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Cover of A Darker Shade of Magic

Fantasy

A Darker Shade of Magic

by V. E. Schwab

3.9 out of 5, from 1,587 ratings from Hardcover readers

There are four Londons in four versions of a world, and only a rare few can travel among them. A magician who smuggles trinkets between them is caught up with a pickpocket who wants to be a pirate, and a dangerous stone.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2015
Pace
Fast
Length
Medium
Pages
413
Format
Book 1 of 3 in Shades of Magic
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Read this if you want a quick, stylish fantasy with a charming rogue, parallel worlds and a high-energy plot.

Skip this if you want deep characterisation or a very gentle read, as it is brisk and fairly bloody.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Blood
  • Slavery
  • Murder
  • Classism
  • Cursing
  • Self harm
  • Child abuse
  • Body horror

Quick answers about A Darker Shade of Magic

What is A Darker Shade of Magic about?
There are four Londons in four versions of a world, and only a rare few can travel among them. A magician who smuggles trinkets between them is caught up with a pickpocket who wants to be a pirate, and a dangerous stone.
Who should read A Darker Shade of Magic?
Read it if you want a quick, stylish fantasy with a charming rogue, parallel worlds and a high-energy plot. Skip it if you want deep characterisation or a very gentle read, as it is brisk and fairly bloody.
How long and how fast is A Darker Shade of Magic?
It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 413 pages, first published in 2015.
Does A Darker Shade of Magic have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death.
Can I borrow A Darker Shade of Magic for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends A Darker Shade of Magic; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after A Darker Shade of Magic?
Readers who liked it often move on to Six of Crows, Neverwhere, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

Where to get it

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