Friday, July 29, 2016

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.







18 comments:

  1. I really can't wait to read this! I love how this one explores the consequences of the 1st book, instead of focusing on other plot. Glad you enjoyed it Erin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so good! I already can't wait for the third book. V.E. Schwab has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Thanks for commenting, Tasya!

      Delete
  2. Oh, I'm so glad you loved this! I can't wait to read it!

    Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor: BLOG || VLOG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely worth a read! Thanks for commenting, Kim!

      Delete
  3. I LOVE YOUR REVIEW ERIN <3 I love how you liked the characters -- they sound really good and interesting in this book. I can't believe I haven't read this one (or the book before) at all. I seriously need to get on with this quick :) Thanks for sharing the review Erin.


    Jillian @ Jillian's Books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jillian! The characters are one of my favorite things about this series. I really do think you would like it, so you should totally pick it up. Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  4. YAY ERIN! :D So glad that you loved this book - I know I loved ADSOM, but I just haven't gotten around to AGOS yet! Your review is so well written, by the way - loved reading it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It took me a few months, but I am so happy I finally got around to this! AGOS is even better than ADSOM. Thanks so much for commenting, Geraldine, and I'm glad you liked my review!

      Delete
  5. Hooray! I'm so glad you enjoy this book! I absolutely love Schwab's stories. <3

    anna | annaish

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! V.E. Schwab definitely knows how to write a good book. Thanks for commenting, Anna!

      Delete
  6. Omg I love this book so much I COULD CRY. Although I do agree with you that it was predictable.😂 And honestly there wasn't much plot going on?!?? But the characters are just ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING so it's basically forgiven for me. <3 *hugs precious moody Kell*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That cliffhanger REALLY made me feel like crying, even though I saw it coming from miles away. And despite the lack of plot, the characters and the world make this book seem so full of life, I loved it. Thanks for commenting, Cait!

      Delete
  7. Okay, confession time: I didn't like ADSOM. >.< Actually, I liked the end the most, but the pacing kind of ruined it for me. I ended up not reading AGOS immediately because I thought it'd be just as incredibly slow-paced as ADSOM, but after reading another VE Schwab book (This Savage Song!) and your review, maybe I'll read this pretty soon! Or maybe I'll buy my own copy before I do because THAT BOOK COVER. *O* Lovely review, Erin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GASP. I actually had some issues with the end of ADSOM when I first read it but anyway, AGOS is definitely better than ADSOM. It's still a bit slow but there's so MUCH that fills the pages that it doesn't really feel like it. And honestly these are the BEST book covers EVER. Thanks for commenting, Mara!

      Delete
  8. I have been wanting to read VE Schwab for a long time now. I really need to get on it because everyone raves about the books. Glad you enjoyed this!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. V.E. Schwab has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I would start with Vicious, if I were you! Thanks for commenting, Grace!

      Delete
  9. I'm so glad you liked this book! I read AGOS recently and I am in love with this series. The ending especially left me wanting the next book badly. I'm counting down the days until it's out! And I'm also a huge fan of the cast of characters! I love the relationships between Kell, Rhy, and Lila and I'm both nervous and excited to see what the next book will bring. Loved the review!

    Claire @ Cover to Cover

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This series is definitely one of my favorites. But that cliff hanger KILLED me. I can't believe we have to wait until 2017 to get our hands on the next one... I love the characters, too, and I a dying to find out what happens to them. Thanks for commenting, Claire!

      Delete