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

dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A Darker Shade of Magic tells the story of Kell, a member of the royal family and one of the few trained wizards in Red London. On one of his usual errands between the three still-standing Londons, he comes into possession of a powerful magical artefact. Like so many objects before him, he smuggles it across dimensional boundaries and the horror takes its course. Suddenly Kell not only finds himself in the crosshairs of the hostile Crown of White London, but also has to protect his Red London, his family and the cheeky thief Lila Bard. Although the latter is more likely to protect him than the other way round... 
A large part of A Darker Shade of Magic consists of worldbuilding and getting to know the characters. Especially considering that the book is the first part of a trilogy, I can understand the decision. After all, the established facts will probably play a role in parts two and three. 
At the same time, the worlds felt rarely multi-dimensional. Black London is dead, White London is cruel, Grey London is meh and Red London is bursting with life, although of course not everything is perfect there either. 
So far, so solid... but nothing groundbreaking. Much like the story - once it got going, the destination was clear... But thanks to the long introduction and the otherwise dark and sinister tone of the book, the ending felt rather anti-climatic. Brutality was followed by more brutality and then it was over. The only real highlight was the individual dialogues between the characters. The banter between Rye, Kell and Lila were much needed in all the literal carnage that happened. All in all, a solid dark fantasy novel for young adults who love gore and want to be entertained.
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