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

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I am totally intrigued by this twist on the multiverse that Schwab has put together in Darker Shade of Magic. She doesn't necessarily have any particularly unique themes, but maybe it is more so that she has put them together in a unique way. I picked up some Narnia vibes (Magician's Nephew not The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) and although it has been many years since I've read it, it reminded me of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials as well. Regardless, I am absolutely wrapped up in the main characters' lives, rooting for them and dying to find out where they go from here. 

I guessed early on that there might be something extra special about Lila. I was a little disappointed to not get an answer in this first book, especially when I thought it was quite obvious and wasn't being very well hidden. But I'm invested in her story and love how eccentric she is. As much as Kell has a bit of moral greyness about him from being a smuggler, he's quite straight-laced overall and Lila is definitely his personality foil which makes the book more fun. 

I also seem to be on a kick lately with my fantasy books where they all have cliffhanger endings on the first book of a series. I kind of miss books that finish their major plot line for the book and just continue an overarching theme from then onward. Not to say that I disliked the ending, it was certainly a logical stopping point but it definitely didn't feel "finished". 
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