling character to read about.
Lila was badass, plain and simple. Female pirate-in-the-making and a pickpocket? Yes, please. I am all about this. Her independence and brutal ambition, along with the atmosphere she lives in combined to wrap me up entirely in her character. I only wish there'd been more of her, in this excerpt, as of all the characters, I am most looking forward to becoming better acquainted with her.
Rhy's a spoiled little princeling, to be sure, but quite endearing. I liked that those seemed to stand at odds with each other and yet he still functions well as a character. I'm also very interested in his brotherly dynamic with Kell -- that's something I'd love to have further explored.
As for other characters, Holland and Barron both intrigue me quite a lot, and the Dane twins who rule White London were terrifyingly ruthless. I mean between Astrid , Athos and that , they frankly terrified me -- and I want more.
All in all, this is a beautifully written and vividly imagined tale. I highly recommend it! I've just ordered a copy of my own and will now be waiting expectantly for it to arrive for the next week.
July 7, 2016
Just to be clear, I reread the actual book, not the sample.
I loooooved this the second time around, I was definitely in the mood for it and had the patience to appreciate Schwab's very descriptive writing style. Can't wait to pick up the sequel!
I loooooved this the second time around, I was definitely in the mood for it and had the patience to appreciate Schwab's very descriptive writing style. Can't wait to pick up the sequel!
February 1, 2015
OH! Its so good so far. I NEED THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!!! Kell is awesome!
January 3, 2016
I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley
I knew that as soon as I read this I would need more, so A Darker Shade of Magic is now officially on my wishlist.
Unfortunately this sample took way too long for me to read due to university and life in general, however, a bonus of reading this late is that I don't need to wait for it to be released, so YAY!
I thought the world building was absolutely fantastic, and it was done so effectively in the first chapter and that just shows how talented Victoria Schwab is. The world is so magical, enchanting and original and Victoria Schwab is a splendid writer.
The characters were splendid and they felt so in depth and developed and I love their relationships between each other and the meeting between Kell and Lila was fantastic and I just need more!
So basically, this sample was excellent and I just need to finish this book.
I knew that as soon as I read this I would need more, so A Darker Shade of Magic is now officially on my wishlist.
Unfortunately this sample took way too long for me to read due to university and life in general, however, a bonus of reading this late is that I don't need to wait for it to be released, so YAY!
I thought the world building was absolutely fantastic, and it was done so effectively in the first chapter and that just shows how talented Victoria Schwab is. The world is so magical, enchanting and original and Victoria Schwab is a splendid writer.
The characters were splendid and they felt so in depth and developed and I love their relationships between each other and the meeting between Kell and Lila was fantastic and I just need more!
So basically, this sample was excellent and I just need to finish this book.
March 15, 2021
ALL TIME FAVORITE SERIES ☺️
August 5, 2016
Thanks so much to NetGalley for letting me read this sample!
Rating: 3 Stars
I'll have to admit that the writing was absolutely gorgeous, but I felt like the beginning was a little too slow for my tastes & there were some bland chapters/parts. The concept was incredibly unique and interesting though. Oh, and I absolutely loved Rhy!
Favorite quotes:
Not that Lila wanted to be pretty. Pretty wouldn’t serve her well. And lord knew she didn’t envy the ladies with their cinched corsets and abundant skirts, their falsetto laughs and the ridiculous way they used them. The way they swooned and leaned on men, feigning weakness to savor their strength. Why anyone would ever pretend to be weak was beyond her.
“Yes. Because unless you plan to wed me yourself— and don’t get me wrong, I think we’d make a dashing pair— I must try and find a mate."
Rating: 3 Stars
I'll have to admit that the writing was absolutely gorgeous, but I felt like the beginning was a little too slow for my tastes & there were some bland chapters/parts. The concept was incredibly unique and interesting though. Oh, and I absolutely loved Rhy!
Favorite quotes:
Not that Lila wanted to be pretty. Pretty wouldn’t serve her well. And lord knew she didn’t envy the ladies with their cinched corsets and abundant skirts, their falsetto laughs and the ridiculous way they used them. The way they swooned and leaned on men, feigning weakness to savor their strength. Why anyone would ever pretend to be weak was beyond her.
“Yes. Because unless you plan to wed me yourself— and don’t get me wrong, I think we’d make a dashing pair— I must try and find a mate."
January 30, 2025
This book was somehow even better the second time! I’m so excited to finally get to the rest of this series!
April 7, 2017
Review originally published 15 February 2015 on FallingLetters.
