A review by mxdegroot
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

V. E. Schwab never misses.

I honestly have no idea where to start, so I'm just going to very intensely recommend this book. The masterful world-building, beautiful character development, perfectly tied together plotlines, unforgiving scenes, twists and deaths, and especially the fact that every character faces the consequences of their actions, and the trauma of saving a life and the cost it brought in that instance is not overlooked. This entire trilogy is absolute perfection, so just read it.

“I apologize for anything I might have done. I was not myself.”
“I apologize for shooting you in the leg.” said Lila. “I was myself entirely.” 

“Are you ready ?" she asked, spinning the chamber.
Kell gazed through the gate at the waiting castle. "No."
At that, she offered him the sharpest edge of a grin.
"Good," she said. "The ones who think they're ready always end up dead.”