Book Review: A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

*** This is the third book in a trilogy so if you have not read A Darker Shade of Magic or A Gathering of Shadows be careful of potential spoilers. Also, what are you waiting for? That series is amazing! Here is my review for the first book. You should read it. ***

Title: A Conjuring of Light Series: Shades of Magic #3 Written by: V.E. Schwab Published: February 21, 2017 by Tor (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Witness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.  THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED...  The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.  WHO WILL CRUMBLE?  Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?  WHO WILL RISE?  Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.  WHO WILL TAKE CONTROL?  And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay.

A Conjuring of Light was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and I was both excited and incredibly nervous to read it. But it was everything I wanted it to be and more. It's a thrilling read with amazing characters, a fantastic world, and a plot full of action and adventure.

First things first, I absolutely love the world of this series. It's such a fascinating alternative universe/world within a world kind of setting and that really is one of my favorite kind of worlds. The amazing thing about this series is that it takes it a step further by having each world have a different relationship with magic. So much about this world is about magic though and I love the exploration of the magic here. It's kind of a variation of elemental magic but it's still really interesting and creative. I loved seeing the magic in order, especially Antari magic. But seriously there is so much magic here, but are you surprised? The series is called "Shades of Magic." But the magic and the world here is amazing.

But I think my favorite this about this series is the characters. From the very beginning I was hooked on Kell, Lila, Rhy, and Alucard and this book only deepened that. There is just something about them that makes you root for them to succeed. They're complex and interesting characters that are not completely good which I really like. There is a darkness and danger in them that makes them unlikely heroes, which makes me root for them even more. And they are all just so badass.

But I think even better than the characters themselves is the character development. Throughout this book and this series we learn so much about the characters but they learn even more about themselves. Their experiences and the things they learn teach them so much that they develop into someone almost completely different, in the best possible way. Probably the best example of this is Holland. Holland's development was just amazing in this book and I think I might have become a big fan of his after this book. But Lila also has great development. And Rhy! Oh man. They all really did.

The other amazing developments throughout this book is the plot. I'll tell you one thing, Victoria Schwab sure know how to write a thrilling book. This one resolved a lot of my criticism of the second book in the series and instead brought things back to the high stakes adventure of the first book. It definitely built to an exciting conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention that there were so many moments throughout the book that had me reeling. As a plot-driven reader I really loved the way this developed. When I dove into it I really did not want to stop.

However, there was one thing about the story that I didn't like was the pacing. For the most part it was paced really well. It slowly built to the climax with a few bumps and action bursts along the way but there were a few lulls for me. Plus there was a ton of falling action. I get that this is the last book in a trilogy and you want to wrap stuff up but at some point I was just ready for it to be over and there was still a lot of book left. It just reached a point where I didn't feel like the plot was actually moving along but the book wasn't done yet. But in the end. more of these characters was okay by me.

A Conjuring of Light was an absolutely amazing book and it was everything I was hoping it to be. This series is without a doubt a new favorite. It's full of brilliant and interesting magic, action and adventure, has memorable and complex characters, and a thrilling plot.

I give A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab 9.5 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! Seriously, buy this book. If you loved the first two books in this series you will not be disappointed by this one. It's brilliant and amazing. And if you haven't read this series and you like fantasy, what are you waiting for? It's everything!\\

Have you read A Conjuring of Light? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: A Conjuring of Light Series: Shades of Magic #3 Author: V.E. Schwab Published: February 21, 2016 by Tor (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: The battle between four magical Londons comes to a head in this stunning finale to the New York Times bestselling Shades of Magic trilogy by rising star V. E. Schwab  London's fall and kingdoms rise while darkness sweeps the Maresh Empire—and the fraught balance of magic blossoms into dangerous territory while heroes and foes struggle alike. The direct sequel to A Gathering of Shadows, and the final book in the Shades of Magic epic fantasy series, A Conjuring of Light sees Schwab reach a thrilling culmination concerning the fate of beloved protagonists—and old enemies

Why I'm Waiting:

This could come as no surprise to those of you who know me well. I mean I am a huge fan of Victoria Schwab's books, particularly this one. A Darker Shade of Magic was my favorite book of 2015 and A Gathering of Shadows is in my top books of 2016 so naturally I am super excited about the final book in this trilogy.

But let's be real, I am mostly in need of this book because of the way that the last book ended. Talk about a cliffhanger! Victoria has said before that she doesn't like leaving books on cliffhangers but this time she did it in the meanest way possible. It's like she was saving up her cliffhangers until she had the best possible one and then hit us readers with it.

