A Darker Shade of Magic

Author: V.E. Schwab

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my favourite fiction book of May, and my first book by V.E. Schwab, who I know has a substantial backlist, so I’m glad to have found a new author I enjoy.

This book follows Kell, who is an Antari, which means he can use magic to create portals between the different Londons whose edges press against each other in this magical urban fantasy. There are four Londons that we learn about. The first is Grey London, ruled by King George III, where no one has magic. Then there is Red London, Kell’s London, where magic is common. White London is a cutthroat place where leaders are constantly changing and magic is used in endless power struggles that sow chaos throughout the city. And the last is Black London, which was consumed by its magic before the beginning of the story.

In addition to being an Antari, one of the rare people who can travel between the various realms, Kell is also the adopted son of the King and Queen of Red London, and acts as a messenger for them, passing letters between the rulers of the various Londons. During the book, he comes across a piece of Black London and, understanding that it could cause devastation, decides to return it to where it came from.

This book felt slow in that it only takes place over a few days, but at the same time, it was highly absorbing, and I didn’t want to leave the world. I loved the way the author crafted the relationships between Kell and the other characters including his adoptive brother, the crown prince Rhy; Lila, a thief from Grey London; and even the villains.

This is the beginning of a series, and before I finished this book, I had already gone by Waterstones to pick up the next one so I would have it ready for when I wanted to read it. I found this book both magical and gripping, and I’m looking forward to picking up the next one.