Week 3- Shades of Magic Readalong
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- This week we cover parts 10-14 of A Darker Shade of Magic! I can't believe its the end of the first book. My cats also make an appearance this week. Remember to share your thoughts in the comments because I'll be giving away this annotated copy of ADSOM to one lucky commenter!
UPDATE! The winner of this copy of ADSOM is @meganh.206 ! Congrats :)
Warning- I started swearing more in this episode, so viewer discretion is advised :)
LINKS:
Get your copy of this series with the updated covers: us.macmillan.c...
the fact that kell knew that it was astrid and not lila just because she said please is so iconic hahahah
I would love a spinoff sitcom like adventure of things Rhy and Lila would get up to and Kell following them exasperated at their antics
absolutely LOVE this book, one of my favorites of all time
Okay, petition to have Chauncey act out all the intense scenes in any future readalongs? He's really got the It factor. Maybe he and Thomas can play Victor and Eli? (I'm sure there aren't enough treats and toys in the world, right?) But in all seriousness, thank you (and all your helpers) so much for doing this readalong! I feel very spoiled. I'd like author readalongs like this for all the books I love, now. 🤩
Also: "It's one of my personal little k!nks when there's two people inside one person." Hi, yes, I'll take twenty.
In the midst of finishing my reading, but I had to come comment on something I noticed. When Lila is changing into her costume in Calla's tent, she has four trinkets (or tokens) with her, each from one of the four worlds: the black stone from Black London, the white rook from White, the silver watch from Grey, and the party invitation from Red. Cool little piece I don't think I noticed in my first read through!!
Kell's "because she said please" when telling Lila he knew it was Astrid always has me giggling. I love their dynamic so much
I adore Rhy and Lila’s relationship. It’s like this sweet, snarky mix of Rhy and Kell’s and Kell and Lila’s relationships.
“I apologize for anything I might have done. I was not myself.”
“I apologize for shooting you in the leg.” said Lila. “I was myself entirely.” Made me laugh out loud both times I have read this book. Definitely one of my favourite scenes of the book together with Kell being in Lila’s room 😂
P.S.: My goldfish brain completely forgot the details of the ending of this book, which was nice cause it was almost like reading it for the first time again! 😊
"I was myself entirely," my favorite part of the book 😂
The way Lila makes me laugh out loud!
I love hearing you being *proud* of your work. So many writers and aspiring writers are self-effacing, and it gives me no hope that I’ll ever get to a point where I like what I do and become confident in it. But hearing you? Openly gassing yourself up? Calling scenes ‘iconic’ because you know they are, acknowledging the famous quotes, being giddy over your favorite scenes, &c… this was very healing for me to watch. I’m glad you’re out here doing what you do in the way that you do it.
Maybe some day, I will do the same.
“I apologize for shooting you in the leg.” said Lila. “I was myself entirely.”
best scene ever
As an aspiring writer myself, just HEARING you talk and quite literally lift the words off the page and make the story something to be TOLD is such a source of inspiration!!
oh my gosh i completely agree!! there’s smth about the way you can tell that she loves her stories so much
Kell knowing it was Astrid and not Lila ALWAYS cracks me up. Rhy and Lila's brief conversation also makes my heart so full!!!
Adored the chaotic cameos from Chauncey & Thomas in this video ❤ Also, I love that there’s a tweaked sense of the “touch them and die” that you might otherwise see in romantic relationships but applied to this chosen bond between brothers in Kell and Rhy
I love this point as well!! Its kind of refreshing
There is a reason I love Lila so much. Her being a flamboyant cutthroat aside , she feels so real . I could not possibly begin to relate to the way she goes about life , i wouldn’t survive a second in her shoes . I’m nothing like her , YET her thirst for life , her need for purpose , her Zoetic nature .. they represent everything we are we tend to omit . She takes it day by day and makes sure it was worthwhile, she doesn’t have the time to be too self aware . I love her so much because somehow she heals my inner child , the one So certain reveries of magic, knives and everything in between were real . I will forever live through her a little . I will forever cherish this series . AND that’s why V.E schwab is my favourite author .
