Schwab wastes no effort in engaging the reader and encouraging investment in the story’s characters. None of the main plot points sounds particularly original on paper-a powerful wizard/last of a dying breed, a thief who wonders if there’s a better life out there, and a suspicious/probably evil magical object-but the characters are built with a steady, well-written hand that exudes charm. The story pits royalty against royalty, brother against brother, and, at times, Kell against Lila. Kell and Lila are thrown into a haphazard journey through various Londons after Kell is attacked by mysterious beings and the two encounter a very suspicious magical object that oozes evil. Lila, our second protagonist, is a pickpocket who’s down on her luck and thirsty for adventure. Kell, one of two protagonists, is also one of two remaining Antari, a magician able to travel between Londons (more on that soon). The book kicks things off with ample promise, backed by vivid characterization and sharp descriptions of the world. Instead, I left the book wondering whether a structure comprising those fantasy building blocks would stand long enough to entice me into the sequel. At times, the pieces come together, teasing the reader with apparitions of a grand storytelling fortress built on strong characters and expert world-building. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic collects all the building blocks of a great fantasy novel, but mostly leaves them on a shaky foundation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |