Source: http://www.themidnightgarden.net/2015/03/adsomgiveaway.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 08:45:36+00:00

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We have two fun things for you today–A Darker Shade of Magic prize pack and a quick visit from V.E. Schwab as part of the official blog tour! The book was just released this week and reviewed by Kim–I’m in the middle of the book myself and I can see why she lavished it with such glowing praise.
What are the most magical parts of London to you?
V.E. Schwab: I grew up wanting the world to be stranger than it was, and because of that, I’m inclined to look for—and see—the potential for the magical, the fantastical, the extraordinary everywhere I look. In alleys and doorways and in the seams between places—and in the case of ADSOM, between worlds—anywhere there’s mystery, there’s the potential for adventure.
You can see specific places that Victoria loves in London, some of which inspired this story, in this video.
Both Kim and I have stayed in England for extended periods of time, and we’re very fond of London ourselves. Whether you’re standing awestruck in the nave of Westminster Abbey or nipping into Claridge’s for tea, the experience of visiting this city really is a magical one. I hope you’ll discover London if you haven’t already, both our present day one, and the White London featured in A Darker Shade of Magic. It’s described as “a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back,” so you know you’re in for quite the adventure.
Win A Darker Shade of Magic Prize Pack!
Thanks to our friends at Tor, we have a limited edition, double-sided poster + finished copy of the book to give away to one of our readers. This giveaway is international, and open to everyone aged 18 and older, or 13 and older with parental permission. Incidentally, this is technically an adult fantasy book, but it’s easily accessible to YA readers.
To enter, all you have to do is leave a thoughtful comment below telling us why you’re excited about reading the book and/or what your favorite parts of London are! Yep, we’re using this for travel tips for our return trip someday.
Please fill out the Rafflecopter form as well so we can get in touch with you, where you’ll also find complete entry rules and ways to earn additional entries. Good luck!
A Darker Shade of Magic is available online and in stores now. Visit V.E. Schwab’s blog, Twitter, Facebook, and GoodReads to stay up to date on her latest projects.
According to the quiz, I belong in Black London. Knowing what happens in the book (I finished it a week ago), I don’t like what that says about me. It’s interesting to me that I’ve also read The Assassin’s Blade and Throne of Glass this year (we chatted about them briefly on Twitter, Wendy, not that I necessarily expect you to remember), and while I liked them, I never felt truly grounded in the world of those books. And yet with A Darker Shade, I felt grounded in the first few pages. A Darker Shade of Magic is definitely my favorite read of the year so far. Thanks for the giveaway.
And I’m jealous of all of you who’ve been to England. My parents, who are both prior Air Force, were actually stationed there when I was born, but we’d moved back to the states by second birthday. I’ve always wanted to go back.
I’m excited about the world building in this book. I have never been to London but it’s a place I would like to visit and reading about parallel Londons must be cool.
I’m dying to read this book because I just love the idea of multiple universes. I have loved other YA titles with this topic and I would love to see how Victoria approaches the subject.
The cover actually got my heart + London. I loooooove London! The places there <3 Visiting London is actually in my bucketlist next to visiting US.
Many booktubers love VE Schwab. They rave about her and I’m excited to read about time traveling/dimension jumping.
This book sounds absolutely perfect: parallel universes, fantasy and London! Can’t wait to read it!
I love England but I have never been there my dream is to travel there and visit London. Westminster Abbey,Big Ben,Hyde Park,and so much more.Some other things I want to do include go to a pub,visit Jane Austen’s house,The Bronte’s sisters place,and eat shepherd’s pie. That is why when I heard about this book I knew it was for me.
I went to London a few years ago, and absolutely LOVED it. Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, BUCKINGHAM PALACE – just remembering how awesome these places were makes me want to go back, haha :P Thanks for the great giveaway!
I’ve never read any V.E. Schwab books, but I’ve got to say that A Darker Shade of Magic seems really interesting and well written! I’ve only been to London once but I loved Knightsbridge and Kensingtion districts and visiting the Tower of London!
I’ve never been to London before, but I really wanted to (since I watched Sherlock!) go to 221b Baker Street.
I can’t wait to read this book! I love magic and other worlds!
So excited for this book! Even though I’m a diehard children’s/YA fan, this seems like an adult fiction book that will work for me. :) Plus, I love London–one of my favorite cities. One of my friends there told me what he most recommended was Camden and Camden Lock Market, and I have to admit, it was pretty fantastic! One of my favorite London memories is taking refuge from the rain in a fish-and-chips stall and eating fresh, hot food with my brother under the small canopies.
I’m super excited to read this because I just love the idea of multiple universes and magic!
My absolute favourite genre is fantasy, and the premise of this book sounds sort of similar to Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, which I loved. I’ve also adored anything to do with parallel universes after reading Diana Wynne Jones (who may be my number one favourite author of all time).
I love the idea of multiple universes and being able to move through them.
The idea sounds so amazing *_* I’ve read Vicious by V. E. Schwab before and I adored the complexity of the characters! So I’m hoping for something like that in ADSOM but I also feel like it’ll be unlike anything I’ve ever read before because of the parallel Londons and breaking and bending so many genres!
I can’t wait to read this one! I loved Vicious and I really like Victoria Schwab’s writing style.
I’m excited to read this book because I’ve loved all of Victoria’s previous books (that I’ve read so far) and the premise is really interesting!
I’m super excited to read A Darker Shade of Magic because lets be honest, the whole concept of this story sounds incredible! I read Victoria’s other books last year and they were just so well written and so I have no doubt that this book will be one of my favourites. Funnily enough I have just returned from a trip through England and Europe and one of the highlights was walking through a park and seeing a Squirrel for the first time! I know it sounds a bit weird but I had never seen one and this squirrel actually came up to me and was just so ADORABLE!
Ah this sounds so cool!! I’ve lately been venturing out of ya and trying out adult fantasy. Hopefully this lives up to standards of “The Night Circus”!!
I really want to read this book ’cause London was actually the place where I bought my first V. E. Schwab book (Vicious) and I fell in love instantly. I’m really looking forward reading more of her.
I’m so excited to read this book because if parallel Londons weren’t cool enough, cross dressing pirates??? Sign me up.
I’m excited for this book because its written by V.E Schwab and I have heard nothing but high praises for her .Also, the concept really intrigues me, I really want to read about the different Londons.
I’m so excited. I’ve read Vicious; her writing is superb.
I’m so excited to read about the different Londons. I love London (it’s such an amazing city) and more than one London sounds even better. The more the merrier ;) And Kell seems like a character I’m going to love a lot.
I’ve been excited about this book since I read Vicious last summer. Victoria Schwab is my favorite author ever. I’ll always buy her books on principle! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
I’m excited to read ADSOM because Victoria Schwab (or V.E. Schwab whichever you use) is a phenomenal author and I have no doubt that this is going to be an amazing and adventurous story.
I’m excited to read this book because I love the idea of alternate worlds! I’ve only been to London once, and don’t remember much of it.
I am extremely excited for A Darker Shade of Magic – I just adore Schwab’s writing. Alas, I haven’t been to London yet, but am in the very early stages of planning a trip next year with one of my closest friends. I’ve been dying to go for years and being a total Beatlemanic, Abbey Rd is of course on the list! I’m also a total history nerd, so of course will be touring as many things as possible. Oh, and proper English afternoon tea will be a must! I love reading books set in places I want to visit, so I am even more excited for this. Of course it’s fantasy, but to me London seems magical anyway, so I’ve no doubt I’ll enjoy getting lost in these alternate Londons.
I looooooved the author’s answer to this question! Oftentimes, we find the adventures and the magic in the least expected of places. Even though I find alleyways scary and shady, and I almost never venture inside most of them, I do think the “unknown” aspect to it is quite romantic as well… who knows what you will find? Perhaps a new world? Perhaps your true love waiting for you (HAH perhaps, if you like drug pushers, assuming that’s their hangouts :P)? Or perhaps adventures, as the author stated? Perfect, couldn’t have expected any more from her.
I already bought a digital copy of this and can’t wait to dive into it. I’m just waiting for a “book slump” to come so I can read it and THEN remember why I love reading again :P A poster wouldn’t be too shabby, either!
I really wish to visit the tourist places, such as Big Ben, the Palace, etc. I am excited to read this book as it is set in a different country, and the story line sounds amazing!!
While I have not read any V. E. Schwab book, I have not heard single bad thing about them. The premise of alternate Londons is very unique and I’d love to jump into that!
I’ve never been to London before, but I’d like to visit the quaint little bookshops and read books in Hyde Park!
I’ve read Vicious and The Archived series by Victoria and I adored them! I am so excited to see what is in store in ADSOM because the synopsis intrigues me so much, plus I adore Victoria’s writing so more of that is always a YES!
I’ve been to London when I was young so I don’t remember much of it but I would love to go back and just see everything all over again! The touristy places, try out the food and just get a real sense of British culture.
