Scan barcode
A review by mini_malist
Zgromadzenie cieni by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
Honestly, I enjoyed The Gathering of shadows way more than The Darker Shade of Magic. I was really struggling to get into the first book, but this one swallowed me up. I appreciate that Schwab showed how the characters and the relationships between them were impacted by the events in The Darker Shade of Magic. Also, I love the way Lila is presented in this book - one of the things that got on my nerves in Darker Shade of magic was how low-key misogynistic she sounded?, like girl I know you are not like everybody else (you are the Delilah Bard after all) BUT THAT'S TOO MANY SLICES. Another thing that I appreciated was that Schwab didn't rub the romance in our faces. We all know that Lila and Kell are into each other (in their way) but thank you for not making the whole book solely about it. (Also, Rhy & Alucard- appreciate the representation) Another major plus for me was the Essen Tasch because your girl loves a good fantasy tournament (my obsession with The Hunger Games never really ended iykwim) It might be controversial but I'm kinda happy that neither Kell nor Delilah won the Essen Tasch - I guess it would be a little bit cliché for me?
On more negative note though, can we talk about how the King and Queen treated Kell here. Like are you really THIS mad he saved your only son's life? And their attempts to justify it were awful - Rhy will be a king this, Rhy will be a king that, you need to pay for what you did or you will see. *sighs*
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think it had quite a nice undertone of figuring out what you want to do with your life /what you want out of it, and how you can get it. I am not even mad about the cliffhanger - can't wait to grab A Conjuring of Light!
On more negative note though, can we talk about how the King and Queen treated Kell here. Like are you really THIS mad he saved your only son's life? And their attempts to justify it were awful - Rhy will be a king this, Rhy will be a king that, you need to pay for what you did or you will see. *sighs*
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think it had quite a nice undertone of figuring out what you want to do with your life /what you want out of it, and how you can get it. I am not even mad about the cliffhanger - can't wait to grab A Conjuring of Light!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Kidnapping, and Violence