The first I heard of this book was over at Lone Star on a Lark (Louise has read the whole book, so give her review a look if you want a broaderperspective). I was happy to find the 'sneak peek' offered on Netgalley and decided to request it, just to see if the story was as good as it sounds. It seemed like a story I would love - but was it too good to be true? I'm happy to report - not at all! I devoured the preview one slow morning at work and nearly cried to know I couldn't keep reading. Here are some of the reasons why I love this book already:
- Alternate worlds focused on a Victorian London setting
- Well-defined and different attitudes towards magic in each world (see above quote)
- Prose that pulls you along but isn't too fancy
- Semi-royal ambassador main character (I'm not sure why, but I'm really into reading about nobility right now. Not Game of Thrones style nobility...just characters where that's one part of who they are.)
- Colourful supporting cast that isn't too sprawling
This is the kind of story I desperately need right now (one comment I made - "Ooh just what I wanted but didn't realize I needed!"), so I might be a tad over enthusiastic about it. Admittedly, some might find the beginning slow. But really, the setting is key here. I didn't mind that there wasn't a lot happening because I was just happy to be experiencing this new world. If it sounds remotely like your thing - definitely try this book! I've just pre-ordered it and I'm waiting anxiously for release day, which is right near my birthday and a day when I don't have any classes. :D I'll post a full review once I've read the whole thing. For once, I'm already excited to know it's part of a series. This is a world in which I'm ready to spend a lot of time.
The first I heard of this book was over at Lone Star on a Lark (Louise has read the whole book, so give her review a look if you want a broaderperspective). I was happy to find the 'sneak peek' offered on Netgalley and decided to request it, just to see if the story was as good as it sounds. It seemed like a story I would love - but was it too good to be true? I'm happy to report - not at all! I devoured the preview one slow morning at work and nearly cried to know I couldn't keep reading. Here are some of the reasons why I love this book already:
- Alternate worlds focused on a Victorian London setting
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." (GoodReads description)
- Well-defined and different attitudes towards magic in each world (see above quote)
- Prose that pulls you along but isn't too fancy
- Semi-royal ambassador main character (I'm not sure why, but I'm really into reading about nobility right now. Not Game of Thrones style nobility...just characters where that's one part of who they are.)
- Colourful supporting cast that isn't too sprawling
This is the kind of story I desperately need right now (one comment I made - "Ooh just what I wanted but didn't realize I needed!"), so I might be a tad over enthusiastic about it. Admittedly, some might find the beginning slow. But really, the setting is key here. I didn't mind that there wasn't a lot happening because I was just happy to be experiencing this new world. If it sounds remotely like your thing - definitely try this book! I've just pre-ordered it and I'm waiting anxiously for release day, which is right near my birthday and a day when I don't have any classes. :D I'll post a full review once I've read the whole thing. For once, I'm already excited to know it's part of a series. This is a world in which I'm ready to spend a lot of time.
January 26, 2015
OH GOD, WHY DID I DO THIS TO MYSELF? I thought I would be safe since there's only a month to release, but I didn't anticipate how much I would NEED to read more.
Lush. Imaginative. Exciting. These are only a few words to describe the extraordinary world that Victoria Schwab has created in this novel. I adored the descriptions of Red, White, and Grey London, with the creeptastic specter of Black overshadowing it all.
Kell was fabulous and I JUST NEED MORE OF HIM, OK? He's interesting and brave and magical and I was entranced from the moment I met him. I'm so curious about his past. The monarchs of the Londons were all different and the twins of the White London were in a word, disturbing.
Lila was everything I want in a female character - badass, sassy and irreverent. I love that she's a master thief and can take care of herself. I can't wait to see how her story intersects with Kell's.
I have one word to say about this sample: MORE. I NEED MORE. February 24th cannot come fast enough. Pre-order your copy now and flail with me.
This eARC sample was provided free from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lush. Imaginative. Exciting. These are only a few words to describe the extraordinary world that Victoria Schwab has created in this novel. I adored the descriptions of Red, White, and Grey London, with the creeptastic specter of Black overshadowing it all.
Kell was fabulous and I JUST NEED MORE OF HIM, OK? He's interesting and brave and magical and I was entranced from the moment I met him. I'm so curious about his past. The monarchs of the Londons were all different and the twins of the White London were in a word, disturbing.
Lila was everything I want in a female character - badass, sassy and irreverent. I love that she's a master thief and can take care of herself. I can't wait to see how her story intersects with Kell's.
I have one word to say about this sample: MORE. I NEED MORE. February 24th cannot come fast enough. Pre-order your copy now and flail with me.
This eARC sample was provided free from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this expert. The concept was amazing. Characters as unique as they could ever get. World, I'm dazed. All magic used in this little expert as cool. Villains perplexing. I am invested in Lilia a lot more than Nell, but still interested in what happens around Nell.
There was information about the world its set in across every single page. It was crystal clear in my mind what it was like. Red london, Grey london, the fortress.
3rd person narration is my ride on a dirt road, but this one went down as smooth as a highway.
Will surely read the whole book and more works by this author.
Received from NetGalley for honest review.
There was information about the world its set in across every single page. It was crystal clear in my mind what it was like. Red london, Grey london, the fortress.
3rd person narration is my ride on a dirt road, but this one went down as smooth as a highway.
Will surely read the whole book and more works by this author.
Received from NetGalley for honest review.
February 27, 2015
I should have never requested this sampler because I SERIOUSLY NEED MORE OF THIS BOOK! 150 pages is not enough for me!!
I love the way the world was built in the book. I had the best glimpse of what this book can offer. I haven't read any of Schwab's books yet but I do have The Archived on my TBR. And I'm very much looking forward to it.
I felt kinda confused with the changing POV focus but still, I enjoyed meeting a lot of characters!! I'm seriously waiting for this to hit the shelves and pick up my own copy!
I love the way the world was built in the book. I had the best glimpse of what this book can offer. I haven't read any of Schwab's books yet but I do have The Archived on my TBR. And I'm very much looking forward to it.
I felt kinda confused with the changing POV focus but still, I enjoyed meeting a lot of characters!! I'm seriously waiting for this to hit the shelves and pick up my own copy!
February 11, 2015
I NEED THE WHOLE BOOOKKKK DAMMMIITT
"The bodies in my floor all trusted someone. Now I walk on them to tea."
Just can't wait to read more of Kell hunting down Lila. And Holland. It will be a grand time.
"The bodies in my floor all trusted someone. Now I walk on them to tea."
Just can't wait to read more of Kell hunting down Lila. And Holland. It will be a grand time.
December 25, 2019
Four parallel versions for London for Kell to travel through. Though, Black London is not a place anyone would want to visit.
Delilah (Lila) really wants to be a pirate captain and she shows off her aptitude for such a position all through the book. Poor Kell..lol.. Rhy is a Prince. A charmer with the ladies and he gets drawn into the evil madness create by 2 power hungry rulers of another London.
This was a great read. It took me way too long to read. I just didn't have the time to read it as much as I would have liked.
I'm definitely going to see if I can find more books by Schwab. I'm not even sure if our library has more of her books. I'm going to their website to check now.
Delilah (Lila) really wants to be a pirate captain and she shows off her aptitude for such a position all through the book. Poor Kell..lol.. Rhy is a Prince. A charmer with the ladies and he gets drawn into the evil madness create by 2 power hungry rulers of another London.
This was a great read. It took me way too long to read. I just didn't have the time to read it as much as I would have liked.
I'm definitely going to see if I can find more books by Schwab. I'm not even sure if our library has more of her books. I'm going to their website to check now.
October 21, 2022
Jag lyssnade på ljudboken så det är säkert något jag har missat med tanke på att jag har somnat till boken några gånger. Men den var bra, och spännande men jag tror att om jag hade läst den fysiskt så hade jag förstått mer om handlingen och betydelsen som alla karaktärer har.
January 13, 2015
I also did a review of this on the Streetlamp Halo blog, here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the copy. This is based entirely on the first 150 pages in this sample excerpt.
Anyone who knows me well knows how much of a soft spot I have for urban fantasy, especially if it's set in London. Whether we're talking Neverwhere, Kraken, Un Lun Dun or the works of Ben Aaronovitch, I will devour anything that involves a bit of magic in a city I've been living in for over 3 years now. So imagine my joy when this book came up on NetGalley as a suggestion and proudly on the cover, it talked about parallel magical Londons: there is Red London, where Kell, an Antari (or traveller between worlds) comes from, a city and world rife with magic, White London, a world ruled by fear, where magic is scarce and people fight for scraps, a world ruled with an iron fist, Grey London, our own world in the time of Mad King George III, magicless and cut off and Black London, a place no one talks about, where magic and power fought for domination, only to ultimately destroy everything and force the doors between worlds to be closed.
Kell is a messenger, bringing correspondence between worlds and occasionally dealing in illegal trafficking swapping small trinkets from one world to another. But he is marked as an other, and his alienation from the Royal Family of Red London does cause him grief. Meanwhile, in Grey London, Lila, a thief and pickpocket, dreams of the day she will rule the seas as adread pirate. When Kell gets dragged into dangerous waters and is injured, he finds himself in Grey London, only for Lila to pickpocket him. And that's where my sample ended.
