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A Darker Shade of Magic
- Shades of Magic, Book 1
- Narrated by: Steven Crossley
- Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins
- Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Mystery
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Publisher's Summary
A Darker Shade of Magic is the incredible first installment of the Shades of Magic series, from number one New York Times best-selling author V.E. Schwab.
Most people only know one London; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Travelers - magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There’s Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There’s Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London....
Critic Reviews
"A Darker Shade of Magic has all the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy. Schwab has given us a gem of a tale...." (Deborah Harkeness)
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What listeners say about A Darker Shade of Magic
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- Anonymous User
- 28-07-20
A Darker Adventure
A man with a most unique coat who crosses worlds meets a most unique woman who can and will fight anyone who holds her back.
A trigger warning for self harm, as the power to cross worlds comes relies on blood to activate.
The magic system is fantastic to witness and easy enough to follow and the way it works in each world adds a wonderful flavour. Schwab's world building is brilliant and her language flows readily.
Any snags you may find are ironed out in the following books.
4 people found this helpful
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- Lisa
- 12-02-21
Loved everything about it.
First time listening to the audible version. it's was great! the narration really brought it to life.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 28-09-20
A good read
The story starts slowly but gradually builds into an enthralling flow. Lilia's accent got on my nerves sometimes and for me, her character could have become more rounded as the story developed. On the whole a good way to spend a cold rainy weekend.
1 person found this helpful
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- stevie rn
- 29-11-20
interesting characters
I thought this book was interesting. I found all the characters very intriguing apart from the main character, which is a shame.
The reader in my opinion did not suit the tone of this book.
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- FENARETI
- 09-11-20
I think fantasy isnt for me
V.E. Schwab is an extremely skilled and talented writer. The way she is choosing her works is mesmerising. I struggled to follow along with the story, I think my brain isnt analytical enough to comprehend high fantasy stories. The last 6 hours of the book I listened to ×3 speed. I want to read more of her work, just not something so heavy with fantasy.
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- Stephen
- 13-08-20
Excellent
On recommendation I read this and got the audiobook too. The story is excellent, drawing on an original imagining of the worlds of magic.
The performance on the audio version is first rate from Steven Crossley.
Not sure why he doesn’t do the sequels as well as they are very sub-par and involve English/London accents being performed by Americans so they are terrible. Think Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins bad! Rather ruins the sequels after you have heard Steven Crossley reading this instalment as he is excellent.
2 people found this helpful
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- Drax17
- 26-02-21
Slow start
The idea was intriguing & story was ok, but too long for me to feel invested in the story.
I did not like the female voices from the narrator.
I may continue with the series but will not be rushing for book 2.
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- Onyajay
- 11-11-20
Boring
Probably a young adult book. Couldn’t make it past 3 hrs. Good characters but not enough story early on. Great idea, I wish it ha do been better. And the narrator too slow. I had to speed him up.
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- Kindle Customer
- 27-10-20
engaging fantasy story
very dynamic fully formed and believable characters. nice story arc. would be keen to read more and revisit these characters again 👍