The magic system was also quite interesting and I admired the use of verbal magic in combination, as with the Antari, of blood. The ultimate major problem that is planted in the first book and eventually grows in the second and third is dealt with in such a way that it was satisfying and the resolution in the third book was gratifying. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the trilogy. There are many interesting characters you will find in this world (all four, actually) and I found them to be well-written, fleshed out, and 3-D if you will. The three books have three different plots or problems which need to be resolved and are sequential, meaning book 2 starts off where book 1 leaves off, and book 2 *mini spoiler* has a major cliffhanger so I suggest you have book 3 on hand because you are going to want to dive right into book 3 immediately.

Kell is an Antari which means he is the strongest of magicians and can use his blood for spells and to travel between Londons. I found this map on Pinterest and I found it interesting and useful if you’re visual as I am.Ī Darker Shade of Magic map of the four Londons (From Book Series Recaps Pinterest board) There is White London which still has a little magic, and there is Red London, the London most lush with magic and where most of the action occurs and where the main protagonist Kell Maresh lives. There is Black London which is devoid of all magic and is essentially a dark and scary place where no one goes. It is “our” London, described in the book as Grey London, and three other Londons. This series is set in London, only it’s not just ordinary real-world London. I’d like to give you my opinion of this series and what makes it so incredible to me.

I felt strong attachments to the characters, engaged in the plot, and rooting for the heroes (as well as the “villains”, but I’ll dive more into that later in this post).

probably reading the Harry Potter series. This trilogy has given me feelings which I haven’t felt since…. I had read the first book in the series a while back but since I forget easily, I reread the first book and then continued with the rest of the series. The Darker Shade of Magic Trilogy has been innocently sitting on my Kindle for what seems like ages until I decided to pick it up again in December and I’m very glad that I did.

Shades of magic