A review by beckythebibliophile
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I read this not knowing much about it but wanting to get through it before book 4 comes out at the end of the month.

I was pleased by how great a time I had!

The world, multiple Londons stacked next to each other, was a really interesting concept and although parallel worlds is by no means a unique concept, I thought that the way it was done was different enough.

I really liked the character of Kell and I'm interested to see where his character goes. I also, surprisingly to me quite unpopularly, liked Lila. I have some theories about her and I'm excited to see if they are true.

This book read as a complete novel but with just enough threads left hanging that I don't think that having two more books is unneeded at this point.

My only criticism is that Rhy wasn't all that developed. Not a huge issue as he is only a minor character but this meant that his relationship with Kell also wasn't developed which had some meant that some aspects of the story didn't pack the same punch that they could have.

All in all, an excellent opening to the trilogy and I am keen to move on to book 2!