On Halloween this year, the collector’s edition of A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab was released. Even though it’s over a week later, I thought I’d do this tag in honor of that release. It poses questions based on each of the Londons in that series: Gray London, Red London, White London, and Black London. It’s a unique concept, much like the series itself, so I’m really excited to get to it!
Gray London:
- A book that you keep going back to despite trying to quit
I had once tried to quit The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon because the first third was so boring and confusing, but people kept hyping it up so I went back to it (and kept taking breaks). I wound up liking it and plan to continue the series, but I’m not in the mood right now. But someday… someday I will be. I think.
- A book or series you’ve left behind forever
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. The first book was all right, but I couldn’t get through the second one at all. It was really bad. (Plus I can’t stand Victoria.) I’ve left series behind that I still have a small emotional attachment to, but this one was easy to just make a nice, clean break with.
- A majorly bad book or series with just one beautiful spark
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. And that one beautiful spark is Dorian Havilliard (and Manon Blackbeak, unapologetic monster and resident lesbian (no matter what SJM says)). But alas, according to reports, he gets ruined along with the rest of the series in Empire of Storms (and Manon suddenly gets turned into a “good guy” and the two are forced together), so it’s not worth putting up with.
Red London:
- A book or series you feel blessed to have read
I have to choose Shades of Magic. It has become one of my favorite series of all time. I love the writing, the characters, the plot, and the atmosphere. It’s like Harry Potter for grownups and I love it more than the air I breathe.
- A book that changes every time you read it
Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore. Yes, I’ve only read this book once. But each section of this book covers the same couple days, altered only by the choices Jane makes. In that way, you get something new out of the static moments and facts that appear unchanged in each section. I sincerely urge you to read this book.
- A fictional world that makes you feel love and fear
The world in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone series by Laini Taylor. It’s really cool and unique, but there’s been a war going on for literal centuries. And also, Thiago terrifies me. I feel like I’m going to reread this series soon though. It’s been a year since I read it last.
White London:
- A book or series that started off meh, but ended up being great
The Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. The first time I read the series, I didn’t care much for the first book until about halfway through. I liked it more on reread, but I’m glad I stuck it out that first time because the series as a whole is really good.
- The world is dying; save one book
Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately by Alicia Cook. It’s a poetry book that pairs each poem with a thematically relevant song. That way, I can save my two great loves: books and music.
Black London:
- A book or series that has utterly consumed you
I hate to be predictable, but no series has become a core part of my personality the way Harry Potter has. I mean… that’s just facts.
- A book or series that you refuse to open
After by Anna Todd. It’s abusive dreck and I won’t even look at it.
- An author who controls your purse strings
Cassandra Clare. I am so whipped for her books.
Do you have any answers to any of these questions? Let me know in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 