When you put it as Rhy sharing Kell's life, it makes me go back to the fact that Rhy does not like it when Kell has to help him and when Kell suffers on his behalf and that brings on a lot of thinking.
I love Lila and Calla's relationship. It felt like a family bond between them and I loved that Lila got to have a friend like that
soooo i don't even know where to start. i love this series with all my heart, like it finded me when I was in a hard time and it was so amazing to dive into this magical world. it was like nothing i've ever had seen before and i am so glad. and having this opportunite to have you reading the books is another level of happiness for me because you give a new life for the book when you read it and when we have the chance to have you reading it out loud. and at the same time you was posting the readlong of book one i was reading - and still am - the book #2 for the second time and i truly can't see myself not reading it every year. i'am the number one fan of Rhy Maresh and so Alucard Emery so i can't wait until the next one! thank you so much and your cats are like THE MOMENT! crazy how I've seen them growing and now Thomas is huge compared to him as a baby. have a lovely day and you're one of the main reasons i believe life is magical and i can dream of writing books. from a fan in Brazil
"Kell is having a very bad day" my boy has not had a meal all book he's roughing it
I found myself when rereading this section wondering when exactly I guessed Lila's Whole Big Spoiler Deal the first time, and since I had already started keeping my reading journal on my first read, I went back and saw that I did not guess until book two, so I can't brag
This section also contains my favourite quote, I have decided, "I apologise for shooting you in the leg, I was myself entirely"? Top notch, absolute brilliance, crops watered, skin cleared
I am discovering this series for the first time, and reading a little at a time along with your videos. It has been such a unique and fun experience! I am already in love with all of the characters, but especially Lila ❤
Your words are power. This is a tale of magic and thieves, but it somehow means so much more. From Calla, barely seen, to Kell & Lila holding the world together, every word means something. Thank you for this gift, for them, and for your stories. You write death stories, and somehow, they are the most alive stories I've ever read. Even without the magic in the book, these words are magic all their own.
I have loved following along with these and becoming reimmersed in these worlds ahead of Fragile Threads of Power! Looking forward to the book 2 videos!!!
"For someone who never stood still, Lila still felt like a pin in Kell's world"
This quote lives rentfree in my head!!!! 🥺💜
This trilogy had been on my TBR for a while, and in March it finally felt like the right time to start (I’ve now just started book 3). I feel like I couldn’t have had more perfect timing!
I would genuinely pay money to watch you do this with all of your books and anyone else's, it's a little like The Storyteller.
Comfort food for the soul.
Love these read alongs! Darker shades of magic is my absolute favorite series ever and I cannot wait for threads of power to come out!!!
I love the fact that despite everything that has happened in this book and despite where she came from Lila walks away from Kell in this moment with so much hope for the future. *chefs kiss*
I giggle-cried at you reading the part with Lila at the end picking the ship (don’t want to spoil name?). I’ve read this series *mumbles* times and I just love it. Thanks for doing this read along. It’s so much fun to hear in your voice, V!
I want your copy, please! 😉💗
Petition to have V narrate their own audiobooks. I had the biggest grin on my face listening to you reading the last page! I cannot wait for book two 😍
rereading this with this whole community of ADSOM lovers is making me fall in love with Lila & Kell & Rhy all over again! obsessed with these chaotic videos 😂
I'm enjoying this read-along so much! I still remembering finishing this book the first time through and how much I was dying to dive into the second one.
This readalong has become the highlight of my weeks! I especially enjoyed the contributions from Thomas and Chauncey this week
These books are my favorite favorite fantasy series! They're my go-to rereads when I want to be transported. I love hearing your insights about your writing process and hope to hear even more in the read along for book 2!
