The Shades of Magic legends is a fantasy series written by V.E. Schwab. The series consists of three books: A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. Set in multiple parallel universes, known as Londons, the books follow the adventures of Kell Maresh, one of the last Antari, a rare breed of magician who can travel between worlds. In this fantastical world, each London is different and has varying degrees of magic.
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Schwab s New York Times bestselling trilogy with the Shades of Magic Collector s Editions Boxed Set, featuring revamped covers, reading ribbons, stunning fan art, and exciting bonus material. Kell hails from Red London, and though he s revered as the last Antari , that rare magician who controls all elements of magic, he s still very much an outsider.
In this fantastical world, each London is different and has varying degrees of magic. There is Grey London, which has no magic and closely resembles our own Victorian era London. Red London is vibrant and rich with magic, ruled by a flourishing empire.
Shades of Magic Collector's Editions Boxed Set - by V E Schwab (Mixed Media Product)
Experience the fate of beloved heroes and notorious foes in V.E. Schwab's New York Times bestselling trilogy with the Shades of Magic Collector's Editions Boxed Set, featuring revamped covers, reading ribbons, stunning fan art, and exciting bonus material! Explore the Shades of Magic world more deeply than ever before with the help of updated glossaries of Arnesian and Antari terms and six additional stories!
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Praise for Shades of Magic Trilogy
"Addictive and immersive, this series is a must-read." --Entertainment Weekly, Grade A, on A Gathering of Shadows
"A classic work of fantasy." --Deborah Harkness, New York Times bestselling author of the All Souls trilogy
"Compulsively readable." --NPR on A Darker Shade of Magic
"Feels like a priceless object, brought from another, better world of fantasy books." --io9 on A Darker Shade of Magic
"Inventive fantasy. for Neil Gaiman fans." --The Guardian on A Darker Shade of Magic
"A Conjuring of Light is everything I wanted, desired, dreamed of-and then some." --The Booksmugglers
"Impossible to put down." --Kirkus Reviews on A Gathering of Shadows
"This is how fantasy should be done." --Publishers Weekly, starred review, on A Gathering of Shadows
"Full of magic, intrigue, adventure, deception, a bit of piracy. this will engage both adult and young adult fantasy readers alike." --Booklist on A Darker Shade of Magic
"Flawless prose. the bittersweet conclusion is a fitting one for a fantastic, emotionally rich series that redefines epic." --Publishers Weekly on A Conjuring of Light
"If you haven't picked up the Shades of Magic series before, do so. A Darker Shade of Magic is good; A Gathering of Shadows is better; A Conjuring of Light blows them both away." --Culturess on A Conjuring of Light
But I’m here to tell you that this is NOT the reason why you should be reading her Shades of Magic series. She’s more than just beautiful book covers and flashy movie deals. She’s a writer of real substance—one who is changing the game when it comes to fantasy with her unique take on magic systems, worldbuilding, and most importantly, with her ability to create three dimensional characters we really care about. You should be reading Victoria Schwab RIGHT NOW because she challenges us to examine the grey spaces that exist between traditional definitions of good and evil.
White London is a brutal and harsh place, where magic is fought over and power is constantly shifting. Lastly, there is Black London, which has been consumed by its own magic and is now closed off from the other worlds. Kell, being an Antari, is tasked with delivering messages between these Londons on behalf of the rulers. However, he also has a dangerous secret - he smuggles magical artifacts between the worlds. One day, he stumbles upon a relic from Black London and gets embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the delicate balance between the worlds. Throughout the series, Kell teams up with Lila Bard, a young thief from Grey London, who has dreams of becoming a pirate. Together, they navigate treacherous waters and face off against powerful enemies, all while discovering more about themselves and the worlds they inhabit. The Shades of Magic legends explores themes of power, identity, and the consequences of our choices. Schwab's writing is rich and imaginative, bringing to life each London with its unique atmosphere and culture. The characters are complex and relatable, with Kell and Lila being particularly compelling. The story is action-packed and filled with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the very end. Overall, The Shades of Magic legends is a gripping and enchanting series that transports readers into a world of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy literature who crave a thrilling and immersive reading experience..
Reviews for "The Shades of Magic Legends: A Love Letter to Fantasy Genre"
1. Jane Doe - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "The shades of magic legends". The plot was confusing and all over the place, with too many characters and too many storylines to follow. The world-building was also lacking, as I never felt fully immersed in the different dimensions and their unique magic systems. Additionally, I found the writing to be average at best, with clunky dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, this book just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. John Smith - 2 stars
"The shades of magic legends" was a letdown. While the concept of multiple parallel worlds and magical travel seemed intriguing, the execution fell flat. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of monotony followed by rushed action sequences. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to care about their fates. Furthermore, the dialogue felt contrived and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the story. Overall, I found this book to be lacking in substance and failed to engage me as a reader.
3. Emily Johnson - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "The shades of magic legends," but unfortunately, it fell short. The plot had potential, but it was overshadowed by the excessive info-dumping and lack of character development. The author tried to create a complex world with intricate magic systems, but it ended up being confusing and overwhelming. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with long periods of stagnation interspersed with abrupt bursts of action. While the concept was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired.
4. David Thompson - 3 stars
"The shades of magic legends" had an interesting premise, but it failed to fully deliver. The writing style was verbose and overly descriptive, slowing down the pace and making it challenging to stay engaged. The character development was also lacking, as I didn't feel a strong connection to any of the protagonists. Despite some thrilling moments, the overall experience left me feeling underwhelmed. It had potential, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations.