A Darker Shade of Magic

"The writing was good, and so was the concept. I just wish more was done on the magic side, as a more showy/action type way, but that's just a me thing. Overall, it's still a decent book."

"I enjoyed this read, the pace of the story is quick, and isn’t overly hung up on any romance (not always a bad thing but not necessary). Very intense. "

"Wonderfully fast paced and we'll written. Each character was intriguing enough that I never got bored no matter who was the focus of the scene!"

"Thoroughly enjoyed this one! I liked one of VE Schwab's other books so tried this one out. Very different than the other one but really good. The world building is done in a way that doesn't give too much at once but also isn't confusing by giving too little."

"Could not STAND Lilah"

"I don’t know how to feel right now, the story itself was written amazingly. Whenever I picked it up I was reading for hours. The main characters’ stories were awesomely intertwined, the whole chosen family trope I’m here for. I can’t say I enjoyed the ending as much as I was hoping for. Forever undecided, however this book was worth reading. The magic, the characters and the adventure were amazing. "

"Loved this one! I am a sucker for a good thief story, and the MC from this one is absolutely splendid in every way. I really enjoy V.E. Schwab's voice and style. This is the second series of her's I am reading, the books do not disappoint! "

"A very unique take on urban fantasy - kind of a dark and gritty Magicians mystery meets Ben Aaronovich's Rivers of London. V. E. Schwab has a uniquely dark, lyrical, and slightly eerie writing style that I haven't run across with anyone else."

"Reread 3.75 star<br/><br/>Reading this book again was essential since I found that the audiobook changed it's narrator. Not once have I been able to stomach it. You get attached to how someone portrays and character with sound. <br/><br/>Although the physical copy was much more enjoyable seeing as how it had artwork of the main characters and even the stone. The phrase "AsTravars" was on the front of my book as well and when I found out what it meant it felt magical seeing it every time I began to read. <br/><br/>The plot was wholly unique with the different Londons/worlds. But the intrigue didn't hold up as much after the reread. I'm beginning to think I like more the idea of V. E. Schwab's books. She has strong foundations but they do not deliver, not to me atleast. It takes almost the whole book for me to get invested with the characters. The world building is wonderful, the magical structure nice but I feel as if it is missing something essential.<br/><br/>Of course I do understand in a series not all questions could be answered or you wouldn't want to continue. Though after this book I had to many questions, many of which didn't make sense. Does Kell's black eye hinder his sight? Why in all the world's does the two Londons have the only remaining Antari? Why is it that London's seem at fault for the closed doors/ magic downfall and no one else? Even with four worlds it just seemed a bit claustrophobic.<br/><br/>Most of all I enjoyed the characters relations and forgotten pasts. I think it's the only thing that kept me going. That and the mysterious black London. Lila, Kell, and Rhy were so different yet melded together very well. Like they were drawn together by magic. Lila was witty and smug and I just adored her. Kell was stoic with a self sacrificing undertone. And Rhy haha he was his witty charming self.<br/><br/>With the writing style I found it difficult to concentrate though. Some of the pov's were unnecessary to me. And did anyone else notice no one ever slept unless fatally wounded? Like I said I think I like the idea of Schwab's books. They are unique and interesting but for some reason for me they don't quite hit the mark. I just felt the book still left something to be desired."

"Book 1"