Schwab is killin’ it

4.5 stars. I’m a little mad that I got sucked into a book with a cliffhanger ending and who knows when the next book will be out, but at least it was an incredibly fun reading experience. I’ve got to try Schwab’s other books. If they’re as readable as this series, I know I’ll love them.

Anyway, back to A Gathering of Shadows. The story starts off about 4 months after the end of A Darker Shade of Magic. Lila’s been out adventuring, meeting great characters, and just generally scaring the bejeezus out of everyone who meets her. So you know, same old, same old. Along with her endless reserves of bravery, she’s added a few magic tricks to her arsenal, despite being a supposedly magicless Grey Londoner. Back in Red London, Rhy and Kell are still dealing with the fallout of the last book. They’re as close as can be, but family and political pressures aren’t exactly helping their relationship. Add in a tournament of magic between them and the surrounding kingdom’s and you have a recipe for shenanigans.

I’m so impressed that Schwab delivered a book I liked even more than the first. Her writing is effortless, delivering humor, suspense, and joy at every turn. Her characters have always been the best and of course she would add some great ones to the sequel. Alucard Emery, a mysterious flirty sea-captain, fits perfectly into Schwab’s magical world. I hope he plays a significant part in the third book.

Basically, if you haven’t read this series yet, put it on your list. It is a complete delight.