But even without that part I would still be really excited about this book. I am so in love with these books. The plot is thrilling and engaging, the characters are complex and odious, the world is unique and fascinating. In short it has basically everything. It's a new favorite when it comes to fantasies and I am insanely excited to find out how it all ends.

I have of course preordered a copy of this book because I am that excited to read it. It is probably my most anticipated books for the first half of 2017. I know that it is going to rip my heart out because seriously, how can it end well, but I am ready for the pain.

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting on A Conjuring of Light along with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

Title: A Gathering of Shadows Series: Shades of Magic #2 Written by: V.E. Schwab Published: February 23, 2016 by Tor (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.  In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.  But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

GIVE ME A MINUTE! I have still not come to terms with the way this book ended and it's been 72 hours. I mean it was absolutely brilliant and an amazing sequel to a book that I loved but I want more, I need more. I am ravenous in my desire for these characters, this world, and the knowledge about them.

My favorite thing about this book is the characters. I fell for them in A Darker Shade of Magic and in A Gathering of Shadows I fell deeper in love with them and their darkness and complexity. The main characters in this book are dealing with the backlash of what happened in the first book. Kell has always been serious and cautious and after what happened in the first book he is even more so but he also has some reckless moments that lead to some more consequences. It was great seeing Kell at his best and his worse. But it was even better to see Lila in the same capacity. She's such an amazing roguish character which I especially love because she's female. Here we get to see her as a for real pirate which was amazing. She's tough, smart, and snarky. She has some great development in this book and I am so excited to learn more about her history and her relationship with magic. Then there is Rhy. He takes a more prominent role here and it's amazing. He's sweet and funny but being in his head you get this sense that he will never be enough. And the pain of what happened in the last book is still wearing on him and taking away some of his effervescence. It made him all the more sympathetic. But there were also some great new characters like Alucard Emery who is even more of a lovable rogue. He's a charming pirate who's a brilliant element magician who has great relationships with all our characters.

In fact it's these relationships that make the characters even more fantastic. If you were to ask who I shipped in this book I would say that everyone. I ship a polyamorous love fest between all the characters. Their interaction as so brilliant. There is so much going on between all of them. Kell and Rhy have such an great relationship, you could call it a bromance or brotherly love but it doesn't matter as long as you admit it's amazing. Despite some challenging moments it comes out even stronger and you know they will always be there for each other. And despite the fact that Kell and Lila are apart, you get the same sense from those two. They spend a lot of the book pining for one another and when they are together they fought a lot but they make such a good team. Then there is Alucard who has a great friendship with Lila and history with Rhy that makes for a delightful reunion much to Kell's chagrin and my pleasure. Some of the relationships definitely get tested here bur it makes for such a complex book.

Other than the characters, I have always been blown away by Schwab's world building and her ability to create interesting and complex worlds. She once again proved that she is a master at crafting a fantasy world in this book. In AGOS we spend most of our time in Red London but there are some great moments in Grey London and White London that add context and intrigue to the larger plot of the book. But here the exploration wasn't so much about the other worlds, but the magic of the world. Magic has always been kind of a dark force here. And though there was less focus on power and control there were moments about the negative affects of magic on people. It has it's benefits but as Kell often reminds us, it comes at a price and we have to treat it with respect. The best part of the magic though was that we get to see much more elemental magic with the Essen Tasch, or Elemental Games. It had a very Avatar: The Last Airbender (like very Legend of Korra pro-bending) feel to it which was amazing and the fight scenes were fantastic and action packed moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. I continue to be blown away by the world(s) of this series and I cannot wait to explore it more in the next and final book.

And while I did really enjoy the plot development of AGOS, it was the part of the book that I didn't enjoy as much as the rest. This very much felt like a middle book in a trilogy. It connected events from the first book in what is sure to be an epic conclusion to the series but it didn't have as much of it's own self-contained plot which I usually prefer when it comes to books in a series. And yes, that individual plot point of Essen Tasch was great and interesting, that was only the tip of the iceberg for the plot of this book. But in general I felt like at times this was asking more questions than it was answering. And it definitely dragged out some reveals for questions that were brought up in the first book. Not to mention that cliffhanger that left me staring at the book in desperate need of more words. But that being said, it was full of action and adventure and crazy plot twists that had me shocked and excited, including the ones that I predicted.

On the whole this book was a brilliant sequel to a phenomenal book. This series is absolutely a new favorite for me and I cannot wait to see where it goes. It is full of amazing and complex characters, a interesting world full of dark magic, and a plot full of mystery and adventure.

