packedjam's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
can’t say that i particularly enjoyed it but i do think i would’ve liked it more had i gone traditional book over audiobook
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Blood
ashleymg99's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A Darker Shade of Magic is a perfect read for anyone looking to take a step from YA fantasy to adult fantasy. It’s a world where magic has its own agenda, and is as dangerous as it is powerful.
Kell and Lila are a great pair, and play well off each other. The book felt like it wrapped up neatly, but not so much that it is decisively over. I am intrigued to see where the next book in the series picks up - will there be a new conflict, or a continuation of what was laid out in the first book?
Kell and Lila are a great pair, and play well off each other. The book felt like it wrapped up neatly, but not so much that it is decisively over. I am intrigued to see where the next book in the series picks up - will there be a new conflict, or a continuation of what was laid out in the first book?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/injury detail, Death, Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
lainiereads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I really enjoyed this! I was constantly being caught off guard with the plot twists, it felt like everything that happened was the worst case scenario. But it was still fun to read! I love Lila so much I want to read the rest of the series just for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Confinement, Violence, Blood, Injury/injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping and Death
Minor: Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual assault, and Self harm
kpitsker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
yaentam's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault
shaneent's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This dark urban fantasy was impossible to put down. As always, Schwab's worldbuilding and character development are impeccable, and her wordcraft is stunning. It's such a vibrant world populated with living, breathing characters, and it's so easy to lose yourself in it. I can't wait to finish reading the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
slavicjedi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, and Violence
mozimmerm's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were compelling, the plot held my interest. Would recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, and Gun violence
Minor: Abandonment
sphinxofblackquartz's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault and Self harm
librarystan's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book felt like a D&D campaign or video game plot in all the best ways. Two plucky, powerful characters are unwittingly thrust into a larger plot and team up to defeat evil and save the worlds. Fun world building and magic system, masterfully plotted. But, it also felt like the characters were always rolling nat 20s to prevail in their encounters and were only defeated if the person they were up against was much stronger. I’ll read the next ones in the series but enjoyed Addie La Rue much more for more complex characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence