Series: Shades of Magic #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: February 23, 2016
Hardcover: 512 Pages
Publisher: Tor Books
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon
Book Summary:
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.
(Courtesy of the Publisher)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.
Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:
1. What was your first thought upon finishing this book?
Julia: The end of Gathering of Shadows left me feeling a little ripped off. I LOVED the book, the ending isn't bad, but Kell is (sort of) wise and has been through a lot, seen a lot - and he falls for something stupid. I just, it isn't in his character... Cliff hanger ending, so I was sad I didn't have the next book! Need it!
Shannon: I agree. I was 100% on board with this book and thought it was a great follow up to the first book, but was a little dumbfounded that Kell would fall for something so stupid at the end. And...now I wish I had the second book so I could find out what happens!
2. What did you like? What did you dislike?
Julia: The whole fighting/tournament thing is fun because you meet a lot of new characters with different talents... also! The chemistry between Alucard and Rhy. ...And the evolution of friendship between Lilah and Alucard. I disliked the easy ending and Lilah's crappy decision to do things that aren't very nice. Lol. But I liked them in the same breath...
Shannon: I pretty liked everything. The tournament thing is an interesting diversion from the main plot. I liked the introduction of the new characters and how they were related to the other characters. Besides the ending, there wasn't' much I disliked. Kell and Rhy are definitely mopier, but I thought it was in keeping with what they went through.
3. How did you feel about the direction of the characters?
Julia: I enjoyed it. Everyone is evolving. I'm satisfied with where this story is going... Though during the tournament I didn't quite understand why Lilah felt the need to push her own buttons when she doesn't fully understand her power. I know she likes taking risks, but she usually takes "smart" ones.
Shannon: Everyone starts coming apart at the seams a little. Kell's thoughts are darker and he feels the weight of his decisions heavily. Rhy's naivety is gone and he also feels the weight of Kell's decisions. Lilah becomes even more dangerous and selfish. She is truly not a nice girl. But it all works for me. I loved that things were not just glossed over or people's feelings were easily fixed.
4. How did this sequel compare to the first book?
Julia: It is a great addition!! I don't even have much else to say, I was into it just like I was the first.
Shannon: I liked it almost as much as the first! I mean, people do things that upset me, but I take that as a good thing. I know some people don't like Kell being so mopey, but I think it was fitting.
5. Who is your favorite character and why?
Julia: Alucard! He is a little mysterious... And his scenes interacting with any character is intriguing.
Shannon: I still have a total soft spot for Kell. And I love Rhy too. But Alucard was definitely fun addition. A total rogue. And his connection with Rhy was surprising. I want to see how that turns out.
6. What is your rating? Would you recommend this book?
Julia: 4 Stars. Recommend it to just about anyone!
Shannon: I give it 4.5. I recommend this book to EVERYONE.
Books in the Series:
1. A Darker Shade of Magic
2. A Gathering of Shadows
3. A Conjuring of Light (2017)
Posts
I love these joint reviews so much. I have started G+ing and tweeting them. I adore Rhy. Was he in the story more than in book one? I could have used more of his presence in ADSOM. Everyone one who has read AGOS has loved the tournament. I am looking forward to reading it, and thanks for the warning sabout the cliffhanger. I might just wait and read it when the last book comes out. Thanks for another wonderful double review. :)
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