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themisscaitlin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
zemthings's review against another edition
5.0
I AM SUFFERING I AM UNWELL I AM THRIVING I AM IN AGONG I HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER.
Holy SHIT, oh my GOD.
I can’t put into words how good this book is? I’ve never had a sequel hit this hard, I’m- like I’m in awe. I need to lay down.
Holy SHIT, oh my GOD.
I can’t put into words how good this book is? I’ve never had a sequel hit this hard, I’m- like I’m in awe. I need to lay down.
alju2404's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Overall the book wasn't bad, but the story was not catching my attention most of the time, it picked up well at the end, but the book just felt too long and dragged out unnecessarily, I hope the last one will be better.
Overall the book wasn't bad, but the story was not catching my attention most of the time, it picked up well at the end, but the book just felt too long and dragged out unnecessarily, I hope the last one will be better.
bridgetress's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
charlieteuthis's review against another edition
5.0
This really got into the way magic is viewed within their world, and introduced some amazing new characters. I love the multiple-character perspectives, and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this fantastic book down.
(Previous review from 2018) 2023 review: that was so stressful :( great story but ah!! I forgot it'll put you through the ringer
(Previous review from 2018) 2023 review: that was so stressful :( great story but ah!! I forgot it'll put you through the ringer
valerian_honeybee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Physical abuse, Torture, and Sexism
hurrikanekathrina's review against another edition
3.0
6 out of 10 stars
Genre: High Fantasy, YA
Series: Shades of Magic
I'm a bit dissappointed in this second installment in V.E. Schwab's "Shades Of Magic" series. Not only did this book suffer from second-book-syndrome, but also did I just not enjoy the take that Schwab took on some of the characters.
While the world and the characters (as well as the magic system) are still interesting to read about, unfortunately this book lacked action. I'm not saying that this book didn't have a plot, because it did, but I was missing a sort of overall story line that would keep me intersted. It felt like things were just happening from page to page, without any real destination to work towards. Halfway through the book, I kept wondering what was to come that would motivate me to follow these characters. There were some minor, character bound problems, like Kell's and Rhy's intertwined lifes, or Lila's growing magic, and of course the tournament, but very little of a major plot.
My second complaint is that I feel that Schwab has taken Lila's uniqueness a bit too far. So far, actually, that she's starting to feel real special-snowflakey to me. Yes, we get it, she's so different, yes she dresses like a guy, she's not like anyone else, because she craves adventure and always finds trouble, but why did Lila herself always have to talk about how different and special she was? Why did every character who met her have to like her (because, again, she's so different and unique) and though she doesn't even want to be liked, people just can't help but liking her.
I feel like we've got a common case of "trying too hard to make a character different" here, a trope that I personally get very annoyed at (see Six of Crows) but that a lot of people seem to enjoy, so that's just my opinion.
Also, I'm not really feeling any chemistry between Kell and Lila anymore, they had almost no scenes together (again, second-book-syndrome) and when they did, they didn't really talk about anything personal or emotionally important, and just bickered. And while I do love me some bickering in a book couple, I need an affectional connection as well, to ship it. One that was present in the first book, but lacking in this one.
Lastly, the whole conflict between Kell and the king just seemed poorly thought out and far fetched to me. It could have been done btter, but the way that it came across and then escalated at the end just made no sense. Kell saved Rhy's life, who himself was to blame for getting hurt, and Kell did so by taking on a huge sacrifice, still suddenly the King and Queen don't trust him anymore? I realize that the loss of trust has come by Kell illegally bringing the stone into Red London, thus endangering their entire world, but even then, I think most people would appreciate the kind of sacrifice that Kell took for their son.
Also, if Kell is so important to the king, and is so powerfull that the crown couldn't possibly keep him by force - why treat him like shit the entire time, then arrest him for a tiny little thing and then tell him to please stay, because they know that they can't really make him, but they need him.
That's the worst way you could possibly deal with this situation. Jesus.
So yeah, while I still really liked reading about this world and characters, these things diminished my reading experience enough for not deserving 4 stars.
I hope the finale will be as good as the first one again.
Genre: High Fantasy, YA
Series: Shades of Magic
I'm a bit dissappointed in this second installment in V.E. Schwab's "Shades Of Magic" series. Not only did this book suffer from second-book-syndrome, but also did I just not enjoy the take that Schwab took on some of the characters.
While the world and the characters (as well as the magic system) are still interesting to read about, unfortunately this book lacked action. I'm not saying that this book didn't have a plot, because it did, but I was missing a sort of overall story line that would keep me intersted. It felt like things were just happening from page to page, without any real destination to work towards. Halfway through the book, I kept wondering what was to come that would motivate me to follow these characters. There were some minor, character bound problems, like Kell's and Rhy's intertwined lifes, or Lila's growing magic, and of course the tournament, but very little of a major plot.
My second complaint is that I feel that Schwab has taken Lila's uniqueness a bit too far. So far, actually, that she's starting to feel real special-snowflakey to me. Yes, we get it, she's so different, yes she dresses like a guy, she's not like anyone else, because she craves adventure and always finds trouble, but why did Lila herself always have to talk about how different and special she was? Why did every character who met her have to like her (because, again, she's so different and unique) and though she doesn't even want to be liked, people just can't help but liking her.
I feel like we've got a common case of "trying too hard to make a character different" here, a trope that I personally get very annoyed at (see Six of Crows) but that a lot of people seem to enjoy, so that's just my opinion.