I give A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab 9.5 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! If you loved A Darker Shade of Magic than you absolutely need to read this book for more of Kell, Lila, Rhy, and the magic of Red London. If you haven't read ADSOM and you like fantasy then don't even think twice about picking this book up. It's brilliant and amazing.

Have you read A Gathering of Shadows? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

On Rereads: The Reckoners and A Darker Shade of Magic

On Rereads is a monthly feature on My Thoughts Lit where I talk about the books I reread during the month. It's an opportunity to share some new thoughts on a book I read before and usually to prepare for a new release. For the foreseeable future I plan to do one reread a month so I want to share my thoughts on these books the second time around.

All the amazing books are coming out in the next couple months, amiright? In particular, there are some great sequels and series enders coming out in February, many of which are on my most anticipated books of the year. So to prepare I am reareading the books in their series. As usually these are my audiobooks for the month. But here is my thoughts on these rereads....

The Reckoners Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

Steelheart -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)
Mitosis -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible)
Firefight -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

I am so freaking obsessed with this series. It will always hold a special place in my heart for being my first Brandon Sanderson book. The rest is history but this is the book that started it all. So with Calamity coming out I knew I needed to reread the first books in the series to refresh my memory.

It was honestly a really great choice because these books are so well-plotted with amazing plot twists and big reveals that I was reeling from even the second time around. I remembered a lot of the big stuff but small details had escaped me. Rereading it allowed me to come up with these super harebrained theories about how it will all end. I started Calamity a few days ago and one of my theories has already been proven wrong but this is Brandon Sanderson so I shouldn't be all that surprised.

But what I really liked about this reread was the audio. MacLeod Andrews, the narrator, is a genius. Steelheart is one of my all-time favorite audiobooks and he is a big part of that. Like all really good narrators he does a fantastic job of creating different characters. I love the way he creates David's awkwardness and humor, Megan's jaded snark, and Prof's turmoil and gruff caring. Plus Cody and Abraham! GAH! I had never listened to Firefight before so I was really excited to here the narration for it and wow, was it amazing! I'm reading Calamity but I like the audio so much that down the line I may listen to it too.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Scwab
(Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

This book, ugh, you guys. It's so good. It was my favorite book of 2015 and quickly became a new favorite when I read it last year. It's so freaking amazing. The world is so complex and compelling, the characters are interesting and likable, and the plot is so freaking engaging. I'm super excited for A Gathering of Shadows coming out in less than a week!

Usually with rereads I am excited to read them because I forget little detail about the book and I need a refresher. And that definitely happened here but I remembered a lot more than I thought I did. But because I knew what was coming I felt like I had less patience for the exposition. Now don't get me wrong, I love the world building here but I spent a lot of the beginning thinking "when are Kell and Lila going to meet? When are they doing to Red London? I HAVE FEELINGS!"

But I think that maybe that was because I didn't totally love the audiobook, which made me kind of sad. I was so excited to listen to it because the plot of this book is so amazing and engaging. But the audio slowed things down a little too much for me. The speed was just too even keeled. This is an action-packed book and the narrator had the same tone during exciting action scenes as it did for easy-going explanations. I like my narrators to set the tone for the book and this didn't really do  that for me. And I didn't love the different voices for the characters. Kell was good, Rhy was fun, the voices for Holland and the Danes was not great, but Lila did not work for me at all. It wasn't bad, I just didn't love it.

But despite the fact that I didn't love the audio, I am really glad that I reread this one. I am now totally ready for A Gathering of Shadow. I need more Kell, Lila, and Rhy in my life. *prepares to have mind blown and feels destroyed.*

Have you read the The Reckoners trilogy or A Darker Shade of Magic? Did you reread in preparation for their series conclussions? Have you done any rereads lately? What books? Do you like doing rereads or not? Tell me why.  Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Crossing Over: Dimensional Travel

It's time for this month's edition of Crossing Over. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature where I recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that is similar. It's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So because this is Time Travel/Dimensional Travel month I decided to go with two books that are pretty fantastic and fit the theme. I was considering doing some of the books I actually reviewed this month (specifically A Thousand Pieces of You) but it felt like overkill so I picked a few that I talk about a lot but whatever.

