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

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I had a decent time reading this book, but it didn't hook me in. The world building and magic system is explained at the start so you have an idea of what's going on before more characters are introduced. But as the book went on, I was left with more questions than answers. Considering how dark and devious some of the plot points get, I was surprised everything was resolved in the first book. The characters and political tensions between the Londons felt under developed. I'm sure it'll be explored more in the series, but I don't feel a strong urge to keep reading. 

On a personal note while I liked Kell and Lila individually, I did not like their dynamic together. Their interactions annoyed me, felt overly angsty, and thrown together. Lila is quick to blame Kell for not sharing everything with her, but when he starts doing it she's like "I'll be the judge of that" or invalidate his feelings. And Kell seemed to get more bland as the book went on.

I might try Vicious instead.
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