Spoiler-Free Blog
I decided to give A Darker Shade of Magic a go since I recognized the author’s name. Unfortunately, I really didn’t like it.
What’s it about?
In a universe where there are four parallel Londons, Kell – a rare magician capable of traveling between these Londons – is caught up in a scheme to move a dangerous talisman before other power-hungry individuals get a chance to take it.
There was a lot of potential for this story, but it fell flat in a lot of ways for me.
One of the best parts of this book was the world-building. It was obviously well-developed, and the concept intrigued me.
My biggest criticism is that this book lacked emotional depth. Coupled with the odd pacing, it made for a less compelling story with shallow characters. It took far too long to reach the inciting incident, and once we did, the rest of the story moved at a break-neck speed. There was no breathing room. The characters never had a chance to bond, to make connections and build friendships. So the reader didn’t get to know them either.
We also had severely under-developed side characters. While Kell, the main character, was clearly driven by loyalty, protectiveness, and a sense of duty, the remaining cast had no such depth:
- Lila, the main female character, suffered from a mild case of “not like other girls” syndrome and had no motivation besides her self-focused desire for adventure. Every time I read about her, I just felt she had no reason to be doing anything she was doing
- Holland, Kell’s magical equal from another London, and Rhy, Kell’s brother, both mostly just served as convenient plot devices
- The book painted the villains as power-hungry, but we don’t really learn why or what they intend to actually do with that power once they achieve it
I did not get much satisfaction from the end. Without spoiling it, I will just say that it was too convenient and unbelievable, and it ultimately felt lazy.
It wrapped up all its plot points by the end, so I have no unanswered questions that would compel me to read the rest of the trilogy. Overall, a disappointing read.
Should you read it?
The first few chapters caught my interest and the world-building was overall compelling, but I don’t really recommend A Darker Shade of Magic to a general audience.
It might be for you if you enjoy swashbuckling tales in general. If you like heavy plot and don’t mind when there’s little character depth, and can overlook contrived plot points in exchange for a good time, then you might like it.
A lot of people have recommended I try some of V.E. Schwab’s other books, which I might do.
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