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A review by malloryfitz
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
5.0
Premise- (4.5/5) Sequels are always tricky, especially when you like the first book as much as I liked A Darker Shade of Magic. And I'd definitely heard that some people were a lot less happy with A Gathering of Shadows, so I was a little nervous. But I still had high hopes because I loved A Darker Shade of Magic and was so eager to return to that world.
Characters- (4.5/5) We saw pretty much the entire cast of characters from the first book, plus some wonderful new additions like Alucard and his crew. They brought along a whole host of new dynamics amongst our main players, which was tons of fun. (If, you know, kind of stressful sometimes.) I especially liked the exploration of the changing relationship between Rhy and Kell as they grappled with the consequences of the magic from book one. And all those complicated and often volatile dynamics were huge contributing factors for the plot, which I always like.
Plot- (5/5) It took a long time to get to the Games, but I found that I didn't even mind because I was enjoying it so much. Similarly, it took a long time to bring all the characters back into interaction with each other, but I felt like the delays were warranted, and I was never bored. The Element Games were really cool for both plot and world-building purposes. They introduced so many opportunities for drama, action, magic, and politics. Trickery abounded throughout the plot, with lots of twists and turns. I had so much fun.
World- (4.5/5) We got to see quite a bit more about the countries and cultures of Red London as they came together for the Element Games. But I think even more than that I was intrigued by the glimpses we got at the changing White London. Watching those changes in real time along with the characters was fascinating, and it helped me understand the magic system much better.
Writing- (4/5) Once again, there isn't anything particular about Schwab's writing that speaks to me, but in this trilogy especially, I really appreciate her ability to balance characters, plot, and world building.
Overall- (4.5/5) In an impressive and rare feat, I liked A Gathering of Shadows as much as I liked A Darker Shade of Magic. The expansions on Schwab's world added depth to the magic system and cultures of Red London especially. I got to see more of the characters I loved in the first book thrust into tricky new situations as they bumped into new characters from their pasts. The plot took its time, but honestly I was so wrapped up in the characters and world I didn't mind the delays at all. A truly successful sequel, by my standards!
Content Warnings: torture, blood and violence
Characters- (4.5/5) We saw pretty much the entire cast of characters from the first book, plus some wonderful new additions like Alucard and his crew. They brought along a whole host of new dynamics amongst our main players, which was tons of fun. (If, you know, kind of stressful sometimes.) I especially liked the exploration of the changing relationship between Rhy and Kell as they grappled with the consequences of the magic from book one. And all those complicated and often volatile dynamics were huge contributing factors for the plot, which I always like.
Plot- (5/5) It took a long time to get to the Games, but I found that I didn't even mind because I was enjoying it so much. Similarly, it took a long time to bring all the characters back into interaction with each other, but I felt like the delays were warranted, and I was never bored. The Element Games were really cool for both plot and world-building purposes. They introduced so many opportunities for drama, action, magic, and politics. Trickery abounded throughout the plot, with lots of twists and turns. I had so much fun.
World- (4.5/5) We got to see quite a bit more about the countries and cultures of Red London as they came together for the Element Games. But I think even more than that I was intrigued by the glimpses we got at the changing White London. Watching those changes in real time along with the characters was fascinating, and it helped me understand the magic system much better.
Writing- (4/5) Once again, there isn't anything particular about Schwab's writing that speaks to me, but in this trilogy especially, I really appreciate her ability to balance characters, plot, and world building.
Overall- (4.5/5) In an impressive and rare feat, I liked A Gathering of Shadows as much as I liked A Darker Shade of Magic. The expansions on Schwab's world added depth to the magic system and cultures of Red London especially. I got to see more of the characters I loved in the first book thrust into tricky new situations as they bumped into new characters from their pasts. The plot took its time, but honestly I was so wrapped up in the characters and world I didn't mind the delays at all. A truly successful sequel, by my standards!
Content Warnings: torture, blood and violence