There are a lot of good things about this: the worlds feel different and there is a lot of effort put into the background of the world. It's all very slowly revealed, which kept me going and reading, dreading the next stop on my commute (and if that's not a recommendation, then I don't now what is!). Kell is an intriguing character, torn between his loyalty to Red London and his desire to feel like he could belong, if only he weren't marked as an Antari. The writing is well done and I genuinely liked some of the secondary characters, whether we're talking about the sadistic Dane twins of White London or Rhy, the Crown Prince of Red London and (maybe? hopefully?) an out and out unashamed bisexual character, which would be amazing if true!
But there are also drawbacks: the Kindle format is infuriating, with the maps completely disjointed and broken, to the point where they were an annoyance more than anything else. There were also random symbols scattered throughout the text and sentences would break off in weird places to go to a new line. I really hope this isn't what the Kindle version will ultimately look like, because I can't imagine many people would be as patient as I was. Secondly, Lila feels a little bit too much like a trope. She's a thief, but she's not a bad person, and she has dreams and hopes and aspirations, too! She only steals from the rich, honest! She thinks Georgian ladies who simper are weak and pathetic and she dresses like a boy! It just... maybe it's the fact that she was only in the excerpt for less than a third of the pages, and her introduction felt a bit abrupt, but I really couldn't warm to her. If she and Kell end up a romantic couple (which seems to be the M.O. in YA fantasy novels), then I will be disappointed. Begrudging friends? Sure, we need more friendships based on different genders! But romantic interest? Yawn.
Now, it's probably unfair to be quite so harsh on only the first 150 pages of a book. But overall, I did have fun, I read it all in one day, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of YA and (urban) fantasy. I will be keeping an eye on the incoming novels to my local library and if this is on the list, then I'll definitely get my hands on it. Just avoid the Kindle version, if you can.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the copy. This is based entirely on the first 150 pages in this sample excerpt.
Anyone who knows me well knows how much of a soft spot I have for urban fantasy, especially if it's set in London. Whether we're talking Neverwhere, Kraken, Un Lun Dun or the works of Ben Aaronovitch, I will devour anything that involves a bit of magic in a city I've been living in for over 3 years now. So imagine my joy when this book came up on NetGalley as a suggestion and proudly on the cover, it talked about parallel magical Londons: there is Red London, where Kell, an Antari (or traveller between worlds) comes from, a city and world rife with magic, White London, a world ruled by fear, where magic is scarce and people fight for scraps, a world ruled with an iron fist, Grey London, our own world in the time of Mad King George III, magicless and cut off and Black London, a place no one talks about, where magic and power fought for domination, only to ultimately destroy everything and force the doors between worlds to be closed.
Kell is a messenger, bringing correspondence between worlds and occasionally dealing in illegal trafficking swapping small trinkets from one world to another. But he is marked as an other, and his alienation from the Royal Family of Red London does cause him grief. Meanwhile, in Grey London, Lila, a thief and pickpocket, dreams of the day she will rule the seas as a
There are a lot of good things about this: the worlds feel different and there is a lot of effort put into the background of the world. It's all very slowly revealed, which kept me going and reading, dreading the next stop on my commute (and if that's not a recommendation, then I don't now what is!). Kell is an intriguing character, torn between his loyalty to Red London and his desire to feel like he could belong, if only he weren't marked as an Antari. The writing is well done and I genuinely liked some of the secondary characters, whether we're talking about the sadistic Dane twins of White London or Rhy, the Crown Prince of Red London and (maybe? hopefully?) an out and out unashamed bisexual character, which would be amazing if true!
But there are also drawbacks: the Kindle format is infuriating, with the maps completely disjointed and broken, to the point where they were an annoyance more than anything else. There were also random symbols scattered throughout the text and sentences would break off in weird places to go to a new line. I really hope this isn't what the Kindle version will ultimately look like, because I can't imagine many people would be as patient as I was. Secondly, Lila feels a little bit too much like a trope. She's a thief, but she's not a bad person, and she has dreams and hopes and aspirations, too! She only steals from the rich, honest! She thinks Georgian ladies who simper are weak and pathetic and she dresses like a boy! It just... maybe it's the fact that she was only in the excerpt for less than a third of the pages, and her introduction felt a bit abrupt, but I really couldn't warm to her. If she and Kell end up a romantic couple (which seems to be the M.O. in YA fantasy novels), then I will be disappointed. Begrudging friends? Sure, we need more friendships based on different genders! But romantic interest? Yawn.
