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The Steel Prince by V.E.Schwab is an enthralling graphic novel that is the prequel to the Shades of Magic series. It is a bit out of my comfort zone, but I found myself enjoying the unique, action-packed plot and the gorgeous artwork. I believe that this is a great introduction to the series, and I am excited to continue on with the story.
Title: Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel PrinceSeries: Shades of Magic #1
Author: V.E. Schwab
Also by this author: Shades of Magic Vol. 2: Night of Knives
Illustrator: Andrea Olimpieri
Publisher: Titan Comics
Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Rating:
Series Rating:
Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab and torn from the universe of the Shades of Magic sequence, this all-original comic book prequel to A Darker Shade of Magic is perfect for fans of bloody, swashbuckling adventure and gritty fantasy!
Delve into the thrilling, epic tale of the young and arrogant prince Maxim Maresh, long before he became the king of Red London and adoptive father to Kell, the lead of A Darker Shade of Magic!
The youthful Maresh is sent to a violent and unmanageable port city on the Blood Coast of Verose, on strict orders from his father, King Nokil Maresh, to cut his military teeth in this lawless landscape.
There, he encounters an unruly band of soldiers, a lawless landscape, and the intoxicatingly deadly presence of the newly returned pirate queen, Arisa...
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince (Vol 1) by V.E.Schwab
Graphic novels are not something that I normally read, but this prequel to the Shades of Magic series intrigued me. I have heard so much about these books, but I haven’t yet had the chance to pick them up. This book follows Maxim, a prince who is exiled, as he faces many obstacles including dark magic and pirates. The way the magic is presented is unique, and I am excited to learn more about it. If anything, the story is action-packed, and the pacing is quick, making the book hard to put down.
❀ Stunning Artwork
The artwork in the book is both stunning and easy to follow. Each character is distinct, and the settings are vivid. The way the four Londons are introduced is so fascinating to me. As I was reading, I especially enjoyed the illustrations of magic. I was unsure how this would be portrayed at first, but it makes sense and is aesthetically pleasing. The attention to detail as the story is brought to life is remarkable.
❀ A Captivating Prequel
The Steel Prince by V.E.Schwab is a captivating prequel to A Darker Shade of Magic. I loved the fast-paced plot and the beautiful illustrations. I can’t wait to further explore this series in the near future!
About V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab is a pseudonym of Victoria Schwab.
Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say "tom-ah-toes," "like," and "y'all."
She also tells stories.
She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems.
Be sure to check out the other stops along the Shades of Magic: Steel Prince Blog Tour!
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
Wow the artprint and drawings seem gorgeous indeed!
I agree! I really enjoyed then illustrations a lot. 🙂
I don’t read a lot of graphic novels, but I love the ADSOM series and that makes me so, so curious about this one. The artwork looks amazing, too! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m happy you enjoyed it 🙂
I am really excited to start reading this series now! I hope that you enjoy this one if you give it a try. 🙂
The artwork is exciting and the series sounds thrilling also. I recently finished Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series. I really got hooked on them!
Laura Thomas recently posted…Restaurant Weeks Are Murder ~ Review and Giveaway
It really is! I will have to check those out as well! 🙂
This sounds good. Great summary and review.
Thank you! 🙂
I loved this series! I was super bummed when it was only four issues, but they were four GOOD issues!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Lindsi recently posted…My Weekly Pull [60] & Can’t Wait Wednesday [30]
I NEED THIS! I love the Shades of Magic series, and I’m so excited to check this one out. I really love graphic novels, but that’s great you enjoyed it since you don’t read them as much.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Currently: March 2019 Edition
You absolutely do need it! If you are already a fan of the series, you are going to love it! 🙂
Love the illustrations! I haven’t read the Shades of Magic series yet but I’m planning to binge it this year. Great review! 🙂
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…A Curse So Dark and Lonely (A Curse So Dark and Lonely #1) By Brigid Kemmerer [Review]
Thank you! I am really excited to read the series as well! 🙂
Illustrations are totally awesome! The author must have natural-born talent.
They really are! 🙂
I’m loving the dynamic artwork!
Nice drawings in this one. Cool review.