A Gathering of Shadows (A Darker Shade of Magic #2): V. E. Schwab

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Royals from other countries begin arriving for the magic tournament, and Kell is constantly being put on display. A foreign princess named Cora takes an interest in Kell. Everything about this book was bad. The villain revealed his evil plans right before trying to kill the protagonist in an elaborate manner and failing. The magic system was vague and badly written. Who has magic? Who can use it? Nobody knows. Prior to the publication of A Darker Shade of Magic, Schwab shared a few snippets from some of her multiple WIPs. One of them (Number 3) seemingly belonged to A Gathering of Shadows. I was almost half done with the book and nothing was really moving. There were only pieces being settled on a big board without a real intention of starting a game.

A Gathering of Shadows - Macmillan A Gathering of Shadows - Macmillan

Her Arnesian was still far from solid, but four months at sea surrounded by people who spoke no English had certainly improved it. This is how fantasy should be done.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review, on A Gathering of Shadows The Crone - (Video) - Follow the path to Crow's Crook and turn in the quest to Ornekka, by speaking to her and selecting "Shadows gather..." Kell Maresh and Alucard have a bitter rivalry, and Kell considers him at least non-trustworthy, if not an enemy outright. After Alucard broke Rhy's heart by leaving London, Kell was enraged and banished him from the city, threatening him several times. After his return, Kell threatens him on his brother's behalf once more, although it appears to be mostly fruitless, as he continues his romantic intentions with Rhy. Skills and abilities [ ] The characters were hardly developed at all. They were empty shells. V.E. Schwab's strength is not in character building, but you would think that they would at least be more than shallow cliches. But no.Besides the wonderful cast of characters (including one special individual who I’m not going to mention here for fear of spoiling anyone, but let me say that I am absolutely ecstatic to see things through his perspective on occasion, and terrified to see what he will do next), there’s also the fact that, once again, Victoria proves her writing prowess through incredible action scenes and magical world-building. There is a tournament featured in this installment that never grows stale or dull; despite its potential for repetition, as is frequent with “trials” in books, not once did I lose the feeling of gripping the edge of my seat. Feels like a priceless object, brought from another, better world of fantasy books." — io9 on A Darker Shade of Magic What was the point of this book? It had no purpose. There was no plot until 65%, and the tournament was the most ridiculous thing. Not like other girls is as common as breathing here. Kell can't go with her. He has responsibilities . . . PLUS, you know, there's that thing that happened, that thing that tied him even closer to the royal family . . . The royal family he's meant to be part of . . . The royal family that instead treats him like a commodity . . .

Shades of Magic Series by V.E. Schwab - Goodreads Shades of Magic Series by V.E. Schwab - Goodreads

Lila has basically no power. She's an elementary student in magic. And yet she's competing with these champions. Who thought this was a good idea? Lila couldn't even be bothered to ask simple questions about the Games before she joined, like how they kept score. Lila has an inflated sense of self-importance. She thinks she's all that. We're told exactly what we should like about her. She's one of a kind. She's smart. She's clever. She's witty. She's strong. She's powerful. We get it. It's never shown, it's just said straight to our faces via her inner monologue. People keep warning Lila that what she's doing is stupid, but of course she's so smart and clever that she doesn't listen.I do not know why you two are circling each other like stars. It is not my cosmic dance. But I do know that you come asking after one another, when only a few strides and a handful of stars divide you.” The romance is built up very subtly and not the major focus. But oh damn, is it well written. Lila and Kell are a very well-built couple, and V.E. Schwab drew out the plot enough that I was begging for them to interact. That's talent. Cora Taskon — A Veskan princess and guest in Red London for the tournament's duration. Cora has cast an eye at Kell.

A Gathering of Shadows - V.E. Schwab - Google Books

Rhy, who is in charge of the tournament is hoping that it will show him as a symbol of power. He talks Kell into competing in the tournament in disguise as Kamerov Loste. K.L. Like the initials on his knife…the only thing that is truly his from his past. He doesn’t even know what it really stands for.

there is no question in my mind as to why this series is as loved as it is, so let the binge reading continue! Precious Kell, on the other hand, is still my favorite; I’m constantly torn between being amazed by his skills and abilities, and wanting to jump in and protect him from the cruelty he faces, not only as one of the last remaining Antari, but as the neglected adopted son of the King and Queen. My years of reading fantasy novels have taught me that it’s difficult for me to relate to “lawful good” characters who rely so heavily on their virtues and honor, as Kell does, but Victoria writes him so flawlessly that it never grows stale or predictable. On top of everything else, his relationship with his brother, Rhy, is one of the most wholesome, pure, and precious things I have ever seen in my entire life. Instead, she squinted at the twinkle of lights in the distance, the reddish hue alone setting the craft’s lanterns apart from the starlight. And she watched as the ship—her ship—moved slowly but decidedly away.

A Gathering of Shadows - Quest - World of Warcraft - Wowhead A Gathering of Shadows - Quest - World of Warcraft - Wowhead

No shit. What’s next? Everyone’s dead when they’re killed? Everyone’s alive when they have a heartbeat? You can clap if you have hands? stars. Truth is, when I started A Gathering of Shadows, one of my best friend asked me if I thought she would like, and strangely, I wasn't able to answer straight away. Color me surprised. How comes this series holds such a strong grip on me and still I am hesitating when recommending it? I understood, then. These books? They sneak up on you. Kell is under house arrest by the king for the duration of the tournament so sneaking out is difficult. There are many that would kidnap or kill Kell to overpower their country and now that Kell’s life is Rhy’s the King thinks he must be protected.The characters also seemed to have changed from one instalment to the next. Whereas I liked Lila in the first book, in this one she started being more and more stubborn. I have been working hard (and ever so carefully) to get the level 2 plans as early as possible on 5 toons now, and it seems to be just impossible until you get to level 98.