Now, it's probably unfair to be quite so harsh on only the first 150 pages of a book. But overall, I did have fun, I read it all in one day, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of YA and (urban) fantasy. I will be keeping an eye on the incoming novels to my local library and if this is on the list, then I'll definitely get my hands on it. Just avoid the Kindle version, if you can.
January 17, 2015
V.E. Schwab is a kick-ass world drawer. She puts so much effort into constructing the backgrounds, smoothing out the walls and opening portals in her stories that they become worth reading just for that.
However, and in particular I'm talking about this 150-pages excerpt of A Darker Shade of Magic that I read, when ti comes to characters, all the vivacity her world(s) possesses is missing from them, the vital instruments of the orchestra.
I do look upon in wonder at these alternate Londons, and not simply because I love Londons of all kinds in stories. But the characters all dull. D-U-L-L. One of them--the girl--is wholly a trope, all that perky thief wants adventures, totally boyish and bad and GOOD at heart. Puh-lease. I'm over that shit. Given that her chapters with her POV numbered few, there's the possibility that she'll develop. But she annoys me. And for development to be had, initially the character has to have some meat as well.
Moving on to the main character, Kell: clearly, the author put effort and thought into his construction. His desires and duty are different; he himself can't decide which was to go. But going through these layers upon layers of complex characterization is a steel rod of boring.
(hehe steel rod.)
I can't handle that.
Now, there WAS one side character I loved: Holland. Tbh, glimpses into him is what pushed me through the story and into White London, one of three existing Londons. Both of these aspects were fascinating and if I'm to continue with the story, it'll be for them.
The plot starts wayyyyyyyyy too late in the story, perhaps in the last 20 pages or so. And that is far too long for me. Even then, I should have gotten some inkling as to what it was gonna be about in the earlier chapters but all that was devoted simply to the characters and worlds. And you know how I feel about them characters.
But maybe this prolonged surprise will be a good thing. Who knows?
I don't think I'll continue with the story. But the future is indeterminable right now so who knows? (Maybe that person above^)
However, and in particular I'm talking about this 150-pages excerpt of A Darker Shade of Magic that I read, when ti comes to characters, all the vivacity her world(s) possesses is missing from them, the vital instruments of the orchestra.
I do look upon in wonder at these alternate Londons, and not simply because I love Londons of all kinds in stories. But the characters all dull. D-U-L-L. One of them--the girl--is wholly a trope, all that perky thief wants adventures, totally boyish and bad and GOOD at heart. Puh-lease. I'm over that shit. Given that her chapters with her POV numbered few, there's the possibility that she'll develop. But she annoys me. And for development to be had, initially the character has to have some meat as well.
Moving on to the main character, Kell: clearly, the author put effort and thought into his construction. His desires and duty are different; he himself can't decide which was to go. But going through these layers upon layers of complex characterization is a steel rod of boring.
(hehe steel rod.)
I can't handle that.
Now, there WAS one side character I loved: Holland. Tbh, glimpses into him is what pushed me through the story and into White London, one of three existing Londons. Both of these aspects were fascinating and if I'm to continue with the story, it'll be for them.
The plot starts wayyyyyyyyy too late in the story, perhaps in the last 20 pages or so. And that is far too long for me. Even then, I should have gotten some inkling as to what it was gonna be about in the earlier chapters but all that was devoted simply to the characters and worlds. And you know how I feel about them characters.
But maybe this prolonged surprise will be a good thing. Who knows?
I don't think I'll continue with the story. But the future is indeterminable right now so who knows? (Maybe that person above^)
December 14, 2015
Sooo ermmmm I was supposed to be given a sneak peek ie 150 pages of A Darker Shade of Magic.
After 5 hours of reading and 87% showing in the corner of my screen, it finally occurred to me that perhaps what I had actually received was possibly more than the initial 150 pages.
I HAD THE FULL VERSION!!!! I AM SO SO HAPPY! IT'S BLOODY BRILLIANT!
My review can also be found HERE
I will review the full book nearer to release date but for now I will tell you a little bit about the first 150 pages.
There is a lot of detail to remember in this first section. There are three worlds, all very similar and I found that when I wasn't paying enough attention I was easily confused by which people, pub or language belonged to which version of London. But once I got the hang of all these details I found myself getting completely immersed in the story. The world building was impressive, it was easy to image the cities and the people that inhabited them. Some of the characters had very similar names but thankfully personality wise, they were completely different, such as Powell and Parrish.
I loved all the characters but my favourite was easily Lila. The story doesn't follow one character all the way through. Yes, mainly it followed Kell and Lila, but sometimes it would jump to follow a random characters who's point of view would add another dimension to the story. It worked really well and I can't praise V E Schwab enough.
So all in all I can honestly say that if I had only received the 150 page preview I would be salivating at the bit for the full copy. As it is, I can say that I have already pre-ordered myself a physical copy because I loved it that much!
I loved it that much I have given it my first 5 Voodoo rating of 2015!
After 5 hours of reading and 87% showing in the corner of my screen, it finally occurred to me that perhaps what I had actually received was possibly more than the initial 150 pages.
I HAD THE FULL VERSION!!!! I AM SO SO HAPPY! IT'S BLOODY BRILLIANT!
My review can also be found HERE
I will review the full book nearer to release date but for now I will tell you a little bit about the first 150 pages.
There is a lot of detail to remember in this first section. There are three worlds, all very similar and I found that when I wasn't paying enough attention I was easily confused by which people, pub or language belonged to which version of London. But once I got the hang of all these details I found myself getting completely immersed in the story. The world building was impressive, it was easy to image the cities and the people that inhabited them. Some of the characters had very similar names but thankfully personality wise, they were completely different, such as Powell and Parrish.
I loved all the characters but my favourite was easily Lila. The story doesn't follow one character all the way through. Yes, mainly it followed Kell and Lila, but sometimes it would jump to follow a random characters who's point of view would add another dimension to the story. It worked really well and I can't praise V E Schwab enough.
So all in all I can honestly say that if I had only received the 150 page preview I would be salivating at the bit for the full copy. As it is, I can say that I have already pre-ordered myself a physical copy because I loved it that much!
I loved it that much I have given it my first 5 Voodoo rating of 2015!
December 7, 2014
A Darker Shade of Magic opens with Kell and his wonderful many sided coat. He is a magic user, a traveller, and has been to more than one London. Not only is he a magic user, but a very rare kind; one of two.
Firstly, like always, the cover. I LOVE this cover. I love how it depicts a red map (for Kell, from Red London) and a black map (for the dead Black London). As this was only a preview, I’m not really sure how Black London is going to tie all the way into the book, but I do find the premise of it very interesting.
Most of the preview is told from Kell, and party from Lila’s point of view. It the small part that I was given to read, I fell completely in love with Kell. He’s very interesting, not just because he has magical powers, but because he can travel and has a coat with many sides. Honestly, I think his coat is my favorite thing, but maybe that’ll change when I get to read the whole book. Lila’s different. She’s a thief, who dresses like a man, and wants to be a pirate, what more is there to not like?
My thoughts on the preview? First, I was a little confused. I don’t know if I was forgetting what I was reading or just not understanding, but I was confused. As I got about 10% in, everything that I wasn’t understanding, started to make sense. Basically, I was confused about the coat. The actual story was one of those stories that grabs you and doesn’t let you go, it’s that good. I loved getting to read the beginning of Kell’s and Lila’s stories. I’m currently more interested in Kell, but I’m excited to see more of Lila when the book is out.
The book is a vastly interesting read about magic users and parallel Londons. There is a little bit in the preview (and probably the book) for any type of reader. I will definitely be grabbing this book off the shelf when it’s out and recommending it to all my book loving friends. This preview gets a big 5/5 from me.
Firstly, like always, the cover. I LOVE this cover. I love how it depicts a red map (for Kell, from Red London) and a black map (for the dead Black London). As this was only a preview, I’m not really sure how Black London is going to tie all the way into the book, but I do find the premise of it very interesting.
Most of the preview is told from Kell, and party from Lila’s point of view. It the small part that I was given to read, I fell completely in love with Kell. He’s very interesting, not just because he has magical powers, but because he can travel and has a coat with many sides. Honestly, I think his coat is my favorite thing, but maybe that’ll change when I get to read the whole book. Lila’s different. She’s a thief, who dresses like a man, and wants to be a pirate, what more is there to not like?
My thoughts on the preview? First, I was a little confused. I don’t know if I was forgetting what I was reading or just not understanding, but I was confused. As I got about 10% in, everything that I wasn’t understanding, started to make sense. Basically, I was confused about the coat. The actual story was one of those stories that grabs you and doesn’t let you go, it’s that good. I loved getting to read the beginning of Kell’s and Lila’s stories. I’m currently more interested in Kell, but I’m excited to see more of Lila when the book is out.
The book is a vastly interesting read about magic users and parallel Londons. There is a little bit in the preview (and probably the book) for any type of reader. I will definitely be grabbing this book off the shelf when it’s out and recommending it to all my book loving friends. This preview gets a big 5/5 from me.
