A Darker Shade of Magic is a trilogy of fantasy novels written by V.E. Schwab. The series takes place in multiple versions of London, each with its own unique history and magic. The three books in the series are A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. The story follows Kell, a rare magician who is able to travel between these different worlds. Alongside him, readers meet Lila Bard, a fearless thief who becomes his unlikely ally. Together, they navigate the dangers of magic, power, and politics as they attempt to save their worlds from destruction. With richly drawn characters, complex world-building, and breathtaking action, the Darker Shade of Magic trilogy is a thrilling and imaginative adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The series follows the adventures of Kell, one of the last remaining Antari, a rare type of magician who can travel between parallel universes. Kell serves as a messenger and occasional smuggler for the rulers of the different Londons. Each version of London is distinguished by the colour of its river: Grey London, without magic; Red London, where magic is abundant and revered; White London, where magic is scarce and wielded with brutality; and Black London, which has been sealed off from the rest of the worlds after succumbing to its own magic.
In the first book, A Darker Shade of Magic, Kell travels between the different Londons and accidentally brings a dangerous artefact, a magical stone, into his home of Red London. He meets Lila Bard, a cunning thief from Grey London, who helps him navigate the politics and dangers of the magical world. Together, they must prevent the stone from falling into the wrong hands and causing chaos throughout the worlds.
The second book, A Gathering of Shadows, takes place several months after the events of the first book. Kell and Lila find themselves caught up in a magical tournament, the Elemental Games, which pits magicians from different countries against each other. Meanwhile, a powerful and dangerous force threatens to tear apart the boundaries between the different Londons.
The final book, A Conjuring of Light, brings the series to a thrilling and emotional conclusion. The characters must face their greatest challenge yet as they fight to save their worlds from destruction. Secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and sacrifices are made as Kell and Lila work to protect the people they love and the worlds they call home.
The Darker Shade of Magic series is a captivating and immersive fantasy series that has gained a large and dedicated fan base. The world-building is rich and intricate, with each London feeling distinct and fully realized. Schwab's writing is evocative and lyrical, with a strong sense of atmosphere that draws the reader in.
Titles In This Set:
- A Darker Shade Of Magic
- A Gathering Of Shadows
- A Conjuring Of Light
Description from the publisher:
A Darker Shade Of Magic
Most people only know one London, but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Travelers magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel London's. There is Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There is Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London...
A Gathering Of Shadows
Kell is plagued by his guilt. Restless and having given up smuggling, he is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila. As Red London prepares for the Element Games - an extravagant international competition of magic - a certain pirate ship draws closer. But another London is coming back to life, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning. Black London has risen again - and so to keep magic's balance, another London must fall.
A Conjuring Of Light
The precarious equilibrium among the four London's has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise. Kell-once assumed to be the last surviving, Antari-begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. Lila Bard, once a commonplace-but never common-thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery and the Night Spire crew are attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible, as an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown and a fallen hero is desperate to save a decaying world…
About the Author:
Victoria Elizabeth Schwab, better known as V.E. Schwab, is an American author born on July 7, 1987, in California, United States. She is best known for her works in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Schwab graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Her first book, The Near Witch, was published in 2011 and received critical acclaim for its haunting prose and captivating storyline. Since then, Schwab has published a number of highly successful books, including the Shades of Magic trilogy, Vicious, This Savage Song, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue- which has been an outstanding success in popularity on the social media platform TikTok.
Schwab's writing is known for its captivating characters and intricate world-building. Her stories often deal with complex themes such as power, morality, and the human condition. Her works have been translated into over twenty languages and have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Locus Award and the Goodreads Choice Award.
In addition to her writing, Schwab is also an active social media presence, with a large following on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. She is known for her candid and engaging interactions with fans and has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and representation in literature.
