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

adventurous dark tense medium-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

4.5

Book 2 of the series got off to a somewhat slow start. I was trying to figure out what Lila was actually up to, and when the royal brothers were gonna get their angsty selves together. But once the plot started rolling, I was absolutely hooked. 

What I loved:
  • Rhy and Kell’s brotherly shenanigans 
  • Alucard is mysterious and slightly sexy (still waiting for the full backstory but I know it’s gonna kill me)
  • Lila is such a boss babe: watching her discover her magic and take the world by a storm was everything I never knew I wanted 
  • Setting up for the third book - I am so glad I already downloaded it 

What didn’t work for me:
  • The pacing in the beginning - I didn’t know why Lila was on a ship and how things were going to tie back together… and I just wanted to get to the tournament already 
  • The pseudo-slow burn between Lila and Kell is a hard pass. I don’t feel the chemistry, and I think they would’ve been better as friends. It felt like she threw in the romance because she was trying to draw That Audience, but the story would be perfectly fine without romance whatsoever. 
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