Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (preview provided by Netgalley)

I’m not going to give this one a star rating, because I only got to read a preview, but from what I read, I really enjoyed it.

I met Victoria Schwab back in 2011 at the Auburn Writers Conference, where I interned in college. I got to introduce her to the audience at one of the Writer Talks (It still makes me nervous thinking about that) and she was very sweet and intelligent (she is only a few years older than me, but man has she got her sh*t together better than me). The Near Witch had just come out and I got it signed by her. I’ve followed her work since then, and am really excited for A Darker Shade of Magic  to come into the world (Pub. date 2-24-15)

From the first sentence, I was entranced. It deals with all my favorite things: London, magic, royal families, and trench coats. I cannot wait to read the full book in February.

Check it the summary from Goodreads:

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London – but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her ‘proper adventure’.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

Definitely put it on your radar!