February 10, 2015
REVIEW UP AT http://thebookishgod.wordpress.com
Read my words carefully: V.E. Schwab is a damn GENIUS.
Kell is an Antari, a superior race of humans who have the power to control all the elements including blood. He’s one of a kind and there is only another Antari in the worlds (yes,worlds). They’re magicians in worlds that have lost their power and are struggling to survive. Antaris are the only people that can travel through the worlds and Kell is the Red Traveler.
Grey London is a dirty, magic-less city where Kell makes business tricking mundanes who think they’re witches into buying goods from the other Londons. Red London is powerful and full of magic, home to Kell. Lastly, White London is filled with criminals thirsty for magic and is ruled by salvage twins, a ruthless king and a cruel queen.
Everything is good in his life until he crosses paths with Lila, an aspirant pirate and robber.
I wish I had the full book because those 150 pages lasted me an hour and a half in my hands. They flew by so fast and I was left with the uncontrollable desire for more. V.E. Schwab sucks you in into a perfectly drawn world that you’ll never want to leave. If I was to pick one thing about Victoria’s writing that I love the most, it would be her world building skills. When I say she is a genius, I mean it and I will never get tired of saying it. Victoria is a genius!
I loved Prince Rhy and I loved he was gay! At last, we get to read about an openly gay prince who is going to be king even if he marries a damn boy! And just to make it clear I ship Rhy and Holland; Rhylland anyone?
Kell and Lila are extremely likable as well, especially Lila! I will expand on this in the full review when I get the full book because I feel like I need to read more about all the characters. One thing is for sure; I hate the twins and kind of pity Holland!
If you haven’t pre-ordered A Darker Shade of Magic, go do it right now!
Read my words carefully: V.E. Schwab is a damn GENIUS.
Kell is an Antari, a superior race of humans who have the power to control all the elements including blood. He’s one of a kind and there is only another Antari in the worlds (yes,worlds). They’re magicians in worlds that have lost their power and are struggling to survive. Antaris are the only people that can travel through the worlds and Kell is the Red Traveler.
Grey London is a dirty, magic-less city where Kell makes business tricking mundanes who think they’re witches into buying goods from the other Londons. Red London is powerful and full of magic, home to Kell. Lastly, White London is filled with criminals thirsty for magic and is ruled by salvage twins, a ruthless king and a cruel queen.
Everything is good in his life until he crosses paths with Lila, an aspirant pirate and robber.
I wish I had the full book because those 150 pages lasted me an hour and a half in my hands. They flew by so fast and I was left with the uncontrollable desire for more. V.E. Schwab sucks you in into a perfectly drawn world that you’ll never want to leave. If I was to pick one thing about Victoria’s writing that I love the most, it would be her world building skills. When I say she is a genius, I mean it and I will never get tired of saying it. Victoria is a genius!
I loved Prince Rhy and I loved he was gay! At last, we get to read about an openly gay prince who is going to be king even if he marries a damn boy! And just to make it clear I ship Rhy and Holland; Rhylland anyone?
Kell and Lila are extremely likable as well, especially Lila! I will expand on this in the full review when I get the full book because I feel like I need to read more about all the characters. One thing is for sure; I hate the twins and kind of pity Holland!
If you haven’t pre-ordered A Darker Shade of Magic, go do it right now!
November 22, 2014
Samplers can be both great and awful, and this one was a bit of both! Great because I fell in love with the world, the writing and the main character(s) and awful because it finished in a rather awful and cliffhanger-y way, so now I'm gonna go nuts waiting for the full book!
This is my first contact with Victoria Schwab's writing, and I think I might fill the wait for this one reading some of her previous books, because wow, the writing was fantastic!
In only 150 pages it managed to give broad strokes of the world building that was enough to make us get an idea of what's going on without info dumping, and leaving us wondering and wanting more! The different Londons were amazing and I cannot wait to find out more about what "really" happened with Black London!
We also get to know quite a few of the main players in the book and somehow I was rooting for Kell from very early on! I also came to like Lila a lot, even if she's a bit less easy to like sometimes. The Dane twin were damned creepy and scary and I get the feeling they're only gonna get worse!
I'm impressed and really looking forward to the book, the biggest downside of this... it doesn't come out till Feb 25th!!
This is my first contact with Victoria Schwab's writing, and I think I might fill the wait for this one reading some of her previous books, because wow, the writing was fantastic!
In only 150 pages it managed to give broad strokes of the world building that was enough to make us get an idea of what's going on without info dumping, and leaving us wondering and wanting more! The different Londons were amazing and I cannot wait to find out more about what "really" happened with Black London!