His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

His Dark Materials is a series about a multiverse and dimensional travel. While the first book is a lot of set up, the second book takes us to multiple Oxfords and different worlds where it analyzes how and why things may have evolved based on subtle changes in the world's composition. There is a lot of analysis over power and spiritual ideas about the soul and it's relationship with humanity. On top of that it has some really amazing characters that you will instantly fall in love with including a plucky heroine who speaks her mind, a strong hero that balances her out really well, and a devious villain that you love to hate. This is one of my all-time favorite series because how well-plotted and complex it is as individual books as well as a series. And don't let the fact that it's middle grade fool you, it's super dark and complex. If you haven't read it, you must.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

I've been thinking a lot about this book with A Gathering of Shadows coming in about a month. It is a brilliant series about a multiverse and dimensional travel. It takes us to multiple Londons and different worlds where it analyzes how and why things may have evolved based on subtle changes in the world's composition specifically their relationship with magic. There is a lot of analysis over power, magic, and it's relationship with humanity. On top of that it has some really amazing characters that you will instantly fall in love with including a badass heroine who speaks her mind, a strong hero that balances her out really well, and devious villains that you love to hate. This quickly became a favorite series because of how well-plotted and complex it is as individual books as well as a series. It's a dark and complex fantasy. If you haven't read it, you must.

These are both amazing examples of how dimensional travel can go so well. You don't always have to make huge changes to the worlds. Sometimes the smaller more subtle differences make things more dramatic and interesting. But what really makes these series so good is the characters. They're likable and complex with strengths and weaknesses. The two protagonists make an amazing team and balance one another out really well. Plus, let's be real... Lyra Belacqua and Lila Bard are some of my all-time favorite strong female characters. Plus the plot development is top notch with specific plots for each book and larger plot points for the series. I cannot wait to see where things go in A Gathering of Shadows but I know I will love it because Victoria Schwab is a fantastic writer. These are some of my favorite characters and I would definitely recommend them to fantasy or even science fiction fans.

Have you read His Dark Materials and/or A Darker Shade of Magic? What did you think? What fantasy and dimensional travel crossovers do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

This is about the second book in a series so beware of spoilers! (Like in the synopsis). If you haven't read ADSOM do it and come back. Here's my review to encourage you - READ IT

Title: A Gathering of Shadows Series: A Darker Shade of Magic #2 Author: V.E. Schwab Published: February 23, 2015 by Tor (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London. In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port. But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

Why I'm Waiting 

I was originally planning on doing a different book for today's WoW but then I got my postcards from the pre-order contest for A Gathering of Shadows so I was had to push this up in the plan because, wow I am so excited about this book. So far A Darker Shade of Magic is my favorite read of 2015 [MY REVIEW]. And there is some serious competition for that spot. But despite having read ADSOM in February I can't help but still gush about how amazing it is. It is one of the most creative fantasies I have read in a long time.

One of the things I loved about ADSOM and I'm excited for this book is the characters. I seriously cannot explain how much I love Lila Bard and how excited I am to see her develop in this book. I want to see Lila as a pirate but I also want to see other magically related things. Plus Kell and Rhys and the new characters. And the shipping you guys. I love them all.

But the best part of this series is the world building. Four different Londons with very different views and experiences with magic. Plus, did you read the synopsis? BLACK LONDON IS BACK! This is going to get dark and epic and amazing. I can't wait.

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Have you read A Darker Shade of Magic? Are you waiting on A Gathering of Shadows along with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic Series: A Darker Shade of Magic #1 Author: V.E Schwab Published: February 24, 2015 by Tor Book (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Kell is one of the last Travelers--magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes--as such, he can choose where he lands. Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.  Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.  But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

This book is sheer and utter brilliance. There's no other way to describe it. It's dark, complex, and captivating. The worlds and world-building is incredible, the plot is thrilling and enthralling, and the characters are interesting and likable. Everything about it amazing.

One of the most brilliant things of this book is the world and magical system that Victoria Schwab has created. It's incredibly hard to explain either of these things because they are so complex, but that's what makes them so interesting. The larger world of the books has a creative and complex history and lore to it, the kind of world that you want to learn more about while you question everything. One of the interesting things about the history of the world is the magical system. As the synopsis explains, this is a book about a man who can travel between worlds. This travelling is very specific kind of magic with clear rules and guidelines, which is always the best kind. But there is also a few different systems at play depending on which London you are in.

