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

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This second book in the Shades of Magic series unfolds exactly as you'd expect from the threads left hanging in the first book. A certain not-quite-dead opponent, dark magic banished but not destroyed...not a shocker that we'd see those again. Both Lila and Kell get into plenty of trouble again, separately this time, and continue to deepen as characters while largely refusing to acknowledge their attraction. The predictable direction didn't bother me, though, since the path taken to the obvious destination goes through fun things like pirate ships and magical tournaments. Be warned that this one ends in a cliffhanger... probably want to have the third book ready to go.