Also, I'm not really feeling any chemistry between Kell and Lila anymore, they had almost no scenes together (again, second-book-syndrome) and when they did, they didn't really talk about anything personal or emotionally important, and just bickered. And while I do love me some bickering in a book couple, I need an affectional connection as well, to ship it. One that was present in the first book, but lacking in this one.
Lastly, the whole conflict between Kell and the king just seemed poorly thought out and far fetched to me. It could have been done btter, but the way that it came across and then escalated at the end just made no sense. Kell saved Rhy's life, who himself was to blame for getting hurt, and Kell did so by taking on a huge sacrifice, still suddenly the King and Queen don't trust him anymore? I realize that the loss of trust has come by Kell illegally bringing the stone into Red London, thus endangering their entire world, but even then, I think most people would appreciate the kind of sacrifice that Kell took for their son.
Also, if Kell is so important to the king, and is so powerfull that the crown couldn't possibly keep him by force - why treat him like shit the entire time, then arrest him for a tiny little thing and then tell him to please stay, because they know that they can't really make him, but they need him.
That's the worst way you could possibly deal with this situation. Jesus.
So yeah, while I still really liked reading about this world and characters, these things diminished my reading experience enough for not deserving 4 stars.
I hope the finale will be as good as the first one again.
remilauren's review against another edition
4.0
******SPOILERS AHEAD******
Unlike A Darker Shade of Magic, Gathering of Shadows is emotion/feeling heavy. Kell and Rhy are suffering consequences of being tied to each other. In other words, they are depressed. Whereas Lila is out on an adventure, discovering her true self.
It was extremely frustrating to see Kell being mistreated even after he'd done so much for the Crown and it's Kingdom. Every character has gained something off him but has the audacity to throw attitude! But I am glad that he finally stood up for himself, made decisions for him!
And Lila? I'm not going to ask what you are for that would only boost your ego. Yes, you are talented, you are magical, you are way stronger than anyone thought you were. But damn are you stubborn and stupid! Not once is she held accountable for her stupid actions but encouraged in the name of Not Like Other Girls, seriously?? For god's sake Lila, stop annoying the living hell out of me!!
So many pages spent explaining Essen Tasch and it didn't even last long, and honestly wasn't mind blowing either. Too many pages spent demonising Alucard only to have him be merely Rhy's ex, like stop overreacting Kell!! And the worst of all, delaying Kell-Lila reunion, so long that the rope stretched taut! I was disappointed at how they finally met, because it was obvious and the only good scene we did have was marred by Lila's stubborn behaviour!!
While all this was happening in Red London, we had brief chapters on White London, with their new King (drumrolls please) Holland!! He was dropped like a stone into Black London but came back with the Black London Magic Monster. Old habits never die, and he decides to save his London at the cost of Kell's London. It's as if the whole world conspires against Kell, let the boy live people! But it was fun to see it bite him in the ass, this is why you don't make dangerous deals kids!
While the first 300 pages were okay, it was the last 100 pages that carried the story much farther. Based on how good the last few pages were, I can only imagine this books suffers from the Second Book Syndrome. Well now that I'm at the cusp of the next book, I hope that's more fun than this. Now with the Magic Monster loose, let's see if whatever Lila Bard was, was enough..
PS : Seriously though, if she really were an Antari, imagine how insufferable she'd be in the next book...
Unlike A Darker Shade of Magic, Gathering of Shadows is emotion/feeling heavy. Kell and Rhy are suffering consequences of being tied to each other. In other words, they are depressed. Whereas Lila is out on an adventure, discovering her true self.
It was extremely frustrating to see Kell being mistreated even after he'd done so much for the Crown and it's Kingdom. Every character has gained something off him but has the audacity to throw attitude! But I am glad that he finally stood up for himself, made decisions for him!
And Lila? I'm not going to ask what you are for that would only boost your ego. Yes, you are talented, you are magical, you are way stronger than anyone thought you were. But damn are you stubborn and stupid! Not once is she held accountable for her stupid actions but encouraged in the name of Not Like Other Girls, seriously?? For god's sake Lila, stop annoying the living hell out of me!!
So many pages spent explaining Essen Tasch and it didn't even last long, and honestly wasn't mind blowing either. Too many pages spent demonising Alucard only to have him be merely Rhy's ex, like stop overreacting Kell!! And the worst of all, delaying Kell-Lila reunion, so long that the rope stretched taut! I was disappointed at how they finally met, because it was obvious and the only good scene we did have was marred by Lila's stubborn behaviour!!
While all this was happening in Red London, we had brief chapters on White London, with their new King (drumrolls please) Holland!! He was dropped like a stone into Black London but came back with the Black London Magic Monster. Old habits never die, and he decides to save his London at the cost of Kell's London. It's as if the whole world conspires against Kell, let the boy live people! But it was fun to see it bite him in the ass, this is why you don't make dangerous deals kids!
While the first 300 pages were okay, it was the last 100 pages that carried the story much farther. Based on how good the last few pages were, I can only imagine this books suffers from the Second Book Syndrome. Well now that I'm at the cusp of the next book, I hope that's more fun than this. Now with the Magic Monster loose, let's see if whatever Lila Bard was, was enough..
PS : Seriously though, if she really were an Antari, imagine how insufferable she'd be in the next book...