Four Londons, living side by side on adjacent – yet independent – universe planes. Red London, home to magic and wonder; Gray London, a world very similar to our own; White London, one I have no wish to ever visit; and Black London. The less said about the last, the better.

V.E. Schwab paints a thrilling and wonderful landscape of elemental magic, combined with alternate universes – subtracting the different versions of the same person bit. With only two people able to travel between the Londons, it’s no wonder they tended to stay separated from each other. Until, danger threatens them all.

Three books, three very different impressions. But in general, a very enjoyable read. More details below!

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Spoiler-Free Thoughts:

A Darker Shade of Magic

What a start. It was the first fantasy book of Schwab’s I’d read, and she did not disappoint. Lila Bard is the type of grey female character I love, with her own code of morals and her unwillingness to accept other’s BS. Kell, one of the few who can travel between the worlds, definitely had his hands full when she dropped into his path. A fun starting adventure in the universe, it didn’t necessarily keep me hurrying to discover every secret, but I appreciated reading it, nonetheless.

A Gathering of Shadows

Now this one was slow. For chapters and chapters, we are told about this magnificent competition between the best magic-users in all of Red London and its surrounding kingdoms. But it took over half the book to get to it. And the end result was… frankly somewhat disappointing. But still, it not only welcomes one of my favorite characters, but it dives into the mind of another, a very certain younger brother. My least favorite of the three, but the mere fact that it includes a magical competition earns it points. Sets up the third book quite nicely.

A Conjuring of Light

The third and final book, Conjuring was the perfect end. With dives into intriguing characters’ heads, a high-seas adventure for lost treasure, and legends being created right at home, it certainly kept me on my toes. I’m only sad it’s over.

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Spoilery Thoughts:

Rhys and Kell! A sibling relationship that wasn’t about them hating each other and trying to kill each other in fantasy? Say it ain’t so! Though there’s hints of jealousy and anger from one to the other, it’s nothing I wouldn’t expect from siblings. It’s not often I really love a familial relationship – often because they just aren’t there! – in a fantasy book, but this was great. Siblings that will argue until kingdom come, but when death comes knocking, they’ll support and help each other? Sign me up.