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Shades of Magic Book 4, also known as "A Conjuring of Light," is the final installment in the Shades of Magic trilogy written by V.E. Schwab. This fantasy novel continues the story of Kell, a powerful magician with the ability to travel between parallel worlds, and Lila, a cunning thief with a knack for survival. The book starts immediately after the events of book 3, where the worlds of Red London, White London, and Black London collide, threatening to destroy everything in their wake. Kell and Lila, along with their allies, must find a way to save their homes and put an end to the dangerous magic that is spreading.

Many herbs, including vervain (Verbena officinalis), sage (Salvia apiana), elder (Sambucus nigra) and, of course, St John’s wort (Hypericum) are believed to reach the peak of their powers on the feast of St John. Counterintuitively, it is recommended to cut weeds on the full moon nearest 22 June as they will be at their weakest. Rain on St Swithin’s Day, 15 July, will bless the apple orchard – though, traditionally, if it does rain that day, it will continue to rain for 39 more.

Rain on St Swithin s Day, 15 July, will bless the apple orchard though, traditionally, if it does rain that day, it will continue to rain for 39 more. Wise women, apothecaries, witches, herbalists whatever you call them, those who cultivate plants for their fabled mystical and healing properties have existed for thousands of years.

Kell and Lila, along with their allies, must find a way to save their homes and put an end to the dangerous magic that is spreading. Throughout the story, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with enchanting magic, intense battles, and complex characters. The author deftly explores the themes of power, sacrifice, and the darkness that resides within all of us.

Witching Herbs and their Lore

When I started my herbal adventure many years ago, I was drawn to unusual herbal topics. Oh, I made my vinegars (still do) and my wreaths. My cooking was much improved. But as my herbal interests broadened and my library grew and grew and grew, I became fascinated by the history and lore of herbs.

With fall comes the witching season. What better time to explore some of the witching herbs? While many of the plants in our gardens can be used for charms and spells, some are truly sinister plants that every self-respecting witch needs.

Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) … In ancient times this plant was used as an aphrodisiac and treatment for infertility. It was mentioned in Genesis when the childless Rachel asked Leah for some of the mandrakes (likely the fruit) she has gathered. It must have worked since she subsequently gave birth to Joseph. Pieces of mandrake were found in the Egyptian tombs and it was mentioned in the Ebers papyrus. How is came to be associated with magic may be lost in the mists of time but someone noticed the resemblance of the root to the shape of a man and a new charm was born.

Recall from Harry Potter how the plant screams when removed from the ground. This ear-piercing scream was said to be able to kill whomever tried to remove it. So, a special procedure was devised. Three circles were drawn around the plant for protection. Then, the soil was loosened around the plant and a black dog was tied to the plant. The witch stepped out of the circle and called the dog which pulled up the plant. In some telling of the tale, the dog would live if it stayed in the first circle but in most the dog was sacrificed to obtain the plant.

As if it wasn’t difficult enough to obtain a mandrake, a special procedure was needed to maintain it. It must be bathed in wine, wrapped in white silk then covered with a black velvet coat. Each week it should be bathed and the bedding and silk changed.

Perhaps all of this was worthwhile since mandrake was believed to contain the red earth of paradise which was necessary to produce the philosopher’s stone. Oh, and it also made one invincible in battle.

Wolfsbane (Aconitum lycoctonum) … Closely related to monkshood (Aconitum napellus), wolfsbane contains aconitine, a deadly poison, and was considered the most dangerous of all the magical herbs. This baleful plant was made by Hecate from the foaming mouth of Cerberus the three-headed dog who guarded the gates of the underworld.

If you have a stray lizard around, you can bind wolfsbane with the skin of your lizard and you will become invisible. Then think of all the candy you could snatch on Halloween. If you are plagued by vampires and werewolves this is the plant for you since it is an effective deterrent.

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) … The plant looks and smells of death, perhaps because its favorite home is graveyards. Legend has it that henbane seeds were smoked by the Oracle of Delphi to increase his prophetic powers. Meanwhile the Celts considered it sacred to Bel, their god of prophecy.

Henbane contains atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine which in large doses increase the heart rate. They also cause dry mouth, dilated pupils, weakness and agitated excitement. The herb can produce the sensation of the soul separating from the body and flying through the skies. It can also produce a sense of body dissolution and erotic hallucinations. Then, when it wears off the person remembers nothing of what has happened.

(It is interesting to note that atropine is used in medicine to increase the heart rate and scopolamine was a component of “twilight sleep” formerly administered to women in labor so they did not remember childbirth.)

Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) and mandrake all contain atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. The plants and sometimes a bit of opium and fly agaric were included in flying ointments. This was a dangerous brew indeed. Undoubtedly some witches got to the other side in a way they never intended.

If all this seems a bit frightening, just remember that you can keep witches away by throwing a yarrow leaf into the fire or by rubbing your floor with rue.

Andrea Jackson, R.N., is a master gardener with a certificate in sustainable horticulture. She has more than 30 years’ experience studying, lecturing and loving herbs. She belongs to the Herb Society of America, American Herbalist’s Guild and Piccadilly Herb Club, and the American Botanical Council.

One of the significant aspects of the book is the development of the relationship between Kell and Lila. As their bond grows stronger, they must confront their feelings for each other amidst the chaos that surrounds them. Their respective character arcs are brought to satisfying conclusions, as they learn to accept themselves and their flaws. The world-building in "A Conjuring of Light" is another highlight of the book. Schwab paints vivid and immersive pictures of the different Londons, each with its unique characteristics and dangers. From the vibrant streets of Red London to the desolate wasteland of Black London, readers are transported to these fantastical worlds. The action sequences in the book are gripping and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Schwab masterfully weaves together suspense, danger, and emotion, creating an intense reading experience. Overall, "Shades of Magic Book 4: A Conjuring of Light" is a thrilling conclusion to the Shades of Magic series. It offers a satisfying end to the story while leaving room for the imagination to wander. V.E. Schwab's writing shines once again, making this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure..

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