Victoria "V.E." Schwab is a prolific American author, renowned for her versatility in crafting imaginative and richly textured worlds across both adult and young adult (YA) genres. Best known for her Shades of Magic trilogy and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Schwab's writing blends elements of fantasy, moral complexity, and strong character development. She has become a major force in contemporary fantasy, captivating readers with her unique approach to storytelling, in which she frequently explores themes of identity, power, and freedom.
Early Life and Childhood
Victoria Schwab was born on July 7, 1987, in California, but she spent most of her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up, Schwab exhibited an early fascination with storytelling, which was nurtured by a love of reading and a vivid imagination. However, her passion for writing did not begin until her teenage years.
Schwab’s upbringing was marked by a deep connection to stories, especially within the fantasy genre. Books by authors such as J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, and Neil Gaiman were formative influences. Schwab has spoken in interviews about being drawn to the darker, more complicated aspects of these stories, which would later influence her own writing. Her fascination with the supernatural and the moral gray areas of characters can be traced back to her early reading experiences.
Though she was always an avid reader, Schwab initially planned to pursue a career in the sciences. However, her love for writing grew stronger during her time at Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied English literature and became increasingly involved in creative writing. It was here that she began to write more seriously, focusing on developing her craft and finding her voice as an author.
Schwab’s experiences growing up as a queer woman in the American South also deeply influenced her work. Her characters often explore themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle for self-expression, reflecting her own journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This personal connection to her stories has made her novels resonate with readers who appreciate complex characters grappling with identity, purpose, and moral dilemmas.
Early Writing Career and Breakthrough
Schwab's first published novel was The Near Witch (2011), a YA fantasy about a small town haunted by a centuries-old legend of a witch who may or may not exist. The novel did not achieve significant commercial success upon its release, but it showcased Schwab’s potential as a fantasy writer with a knack for atmospheric storytelling. The book would later gain more attention following Schwab’s rise to fame.
Her breakthrough came with the publication of Vicious (2013), the first novel in the Villains series. The novel marked Schwab’s entry into adult fiction and solidified her reputation as a writer who excels at crafting morally complex characters and dark, intricate worlds. Vicious follows two college friends, Victor Vale and Eli Ever, who discover how to give themselves extraordinary abilities through near-death experiences. What begins as a scientific experiment quickly spirals into a brutal rivalry as Victor and Eli become enemies, each believing they are justified in their pursuit of power and vengeance.
Vicious was praised for its dark, compelling characters and its exploration of the fine line between heroism and villainy. It introduced many readers to Schwab’s unique style, which often features morally ambiguous protagonists, non-linear storytelling, and an examination of power dynamics. The success of Vicious positioned Schwab as a rising star in the fantasy genre, leading to further opportunities to expand her literary career.
The Shades of Magic Trilogy: A Defining Work
If Vicious marked Schwab’s emergence as a notable author, the Shades of Magic trilogy solidified her place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary fantasy. The trilogy, beginning with A Darker Shade of Magic (2015), became an international sensation and showcased Schwab’s ability to craft expansive worlds filled with magic, danger, and unforgettable characters.
The Shades of Magic series is set in a universe where four parallel Londons exist, each with varying levels of magic: Grey London, a mundane world without magic; Red London, where magic is harmonious and revered; White London, a world of ruthless magic users; and Black London, a sealed-off world consumed by dark magic. The story follows Kell, one of the last Antari, a rare type of magician who can travel between the Londons, and Lila Bard, a bold, street-smart thief from Grey London with dreams of becoming a pirate.
The series explores themes of power, loyalty, and freedom, with Kell and Lila at the heart of a struggle between the different Londons. Schwab’s world-building in the trilogy is intricate and immersive, offering readers a vivid and dynamic setting filled with political intrigue, magical duels, and a richly developed cast of characters.
A Darker Shade of Magic (2015): The first book introduces readers to Kell and Lila, as well as the parallel Londons. As Kell and Lila become unlikely allies, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving forbidden magic that threatens all the worlds.
A Gathering of Shadows (2016): The second book expands the world, introducing a magical competition called the Element Games, while deepening the relationships between characters. Kell and Lila face personal struggles with their identities and powers as the threat of White London looms.
A Conjuring of Light (2017): The final book in the trilogy brings the epic battle for the survival of the Londons to a thrilling conclusion. Schwab weaves together threads of friendship, sacrifice, and the cost of power as Kell, Lila, and their allies confront the darkest magic of all.
The Shades of Magic trilogy received widespread acclaim for its inventive world-building, fast-paced action, and emotionally resonant character arcs. The series cemented Schwab’s reputation as a master of fantasy fiction, and its popularity led to talks of film and television adaptations, as well as spin-off novels that Schwab has planned to further explore the world she created.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue: A Masterpiece of Loneliness and Immortality
Schwab reached new heights of literary acclaim with the release of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue in 2020. This novel, which Schwab had been working on for nearly a decade, is arguably her most ambitious and personal work to date. It tells the story of Adeline "Addie" LaRue, a young woman in 18th-century France who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever, but with a curse—she will be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Addie LaRue explores themes of memory, identity, and the human desire for meaning. Over the course of 300 years, Addie lives a life of loneliness, unable to form lasting connections as she drifts through history, until she meets a young man in New York City in 2014 who remembers her. The novel is a meditation on what it means to live a life that matters and the price one is willing to pay for freedom.
With its sweeping narrative and introspective character study, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue became a critical and commercial success. The novel struck a chord with readers and critics alike, praised for its poetic prose, emotional depth, and existential themes. It was named one of the best books of 2020 by multiple publications and solidified Schwab as a literary powerhouse.
Themes and Writing Style
V.E. Schwab’s writing is marked by her ability to balance intricate world-building with deep, emotionally resonant character development. Her work often blurs the line between good and evil, featuring morally ambiguous characters who grapple with power, identity, and the consequences of their choices.
Key themes in Schwab’s work include:
Identity: Schwab’s characters frequently struggle with understanding who they are and what they want, whether it’s Kell’s search for belonging in Shades of Magic or Addie LaRue’s quest for meaning in a life where she cannot leave a mark.
Power: Many of Schwab’s stories explore the dynamics of power—who holds it, how it’s used, and the sacrifices made to obtain or maintain it. This theme is central to both Vicious and Shades of Magic.
Freedom and Agency: Her protagonists are often individuals fighting for control over their own lives. Lila Bard seeks the freedom to live her life on her own terms, while Addie LaRue fights to live a life that is not dictated by the whims of others.
Schwab’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, characterized by a balance between elegant descriptions and sharp, direct dialogue. Her storytelling often features non-linear narratives and multiple perspectives, allowing readers to see events from different angles and understand the complexities of her characters’ motivations.
Best Works and Legacy
V.E. Schwab’s most acclaimed works include:
Vicious (2013): A dark, compelling exploration of power, friendship, and revenge in the world of superhuman abilities.
Shades of Magic Trilogy (2015–2017): A richly imagined fantasy series set in parallel Londons, featuring a blend of political intrigue, magical duels, and complex characters.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020): A haunting and introspective novel about immortality, loneliness, and the human desire to be remembered.
Conclusion
V.E. Schwab has established herself as a leading voice in modern fantasy, known for her intricate world-building, complex characters, and exploration of moral ambiguity. With her ability to seamlessly blend the fantastical and the deeply human, Schwab has garnered a devoted following of readers who appreciate her unique storytelling and her fearless approach to dark, complex themes.
Her work continues to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying her legacy as one of the most innovative and influential authors of her generation.