I haven’t been to London but I know I’d love to go to Red London and Black even if it doesn’t really exist like we think it does. I’m all for adventures hehe!
Because since readong Vicious, I couldn’t wait for a new V.E.Schwab book. I love her writing style, the way she portrays heroes and how she can build a mood with just a few words!
Also, I studied Philosophy and I find concept of parallel worlds/possible worlds/multiverse fascinating. Especially when set in London :).
PLease excuse all spelling/grammar mistakes, English is not my first language.
I live and breath books, but I haven’t read any of V.E. Schawb’s, because I have to order all my English books online. I’ve read so many good reviews about her books and they’re next on my wishlist, escpecially since I’ve been on a huge fantasy kick lately.
I’ve only been to London once, in 2009 and I loved it! Me, my mum, my grandma and aunt stayed there for five nights, so we didn’t have that much time to see all the sights, but I loved the Kengsington district. Also, I bought my first book in English from one of London’s Waterstone’s and that’s where it all began. I was nine at the time and currently I read more books in English than Finnish!
I have already read it and I LOVED ADSOM. I am a huge fan of V. E. Schwab’s writing in general.
Hi Wendy! Thank you for this giveaway.
I loove Victoria Schwab’s style. I love magic. I love London. So I have to read this book very soon!
I took the quiz and got Red London. I’m very excited to explore all of London.
I’ve read one other Victoria Schwab Book, Vicious and her writing style and ideas really resonate with me! I would love to win this book, I’m really intrigued with London itself and would love to experience more about it. Thanks for the giveaway!
I just recently discovered V. E. Schwab. Both Viscious and ADSOM are on my reading list.
I am a die hard Anglophile. Ever since I was little, watching British comedies on PBS. I had the opportunity to study in the UK and stay in London, so London is especially dear to me. So much history!! It is a magical city. I loved the museums, the buildings and architecture. Book shops, Christmas time, high tea; the list could go on.
I love the sound of this book, mysterious, magical and intelligent. Her writing is meant to be stunning, so I can’t wait to read this! Like that it’s a cross over novel for YA and adults to enjoy. I’ve only been to London once, when I backpacked around Europe/UK by myself 20 years ago, and I love, love, loved it, especially Westminster Abbey & the British Museum, so interesting. When I go back (have to return as so much more to see!) I want to see the Charles Dickens Museum, Highgate Cemetery, and Kew Gardens. Maybe next time I’ll be able to afford a delicious high tea somewhere amazing, haha! Have a slight obsession with anything Victorian, especially the architecture, so that’s what I like to see in a visit to London.
I first found Victoria Schwab through Twitter, where she was talking about the balance between her life as an author and student. She started getting excited over her impending book release and the more I looked into it, the more excited I got as well! I have the ebook but am dying over how amazing the cover art is. I want to frame the poster to help inspire me when I write!
I am so beyond excited for this book. Everyone seems to like it, and I LOVE parallel universes. Also, I want to know more about Kell’s pretty coat.
I absolutely adored her book, Vicious! Definitely in my top 10 books of last year. Even got my brother to read it (and thats a feat into its self). Also loved her, Archived duology, (hope she comes out with another one for that). But, yeah totally stoked to read ADSOM, in the near future.
The uk cover is so beautiful!!
I’m excited for A Darker Shade of Magic because it has basically everything I could possibly want from a book – alternate universes, magic, pirates, etc. Also, Vicious was probably my favorite book of last year, so I expect that A Darker Shade of Magic will be equally amazing.
I have heard soooo many good things about this book and have been wanting to read it so bad!! ahh!
I’m excited for ADSOM because Schwab’s VICIOUS really blew me away – the characters were complex and interesting, the descriptions were vivid, and the story kept me hooked. I’m a fan of her writing style. Plus, ADSOM sounds like an incredibly creative, unique story (and I’m curious to see what these various London’s are like)!
Because I love London and I’ve never read one of Victoria’s books, and I follow her on twitter and she seems cool.
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Super excited about Victoria’s new book! I’ve read the first few chapters through scribd and so far, it has been a most fantastical experience. And reading Kim’s review…!! Enthralling. I’ve loved Victoria since “The Near Witch” and her twitter posts are hilarious~ They always seem to cheer my day.
Vicious was among the my favorite books of 2014 and from what I’ve been hearing about A Darker Shade of Magic, it could easily become another one of my favorites. Parallel universes and unique magic systems? Hell yeah! Can’t wait to read this one.
I’ve never been to London but if ever I do, I really want to visit the Artisan du Chocolat’s shop in Chelsea (chocolate shop).
