By V.E. Schwab]

Hey, this book has got some complicated stuff in it and I'm not the reader to be explaining it. But in the spirit of The Review, I'm going to happily get it wrong, just wrong enough, so you'll get the spirit of the genius of this story and want to read it. Serious.
It involves four worlds, each with a version of London. Like Red London where magic is celebrated, Grey London, called grey because it has no magic going on. And then there is white London and it uses magic to control and rule. In the old days travel was possible between each world, but the magic turned bad and the doors were closed and Black London, baddest of all, completely shut off to all.
The main guy is Kell, adopted child of the King and Queen in Red London. He's special because he can travel between the worlds through magic, and he works as a royal messenger between the royals in the different Londons.
The main girl is Lila, a picket pocket from Grey London, who dreams of becoming a pirate. Arrr surly one she is, but her path crosses Kell's when she pickpockets a treasure he's been asked to transport from one world to another.
So that's my truly crude attempt to capture the magic of the backstory to A darker Shade of Magic.
Did i mention it was good. The worlds are unique and vibrant. The characters deep and engaging.
The pace builds, slow at first for sure, but there are skirmishes as you get to know who's who that keep you engaged. But when the climax nears the pace is full on.
And the ending is ... Well no one wants to hear about the ending. Not from me.
Read it, it really is brilliant and the first in a series.
Roo