In the shadows of four distinct Londons, magic breathes, divides, and sometimes, it bleeds. Kell, a rare Antari magician, can traverse these parallel cities, each colored by its own brand of magic: vibrant Red, grim Grey, power-hungry White, and the lost Black London, a realm consumed by magic's darkest appetites. Officially, Kell serves as an ambassador, a bridge between worlds under the guise of diplomacy. Yet, beneath this veneer, he indulges in the forbidden thrill of smuggling, a dangerous game that entwines him in a web spun with intrigue and peril. His life takes an unforeseen turn when an illicit exchange goes terribly wrong, propelling Kell into Grey London's murky streets. There, he encounters Delilah Bard, a cunning pickpocket with dreams larger than the world itself. Together, they find themselves entangled in a deadly adventure across worlds filled with treachery and rogue magic. As they navigate this treacherous path, the thin veil between allies and enemies blurs, and Kell and Lila must summon all their cunning and courage to fend off a looming threat that seeks to unravel the very fabric of the universes. In "A Darker Shade of Magic," V.E. Schwab weaves a spellbinding tale of power, betrayal, and the unbreakable bonds that define our destiny.