Each world contains a city in roughly the same location across the different worlds which protagonist Kell Maresh calls “London” in order to differentiate and explain the relationship between the worlds. The universe of A Darker Shades of Magic is divided into four interwoven worlds. The Symmetry and History of the Four Londons The philosophies of Red and White London will come to a head in the conflict between protagonist Kell and his foil Holland, powerful magicians who sit at the crossroads of both philosophies. In White London, a spell caster bends magic to their will, forcing it to serve their purposes. In contrast, White London views magic as a force to be dominated. Many of Red London’s elders and leaders teach that magic needs to be treated as an equal the forces of magic are to be guided or channeled rather than forced into servitude.

Red London views magic as a powerful, but sometimes dangerous resource. In the first novel of trilogy, Schwab explored the philosophies of Red and White London, two worlds with vastly different beliefs about society, government, and magic. Starting with A Darker Shade of Magic, the author constructed a complex, nuanced group of interwoven worlds that offered a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. In the ongoing “Villains” trilogy (2013’s Viscous and 2018’s Vengeful), Schwab turned the burgeoning super hero genre on its head by creating a narrative focused on the effects of power, violence, and trauma on the human psyche.īoth The Near Witch and Viscous illustrate Schwab’s ability to create nuanced characters and worlds, skills that are essential to the success of Schwab’s most prolific work: The Shades of Magic Trilogy. In her debut novel The Near Witch, Schwab explored themes of paranoia, fear, and the ways these forces affect communities. Writing books for a variety of different readers and age groups, Schwab has constructed stories with a diverse cast of characters and fully realized worlds.

One quality that distinguishes Schwab is her versatility as a story teller. A prolific writer, Schwab has published more than ten books over the past decade, developing a passionate following from her fans and admirers. The American author has tackled a variety of genres including horror, science fiction, and super hero narratives, breathing new life and ideas into storied genres. Schwab is one of the most distinct voices in fiction today. A Darker Shade of Magic: The Clashing Philosophies of Red and White London

Darker shade of magic trilogy