A Darker Shade of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic #1) by V.E. Schwab -- Restarting December 11th 2023

[Celia]

Hi, can I hop in on this BR?

[Aly]

Listening to this today!

[Aly]

Parts 1-4 (view spoiler)[ This in an interesting world, the different Londons and the scarcity of Antari who can travel between them. I don't trust that lady with the letter, I think she's lying about Holland helping her. (hide spoiler)]

[Celia]

Part 1: (view spoiler)[Part one was a little bit slow, but already things are picking up, and I like the mystery around the three Londons. It makes the reader want to know more. (hide spoiler)]

Parts 2-5 (view spoiler)[ So now the story finally gets started, or at least I hope so. It's been kind of like a video game so far, twists and turns but no strong sense of plot. I like Lila and I want to know more about Holland, but even though Kell is the main character I really can't get into his point of view. (hide spoiler)]

Parts 6-7 (view spoiler)[I still don't like the videogame feel of this story. I can't find the underlying plot. In some ways, because the book is 400+ pages, you could say all this is the intro, but we're almost halfway through the book and the action is really only just getting started.

As for characters, I'm liking Kell a little more, but he still lacks something. I like Lila, but I think she also falls short. Can't really place my finger on what I don't like about them, though. I'm still intrigued by Holland, although I don't think there's anything that could make me like him as a character, unless he has a redemption arc. (hide spoiler)]

Parts 8-10 (view spoiler)[I'll take back what I said about this book being slow. I just read 130 pages without noticing. Before, the different parts and sections were annoying, but there they were good stopping points. I just blew through 130 pages so it's not working as well as before

The story is definitely getting more interesting. I love the way Lila and Kell care for each other, even though I don't really see them together romantically. I'm guessing this is the way the story is going to go, though, unless V.E. Schwab decides instead for Lila and Rhy. Even though I don't know a lot about Rhy yet, I'm kind of hoping for this option. (hide spoiler)]

Parts 11-12 (view spoiler)[And the story's gone back to feeling like a video game. There's just nothing that makes me really want to follow the characters or the plot. In some ways, I actually want to know more, but Schwab doesn't really bring that out. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[Well, it looks like I've finally finished a book. It was a little too video game-ish for my taste, and the ending seemed too rushed. I don't necessarily like series where the main problem is solved in the first book, because they do make the series seem like a video game instead of a book. The characters were good, though. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Parts 5-8 (view spoiler)[Lila is a bit irritating, but I think it's just because she's ignorant of magic and the terrible effects it can have. Hopefully she listens to Kell and joins with him instead of running away. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Parts 9-11 (view spoiler)[ I am struggling to like Lila, but I do like the story overall and Kell is great. I hope Rhy is okay, I like him a lot too. He cares for Kell so much (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I would've liked more information about the Danes before they were killed. I feel like we didn't know much about them. Lila did get better by the end and I'm glad she and Kell parted. Rhy was my favorite and I really hope he's in the next book, I love him. The narrator was so so, I'd prefer someone younger or who can do a better woman voice at least (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Parts 4-7

(view spoiler)[ This book has really picked up! I really love Kell but I'm not a huge fan of Lila. I find her character to be a little annoying. She doesn't listen to anyone and only cares about herself even when there are things so much bigger than her at play, which I find irritating. I just want to tell her to be quiet and listen to someone else for 2 seconds. Anyways, I miss Rhy and I hope he shows up more in the rest of this book! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Melanie wrote: "Parts 4-7

[spoilers removed]"

Yes! Thank you, Lila is irritating

[Melanie]

Parts 7-10

I should be done this book very soon if anyone wants to read the second book with me!

(view spoiler)[ A lot has happened and I miss Rhy more than anything. I facepalmed when Lila tried to steal that charm and then got very mad when she got pissy at Kell for trying to get her out of that mess. I don't know if she just doesn't understand how severe this issue with the stone is for Kell or if she just flat out doesn't care but it's like enough is enough already. However, I really love Kell. Like I want to give him the biggest hug because he honestly deserves it. I also need him and Rhy back because I really wanted a powerful brother duo. (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Finished

(view spoiler)[ I feel like I need to start with Lila because it's kind of unfortunate how much I either disliked her or was just indifferent to her character. I felt like by the end of the book she was a lot more tolerable and I didn't find her that annoying anymore. However, I am glad that she and Kell went their separate ways at the end of the book even though we probably aren't done with Lila and she will most likely be in the next book. I was a little sad to see Holland die just because I would have liked to see him pull a Loki and turn good? Also, how is it possible to fall in love with Rhy when he was only in like maybe 10 pages??? I LOVE HIM AND KELL SO MUCH!! I need the entire second book to just be Rhy and Kell and my heart doesn't care about how unrealistic that is. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting August 13th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Neha]

I'll try to start this around the 15th :D

[Maria]

Hello! Do you guys mind if I join?

