Between Four Londons and One Stolen Spell: Why A Darker Shade of Magic Cast Its Spell on Me
Some fantasy novels invite you into their worlds. Others grab you by the hand and throw you headfirst through a door you didn’t even know existed. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab does very much the latter. With its clever premise, fast-paced plot, and characters who feel both sharp-edged and deeply human, this novel is an irresistible entry point into a richly imagined universe that blends adventure, danger, and a touch of chaos... The Plot (no spoilers) The story is built around a brilliant idea: there isn’t just one London. There are four. Each London exists in the same physical space but in different realities, distinguished by color and by their relationship to magic. Grey London is our familiar, magic-less world. Red London thrives on balanced, respected magic. White London is a place where magic is fought over and drains life rather than sustaining it. And then there is Black London—sealed off long ago and spoken of only in fearful whispers. Kell is...