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A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
4.0
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

'π‘Ίπ’π’Žπ’† 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 π’”π’•π’‚π’š π’‚π’π’Šπ’—π’†, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 π’”π’π’Žπ’† 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 π’‚π’π’Šπ’—π’†. π‘Ίπ’Šπ’Žπ’‘π’π’† 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.'

'𝑡𝒐 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏 π’Šπ’” π’•π’“π’–π’π’š π’˜π’Šπ’•π’‰π’π’–π’• π’Žπ’‚π’ˆπ’Šπ’„'

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Four Londons exist in parallel worlds. The once existing doors between them closed when a black magic destroys one and threatens the wellbeing of the remaining three. Only a select number of people, Antari, have the magic to be able to move between the three. When an Antari, Kell, comes into possession of a relic from dead Black London, all remaining realms are at risk of being destroyed by the powerful source of magic. Can Kell control the magic, or will it take control of him?

I had no expectations about this book and I had a really great time reading it.

Kell and Lila are really fun protagonists, they are lively and spirited and fun to read. I also loved Rhy and had a worrying soft spot for Holland (but Daddy I love him). 

The world building was *so* unique, such a great concept - I've read a lot of parallel universe stories recently and this one does it well. I'd like more though, it's very geographically limited *within* each realm, though obviously our temporal geography is much greater. But I wanted more world. This is a series, so hopefully more to come.

The writing is snappy. The chapters are short. It's a super digestible read. 

My only issue really, and it's a personal one and nothing to do with the quality of the book - I really dislike mistaken identities. Like I hate when people body swap. It brings me out in a cold sweat and I don't usually find it enjoyable. It wasn't a huge part of this but parts of the plot did hinge on it which I don't love.

Really recommend if you're looking for a unique concept and something quick and attention grabbing.