Victoria Schawb is such an emotive writer, and the first book in the renowned Shades of Magic series just proved that once again. 
 I was immediately immersed into this innovative and unique fictional world after reading the innocuous-sounding first line: Kell wore a very peculiar coat. 
 From there, this book continued to explore themes of political intrigue, expand the illustrious magic system, and exempt an overabundance of romance to impede on this brilliant fantasy adventure.