Speaking of those Londons, each one we visit is unlike the previous one, and all of them are such interesting places. The Londons she created are a spectrum of views on magic. Each different world explores the idea of magic and it's relationship to humanity. Either they favor magic, they favor humanity, or they attempt some sort of balance between the two. The characters who live in these Londons embody that idea. The more they favor magic over people, the more they strive for power and control. What I loved about the first V.E. Schwab book I read was her analysis of good and evil. We have that again but here it's in relationship to magic. That is absolutely one of my favorite things about modern fantasy novels. It's no longer the norm that magic solves all our problems. Now magic can either corrupt or fight corruption. It's that darker and more devious magic that makes things more interesting and allows for some really complex heroes. Heroes who have to live in a grey moral sphere while still standing up for what they believe in and helping others.

Which of course means that now I have to mention the absolutely amazing characters that this book introduced us to. Every character in this book is odious and complex, which you know I totally love. Our main characters are the mysterious and brilliant Kell and the fearsome and tough Lila. I adore them both, but for very different reasons. Which is probably because they are very different people. Kell is the more serious and stoic one where Lila is more effervescent and reckless. After all, she is an aspiring pirate. What I liked so much about Lila is that she's basically the lovable rogue in this scenario. They both have elements of that trope but she's the one that really embodies it, and it's impressive to see a female character like that. Kell and Lila apart are great but together they are even better, they make an incredible team and part of that is because of their differences leading to some amazing banter. Then of course there are the amazing secondary characters. Each London has a unique and interesting leader. My personal favorites are the charming prince of Red London, Rhy, and the devious and creepy twins, Astrid and Athos Dane, who rule White London. There's also the dubious and layered traveler from White London Holland and a very sinister and complicated antagonist. Every character we meet is interesting and likable even in a love to hate them sort of way.

When it comes right down to it, A Darker Shade of Magic is an expertly crafted novel that captured my interest from beginning to end. It's a plot-driven story that is both thrilling and complex. It takes a rare book to be so good that I don't want to keep reading. No, not because I want to savor it, that's not my style. In the case of A Darker Shade of Magic, it was so good and pulse-poundingly exciting that I couldn't continue, I was too anxious, too excited. The pacing was exactly how I like it, slowly building to a thrilling climax that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Sure, the beginning was a lot of world-building but the worlds were so fascinating and the characters were so intriguing I never felt the book drag at all. And like all good fantasy there were moments that seemed insignificant peppered throughout the story that ended up making a big impact at the end.  But what I loved most about it, was that there wasn't a cliffhanger. It wrapped everything up but still left so many unanswered questions that I cannot wait for the next book.

Very simply this book is perfection. It's everything I love in any book I read but especially in fantasy. The worlds are captivating, the magic is specific and interesting, the plot is enthralling, and the characters are complicated and fantastic. Everything about this book is fantastic.

I give A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab a 10 out of 10

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! Is this even a question? If I could make this review say three words, they would be "Flawless. Buy it." This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of fantasy (I mean it's a must read for everyone, but still). It is the perfect example of the modern fantasy that I love. Dark and dramatic with enthralling worlds, a magical system that is complex and unique, and characters you can't help but love.

Waiting on Wednesday - A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic Series: A Darker Shade of Magic #1 Author: V.E. Scwab (aka Victoria Schwab) Published: February 24, 2015 by Tor Books (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: From V.E. Schwab, the critically acclaimed author of Vicious, comes a new universe of daring adventure, thrilling power, and parallel Londons, beginning with A Darker Shade of Magic.  Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes—as such, he can choose where he lands.  There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there’s Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne—a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London...but no one speaks of that now.  Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see—a dangerous hobby, and one that has set him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations, who first robs him, then saves him from a dangerous enemy, and then forces him to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.  But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—and that is proving trickier than they hoped

Why I'm Waiting 

You had me at perilous magic, nope you had me WAY before that! I've been really into books about parallel universes lately. I mean I say that, but I haven't really read any. They just sound really appealing and interesting. I'm planning to read at least one maybe more books about parallel universes in December when I do a SciFi themed month. I love the concept of this one too. Three different London's each more dubious than the last.

I loved Vicious, Victoria Schwab's other adult book because of it's intricate world-building and complex characters that walk the line between good and evil. That writing with this concept? Yup, need it in my life! Speaking of the characters I love the sound of Kell, a great name to begin with (am I right Sanderson Army?), and the fact that he is an ambassador that is also a smuggler. I love a good heist plotline and there this sounds like it can only end traumatically after all kinds of fun shenanigans!

I am so on board for so much of this book. I was approved for the preview on NetGalley (go request it) and while I wish it was the entire book, I am really okay with the 130 or so pages. I mean any amount of this book I can read early I am cool with! I need it so bad! It has taken all my self control to not start reading it immediately.

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting for A Darker Shade of Magic with me? Did you also get approved on NetGalley for the preview? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!