A Darker Shade of Magic

Princess shared a tip "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."

lizalizard shared a tip "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!"

meagan_khatthaname shared a tip "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."

sonibookoroni shared a tip "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."

maren_l_3251 shared a tip "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."

elise_meyers shared a tip "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!"

lele_4733 shared a tip "I never ventured out of romance/drama but I went to the library and the lady said to read this! I read the whole series before summer ended I loved all the twists and turns! Definitely enjoyed it"

madeline_mccrae shared a tip "This was a really great book! But I couldn’t stand Lilah, and her actions grated on me. Would have rather the book just been about Kell."

emily_browning_6394 shared a tip "This series will grab you and pull you in; black and red magic, pure evil, heroes, travel between worlds, thieves, sea voyages. Schwab’s prose is imaginative, incredibly descriptive, and without lulls or rambles. They introduce a villain, that ultimately, unwittingly, you gain compassion for. Each character is dynamic in their own way, none more so than Kell and Lila. I was so disappointed when the third book came to the end."

camilliant shared a tip "I like the concept and was interested in the characters, but unfortunately it's too gory and dark for someone with anxiety and SA triggers"

niftyniftynoel shared a tip "this book is fantastic! i'm almost finished with the third book and i'm sad because i absolutely love this series. i don't want to stop reading it! the characters are written incredibly well, the world is interesting, and so is the use of magic. i've never seen something like this book."

katie_powell_7959 shared a tip "This trilogy has me in a chokehold, V E Schwab is officially my favorite author, I cannot recommend this enough. Shes currently writing a fourth book for the series that I think might possibly be apart of a second trilogy???(If you like it I suggest her Villains Duology, and her standalones Gallant<3, and the Invisible Life of Addie Larue<333)"

maddie_walker shared a tip "One of my favorite series!! This really kicked me back into my love of books. I love kell, holland, rhy, and alucard the most!!! They are just all little sweethearts (whether they want tl admit it or not). Character development is strong in this book as well as an addictive plot and an engulfing setting. You will not wang to put down this action packed fantasy book."

alyssa_munro shared a tip "This books has good world building and an interesting storytelling method. The characters are overall good sometimes a bit bland. This book does cover sensitive topics though to be aware of the trigger warnings. Those being for sexual assault, depression, cutting, and sexual harassment."

mia_mcdaniel shared a tip "Beautifully written and amazing world and story. It has become my new favorite book and series. Absolutely love everything this author puts out."

brittany_mcfarland shared a tip "This is the first I've read of Schwab and I love it! It's an easy read that I finished in a day! The way it ended is a perfect way to lead into the next book i am excited to see where this story leads me."

deva_d shared a tip "this series was so perfect for me. great fantasy story with interesting use of magic. good amount of romance but it’s not the focal point of the story. plot is good and the writing flows very well. if you’re looking for an adventure, magical fantasy book with a little romance this is perfect."

samuel_faasen shared a tip "My all time favorite fantasy book right now. Couples magic with dystopian with a multiverse. Wouldn’t say it’s super correlative with Disney but still an amazing trilogy."

taliyah_sharma shared a tip "No problem! I really enjoyed and definitely recommend this book. It has subtles pokes at so many entertaining tropes with subtle hints of romance and the unbreakable bond that family has. It really demonstrates that family isnt always blood but its the people who care for you. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Good reading!"

kellie_blakkan shared a tip "It really is huh? Right now I’m really loving Shady Hallow by Juneau Black. It’s a murder mystery that have woodland creatures as the characters. I am about to start The Councillor by E.J. Beaton. It’s along the lines of Machiavellian politics with morally grey characters. What about you? What’re you liking right now?"

kgood09 shared a tip "It’s been a long time since I loved a book series this much. Couldn’t put it down. Interesting characters, exciting drama, and a little romance. Love it!"

danielle_youngblood shared a tip "Very unique fantasy that felt like a breath of fresh air coming from the young-adult/fantasy section. Built a world and its rules without overwhelming the reader. A fairly quick read and satisying story."

el_garr shared a tip "Great story and characters, always keeps you engaged in the story and never a dull moment! Easy reading, probably best for early teens but I (22yr old) still enjoyed the book very much!"

justice_abud shared a tip "although the fictional world created by V.E. Schwab was so very magical and intriguing the plot and characters were lackluster. The novel is very slow and I’m surprised I even read the whole thing. I didn’t connect with the characters at all and found myself saying “when are these people going to die?” because I wasn’t invested and thought that would make it more interesting. Needless to say I will not, at least for the time being, being reading the rest of this trilogy."

yasmine_ahmed_3217 shared a tip "Quite a great book that’s written extremely well. The intertwining of the characters and their world was really great. BUT, to be completely honest, it was a really slow book. I would say it only really got interesting after page 230 or somewhere around there. The other times, I was conflicted because the book is good enough for me to want to continue reading and slow enough for me to want to just stop. I’m glad I continued though, because it overall is a good book."

abeygail_steele shared a tip "Mists of Avalon: by Marion Zimmer- not quite the same it’s a retelling of King Arthur though  Morgana’s point of view, it has the same vibes though. It is however an adult fantasy so some there are some trigger warnings."

alexis_cutignola shared a tip "I love all VE Schwab's books. Her pacing is perfect, the plots are fun and intriguing, she creates such vivid worlds, and her writing style really speaks to me.🥰"

clockworkangel shared a tip "i’m currently on the third book of the series but once i’ve finished it i’m planning on reading atlas six or the girl on the train!"

selena_martinez_156 shared a tip "It may be a bit slow at first, but when things started going damn did they start. At times, it felt slightly rushed, but still an exciting read. Trigger Warnings: attempted rape, cutting, abuse/torture, self-harm, sexual harassment"

hikingislife74 shared a tip "I couldn't get enough of this series. You will absolutely fall in love with the characters. There's a strong spirit of adventure to the story & so much humor as well! 10/10, no question."

amanda_shearer shared a tip "I loved it, too! I was so incredibly disappointed when the series concluded. I wanted to explore that world for much longer. I’m currently reading the Six of Crows series by Leigh Bardugo, and am quite enjoying it. If you enjoy horror/suspense, I also recommend Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky."

nikki_f_7832 shared a tip "Just finished A Court of Thorns and Roses series and am definitely now obsessed! Another series I really love is The Last Magician series by Lisa Maxwell. And if you haven’t read The Night Circus you are missing out. It was phenomenal!"

nao_naomi shared a tip "I love everything about this book. The magic, the characters, the world, the story, the action etc. It kept me hooked all the way."