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A review by maira_h
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The problem with this series is probably the way it was marketed as a parallel universe fantasy (as if that's the only thing happening). In the first book, sure, we got to travel to different version of Londons. In this second one we barely got any of that, so I feel a bit cheated, to be honest.
The first few parts of the book, there was a lot of internal monologue/ battle happening with Kell, Lila and Ryle. It was understandable at first after what had happened in the first book. But then, this monologue got kind of repetitive that I almost got bored. I would have preferred Schwab to keep the plot revolving around the concept of parallel universe going (because that's the whole point of the series, isn't it?). Instead, we got thrown into a magical competition. The reasoning behind this magical competition is apparently to strengthen the alliance between Faro, Vesk and Arnes (And also to show off each other's strength because politics). Schwab went as far as introducing these political figures from these countries to us only to just skim the surface of the relationship between these kingdoms. We didn't even get any political intrigue. Like, come on that is such a waste. Don't get me wrong, the magic competition was entertaining, but I also failed to understand the point of it in the grand scheme of things. The duels weren't even that high stakes.
The last three chapters of the book were the only chapters that were absolutely engaging. The whole thing going on with Holland is what I would have liked Schwab to get into. I want more of him, to be honest. Because, let's be real, he's the one actually, truly suffering right now.
Also, let's talk about Lila. She is kind of insufferable, not gonna lie. She was being so reckless. I love that she's so confident of herself (I'll support a strong female character anyday) but everything she achieved felt a bit too convenient. Sure, she also experienced consequences but it did nothing to her character development, in my opinion.
Anyways, 3 stars. Let's see where the series is going next.
The first few parts of the book, there was a lot of internal monologue/ battle happening with Kell, Lila and Ryle. It was understandable at first after what had happened in the first book. But then, this monologue got kind of repetitive that I almost got bored. I would have preferred Schwab to keep the plot revolving around the concept of parallel universe going (because that's the whole point of the series, isn't it?). Instead, we got thrown into a magical competition. The reasoning behind this magical competition is apparently to strengthen the alliance between Faro, Vesk and Arnes (And also to show off each other's strength because politics). Schwab went as far as introducing these political figures from these countries to us only to just skim the surface of the relationship between these kingdoms. We didn't even get any political intrigue. Like, come on that is such a waste. Don't get me wrong, the magic competition was entertaining, but I also failed to understand the point of it in the grand scheme of things. The duels weren't even that high stakes.
The last three chapters of the book were the only chapters that were absolutely engaging. The whole thing going on with Holland is what I would have liked Schwab to get into. I want more of him, to be honest. Because, let's be real, he's the one actually, truly suffering right now.
Also, let's talk about Lila. She is kind of insufferable, not gonna lie. She was being so reckless. I love that she's so confident of herself (I'll support a strong female character anyday) but everything she achieved felt a bit too convenient. Sure, she also experienced consequences but it did nothing to her character development, in my opinion.
Anyways, 3 stars. Let's see where the series is going next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood