A Gathering of Shadows

"Such a good series! I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked book 1, but it was still really good! The first half was a little slow, but the characters are very intriguing and complex so I was still thoroughly entertained. Can't wait to read book 3!"

"I found the first half and some to ve incredibly slow but like before the characters are just too intriguing to put down. "

"I love this series so much. "

"The first half of this book meandered out onto a flat plain. That's probably why I dnf the first go around. But I came back and wasn't disappointed, it was just building intrigue for the second half. I felt a lot more passion from A Gathering of Shadow's than I did in the beginning. Kell, Rhy, and especially Lila felt cut off from emotion and it finally caught up with them. I started to feel their fears and losses.<br/><br/>Kell still needs to find his past. Rhy will always be his brother but Kell is so caught up with his situation he isn't realizing what he has lost. I honestly understand the need to keep secrets, it makes the story worth reading. Though sometimes the book reads like we forgot those secrets need answers eventually. Rhy and Kell's relationship as brothers warms me and drives the story. Kell has every right to leave and never turn back but his devotion to Rhy is above his own life.<br/><br/>Of course I appreciate the fan art of the characters though I would like a map even more. Especially when Lila is sailing and all these different competitors are coming from different kingdoms. Yes I know it's England but I have no idea where the other country's are in correlation to this fantasy world. It helps me to have a sense of direction and of distance, time, all those things. <br/><br/>OMG! What an unexpected twist with Prince Rhy on banner night. Damn that was spicy, spicy. And lucky it wasn't the last time. The different cultures clashing together was very nice too but I was hoping for a little more. You only got a sense of style and a small portion of religion but not much else. Also sadly I didn't particularly care for the extra chapter on Kisimyr because I didn't know her well. So I wound up hurry thru to start A Conjuring of Light.<br/><br/>______Favorite Kell scene_______<br/><br/>The Night Spire had returned to London.<br/>Which meant that Alucard Emery was here. Somewhere.<br/>Kell had half a mind to sink the ship, but that would only cause trouble, and if Rhy found out, he'd probably throw a tantrum or stab himself out of spite.<br/>So he settled on glaring at the Spire, and letting his imagination do the rest."

"The writing in this book is sublime. The magic with the tournament draws you in and refuses to let you go. I was at the edge of my seat even though I’ve read this book before. Lila was delightful as always. Her brashness and strong will makes her an especially compelling character and I enjoy her chapters. Kell gains more depth in this installment because he becomes even more defiant. And the relationship between Rhy and Kell that has been altered is fascinating to explore. The narrators for this audiobook were also leagues better than the first!"

"I LOVED IT I LOVED IT I LOVED IT I LOVED IT"

"Book 2"

"Even better then the first! I couldn’t put this one down, the last 250 pages I refused to do anything but read. The last page left me screaming. I’m already reading the third tonight. V.E. Schwab created such an amazing world full of beautiful detail and imagination "

"This series is probably my favorite read this year. Just started getting back into reading this year. I have read a lot by V.E. I love a good low fantasy series that feels like it could possibly be real and really fleshes out characters well so they are more gray instead of black and white. The Vicious duology is also good."

"VE Schwab is unparalleled in her writing technique, specifically witty and fast paced inner monologuing. I really enjoyed this book. It continued to build on an already intriguing world. I loved learning so much about the history and inner workings of Red London. The action frequently had my heart quickening. The ending also encouraged me to pick up the next book tomorrow.... I need to make more now! 📚 TLDR - HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR FANTASY READERS "