Wednesday 12 June 2019

Book Review: A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V. E. Schwab (Fantasy)

Title: A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2)
Author: V. E. Schwab
Publisher:
Tor

Publication Date: 2017 (2016)
Pages:
509
Format:
Paperback
Genre:
Fantasy
Source:
Borrowed from the Library

 


Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games-an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries-a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again-and so to keep magic's balance, another London must fall...


I enjoyed A Darker Shade of Magic, but I loved A Gathering of Shadows even more. Perhaps that's because the bulk of the world building and character introduction was done and we could just get straight into the action this time. It was great to reunite with Kell and Lila, and I also adored new character Alucard. I felt a stronger connection to the characters in this second book, and I loved the continuation of the plot, which held my interest from start to finish. It was good to see Kell harden a little after the events of the first book, and the cliffhanger in this one left me tearing out my hair. Luckily I had placed a hold on book three at the library and heard today it is available for collection, so I will pick it up over the weekend. I look forward to seeing how this story will end!

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