[Cover photo: @wendewrites on Instagram]
I think it is safe to say that Victoria Schwab is one of my favorite authors, maybe even #1. I first fell in love with her Shades of Magic series a few years ago and I was instantly hooked. I have forced all of my close friends to read at least one of her books, and the response has always been so joyous and positive! Aside from having a beautiful writing style, there is just something so captivating about the way that Schwab builds her worlds and creates such amazing characters that keeps me longing for more. I have read A Darker Shade of Magic more times than I can count (but if I was technically keeping count I’ll be starting my 11th reread this month). Her worlds and characters have shaped me in ways that I cannot describe and I hope that with the help of this guide, you’ll find your new favorite book!
Middle Grade:
The Cassidy Blake Series & The Everyday Angel Series
Both of these series are some of my absolute favorite middle grades and they both incorporate such unique paranormal elements! New Beginnings is Schwab’s middle grade debut, and follows a guardian angel who helps three different girls in order to get her wings! Schwab’s more recent series starts with City of Ghosts, where we follow Cassidy Blake through some of the world’s most haunted cities and places! With her companion–a ghost boy named Jacob, Cassidy works through troubled histories of cities and moves beyond the living and the dead to send ghosts to the beyond. The most recent installment of the series, Bridge of Souls is out March 2nd, so now is the perfect time to get started on this adventurous series!
Young Adult:
The Near Witch, The Archived Dulology & The Monsters of Verity Duology
Moving up, we have some of my favorite duologies of all time! Both The Archived and This Savage Song are face-paced, romantic, and aciton packed. What I love about all of these books (who am I kidding–all of Schwab’s books) is the atmosphere. Whether you’re reading about the monster run city of Verity, or if you’re helping to keep Histories at bay with Mackenzie in The Archived, you’ll find yourself desperately turning the page and staying up past your bedtime!
Adult Fantasy:
Shades of Magic Series & The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
I will resist the urge to gush about A Darker Shade of Magic, but please read it! Aside from being my all time favorite book, it is such a well written piece of literature that is sure to go down as one of the best fantasy books of all time. In a world where four alternate Londons exist, we follow Kell, a magician who is able to step between these worlds as he finds himself in some hot water after smuggling a forbidden piece of dark magic across the borders into his London. I am just completely in love with this story and these characters. If you love fantasy and new adult stories, please, I urge you to give this a go. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a new release, but it is easily one of Schwab’s most gorgeously written books. We follow a young woman, Addie, as she makes a deal with an entity where she can live forever, but no one remembers who she is. Despite her curse, I will always remember Addie and I hope you will too.
Adult Sci-Fi:
Vicious & Vengeful
Okay, so maybe these are also fantasy related, but they totally deserve their own spot on this list. This series (so far a duology, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a third book) follows Victor and Eli as they work on their college research involving near death experiences and the possibility of contracting super-human abilities. I know, you already are hooked, but the story is about so much more than just that. Friends turned foes, Victor and Eli grapple with ambition, jealousy, and power as their story unravels to something that was an innocent college project to something that walks the fine line between what is good and what is evil. The sequel, Vengeful, is even better than the first as Schwab expands the world of super-humans and once again makes us question the true identity of good and evil. If you’re just starting to get into fantasy or sci-fi, definitely give these two a go!
Comics/Graphic Novels:
Shades of Magic Vol, 1: The Steel Prince
So… I wasn’t lying when I said the Shades of Magic series was my favorite. In fact, I love Schwab’s prequel to the series Shades of Magic Vol, 1: The Steel Prince follows Prince Rhy’s father, Maxim as he navigates the politics of Red London and learns what it’s like to be a leader. While these comics are extremely fun to read, I do suggest reading at least the first book in the Shades of Magic series to get yourself acquainted with the world! (Plus, there is also going to be a comic series for the Villians duology!)
Have you read any of Victoria Schwab’s books? If so, what was your favorite? Leave us a comment below!
