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This was my first time reading a V.E. Schwab book and now I know why she's so popular. Schwab's world in A Darker Shade of Magic is simply amazing. There are four different versions of London, Grey London (ours), Red London (totally amazing magical place), White London (a ruthless world where magic is starting to dissipate), and Black London (closed off, and forbidden). Kell is Antari, one of the few people who can still travel between the different worlds. Kell is an amazing character. He wants to do what he has to for his family, his royal family who he isn't actually related to, but at the same time, he wants freedom. In the midst of a crazy adventure he runs into Lila Bard, a thief of Grey London who just wants to get away and go on an adventure. They're thrown together in one wild adventure that takes them through the many Londons. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat through this rather dark book. The characters are vivid and I want them both as my friends. I can't wait to pick up book two!
