A review by cowardlyteaman
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

adventurous dark emotional tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

From a critical perspective, this book's plot wasn't really ... relevant to the progression of this series. The parts that were relevant were amazing, though, and to say that I didn't enjoy this book would've been a lie.

I am absolutely in love with this cast of characters, though?! Well, or Alucard, anyway. And Rhy as well, they're both amazing.

Although I think it was an interesting concept and helped exploring the cultures outside of Arnes, I just cannot see how the tournament was necessary at all. Neither Kell nor Lila really have a strong enough reason to compete. They're just competing to ... do something.
But then again, I did enjoy this book very much. I especially liked Kell and Alucard's dynamic. Kell doesn't seem to get along very well with anyone, really. Loving that for him.

I also enjoy Holland MUCH MORE as the villain ruler of White London than the Dane twins. I hated them, to be quite honest. Haha. They felt a bit too cliché evil™. Holland is more realistic, I think. He wants to restore his home to its former glory (and more), but has some questionable methods. I dunno, he's kinda like Hitler, but with less genocide and more sexy, if that's okay? I think we can agree that less genocide is a good thing.

To be honest, I can't remember all the warnings to put here.
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