V. E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic weaves a captivating tale of magical Londons, earning praise for its imaginative world-building and engaging characters. Critics highlight the gripping plot and rich setting, but some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a must-read for fantasy lovers, though it may not captivate those seeking faster action.

Readers who enjoy immersive fantasy worlds and charismatic characters will love A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab. Fans of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere and Lev Grossman’s The Magicians will find a similarly engaging blend of magic, adventure, and richly crafted alternate Londons in this fast-paced novel.

In A Darker Shade of Magic, Kell Maresh, one of the last Antari magicians capable of traveling between parallel worlds, inadvertently acquires a dangerous artifact from the fallen world of Black London. Joined by a daring thief named Lila Bard, Kell embarks on a perilous adventure to prevent the artifact from causing catastrophic destruction. The novel contains depictions of self-injury, sexual assault, torture, and homicide.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Fantastical / Dark / Suspenseful

V. E. Schwab

Novel

Shades of Magic

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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A Darker Shade of Magic Summary

Background

A Darker Shade of Magic Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

A Darker Shade of Magic Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

A Darker Shade of Magic Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

A Darker Shade of Magic Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

A Darker Shade of Magic Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-14

A Darker Shade of Magic Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Darker Shade of Magic Character Analysis

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Themes

A Darker Shade of Magic Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Darker Shade of Magic Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Darker Shade of Magic Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Darker Shade of Magic Essay Topics

A Darker Shade of Magic

Before You Read

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