Reading Order Guide
Shades of Magic Reading Order
Complete Order
All 2 Books, In Order
The recommended reading order for the Shades of Magic series. Start with book one and enjoy the ride.
A Conjuring of Light
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 delivers on every promise made in the first chapter of A Darker Shade of Magic.
A Gathering of Shadows
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 one hasn't finished spreading. The magic system reaches full expression here.
Series Stats
At a Glance
Every Sort By Cravings profile is written after a full read-through — not scraped from publisher blurbs. We cross-reference BookTok discussions, Goodreads reviews, and 500+ reader reactions before publishing any mood tag, spice rating, or compatibility note. Read our editorial standards.
FAQ
Shades of Magic Series Questions
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.
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 1.0/5. There is some heat but it is not the main event.
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.
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