Rated: Moderate, for two uses of strong language and occasional mild and moderate language. I’m still waiting for a third book in her Archived series, the premise of which was clever and which I really enjoyed. I like the author, Victoria Schwab, who uses her full name for her YA books and this shortened pseudonym for adults. The world itself isn’t entirely my cup of tea for reasons I can’t articulate, but it’s good writing. A Darker Shade of Magic is an entertaining magical tale. She can’t let her soft side show because she can’t afford to, though being with Kell opens up little windows into that side of her. I enjoyed this story and particularly appreciated Lila, who is determined and tough and knows what she wants. The two face down one threat after another until they find out just who set this dark magic loose. He reluctantly allows Lila to accompany him because she just won’t take no for an answer. He is drawn to what it can do but knows it must be taken out of the cities he knows to keep them safe. It’s full of dark magic, a relic of Black London. The two cross paths after Kell accepts a package that contains a dangerous black stone. But she’d love to break free and see the world and live on her own terms - preferably as a pirate. Lila is an orphan who lives in Grey London and steals to get by. And there used to be Black London, but it was taken over by magic and is sealed off. There’s Red London, where he’s from, and which is flourishing there’s Grey London, pretty much the one we know of, ruled by mad King George, and that has almost no magic there’s White London, which still has magic but is out of balance, and the rulers are vicious and constantly changing.

There are several versions of London, and he goes among them carrying messages among the different kings and queens of the cities. Kell is one of the last Antari, people gifted with magic that allows them to travel between worlds.

A darker shade of magic series order