A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1) in #ASeriesAMonth2018

Jan 26, 2015 samantha Bookworm-on-rainydays rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this novel and have already started its sequel. Schwab's characters are fun and engaging, and the fantasy world she creates is unique and original, which is a quality hard to find in a lot of the fantasy literature being written today. The pacing of the story is perfect, always leaving the reader wanting more, and Schwab does an excellent job of avoiding fantasy cliches, instead taking her characters in new and surprising directions. I look forward to reading more from this auth ...more

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Oct 19, 2015 Jamie (Books and Ladders) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, magic, 2015-release, cover-love, bookoutlet-purchase, tor, february-2015, low-fantasy

A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC has that unique kind of ability where it pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of the seat for the entire time and leaves you wanting more once it's finished. The magic system is one of the best I have read in a long time and if anyone asks me for a fantasy recommendation, this will be the first one off my tongue. Can February come a little faster so I can have A Gathering of Shadows, please and thank you?

There is so much good in this one that I don't even know where to A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC has that unique kind of ability where it pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of the seat for the entire time and leaves you wanting more once it's finished. The magic system is one of the best I have read in a long time and if anyone asks me for a fantasy recommendation, this will be the first one off my tongue. Can February come a little faster so I can have A Gathering of Shadows, please and thank you?

There is so much good in this one that I don't even know where to start. I loved all the characters (I aspire to be Lila Bard) and can't wait to see what else is in store for them in the future. I could read about Kell and Lila doing mundane tasks and still be happy about it. They have the best chemistry and give and take, both allowing the other to shine but also grow. I loved Lila's want for adventure and Kell's reluctance to let her -- or anyone else -- be hurt because of magic. They had the right mix of sarcasm and actual caring to make them into a fun duo that you were rooting for the entire time.

The plot was amazing. I loved following along throughout the different Londons with Kell -- and then with Kell and Lila -- until we reached the end. I was so nervous about the ending because there didn't seem to be enough time to resolve everything. The ending left it open but also gave closure to this story arc, which was nice. I like when the plot concludes but you can still see the characters living on after. But man am I glad there is a sequel (AND A THIRD BOOK. YAY!) I also really want to know more about Kell's back story and why he can't remember anything because I feel like that is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

The world building was immaculate. If you are writing a fantasy book right now, take note. The world building in this is flawless and seamless with the right amount of exploring the worlds and being told about the different aspects of them. As Kell traveled through the different Londons, I felt as though I was right there with him. Once explained, I could travel between the Londons myself and understand the difference, but it was nice to have Lila reaffirm the aspects of them as she traveled. It made me as a reader realize that because Kell was so used to traveling, he didn't notice some of the details the same way a fresh pair of eyes would. So having Lila travel and be like "oh everything here is so vibrant and smells so nice" was a nice touch to expanding both the world and the characters.

This is like my number one recommendation right now and forever. I can't wait to see what else Schwab has up her sleeve in regards to Kell and Lila but I know I am excited to read it.

Books and Ladders | Queen of the Bookshelves | Books Are My Fandom | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin' ...more

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Aug 04, 2015 Karen (A Simple Cup of Tea) rated it liked it · review of another edition

This review was originally posted at A Simple Cup of Tea.

This review is so incredibly overdue. I took a long time actually reading A Darker Shade of Magic and then even longer to write this post. After reading Vicious and everyone raving about this book I was so excited to finally read it. I was expecting layered characters, wonderful world building and a story that would sweep me away and surprise me at every turn.

A Darker Shade of Magic delivers, on most part. The world building is amazing, I ...more

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Mar 01, 2020 haraka (tinybooknest) rated it liked it

Finally, I finished this one and it ended up with 3.5 for me. I expect to rate this book higher (at least above 4) - it's about magic, alternate world, and fantasy - what else I could ask for?

But it took me months to finally finished this book. I even need to put it down a couple of times and try to read it again from the start. I need extra effort fo to push myself to finished it. The hard part especially in the middle of the book. There is some scene that is not related to the main characters ...more

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Jun 30, 2025 Reuben Thomas rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: tbr-owned

I think it’s probably a better book than 3 stars, but I didn’t pay a whole lot of attention. But then again if it failed to hold me maybe that says something. Idk. I did quite like the characters of Lila and Kell, and the premise of the different Londons was interesting, I just lost track of the plot a bit. I have the rest of the series so I’ll carry on anyway (after a Fourth Wing break cos my library loan is about to expire), and maybe book 2 will grab me.

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