A Darker Shade of Magic is an adult fantasy novel written by V.E. Schwab. It is the first novel in the Shades of Magic trilogy. It follows Kell, the last of a rare type of magician called the Antari, who can travel between parallel Londons (Red, Grey, White and formerly Black). Tasked to travel between Londons as a messenger, Kell secretly smuggles items between worlds. However, he and Grey Londoner Delilah Bard soon face the consequences of Kell’s smuggling and get caught in the struggle between Londons.
This novel is fresh and exciting. Its premise is unlike one I’ve read before, and it truly stands out from a sea of other fantasy novels. Kell and Lila are both intriguing main characters, and the side characters in the novel stand above others as well. The magic system and world are both well-developed without being overwhelming or confusing. Unlike some other fantasy novels, it doesn’t flood the reader with information at the beginning and it doesn’t drag on in the beginning. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers. I rate this book five stars.