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op3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Just thought it’d be fun to share
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Confinement, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Death, and Kidnapping
uselesspirateraven's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Self harm, Sexism, and Torture
Minor: Child death, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
kenzibir's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Violence and Blood
capsandclauses's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
An interesting extension to the first book in the series! In a Gathering of Shadows we continue to follow Lila and Kell, two magicians from different alternate versions of London. At the end of the last book, Lila sailed off onto the horizon while Kell stayed behind to complete his royal duties and care for his brother. Now, the two will be reunited as a magical competition between elementals takes place in London and a more sinister evil lurks from beyond.
As much as I love a magic competition, this book did give major middle-book-in-a-trilogy vibes. The ending happened really quickly and ultimately served to introduce the final 'big bad.' Kell and Lila might be one of my favourite ships ever, and I love the fluid representation of sexuality. I love that neither hid their feelings for the other, but also respected their wants and needs outside of the romantic relationship.
"Crossing worlds, killing royals, saving cities. The marks of every good courtship.”
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Slavery
yananhai's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I hope it would somehow be relevant in the third book.
Graphic: Violence and Blood
yilliun's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Confinement and Murder
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"A Gathering of Shadows" continues to follow Kell and Delilah. Four months have passed since the epic conclusion of " A Darker Shade of Magic", and Kell is still trying to get back to a somewhat normal life. Rhy seems to be doing better, but Kell feels so guilty for the events that occurred, and he has given up traveling between the different Londons all together. Red London is preparing to host their infamous Element Games, a competition aimed to bring the neighboring countries together. Red London may be all fun and games, but another London is rebuilding with sinister motives.
This sequel was interesting to read because Kell and Delilah are not initially together, so their narratives are following both of their individual stories. The reader knows that these two have a connection, but with Kell and Delilah separated, the reader is left waiting anxiously to see how they will be reunited, and what that means for them.
I really enjoyed the Element Games in this novel. The games provided just the right amount of tension and whimsy and it was wonderful to see characters explore the depths of their gifts.
Delilah was so much fun to read from! She is such a strong protagonist and can really hold her own. She really got to explore her strength in this story, and I loved seeing her conquer any and all challenges thrown her way.
Kell's narrative felt darker to read from, because he is dealing with a lot more tension in his immediate world.
I think it is fairly obvious Kell and Delilah are going to be reunited in some way, and I loved the anticipation the author built for their inevitable reunion. Kell and Delilah have so many moments of almost crossing paths and it made their eventual meeting all the sweeter.
The ending left me with so many questions, and I am dying to see what becomes of the Londons, Delilah, and most importantly, Kell.
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
glund_01's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol
brep23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Violence, and Blood
livist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Darker Shade of Magic was a bit slow, which I often attribute to the world building. The plot was still good and honestly it felt a bit self contained.
I am so happy to have finished this book at time where the next one is already published because that cliffhanger. OOOOOOOOOF.
All my complaints about the first book are resolved and then some. The characters get more fleshed out
The character motivations are clear and make sense.
I love the diversity in this book. I love that there’s a gay romance that while isn’t the predominant/main romance, it still happens on page, it isn’t a foot note or after thought. It isn’t something that’s lightly alluded to.
That said parts of this book was torturous in that all I wanted was for the main romance to get moving but it made sense why it didn’t,
And Kell my grumpy boy is also best big brother. His hatred for Alucard is because Alucard broke his brother’s heart, it’s such an intense hatred, you’d think it was his own.
Kell’s relationship with the king and queen is so heartbreaking. When the king hugs him I had hope and it was dead before it started.
The only thing that bothered me a wee bit was Lila’s sudden jump to near master magician. Although I guess upon further reflection it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. I like how it’s explained she fights only out of necessity rather than for fun unlike most of the tournament competitors.
When she finally decided to dress up for Kell, my heart sang!! I also love that she still wore pants and boots underneath.
Actually I wasn’t fond of I’m not like the other girls comment at the beginning but at least she kind of comes around to it a bit.
I really feel like both characters complement each other. Lila has done so much growing and Kell as well in his own way.
I’m also so happy there’s a spinoff series because I adore these characters.
Moderate: Violence