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

adventurous funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Ohh my god! For months I have searched for a book that even comes close to the sheer quality of writing (Additionally: masterfully constructed and well paced plot, realistically flawed yet undeniably likable characters, superb world building, various different (but still engaging) POVs, PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING) of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows. I can’t even think up higher paise for this book (or any book)! It was absolutely fantastic and brought back my enthusiasm for the fantasy genre (I mean, I read some books that were REALLY not my taste last year (a nicer way to say I though they were pretty awful))! The magic system was well flushed out and reminiscent (at a very basic level) of that of Bardugo’s ‘Grisha-verse’ books but different enough deserve the highest of praise. Absolutely devoured this book!
In a sea of cheep-feeling, near solely romance focused, trope filled books; blanketed in a sense of sterility, unoriginality, implausibility (in the way characters interact with each other and the world around them and how they respond to situations) and unfairly raised expectations, this book feels like a reminder (encouragement?) that I just have to keep sifting through the rest to find what books speak most to my specific tastes! They are out there and I’m beyond happy to have found another!
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