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 one of the last Antari, rare magicians with the unique ability to travel between these worlds. Officially, he serves the royal family of Red London as a kind of magical messenger. Unofficially, he has a dangerous hobby: smuggling small magical artifacts between worlds.

That hobby, of course, goes very wrong.

In Grey London, Kell crosses paths with Delilah Bard, a sharp-tongued thief who dreams of a life bigger than the one she’s stuck with. When a forbidden object enters the picture, the two are pulled into a race that spans worlds, involves powerful enemies, and threatens the fragile balance between the Londons themselves.

From there, the novel becomes a whirlwind of chases, uneasy alliances, and moral choices that are anything but simple.

 

My Review: A World You Want to Step Into (and Maybe Steal From)

What immediately sold me on A Darker Shade of Magic is its concept. The idea of parallel Londons with different relationships to magic is not just clever—it’s used in a way that actually shapes the story, the politics, and the characters. Each world feels distinct, with its own mood and rules, and moving between them never feels like a cheap trick or a gimmick.

Kell is a fascinating protagonist: powerful, yes, but also lonely, conflicted, and weighed down by responsibility. Lila, on the other hand, is pure momentum. She’s reckless, ambitious, and stubbornly determined to become more than what the world has decided she should be. Their dynamic is a big part of what makes the book so readable—full of tension, banter, and clashing worldviews.

The pacing is another strong point. The book never drags, but it also knows when to slow down and let the atmosphere breathe. Schwab’s writing is clean and visual, making it easy to picture the different Londons without drowning in description. Action scenes are tight and cinematic, while quieter moments still carry emotional weight.

What I appreciated most is that the story doesn’t rely on a simple good-versus-evil setup. Power has consequences here. Magic is beautiful, but it’s also dangerous, addictive, and corrupting. The villains are unsettling not just because they’re cruel, but because they represent what happens when control and balance disappear.

If I had one small caveat, it’s that some fantasy tropes will feel familiar to seasoned readers. But the execution is strong enough that it never feels tired—more like comfortingly recognizable with a fresh coat of paint.

Overall, this is the kind of book that makes you want to keep reading “just one more chapter” until you suddenly realize it’s 2 a.m.

 

About the Author

V.E. Schwab (also known as Victoria Schwab) is an American author known for writing fantasy that blends imaginative worldbuilding with emotionally complex characters. She has written both YA and adult novels, often exploring themes like identity, power, and the darker sides of magic.

Schwab has a talent for creating high-concept worlds that still feel personal and character-driven. A Darker Shade of Magic is one of her most popular works, and it’s easy to see why: it showcases her ability to combine adventurous storytelling with a slightly eerie, elegant atmosphere that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

 

For Fans Of…

If you enjoyed any of the following, there’s a very good chance A Darker Shade of Magic will be your kind of book:

• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir – for high stakes, dangerous worlds, and morally complicated choices

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – for sharp characters, banter, and a hint of criminal energy

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – for atmosphere, magic, and beautifully strange worlds

• The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco – for dark magic and a touch of elegance mixed with danger

   

   

  Final Thoughts

  A Darker Shade of Magic is a fantastic choice for readers who want adventure, character-driven fantasy, and a world that feels both enchanting and dangerous. It’s accessible without being shallow, dark without being bleak, and imaginative without losing emotional grounding.

  In short: if you’re in the mood for a story about doors between worlds, stolen magic, and people who refuse to stay in the boxes their worlds built for them, this book is well worth your time.