Shades of Magic Books in Order

The short answer

V.E. Schwab · 3 books

How many books?
There are 3 books in the Shades of Magic series, published 2015–2017.
Is it finished?
Yes — the series is complete; it ends with A Conjuring of Light (2017).
Where to start
Start with A Darker Shade of Magic (2015).

About 1,600 pages — roughly 30 hours of reading

by V.E. Schwab · 3 books · ★ 4.4 average rating · Updated

Fantasy

Four parallel Londons, one magician who can travel between them, and the dark power that threatens them all.

Here is the complete Shades of Magic reading order — all 3 books by V.E. Schwab, in the order you should read them:

Reading order

  1. A Darker Shade of MagicKell, one of the last Antari, meets a thief from Grey London and together they uncover a threat that bleeds between worlds.2015400 pages
  2. A Gathering of ShadowsA magical tournament draws the rulers of the four Londons together — and something dark stirs at the edges.2016528 pages
  3. A Conjuring of LightRed London stands on the brink as Kell, Lila, and Rhy confront an ancient evil determined to consume them all.2017680 pages

Good news: for this series, reading order and publication order are the same — just read straight down the list.

On our lists: Completed fantasy series · Completed fantasy trilogies

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Frequently asked questions

How many Shades of Magic books are there?

There are 3 books in the Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab, from A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) to A Conjuring of Light (2017). Together they run to about 1,600 pages.

Is the Shades of Magic series finished?

Yes. V.E. Schwab completed the series with A Conjuring of Light in 2017; all 3 books are out now.

What is the first Shades of Magic book?

A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) is book one, at 400 pages. Kell, one of the last Antari, meets a thief from Grey London and together they uncover a threat that bleeds between worlds.

Should I read the Shades of Magic series in publication order?

Yes. For the Shades of Magic series, reading order and publication order are the same — A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) through A Conjuring of Light (2017).

How long does it take to read all Shades of Magic books?

About 1,600 pages across 3 books — roughly 30 hours at a page a minute. The longest is A Conjuring of Light (680 pages); the shortest is A Darker Shade of Magic (400 pages).

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