We also get to know quite a few of the main players in the book and somehow I was rooting for Kell from very early on! I also came to like Lila a lot, even if she's a bit less easy to like sometimes. The Dane twin were damned creepy and scary and I get the feeling they're only gonna get worse!
I'm impressed and really looking forward to the book, the biggest downside of this... it doesn't come out till Feb 25th!!
November 10, 2014
Why? Why did I agree to only read 130 pages of this book. We quickly recognize the writing style of the author, but the thing I like the most is the universe not once I had the impression of having read something similar.
Here we travel between three different London three different they each have their peculiarity which have to do with magic and its presence in each universe.
I do not want to say too much but it is promising.
I must say with 130 pages we don't know a lot about the plot but between the universe and the characters we can feel that it will be dark, strange but also exciting.
And now, I have to wait until February to finally have the end but I must say that it is promising as always with Victoria Swchab
4 stars because I want the end before to rank it but I really like the 130 first pages.
Here we travel between three different London three different they each have their peculiarity which have to do with magic and its presence in each universe.
I do not want to say too much but it is promising.
I must say with 130 pages we don't know a lot about the plot but between the universe and the characters we can feel that it will be dark, strange but also exciting.
And now, I have to wait until February to finally have the end but I must say that it is promising as always with Victoria Swchab
4 stars because I want the end before to rank it but I really like the 130 first pages.
May 5, 2015
Debating between 4 and 4.5 amazing stars.
I shouldn't ever have requested a preview of this book because now I can't stop thinking about what might happen next, and I just NEED the book!
Kell is an Antari, meaning he is one of the only two people in his time who can travel in between the three Londons. Just when things were picking up pace and the mystery was coming, the preview just ended. Just. Like. That. And I hated, hated, hated it! Because I need to read more, I need the next part of the story.
Even though this was just a preview, the world-building was already impeccable, the writing style great, and the story gripping. I was left wanting for more, and I simple just cannot wait to read the whole book!
I shouldn't ever have requested a preview of this book because now I can't stop thinking about what might happen next, and I just NEED the book!
Kell is an Antari, meaning he is one of the only two people in his time who can travel in between the three Londons. Just when things were picking up pace and the mystery was coming, the preview just ended. Just. Like. That. And I hated, hated, hated it! Because I need to read more, I need the next part of the story.
Even though this was just a preview, the world-building was already impeccable, the writing style great, and the story gripping. I was left wanting for more, and I simple just cannot wait to read the whole book!
April 2, 2017
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this excerpt*
I don't usually read excerpts because I tend to be impatient and I hate to leave a book half finished. I gave this one a try because, really, how can I resist a synopsis like that?
This is definitely a book that I want to find soon so I can read the entire thing. The worldbuilding is very unique and I was constantly amazed by the little things Schwab imagined. Kell's coat was especially interesting.
I loved the writing style and the characters. I won't say much about the plot since I don't yet know exactly how much I'll love it in the end.
From what I've seen I can say that this will be an excellent book and I think you should read it. I think I should read it, too.
I don't usually read excerpts because I tend to be impatient and I hate to leave a book half finished. I gave this one a try because, really, how can I resist a synopsis like that?
This is definitely a book that I want to find soon so I can read the entire thing. The worldbuilding is very unique and I was constantly amazed by the little things Schwab imagined. Kell's coat was especially interesting.
I loved the writing style and the characters. I won't say much about the plot since I don't yet know exactly how much I'll love it in the end.
From what I've seen I can say that this will be an excellent book and I think you should read it. I think I should read it, too.
February 17, 2015
An incredible mix of fantasy, world travel and adventure. Even as I got the sneak peak, it kept me focused on the story and on the unfolding mystery of Kell and his power. I have to admit that both covers were the first parts I noticed and when I first read the descriptions of the cape, it felt even better than the invisibility Cloak.
"A darker shade of Magic" has a detailed world building which is NOT confusing, since the author spends great deal on explaining it even from the first pages. The Book will be on my shelf when it will be published. I was delighted to be gifted with an EARC from NetGalley!
In exchange for an honest review.
"A darker shade of Magic" has a detailed world building which is NOT confusing, since the author spends great deal on explaining it even from the first pages. The Book will be on my shelf when it will be published. I was delighted to be gifted with an EARC from NetGalley!
In exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2017
Hey, you.
You short sneak peak.
You is so gooooood.
You is so gooooood.
Kell is so awesome.
Concept is so amazing.
You is so gooooood.
I can't form proper thoughts, I want more, more, more, more.
I will sing like Ariel if you want me to even though I don't really recommend it if you value your ears but I will do anything, just give me MORE!
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