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

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This second volume definitely seems more like the transition book, in which the focus of it is on Lila gaining usage of her powers. One thing I felt was distinctly lacking was Lila’s relatively “flat” growth. I know I am not the kind of audience for this, but I don’t really enjoy power-up fantasy novels where characters simply get stronger without it reflecting or paralleling an internal growth, and Lila’s progression seemed to follow this “look at me I am badass” trajectory. A missed opportunity, considering she is the only key female character, while the other key characters seem to have a lot more depth and internal conflict, which makes them much more interesting.
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