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It seems so intriguing and fascinating. Can’t wait to read it!
I haven’t read any Victoria Schwab, but by all accounts, I should. This book sounds so intriguing with the different Londons and the various attitudes about magic. I love parallel dimensions and new mythologies and rules concerning magic.
As for London, I haven’t been, but I would love to go. There are so many little book shops that I would love to explore. Heck, even Waterstones which is in no way an indie would make me excited! I would also love to see the more touristy things. Basically, I just really want to go!
I loved The Archived and Vicious when I read them, so I’m trying to read more by Victoria Schwab. A Darker Shade of Magic was particularly appealing because of the parallel worlds – I’m a sucker for that kind of thing. I also really like books set in London. I have only ever been there myself for flight layovers, but I’m hoping to spend some time there in the future.
I actually first heard about it from a friend who also loves to read, but is not into the book blogging world, and she was very excited to read this back in November. I am really looking forward to reading it and sharing it with my friend!
all those lovely crumble-fruit-clotted cream desserts.
Love any book set in London and I’ve heard wonderful things about this from Lauren and Heather. Looking forward to reading it soon!
Victoria Schwab wrote Viscous, one of my favourite books of this year so far, and this sounds just as epic. Different, but epic.
I am like SO READY for ADSOM. Victoria’s enthusiasm on Twitter really won me over on this one, and all the various colours of London were perfect. I barely finished The Archived before I heard about ADSOM, and I was just so ready for more of her fantasy!
VE Schwab’s Vicious was flat out amazing, and so, I’m hoping magic would repeat itself in this one! Because honestly, it sounds awesome. And how could I resist that gorgeous cover?
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I read Vicious and I fell head-over-heels in love with Victoria Schwab’s writing style and her beautiful portrayal of flawed but very, very real characters.
And seriously, London is one of the top 5 places I’d want to visit if I had the money. THE HISTORY AND THE GLORIOUS SCENERY AND JUST ALL AROUND LONDON-NESS.
I’ve never been to London (or to Europe) but I want to! I’m pretty excited to read ADSOM because the whole blogging community loved it and it’s by Victoria Schwab! Thank you for the chance!
You know, I used to only really really REALLY want to go to America, but now that my wish is coming true in about 2.5 weeks, I am desperate to visit London–heck, all of Europe! I’ve seen this book just about everywhere now–I’ll be sure to buy a copy when I get off my book buying ban.
and I am so very excited to read this!
I have not read anything by V.E. Schwab and I NEED to see what all the hype is about! :D As for my fav parts of London- I don’t have any. I have never been their nor on that side of the world for that matter.
I’ve never been to London, sadly, but to be honest, I’d like to visit some of the places Doctor Who was shot. And some of the places Jack the Ripper left behind that legacy of his.
I’m excited to read this book because I really enjoy the writing style and the idea of travelling between two worlds (and Kell’s coat). Black London seems like such a curious and intruiging place.
The Archived series by Victoria Schwab were absolutely delightful, although I’m super sad the third book isn’t coming out soon. Will just have to satisfy myself with her new books!
I’ve been to London once but didn’t get to see a lot of it sadly. I’d like to visit the historical sites. Thank you for this giveaway.
I’ve never been to London, but I always thought it would be amazing to see a play in one of their beautiful old theaters. As for why I’m eager for the book, I’ve never read anything by this author, and everyone seems to be so in love with her work that I want to check it out for myself, plus she said she looks for magic in everything, and that just makes me think she probably has a really imaginitive writing style.
I’m reading it at the moment, and the writing is unbelievable. One of the best writers I’ve come across for a while. Does anyone know of any authors who have a similar style?
Just discovered Schwab! Love Vicious, fully expect to love ADSOM! Plus, novels set in London are bloody brilliant!
I’ve never been to London, but I like the idea of looking for magic in ordinary places. I can’t wait to read this book! I love magic! I took the quiz and got Black London, not sure if that’s good or not since they were kind of bad guys.
I’m SO looking forward to reading ADSOM because ‛Vicious’ has been the fastest I’ve ever fallen in love with a book in my life (& read A LOT!).
Victoria is one of my favorite authors and I’m really excited to read this book!
Favourite parts of London: anywhere with bookshops. I even like St Pancras (which I pass through to get the Eurostar) because hey, bookshop!
I haven’t gotten around to reading this yet, but, after reading reviews, I’ll be sure to check it out!
I can’t wait to read this book. Like seriously. It sounds so freaking awesome.
I’ve actually read (and loved) this book already, but I’m definitely planning on a re-read. I haven’t been to London, but out of the three Londons in the book, I definitely prefer Red London. In the real London, I would love to visit Westminster Abbey!
Loved the book trailer and quiz, I’m a little surprised that I got Black London. I don’t see myself as mysterious, but it will be fun to read the book and see if there are clues as to why that’s what I got. It’s been years since I’ve visited London. My favorite things were visiting Westminster Abbey and going to Harrod’s. On a whim, we went on a Jack the Ripper Tour, which takes you down all these alleys, you see historic old buildings and visit a pub at the end. We also went on a tour of The London Dungeon, which apparently has moved and is way bigger. It’s kind of part history, part Halloween type scary attraction. There is so much to see there and I really wish I could go back sometime. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway, I’ve already won something recently. I am adding this to my TBR list.
I seriously cannot wait to read this book. I have heard such great things from other reviewers, and some friends, that I’m not sure why I haven’t picked it up yet. What is wrong with me?!
Victoria has never failed to impress me with her books and her writing and I cannot wait to visit all these versions of London – a place I am desperate to go! I watched the video where she travels around the city and talks about inspiration and a few things about the book and it’s so hard not to run out right now and grab myself a copy!
I’ve been to London twice (I’m from Italy) and I love it! I love all the parks (they are full of squirrels), the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul cathedral, Camden Town… it’s great! I’d like to visit it every year! Last time I also visited Waterstone’s for the first time!
A darker shade of magic seems great, I loved The Archived and I’m really excited about this new book!
I took the quiz and I’m Grey London, the more regular and drab one without magic. But even without the adding magic there’s something wonderful about London! It’s been a while since I last was there, but the last time I was there was during the snowcalypse in Europe, so I was stuck in London for 5 days, in between flights, with no way to get back to Madrid! BUT I still have one very fond memory of landing in Heathrow after flying over London at night and seeing it with the snow and all the lights and it was indeed magical!
I’m awaiting my signed copy of this one, so I’m biting my nails while it arrives!
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I’ve never actually been to London (although my sister has), but visiting London is on my bucket list! I love anything set in London. I absolutely love the idea of parallel universes and visiting them, hiding from others in them. Parallel universes are totally my thing. I’ve also heard a lot of good stuff about V.E Schwab’s books and am super excited to pick this up.
Confession: I’ve never read a V.E. Schwab book. Vicious is glaring at me from my shelf on my shelf, and my friend loves it to pieces but . . . I’m kind of distracted by The GINORMOUS Mistborn Series. I guess I’ll read it right after. I took the quiz and got Black London; apparently I’m mysterious. I’ve never been to the UK, but I guess I’d love to see the double-decker busses and iconic red phone booths (are those real????).
I’ve never been to London, but I’ve always wanted to visit the Oxford Botanical Gardens on account of His Dark Materials.
Oh my god…. I loved Vicious, so I know I’ll love this! I took the quiz and got White London, which worries me just a little. I’m just glad it isn’t grey. Victoria is so lovely and I need these and the Archived.
Aah! Awesome :) I’ve never been to England, but I really want to see London!
I’ve heard so many great things about V. E. Schwab’s books but I haven’t read any of them yet. I also love book that have magic and things like parallel universes in them so I can’t wait to get my hands on ADSOM!
I’ve never been to England but I want to at some point. One of my really good friends lives there and I need to go visit her. I guess mainly I want to see London.
I’ve only read The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab but I’m looking forward to this one!
Aaaah, how cool — thanks for hosting this giveaway! I LOVED this book but don’t have my own physical copy yet.Red London is just so much fun and White London is so eerie.
Oh, this sounds like a really intriguing read! I feel like I haven’t read many parallel world novels, and A Darker Shade of Magic sounds like a good place to start.
My favorite parts of London are the Thames and the Palace! I saw reviews where they describe Red and White London through Lila’s eyes! Thank you for the giveaway! I have read VICIOUS by the same author so I am surely excited for the new novel!
I love walking along the Thames! And visiting the Palace (or at least the Palace gates, hah) is a must for every single visitor.
I haven’t read VICIOUS yet, but I’ve heard such good things about it! I got a copy from ALA last year and really need to try to get to it soon. Glad you entered the giveaway!
I’ve never been to London, but if I ever got the chance, I’d make a point to visit the indie bookstores. A must-do activity for all bibliophiles!
Spoken like a true bookworm, Priscilla! I’m proud of you. And YES I don’t remember any of the indies during my time there, but the next trip I shall do better.

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