55 pages • 1 hour read
V. E. SchwabA Darker Shade of Magic
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read A Darker Shade of Magic?
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.