A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic #2
Published by: Tor Books
Pub Date: February 23, 2016
Read: March 2017; January 2020
Pages: 512
Format: paperback | Source: purchased
Genres: adult, fantasy, LGBTQ+
Rating:

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.

DELICIOUS. SHIPALICIOUS. SPECTACULAR. That basically summed up my reread from January and honestly- I’m tempted to reread the series again already. Here is my original review from when I first read the book a few years ago:

I have to admit, the games made me think of Goblet of Fire and basically every fantasy book ever but they were still exciting and I love seeing other lands and people and magic. Otherwise, this was a stressful DELIGHT and TORMENT all at once and naturally Alucard Emery is my favorite. Because obviously. I super love his friendship with Lila and all the pirateyness and I loved all the Kell and Rhys time together and I loved all the ACTUAL SHIPPY SHIPPINESS (mix those pairs lol) and every time someone’s path would cross. Yep. Also the mystery of Lila and I want to know more about Kell’s childhood. Looks like I’m going to the bookstore tonight for A Conjuring of Light!

    (A summary of A Gathering of Shadows by Victoria Schwab)

You can find my review of the first book in the series here: A Darker Shade of Magic. Have you read the Shades of Magic series? Are you looking forward to the companion trilogy Threads of Power as much as I am?! Let me know!