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  • A Darker Shade of Magic

  • Shades of Magic, Book 1
  • By: V. E. Schwab
  • Narrated by: Steven Crossley
  • Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (802 ratings)

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A Darker Shade of Magic cover art

A Darker Shade of Magic

By: V. E. Schwab
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
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Summary

A Darker Shade of Magic is the incredible first installment of the Shades of Magic series, from number one New York Times best-selling author V.E. Schwab.

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 Londons. There’s Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There’s 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....

©2015 V. E. Schwab (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A Darker Shade of Magic has all the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy. Schwab has given us a gem of a tale...." (Deborah Harkeness)

What listeners say about A Darker Shade of Magic

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I think fantasy isnt for me

V.E. Schwab is an extremely skilled and talented writer. The way she is choosing her works is mesmerising. I struggled to follow along with the story, I think my brain isnt analytical enough to comprehend high fantasy stories. The last 6 hours of the book I listened to ×3 speed. I want to read more of her work, just not something so heavy with fantasy.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting

Intriguing world building, interesting story, good pacing.
A bit rushed at some points and a couple points are forced or feels off. The narration of the magic words feels very bigger-than-life. They're flashy and weird.

Other than this and an interesting take on voicing a girl, it's very good.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

New characters to meet

A delightful escape. Hope there are more adventures to come with this unusual, magical pair.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great fun

Story was great fun but the narration was obvious - making the characters seem simplistic tropes.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting read

Im normally not very into fictional magocal books, but this one had me hooked. Cant wait to read the other two books!

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good female lead charater

if you like books without grating stereotypes this maybe for you
solid story
Good character's


think I'll be reading other books by this V.E Schwab

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this...

...but really couldn't. I don't know if it's the lackluster narration or the plot is just not that great. The only saving grace of this book was the character of Lila Bard.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

I loved this book. My wife recommended it too me and I did not regret taking her up on it. Delilah Bard is one of my favorite literary characters ever.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story and very well read!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the narrator take me on a terrific story arc. I’m looking forward to the next two books to see what happens. The book is nonetheless a complete and exciting story of magic and alternate realities in a kind of medieval worlds.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A brilliant start to the trilogy!

What a great storyline! Victoria Schwab never disappoints, she's so creative she leaves me stunned every time. The characters are brilliant and once again we have a badass female lead (my favourite kind). My only criticism is the narration of Delilah Bard by Steven, not great but I did get used to it.

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