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

It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift–back into Black London.

Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games–an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries–a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall. 

This is book 2 in the Dark Shades of Magic trilogy. It was just as marvelous as the first book. V.E. (Victoria) Schwab is my favorite author as if lately. I have yet to read a book of hers I don’t like. 

I only have a couple things to complain about. Lila was getting on my nerves a little. She made me roll my eyes way too many times 🙄  She’s getting a bit big for her britches. A lot of people kept raving in how this was so much better than the first book but I don’t agree. I enjoyed the first book more. This one has its 😳 oh shit moments. Like with Rhy and Alucard. I predicted the ending. I will still be reading the next book. I’m curious to see how it will end. I have a few ideas of how I want it to end. 

4/5 🌟