Book review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Magic, Intrigue, Princes, and Thieves all come together in the intricate setting of London for this high-stakes fantasy adventure perfect for anyone who loves to get lost in a great read. 

The old saying "Never judge a book by it's cover" has been repeated so many times we almost believe it. Thankfully, the team at Tom Doherty Associates developed the PERFECT cover for ADSOM. Not only is it eye-catching, it is also very reflective of the story it holds within. 

Kell is an Antari, one of only two remaining who can travel between worlds. It takes a bit of blood magic to create a door between one London and another; however, once a door has been made, it will always remain and then only a few spoken words and a call bit of blood are necessary to complete the travel. Kell comes from Red London, where magic thrives, and there is also a Grey London, which does not have any magic and is very similar to our London; White London which has very little magic remaining and due to a power struggle; and Black London which is presumed destroyed after corrupt magic consumed it, although no one has tried to enter since. 

Transference of items between the worlds is forbidden and anyone caught doing so would be a traitor; however, Kell has created a business out of meeting collectors and enthusiasts of magical artifacts and selling items from Red London. When he is deceived into taking a dangerous item, he runs into Delilah Bard. Thinking Kell an easy target, Delilah pickpockets him and secures her role in saving their worlds. Delilah is perhaps my favorite character with her witty, no-nonsense attitude and her kick-butt antics. She is sharp, quick, and stubborn to her core, but she is also true to herself which allows her to remain open to learning and growing.

While we are only introduced to parts of each London, there is great world-building throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I felt immersed in the story and attached to the characters. Kell and Delilah are not typical hero and heroine so I was able to go into the story without feeling like I knew the direction it would go. The magic system created by the author was well developed so I was able to follow along and not feel pulled out of the story while trying to understand how it worked. I did have high expectations for this book since it is by Victoria Schwab and it received so much hype. I have to say that for me, it totally hit the mark.

Book Review: Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

*My Review*

Snyder, Maria V. Shadow Study. 416p. ebook available. Mira. February 2015. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9780778317401. Science Fiction/Fantasy. Gr 10 up.

Snyder goes back to the world of Sitia and Ixia in this fourth installment in the Study series. Readers follow Yelena and Valek on a new adventure and most will even recognize one of the villains from the previous books. Yelena transitions from being the all-powerful Soulfinder to relying on instinct when her powers are neutralized. Valek, on the other hand, may have come face to face with his replacement when he finds a young woman in the Commander’s chamber after breaking through his lax security. Now, he must decide if this newcomer is worth training or if she is a threat of a different kind. Ari and Janco are not to be left out and slide into their familiar banter with little effort. They provide comedic relief for the otherwise stressful situations that arise from being friends with one of the most powerful magicians in Sitia.


Fans of the series will enjoy being back in this world; moreover, they will be ready for the next installment as Snyder leaves it on quite the cliffhanger. Readers will have an easy time catching up on what’s been going on with the characters since Fire Study through the detailed back story that Snyder weaves in. This is very helpful for readers who may be reading out of order or didn’t read the other books in the Study series and Glass series before picking this up. Snyder's writing style, world building, and character development from Poison Study to Shadow Study have really developed into one that will pull you in and keep you there until long after the last page.


*Back Jacket (source Maria V. Snyder)*

Once, only her own life hung in the balance...


Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she'd survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.


Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek's job—and his life—are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret—or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is—while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.


Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous...