A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

Shades of Magic, Book 2

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 really had a great time with the first volume and I could not wait to get into the sequel. And then, how to resist this fabulous French cover? Everything made me want to read it!

We therefore find Kell and Lila, our two heroes who live their lives each on their own. Kell is still trying to manage the consequences of the previous events with Rhys, but it’s not easy for either of them. For her part, Lila is visiting the world on a boat while trying to understand how everything works and mainly magic she seems to be able to handle. But an event will bring them closer, an event where they will be incognito: a competition of magic. In addition to that, apparent changes are being felt in the other London, things that can only cause big upheavals for the future.

Like for the first novel, I loved discovering this story. The characters have to deal with a lot of problems here, and it was interesting to see how they acted on their side. I really liked Lila, she is a free spirit, she has objectives, sometimes beyond her, but she always makes every effort to make everything go in her direction. Kell is more lost in this novel and we understand his doubts. Indeed, the situation in which he is, has changed completely and running away is attractive.

New events have been initiated here and it is true that I am once again very curious to be able to dive into the third volume to discover all that the author has planned for us!

 

21 thoughts on “A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

  1. I’ve been hearing lots of great things about this series and I have a feeling I should give the first book a go, it really sounds like an exciting read 😀 And the cover looks intriguing for sure!

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