A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab [Yes, I finally read a recently released book]

If you know us then you know that we have a history of disliking popular books a LOT. So when I buddy read this with @Bookedbybliss and Melody (our friend/author on Instagram @melodyjacksonauthor), I was pretty sure I was going to DNF it or read the first book, write a review about how much I hated it and then never read the series again.

But what did happen was that I fell into one of Kell’s jackets deep pockets, never to be found again. This book, you guys, WAS BEAUTIFUL! From the first line, “Kell wore a very peculiar coat.” to the last line, “That one’ll do.” I was trapped within each line and each word. It was every bookworm’s heaven. A novel that wouldn’t let go of you!

The world building here was ON POINT! I loved that we spent a good amount of time jumping from London to London to learn enough about them so as to have a clear idea in the first quarter of the book. I also loved how the world was complex yet simple enough to grasp the idea of immediately.

I loved how Magic was portrayed in all the worlds and the pretty sound logic behind it all. The Antari, bloodlines, world history, it was all perfect! I always love it when a world has limits, yet everything that happens starts to question them but it doesn’t sound like it’s bullshitting its way through the plot.

As I travelled the four Londons (Grey, Red, White and Black) by holding onto each word of this book, I fell in love with the writing, the world, the magic and KELL!

I haven’t fallen in love so hard with a fictional character for a while now and when I read about Kell I just lost my mind. I don’t know how best to describe him except to use Melody’s words:

“Wow. I just love Kell. I can’t even put my finger on what it is. He’s like… not too much of anything. Not too harsh like when he snaps at Lila, lol, not too soft, not too risky or too smart, just like, very well-balanced and interesting.”

Lila, on the other hand, was a tough one for me. She didn’t make a really good first impression (FOR ME okay?? YOU GUYS PLEASE DON’T HATE ME!) but as the story progressed and she met Kell, she started to grow on me. I loved her cunning and thieving ways, how she was loyal to the end and I absolutely loved her kleptomania!

Pretty much every character written was beautiful. Even the side characters who would end up dying would break my heart because Schwab writes in a way that makes me connect with all of them and that’s when I realized that I have only ever felt that once before… and that was Harry Potter.

I can now confidently say that my constant list of three favourite series ever, now has a new series attached to it (And a new favourite author).

The plot was just the right speed for each section of the novel. There were fast-paced action scenes, just enough flashbacks, and the witty character bonding scenes. There was also very subtle romance which in my opinion is the best thing ever! So this book receives a whole star just for that.

Before I end up rambling nonsense and confessing my ever dying love for Kell and his jacket, I should probably wrap this up right here. Be assured, the second book’s review is coming up soon!

So tell me, have you read this book? If yes, tell me your feelings down below and don’t hold back! If no, then what are you waiting for??

Lots of love and magic,

Raven