[ikram]

Maria wrote: "Hello! Do you guys mind if I join?"

suree! more people, the better!

[ikram]

Neha wrote: "I'll try to start this around the 15th :D"

awesome!! looking forward!

[ikram]

hey everyone! i'm starting it today.

chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ and i'm a little confused, lol. i keep reminding myself which london is which....because, yeah... it's confusing. (hide spoiler)]

[ikram]

part 10 chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ I found it hard to read this book at first, but now I can't stop reading it. I think I like Lila more than Kell. And what's really the deal between Holland and Kell? What's up with Holland? (hide spoiler)]

[Neha]

I'm still going to read this, but I might not be able to get to it until next week :(

[Maria]

Neha wrote: "I'm still going to read this, but I might not be able to get to it until next week :("

Yes, same. Have an exam to prepare for 😬

[Neha]

Maria wrote: "Neha wrote: "I'm still going to read this, but I might not be able to get to it until next week :("

Yes, same. Have an exam to prepare for 😬"

LIFE. D8<

[Maria]

ikram wrote: "Maria wrote: "Hello! Do you guys mind if I join?"

suree! more people, the better!"

Thanks 😊

Currently 31% through. I am liking tha parts about Red London (view spoiler)[ I want to know more about it and its magic. It's so exciting. So far nothing else has interested me as much. I wish the author would show more than tell. Especially about White London. When she does show, it is still AFTER she's told us about it. It's a bit annoying. Not fan of this writing style.

The part where the Twins drank Holland's blood was interesting though. I wonder if he was bound like the boy who defied? Or is there something different about his binding? I hope there's a way to free him, either way (hide spoiler)]

[Maria]

41% done. (Through Part VI - Thieves Meet)

I can't help be a bit annoyed with Lila. (view spoiler)[ she was getting mad at him when he cuffed her! Should've thought of that when she stole from him!
She seems to me like one of those "badass" characters who are badass for the sake of being badass. She hasn't shown any signs of being nice or kind, except having a care for the poor.

Also, HOW DUMB was throwing throwing away a thing she thought was trouble, out the window!! So anyone could pick it up if they like! Now look what happened.

(hide spoiler)]

You guys, I absolutely fawn over it whenever Kell does magic! It's so cool, he's so cool. (view spoiler)[How fun was the thing with the ropes! And the wooden cuff! I suppose we don't often see him doing any major magic much, other than travel, so that any small demonstration makes me excited. (hide spoiler)] I'm starving for magic and Red London.

[Maria]

ikram wrote: "part 10 chapter 2 [spoilers removed]"

I am liking it now, too. After like the 46% mark it really picked up

[Maria]

I am not sure about one thing. (view spoiler)[Kell said the magic is pure, but the black sword in the alley and the shell on the man in Red London was anything but. Is it that the magic is evil when left to its own devices, when there is no strong will to hold it at bay? (hide spoiler)]

[Maria]

Finished.

This was intense. I had fun! I definitely liked the second half better. I liked the magic and Kell and Rhy. Maybe tolerated and kind of started liking Lila a bit too. She did well - being cunning and determined and helping Kell (view spoiler)[ I especially liked how she was able to control the stone's urge better than Kell. I know it drew to Kell more because of his magic, but the guy in Grey London couldn't resist it. See, he died. She had it under control

Ok now I wanna talk about Rhy - I'M SO GLAD HE'S ALIVE gosh he's so precious. I love how Kell loves his brother so much, he quite literally saved him with his LIFE. gotta love these brothers

And I'm so glad Holland is alive. I felt so sorry for him. Sooo glad he's alive. He definitely deserved better than being bound to the Twins. And Athos saying Holland didn't relish in war shows that he isn't that bad a person after al (hide spoiler)]

[Neha]

Ahhh, I never managed to make time for this book and I don't think I can anytime soon. It's a reread so I can start the next book in the series, so I'll try again in a month or two :(

Happy to see you enjoyed the book though!

[Maria]

Neha wrote: "Ahhh, I never managed to make time for this book and I don't think I can anytime soon. It's a reread so I can start the next book in the series, so I'll try again in a month or two :(

Happy to see..."

Thanks, I did 😊 btw when are you reading the next book? Maybe we could buddy read it?

