A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

Publication Date:  February 23, 2016
Publisher:  Tor Books
Pages:  512
Series:  Shades of Magic #2
Genre:  Fantasy
Synopsis:  It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift – back into Black London. Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as 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. And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall. 

Review:  I would say that a book series this close to perfection would be impossible. But impossible is kind of a useless word when it comes to V.E. Schwab.

Simply put, the writing is enchanting.  Schwab knows how to spin a sentence to create the most inviting, imaginative story possible.  The worlds that serve as the backdrop for the thieving, sorcery, and kidnapping are vibrant and rich.  You get so absorbed in them that it's hard to believe that you are not, in fact, living in them. 

Everyone’s immortal until they’re not.

A Gathering of Shadows is an exploration of consequences.  Too many books like to brush off the disasters that occurred in the previous installments, but this one does the opposite.  Previous actions have serious effects on both the characters and the dimensions, proving for an enticing and exciting plot amidst a magical tournament that throws some action into the mix.

However, I did find the plot to be a bit predictable in the end.  Also, as much as I loved the sequence of events, they don't always progress the overall arc of the series.  These complaints are minor, though, and definitely do not detract from the enjoyment of the book. 

She bent most of the rules. She broke the rest.

Perhaps my favorite aspect are the characters.  The cast is strong and unique with old favorites and a handful of newcomers.  Kell is endearing and loyal as ever while a new depth unfolds between him and his adopted family, and brother, Rhy.  

Lila is the one that steals the show this time.  As cutthroat and clever as before, she reveals a softer side to her fierce, adventurous nature.  She is a disaster of a person and I love her for it.  Alucard, her new captain, presents and intriguing enigma that I can't wait to unravel.  

A Gathering of Shadows is a well balanced, vivid book that promises even more danger to come, and I for one cannot wait.