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

by V.E. Schwab

Such is the quandary when it comes to magic, that it is not an issue of strength but of balance. For too little power, and we become weak. Too much, and we become something else entirely.

He could smell Grey London (smoke) and White London (blood), but to him, Red London simply smelled like home.

Grey for the magic-less city. Red, for the healthy empire. White, for the starving world.

It was a voice like a shadow in the woods at night. Quiet and dark and cold.

He had to show his strength while still holding fast to it. Too little, and he’d be seen as prey. Too much, and he’d be seen as a prize.

“Pretty thing,” whispered an old woman from a doorway in Maktahn. “Pretty skin. Pretty bones.” “This way, Master,” called another. “Come inside.” “Rest your feet.” “Rest your bones.” “Pretty bones.” “Pretty blood.” “Drink your magic.” “Eat your life.” “Come inside.”

“Principle or not, Lila, one of these days, you’re going to get yourself killed.” “Would you miss me?” she asked. “Like an itch,” he shot back.

Was her bravado a front, or did she truly have so little to lose? But she had a life, and a life was a thing that could always be lost.

She kicked a loose stone. “Well, I mean, it’s another world, isn’t it? Another version of London? Is there another version of me?” Kell frowned. “I’ve never met anyone like you.” He hadn’t meant it as a compliment, but Lila took it that way, flashing him a grin.

“Love doesn’t keep us from freezing to death, Kell,” she continued, “or starving, or being knifed for the coins in our pocket. Love doesn’t buy us anything, so be glad for what you have and who you have because you may want for things but you need for nothing.”

“You know so little of war. Battles may be fought from the outside in, but wars are won from the inside out.”

As soon as he did, the black rope tightened, and Kell’s heart lurched in his chest. It skipped a beat, and Rhy’s heart caught it, thudding once beneath Kell’s touch.

“Delilah Bard,” she said. “We’ve met before. And you looked worse.” Rhy laughed silently. “I apologize for anything I might have done. I was not myself.” “I apologize for shooting you in the leg,” said Lila. “I was myself entirely.”