So You Think You Know Victoria “V.E.” Schwab

Quick note about this page. It is ever evolving. I have read almost all of Schwab’s books at this time, but I am still working on writing reviews. If you don’t see a review for something, come back soon!

About the Author

Victoria Schwab or “V. E.” Schwab is an extremely diverse author. She has written books for Middle Grade up to Adult books. Her books largely fall under the Fantasy category, but she has superhero books and just released her first mystery novel.

Most of her books are set in what I call magical realism. She takes our world and infuses it with magic.

If you are jumping into Schwab’s books for the first time you need to be read for slow starts with a lot of set up for the rest of the story. Sort of like a roller coaster heading up the hill. Once you get to the top it is a wild ride after that.

Her writing style is poetic. Sometimes I re-listen to her audiobooks as “Background music”. Her prose is beautiful.

V.E. Schwab has written a LOT of different Genres under several names. Her main pen name is V.E. Schwab. This is used for most of her fantasy writing. She also has published some of her younger reader books under Victoria Schwab. Her newest mystery novel that she co-wrote with another author was published under Evelyn Clarke.

Another important aspect of Schwab’s writing is her LGBTQ representation. While not all her books contain it (especially her early and younger reader work), she has some amazing works promoting this.

Read Order Suggestions

She is such a diverse author I usually ask what the person’s preferred genre and recommend they start with one that is in that genre. I recommend reading the reviews and seeing what speaks to you.

Magical Realism fans

Magical Realism is one step out of our reality. It is set in our world as we know it except…what if magic was real?

If you love vampire stories and strong female empowerment you must read Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil.

For Romantasy fans, the standalone The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a great option.

I really enjoyed the Gothic stand alone with Secret Garden vibes, Gallant.

Fantasy Fans

I started reading Schwab with The Fragile Threads of Power. I do not recommend that because it is the first book in a prequel series to the Shades of Magic trilogy. I recommend reading this series first.

The Darker Side

If you are more of a dark reader you have to check out the superhero style Villains series. The post-apocalyptic Monsters of Verity Books are dark in the best possible way.

Ghost Story Fans

Not really interested in fantasy but love ghosts? Schwab has books for you!

The Cassidy Blake series is about a young girl who helps ghosts move on with the help of a ghostly best friend. If you are looking for something for a bit older of an audience with more action you can check out The Archived books.

LGBTQ Books

Schwab’s fantasy series, The Shades of Magic Books, have some great examples of representation in a subtle way. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has some great Bi representation.

The greatest one (so far) is Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil. At an author event I attended Schwab described it as “Hella Gay”.

Graphic Novels

I’ll be honest, I haven’t read these and they aren’t high on my list, but the universes these come from are in her other books and they are fabulous! If you want a Fantasy series check out the Shades of Magic Graphic Novels. If you like a more superhero vibe check out the ExtraOrdinary Graphic Novels.

Young Readers

If you are looking for a place for your kid to start there are several different options. Everyday Angel is a magical realism series about an angel looking for her wings. The Near Witch is a Fantasy Pied Piper retelling. And the Cassidy Blake series is about a young girl who helps ghosts move on with the help of a ghostly best friend. Gallant is a fabulous stand-alone novel with Secret Garden vibes that really spans age categories, but it wouldn’t be inappropriate to read to your kids.

Teens

If your teen is looking to start reading V.E. Schwab there are several books that would be good starts.

If your teen likes dark post-apocalyptic stories with a magical flair they must read the Monsters of Verity Books. If you are looking for something more modern with more action you can suggest The Archived books.

If you are coming from Romantasy, The standalone The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a great option.

For hard core fantasy fans you must start with the Darker Shade of Magic.