A Darker Shade of Magic Summary
"A Darker Shade of Magic" is the first book in the Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab. The audiobook is narrated by Steven Crossley and was published in 2015. It is a thrilling fantasy adventure that takes place in four parallel universes, each with its own unique version of London.
Kell is a rare magician who has the ability to travel between these parallel worlds. As an ambassador of the royal family of Red London, he uses his magical skills to transport messages and goods between the different Londons. But Kell has a dangerous secret - he has been smuggling forbidden objects from other universes into his own.
When Kell accidentally smuggles a dangerous artifact from Black London into Red London, he becomes entangled in a web of danger and deception. He meets Lila Bard, a daring thief from Grey London, and together they embark on a perilous journey to stop a powerful and evil force from destroying all four worlds.
The world-building in this novel is exceptional, with vivid descriptions of each London and their different cultures, rulers, and magic systems. The characters are also well-drawn and complex, with Kell and Lila forming an unlikely but compelling partnership.
Steven Crossley's narration brings the story to life with his smooth and engaging voice. He captures the unique personalities of each character, making it easy for listeners to distinguish between them.
Overall, "A Darker Shade of Magic" is a gripping and exciting fantasy adventure that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Schwab's imaginative storytelling combined with Crossley's excellent narration make for a truly captivating audiobook experience.