A review by ashleyreads88
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

5.0

This book was so much different than any book that I have ever read. I love that this book is set in four, really three London's because one of them fell. Each London is different from the other. There's Grey, Red, Black and White London. I would definitely consider Grey London to be normal, meaning we are more familiar with it. Red London is where the main character Kell is from, and he can use magic. In this book, not everybody is able to use magic, which I thought was a unique aspect. White London is ruled by these ruthless, evil twins. Black London is existent but non-existent at the same because it fell. Black London still exists because it can still be traveled too, it is non-existent because there is nothing left to it. I think Black London was the most intriguing, just because of the circumstances and mystery that surrounded it.

As for the characters, I loved Kell, Rhy, the King and Queen of Red London. I felt that they were well-rounded and really cared for each other. Lila grew on me, and it took me a while to like her. What I grew to love about Lila is that she didn't want to stay in Grey London, she wanted to see and experience the other Londons, even though they were places where she didn't necessarily belong. This book was such an adventure, fast-paced and magical. I really can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy and see what happens to the characters.