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A review by sevencrane
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I was initially a little underwhelmed with the prose but I think that's because I've been reading a lot of intimidatingly-written short stories. Everything else rules. I think part of it leaned into the tropes of things People Want To See (brooding emo with mysterious past, plucky heroine who's Not Like Other Girls, the evil twins) but it was all written very well.
It's interesting comparing this with other fantasy I've read recently (earthsea, black company) - there's definitely the trope of "evil to be vanquished that solves things" here but the plot is twisty enough that it still feels creative which is good. I kinda wish I'd seen more diplomacy in addition to fighting but I also get the need to show off the elemental magic system.
It's interesting comparing this with other fantasy I've read recently (earthsea, black company) - there's definitely the trope of "evil to be vanquished that solves things" here but the plot is twisty enough that it still feels creative which is good. I kinda wish I'd seen more diplomacy in addition to fighting but I also get the need to show off the elemental magic system.