Ned wanting to befriend Kell and Calla shipping Kell+Lila makes them the most relatable characters in the book, let’s be real. 😂 Can’t wait for the videos for books 2+3, and the emotional damage you’re about to inflict on us 🥲
Love following along as we get ready for threads of power! The anticipation is killing me!
Aaah it's the end!! Thank you so much for doing this readalong, I loved it!
"I hope you made him suffer." "No, he suffered long enough." brb I'm just picking the pieces of my broken heart
I read the book last month as a buddy read and it was a great experience with a great book and listening to you walk us through the book felt like another buddy read. Thank you for putting in all this work to create this universe and to create these readalongs! Looking forward to reading the next 2 books with you! Hopefully I'll like Rhy's character by the end of it.
There’s so much to love about these last chapters like the growth of Kell and Lila’s relationship, truly seeing how much Kell and Rhy mean to each other, and some of the hilarious banter at the end (specifically Lila and Rhy’s first interaction and Kell knowing it was Astrid since Lila never says please). I can’t wait for you to go into book 2 next week so everyone can meet our favorite captain 🥹
I cannot wait for the moment he gets introduced!❤
I loved this read along so much!! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos for all of us who love this series. Your recaps were so awesome, the one that really made me laugh was from last week - stone's gone, kell's gone, my wall's f****d up I need a drink 😂. I am so very much looking forward to the next video!
Rereading Rhy’s death, even knowing he’s going to be brought back. Dang the feels. Knew it was coming still wasn’t ready.
one of my absolute favorite things is hearing authors talk about their works and fictional worlds, following along with you just gives another dimension to the experience!
This was an incredible experience--so excited to start the next book with you all! Anoshe!
I love that you are making videos to go along with the readalong! This was my favorite series as it was coming out and hearing you talk about it is so cool!
I'm so excited! I love this saga so MUCH 😮😮😮😮😮
Have thoroughly been enjoying this read along. Thank you, V.
This readalong was so much fun!
I always love hearing you talk about all things craft and writing, and these videos are no different!
I cannot wait for the rest of the readalongs to come!
So happy to be able to join the readalong of one of my favorite books of all time - this book means so much to me, it is what got me back into reading as an adult. And Kell and Rhy’s relationship is precious to me.
Thanks again for hosting! I think my favorite discovery this time around was that Rhy cannot figure out Kell’s coat pockets and Lila did immediately. 🥲
Also loving the kitty guest host
I have enjoyed this so much! I got this book months ago, but I waited to read it until this month. It's been a fun experience! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this! These books are one of my comfort reads and hold a really special place in my heart ❤️
I am so happy, that I one day picked this book up randomly in a bookstore in Vienna, Austria. It has quickly become one of my absolute favourite series. Lila is my spirit animal. I strive to be as snarky as she is (though with less murder.😅)
I've been enjoying this read along very much.
Seeing you speak about your favorite moments/lines and how much you love these characters and worlds is just wholesome ♡
I'm loving this readalong so much! Cant' wait or the next two books😍 Also Chauncey acting🙌
There's so much to love about this entire book. The dynamics between the characters are second to none in all VE Schwab books and they just feel so realistic. I'd love to see her notes on her thought process behind them❤
This is the first time I reread the books and I have to admit that Lila Bard is growing on me. I had such a difficult time reading her the first time but now I'm starting to see why she's a fan favorite. She feels so real and reliable. I don't know, I just can't wait to read the next book and enjoy her growth.
Thank you so much for your hard work!
Just picked up my Book 2 yesterday here in the states! Loving this read-along 🥰
This read along has been so fun. Having the author break down and explain their thoughts behind what they write brings a whole new level of insight to the book ❤
I really love the dynamics between the charaters in these books, they feel so real!! Also, what a gift it has been to hear you commenting of the book, i cannot wait for you to release the following readalongs for books two and three! ❤
Deciding to re-read this along with you was the best decision i've made this year. I just finished the book tonight (all caught up - yay!) and it just makes my heart so full ❤
I loved the readalong for book one and I can’t wait to start book two! Chauncey’s impression of Rhy made me laugh. I’m so excited to see what these characters get up to next
Omg! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to continue the story in the next books!!!
It's crazy how much I forgot about this story 😂 but these videos are sparking my love for the story. I remember so clearly how I discovered the world and magic system and falling in love with it and all of it's inhabitants. I guess I'll have to re-read it soon 😅❤❤
Lila slowly but surely caring more and more about Kell, and their slowly building bond was so smooth jdjdjfj
One of the things I really love in this part of the book is Lila in White London, questioning what she's doing there, because she had always lived by the rule of looking out for number one, and she's doing the exact opposite, and it's such a great moment of seeing how much she has changed since she first picked Kell's pocket! Additionally, the back and forth of Lila and Rhy is truly top tier, I love it so much! I'm also so glad you highlighted the very end of the book, because that ending has been one of my favorite book endings since I first read it!!
Chauncey's impression of Rhy! Love your coworkers' contributions to the readalong 😂 I recently watched your B&N story takeover and loved your description of why you write about death. I am so glad my book club decided to read Addie and introduce me to your books. Can't wait to continue this readalong. I adore Kell and Lila's relationship and Calla's medling. Bring on A Gathering of Shadows!
i love this series with my whole entire heart, it was one of the first books that i picked up upon getting back into reading and i am enjoying every last second of these videos❤
It’s been years since I’ve had your book in my shelf. I’m so glad you’re making these videos. They inspired me to finally read the masterpieces that are your books! ❤😊
This is my first time reading the series and I'm loving hearing your insights, such a great idea to do these videos for old and new readers alike
i wanna re-read this series so bad, your videos are the highlight of my days
I loved this so much! This is one of my favourite series and hearing you talk about your stories and about writing is always such a delight! ❤
I love all the banter so much
Thank you so much for doing these! It’s been so fun rereading and interacting with the story in this new way!!! Thank you!
"Kell is having a Bad day and its getting worse" sums up the book very much. Poor Boy.
Also this is such a cool concept!!! Doing a readalong with the author
My heart is so full after rereading this book alongside these videos! I can wait to read through the rest of the series!
I really appreciated the ending! It was really refreshing to see a main character choosing herself/her dreams before other things (even if it was in part because Lila is used to running away from people who care about her)
Omg this video was so good I’m obsessed and so excited for the new series! I love you and you’re books!! Just amazing 😊
Chaotic cat energy throughout this video brought me so much joy. 😂 And the commentary “Kell is having a very bad day”; TOO FUNNY. I’m almost done with my re-read of AGOS and can’t wait for the videos to start next week!!! ❤
I've been trying to get my husband to read this book for a long time, I think the fact there are cats in this video may be the turning point.
Not only do I love reading the sick burns, but you calling them out. The "please" one probably one of the best.
Ahhhh! The end when Lila sees the ship gets me so excited for the next book🤗❤️ these characters have my heart. Thank you for doing these videos! It’s such a great way to lead into TFTOP release.
Ned is very relatable in the sense that I also daydream about Kell Maresh
I love watching these videos, I've been looking at the annotations I made when reading for the first time and it was really cool to revisit my thoughts and reactions and add to them
I can't wait for the other two books and I can't wait to see this world and these amazing characters again in Fragile Threads of Power
P.S. Thomas and Chauncey cameos really added to the experience lol
This readalong is such a treat! I could listen to you speak about the world and the characters all day long! Also, Lila will always remain my favorite character and the queen of comebacks ❤❤❤
The bond between Kell and Rhy always being such a central part of the story has always been so dear to me! I can still remember practically cheering for Lila with every feat, watching her masterfully pick up on so much so quickly and forge her way in an entirely new world. I love how she and Rhy basically become besties I’ve always found it a fun detail how both Lila and Rhy are impressively good at picking up new languages-especially the speed at which Lila learns Arnesian!
The read along has been to fun to watch! I'm so excited to see where the series heads. Also, I appreciate you mentioning Howl from Howl's Moving Castle I the first video! I pictured Kell as looking very similar to him since the very beginning, and I like to think they would be good friends if they existed in the same universe.
I had just finished the ADSOM audiobook when I learned that you would be doing these read-alongs - what perfect timing! My husband and kids gifted me the boxed set for Mother's Day and now I can revisit ADSOM and read the next two books while listening to your recaps and insights each week! I'm enjoying your videos SO much, thank you for being so generous with your time so that your readers can fully experience these stories!
Lilah turned out to be one of my biggest inspirations in life, I’ve been always scared of trouble or conflicts of any kind and I lost so much, so many experiences bc of my fear of leaving my comfort zone. At first I was mad at her all the time for getting in trouble at every opportunity, but than suddenly I realized that she was risking everything at every breath and living the hell out of life, and obviously I didn’t bought any fights or stabb3d anyone, but her character inspired and changed my perspectives, my ways of living. If I want something, I gotta make it happen, fight for it if it’s actually important for me, not just give up at the first problem to avoid it. So I don’t even know if you’re gonna read this but thank you for non ironically changing my life, I’m growing into a better person and you helped me so much through it. Thank you Vi!!!
This series and everything you write is just so amazing and consuming. I couldn’t put them down. I can’t wait for your new book! ❤
Man it‘s been so long since I last read these books that it almost feels like reading fanfic now 😅 Like I already know and love the characters but I have little to no clue what’s going to happen next. I straight up forgot (or should I say repressed the memory? 🤔) that Rhy dies already in book 1. Truly an adventure and emotional rollercoaster… 😂✌️
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule do this read along, it is so inspiring to hear your thoughts about the books and characters
i can’t even begin to explain how glad i am for this read along. Shades of magic was the series that got me into reading and now, many years later, i look back at all of this and get consumed by feelings of nostalgia, joy and hope. Thank you so much for creating such an incredible story and taking your time to put it down on paper. thank you for sharing this world with us❤
It's so funny when you talk about Lila Bard, like "you have magic" "well good then turn it on" "that's not how magic works"
I love the read along so much! Haven't read the books before but now my mum and I are doing it together and at the weekend I watch your video and translate parts for her as she doesn't understand English too well. It's such an amazing experience for both of us so far. We're even keeping a notebook for it! 😍 Can't wait to start the next book.
I cannot express how much I am enjoying these read alongs! I am currently not reading along but I do plan on re-reading the series before Threads comes out. It is so special to hear from the person who created this world and it is refreshing my memory of how much I love this series! Thank you for taking the time to do this, it's awesome!
I really have enjoyed this read-along!! I love your explanations and thoughts on your series. I'm impatiently waiting for A Gathering of Shadows new cover. ADSOM was an awesome adventure and I'm seeing it blow up all over bookstagram! So excited for more!! Love ya'
Shades of magic is my most favorite series of all time! I re read it every year around the same time, and I love watching these read-a-longs and learning the behind the scenes and the inspirations for something I have loved for so long. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us!
The fact that Kell kills Astrid is so intense. Earlier when Kell and Lila are discussing murder, Kell mentions he didn't enjoy it & that feeling of power Lila lusts after is not what magic is. I've always admired Kell's awareness of his ability without letting it make him arrogant and blood thirsty. He hates taking life from anyone if he can help it, but Astrid messed with his brother and that was unacceptable.
Re reading this book for the first time in three years and following these videos every week is the best decision I’ve made recently. Thank you for making these videos!!
Chauncey was the star of the show, acting out the scene for us is dedication to the cause 😂
Loving this video series to recap the books ♡
These readalongs are everything I have ever wanted!!! It's such an unbelievable experience getting to hear my favourite author talk about my favourite books. Thank you with all my heart ❤
I am just living for these each week. Just picked up the series a couple weeks ago and blew through them all--the world is so good! It feels so real and tangible.
This readalong was amazing. Not only revisiting the story but having your input was unvaluable. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.
Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