A Darker Shade of Magic (Partial) by V.E. Schwab [Non-Spoilers Review]

Original Title: A Darker Shade of Magic

Author(s): V.E. Schwab

Pages count: 150 pages

Publisher: Tor Books 

ISBN: 0765376458

Rating: 5 stars

I was lucky enough to get a copy of the first 150 pages off this glorious book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Read my words carefully: V.E. Schwab is a damn GENIUS.

Kell is an Antari, a superior race of humans who have the power to control all the elements including blood. He’s one of a kind and there is only another Antari in the worlds (yes,worlds). They’re magicians in worlds that have lost their power and are struggling to survive. Antaris are the only people that can travel through the worlds and Kell is the Red Traveler.

Grey London is a dirty, magic-less city where Kell makes business tricking mundanes who think they’re witches into buying goods from the other Londons. Red London is powerful and full of magic, home to Kell. Lastly, White London is filled with criminals thirsty for magic and is ruled by salvage twins, a ruthless king and a cruel queen.

Everything is good in his life until he crosses paths with Lila, an aspirant pirate and robber.

I wish I had the full book because those 150 pages lasted me an hour and a half in my hands. They flew by so fast and I was left with the uncontrollable desire for more. V.E. Schwab sucks you in into a perfectly drawn world that you’ll never want to leave. If I was to pick one thing about Victoria’s writing that I love the most, it would be her world building skills. When I say she is a genius, I mean it and I will never get tired of saying it. Victoria is a genius!

I loved Prince Rhy and I loved he was gay! At last, we get to read about an openly gay prince who is going to be king even if he marries a damn boy! And just to make it clear I ship Rhy and Holland; Rhylland anyone?

Kell and Lila are extremely likable as well, especially Lila! I will expand on this in the full review when I get the full book because I feel like I need to read more about all the characters. One thing is for sure; I hate the twins and kind of pity Holland!

If you haven’t pre-ordered A Darker Shade of Magic, go do it right now!

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