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A review by maira_h
A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 stars!
This 3rd book is much more high-stakes and action-packed than the 2nd book, in my opinion. Not only that, the plot felt like it finally had an aim. However, I do feel like this book could have been shorter because it really took a while for the pace to pick up. It wasn't until after 400 pages that the plot got intriguing. In fact, I feel like this trilogy could have been shorter as a whole. Instead of a trilogy, it could have been a duology. With how much the internet gushes about this series, I know my opinion is probably in the minority. Don't get me wrong, this series is quite entertaining, but there are a few things that I wished Schwab would have done differently.
Firstly, the world-building felt quite small and narrow despite how select characters were able to travel to parallel universes. I know the reason the conflict was confined to London was because London was supposedly a source of magic and Osaron's power supposedly had its limits. However, we barely got to see beyond that. I wished we got more of Faro and Vesk because it felt like such wasted potential. We were so focused on this evil manifestation of magic that we were robbed of some really intriguing politics.
Secondly, I really struggled with how loose the magic system is. The magic system didn't really have any structure to it. For example, how the heck did these Antaris learned their spells. From what I've read of Holland's past, the spells seemed like they simply appeared in his mind..? If they learnt it from books/ teachers, these details were barely touched upon. A lot of the spells/ magical trinket/ rules felt like they were pulled conveniently out of thin air. I also really disliked how Lila seemed to be able to grasped everything really easily. Mind you, she only learned magic a few months ago. Somehow, she was the only one who didn't suffer any consequences and was able to do whatever she liked, which I thought was really biased of Schwab.
Thirdly, let's talk about the characters. I quite liked the dynamic between Kell, Lila, Alucard, Rhy and Holland whenever they are together bickering, bantering or solving problems together. However, as individuals, they left much to be desired. It was obvious that Lila is the author's favourite. She could do anything she wanted without any consequences. Also, Holland deserved so much better than he was given. The fact that everyone blamed him when he had no control over his own actions was a little bit unfair. Alucard barely got any scenes/ development of his own, which was a little bit laughable. There were a lot of side characters who were just really forgettable. Schwab tried to make me feel something for them but alas, they were not developed as much for me to feel much of anything. Certain deaths happened more for impact than to move the plot forward, in my opinion.
Anyways, this series as a whole is a solid 3 stars for me. Entertaining but some things could be done differently.
I don't know why these absolutely hyped books kept missing their mark with me but, oh well.
This 3rd book is much more high-stakes and action-packed than the 2nd book, in my opinion. Not only that, the plot felt like it finally had an aim. However, I do feel like this book could have been shorter because it really took a while for the pace to pick up. It wasn't until after 400 pages that the plot got intriguing. In fact, I feel like this trilogy could have been shorter as a whole. Instead of a trilogy, it could have been a duology. With how much the internet gushes about this series, I know my opinion is probably in the minority. Don't get me wrong, this series is quite entertaining, but there are a few things that I wished Schwab would have done differently.
Firstly, the world-building felt quite small and narrow despite how select characters were able to travel to parallel universes. I know the reason the conflict was confined to London was because London was supposedly a source of magic and Osaron's power supposedly had its limits. However, we barely got to see beyond that. I wished we got more of Faro and Vesk because it felt like such wasted potential. We were so focused on this evil manifestation of magic that we were robbed of some really intriguing politics.
Secondly, I really struggled with how loose the magic system is. The magic system didn't really have any structure to it. For example, how the heck did these Antaris learned their spells. From what I've read of Holland's past, the spells seemed like they simply appeared in his mind..? If they learnt it from books/ teachers, these details were barely touched upon. A lot of the spells/ magical trinket/ rules felt like they were pulled conveniently out of thin air. I also really disliked how Lila seemed to be able to grasped everything really easily. Mind you, she only learned magic a few months ago. Somehow, she was the only one who didn't suffer any consequences and was able to do whatever she liked, which I thought was really biased of Schwab.
Thirdly, let's talk about the characters. I quite liked the dynamic between Kell, Lila, Alucard, Rhy and Holland whenever they are together bickering, bantering or solving problems together. However, as individuals, they left much to be desired. It was obvious that Lila is the author's favourite. She could do anything she wanted without any consequences. Also, Holland deserved so much better than he was given. The fact that everyone blamed him when he had no control over his own actions was a little bit unfair. Alucard barely got any scenes/ development of his own, which was a little bit laughable. There were a lot of side characters who were just really forgettable. Schwab tried to make me feel something for them but alas, they were not developed as much for me to feel much of anything. Certain deaths happened more for impact than to move the plot forward, in my opinion.
Anyways, this series as a whole is a solid 3 stars for me. Entertaining but some things could be done differently.
I don't know why these absolutely hyped books kept missing their mark with me but, oh well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Blood, and Violence