The Shades of Magic saga is a fantasy series written by V.E. Schwab. It consists of three books: A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. Set in parallel versions of London, the story follows the adventures of Kell, a rare magician with the ability to travel between different dimensions. **The main idea** of the series is the exploration of different versions of London, each with its own unique magical properties and societal structure.
For the future, this means that one should not pursue egoistic goals, because failure is already pre-programmed. If one does not want to fail, one should also think of the people around oneself.
The protection symbol is closely related to the Valkyries, those female legendary figures who gave strength and protection to the brave heroes of Norse mythology. The son of the Valkyries is known for his Gjallarhorn, but his sword the trident symbol is just as important, as it can be used for attack or defense, depending on the situation.
**The main idea** of the series is the exploration of different versions of London, each with its own unique magical properties and societal structure. There are four known versions: Grey London, a non-magical city similar to our own; Red London, a vibrant and rich city steeped in magic; White London, a brutal and power-hungry city where magic is scarce; and Black London, a long-lost city consumed by magic and closed off from the rest of the worlds. Kell, one of the last Antari, magicians capable of traveling between different Londons, defies the rules governing his kind and smuggles magical artifacts between the worlds.
Algiz: The Protective Rune of the Elder Futhark Unveiled
Diving once again into the captivating realm of Viking Age symbolism, we turn our attention to the Elder Futhark, the oldest runic system known to us. This post is focusing on Algiz, the fifteenth rune, second to last of the second aett, also known as the Hagall’s aett. Renowned as a symbol of protection and divine connection, it holds a special place in the annals of Old Norse mythology.
On one of his illicit journeys, he crosses paths with Delilah "Lila" Bard, a clever thief from Grey London. Their unlikely alliance leads them on a dangerous adventure filled with political intrigue, dark magic, and a fight to save all the worlds from destruction. Throughout the series, Schwab delves into themes of power, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. As Kell and Lila navigate the complex world of magic and politics, they are forced to confront their own pasts and make difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences. The Shades of Magic saga is a thrilling and immersive fantasy series that captivates readers with its vivid world-building, compelling characters, and fast-paced storytelling. Schwab's mastery of blending action, suspense, and emotion creates a gripping narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end..
Reviews for "The Shades of Magic Saga: A Blend of Magic and Politics"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I had such high hopes for "The Shades of Magic Saga" based on all the hype it received, but I was ultimately disappointed. The world-building was extensive and detailed, but it felt overwhelming at times, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, I found the pacing to be uneven, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. The characters also fell flat for me, lacking depth and development. Overall, I couldn't connect with the story and it didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Mark - 3/5 - While "The Shades of Magic Saga" had an interesting concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The writing style was often convoluted and overly descriptive, which detracted from my enjoyment of the story. The magic system, although unique, wasn't explained well enough for me to fully grasp its rules and limitations. I also felt that the plot meandered at times and didn't have a strong sense of direction. Although there were some thrilling moments, overall, I found the series to be mediocre.
3. Emily - 2.5/5 - I wanted to love "The Shades of Magic Saga," but unfortunately, I couldn't get into it. The characters felt one-dimensional and their relationships lacked depth and chemistry. The action scenes were well-written, but they couldn't make up for the lackluster character development. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some sections feeling slow and others rushed. The world-building was intricate, but it often overshadowed the actual plot. Overall, I found the series to be underwhelming and didn't connect with the story or characters.