The Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab is 2 books of fiction that runs on epic and dark. Spice ranges from 1/5 to 1/5 across the series, clocking in at 1,136 total pages. Here's exactly how to read them in order.
Publication order — the way V.E. Schwab intended. Each book links to our full mood and spice guide.
The final battle for all the Londons. V.E. Schwab brings together every thread she has spent two books carefully laying — and the result is sweeping, dark, and deeply satisfying. The conclusion delive
Full guide →Kell is trying to keep his head down. Lila Bard has been doing the opposite. A magic tournament in Red London brings them back together under dangerous circumstances — and the shadow that ended book o
Full guide →The heat stays consistent across the series.
A Conjuring of Light is book 1 and the intended starting point. It introduces everything you need — characters, world, and the epic energy that define the entire series. No prequels or companion novels required.
Read the full guide for A Conjuring of Light →Read the Shades of Magic series in publication order: 1. A Conjuring of Light, 2. A Gathering of Shadows. This is the intended reading order by V.E. Schwab.
The Shades of Magic series has 2 books totaling 1,136 pages. We have full mood and spice profiles for every book in the series.
The Shades of Magic series is low-heat, averaging 1/5. If you want clean or mild reads, this series delivers.
The Shades of Magic series is a fiction series by V.E. Schwab with epic, dark, intense vibes. Check each book's full guide for a spoiler-free breakdown of mood, tropes, and fit.
Start with A Conjuring of Light — it's book 1 and introduces everything you need. Our full guide for A Conjuring of Light breaks down the mood, spice, and what to expect.