[Maddie]

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Date changed. Restarting November 1st 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Alex]

I hope to be able to start this in the next couple days! I started this book a couple months ago and got about half way through before I had to return it. But just reading that much showed me how much I'm going to love this book so I snagged the box set from Book Outlet so no one can take it away from me now! mwa ha ha

[Farren]

I have been getting behind on my reading (what else is new?) but I'm aiming for 60ish pages a day so I can finish this and my other one within a week

Up to Part 3: Grey Thief

I like the magic system, but I am getting more confused than I do with Victoria's other books. I think it's just a lot to remember in the beginning. (view spoiler)[ I like the royal family of Red London, that they treat him well and Rhy thinks of him as a brother, even if Kell doesn't feel like he is truly family. But it kind of sucks that he has so much power but he spends his time... delivering letters (hide spoiler)]

Up to Part 5: Black Stone

I really like Lila! She gets so much hate from people but so far I'm not seeing why. (view spoiler)[ The royal family in White London is super creepy. I kind of feel bad for Holland and I understand why he acts the way he does. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting January 5th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Pragya]

16% (view spoiler)[ It's very slow and a bit boring. I hope something will happens soon. So far characters are introduced. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

26% (view spoiler)[ Danes are so evil. What they did to Holland and are doing to others in White London is so wrong. (hide spoiler)]

[♡ kirsten]

Up to Part 5: (view spoiler)[So far, the pace is slowish with the introduction to the worlds.
I like that coat that Kell, very different.
I also like how the Londons are so different from each other and each have their own unique personality. (hide spoiler)]

Pragya wrote: "26% [spoilers removed]"
I agree. (view spoiler)[It seems their creating a population of zombies.
I wonder whats going to become of Holland since he's bound to them. (hide spoiler)]

[♡ kirsten]

Part 6: Now this just got interesting!
(view spoiler)[This first chapter in part 6 was a bit eerie and I like it! Now we know that the black stone's magic kills then takes over its hosts body creating a possessed being.

But also, how careless is Lila to just drop a cursed sword out her window into an alley where anyone can get a hold of it? Now there's 2 possessed beings. (hide spoiler)]

[♡ kirsten]

Finished Part 10 (71%):
(view spoiler)[Now the dark magic is spreading and taking over more people in Red London! That's going to end in chaos. And the same is going to happen in Grey London.

As characters, I don't know about Lila and Kell, though. I'm not in love with either of them. Like Lila, I'm more in it for the adventure of the story.
(hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Kirsten wrote: "Part 6: Now this just got interesting!
This first chapter in part 6 was a bit eerie and I like it! Now we know that the black stone's magic kills then takes over its hosts body creating a possessed..."

(view spoiler)[ Lila had no idea that it's a cursed sword and would take over. Yes, two possessed beings in two different London. (hide spoiler)]

[♡ kirsten]

End of Part 13:
(view spoiler)[So much happened this last part!
I like how Kell's struggle to overcome the Vitari was written.
I wonder what they are going to do after this. Who else is going to pop up to become the next in book 2?
(hide spoiler)]

[♡ kirsten]

Finished:
(view spoiler)[Well this ended pretty nicely for the characters, or so it seems. And what about Holland? Kell sent him to Black London unconcious and barely alive. He could very well come back.

Anyways, I don't know what to feel about this book.
I'm actually a bit disappointed. This book both intrigued and bored me at the same time.

The world-building was nice and the Antari magic was really unique. The creation of the four parallel Londons was put to page really well.

But this book kind of felt a bit empty to me.
It did well as an adventure book, as I was just following the flow of wherever this book took me. Everything they did along the way was entertaining.
The characters: I can't pinpoint what it was about Kell, he was nice and all, but he was a bit of a lackluster main character. Although Lila was a bit reckless, she also had great presence and had a strong personality.

(hide spoiler)]

[♡ kirsten]

Maria wrote: "41% done. (Through Part VI - Thieves Meet)

I can't help be a bit annoyed with Lila...Also, HOW DUMB was throwing throwing away a thing she thought was trouble, out the window!! So anyone could pick it up if they like! Now look what happened.

I agree. It was really careless since she knew it was bad. She could've thrown it into the river!

[♡ kirsten]

Celia wrote: "Finished [Well, it looks like I've finally finished a book. It was a little too video game-ish for my taste, and the ending seemed too rushed. I don't necessarily like series where the main problem...
"

I actually liked the ending the best because it had a faster pace than the rest of the book.(view spoiler)[I also thought having the story resolved in the first book (when its a trilogy) to be weird and too closed book. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

78% (view spoiler)[ Kell is getting in so much troubles. These siblings are so full of themselves. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

85% (view spoiler)[ I have a strong feeling that Lila is also an antari. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Finished!

[Pragya]

Kirsten wrote: "End of Part 13:
So much happened this last part!
I like how Kell's struggle to overcome the Vitari was written.
I wonder what they are going to do after this. Who else is going to pop up to beco..."

I'm intrigued to know more about the plot of next book too.

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting June 25th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Josephine]

Ok so I’m actually on time for this buddy read 😅

[Supriya]

Hey, Can I also join?

[Josephine]

Of course! Everyone is welcome! 😊