BOOK REVIEW : A GATHERING OF SHADOWS (SHADES OF MAGIC #2) V.E. SCHWAB

TITLE : A Gathering Of Shadows ( Shades Of Magic #2)

AUTHOR : V. E. Schwab

GENRE : YA, Fantasy

FR RATING : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars

FR REVIEW

I picked this up after the first book. I was in the mood to binge read the series and I couldn’t wait to start. I was quite excited to see Lila, Kell, and Rhy’s journey and where life would take them. A Gathering Of Shadows picks up 4 months after A Darker Shade Of Magic ended. Let’s just say that this book kept me hooked to the story from beginning to end. I was reading it without a break, that’s how much I was enjoying the series.

I don’t know how to talk about anything without giving any part of the story away, because of major SPOILERS!!! The book is set up with the expansion of the world or to be more precise, Arnes, and surrounding countries. New characters are introduced. We get to see more magic, preparation for Elemental Games, new customs and cultures, etc.

I loved the new characters and Lila’s journey and how fun and entertaining her journey was. Kell and Rhy are struggling to find their balance after the events from ADSOM. The changes in their personality and the subtle shift in the family dynamics were all interesting to see.

The writing as usual was amazing. Just like with every other VE Schwab book I have read the story was very much descriptive and engaging. The pacing was also good. I felt fully immersed in the story and flew through the book very quickly, which I did not expect by the length of the book. The magic has gotten darker and we have more sequences that are bloodier than the first book. Some turns were quite intriguing and I need to see how it comes together in the end. The stakes are so much higher and VE Schwab does a fantastic job of pulling the readers into the story.

I feel like the journey is simply fascinating and engrossing in every way. Some of the characters were very impulsive and therefore quite entertaining to read about. I think this book had so much packed into it and yet it didn’t feel boring. It was simply a well-crafted epic fantasy series. I loved it and would highly recommend checking it out. I think if you love reading series that builds up with each book, you will love this series. I gave the book 5 stars. If you love books with a great cast of members, an intricate world, and cool magic you should definitely pick up this series.

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.

Buy A Gathering Of Shadows ( Shades Of Magic #2) ( Shades Of Magic #2) by V. E. Schwab here.

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