Reviews with content warning for Blood - A Gathering of Shadows: Collector's Edition

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A Gathering of Shadows: Collector's Edition by V.E. Schwab

120 reviews

mihrreader's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Like the first book in this series, I felt like the action really started about halfway through--there's quite a bit of setup for both Lila and Kell before the plot really gets going. I don't mind, since the setup is generally interesting, though

I definitely preferred hearing about Lila's time on the Night Spire rather than Kell's confinement and personal drama. I found I almost didn't care about Oshka and White London and Holland, and that I was somewhat annoyed when the Red London bits were "interrupted" by White London cutting in.

The narrators are both very good, and I think having two different narrators for Lila's and Kell's separate threads is an improvement over the first audiobook; it makes it much clearer whose thread we're following. The ending is a total cliffhanger, and I'm absolutely gnawing at the bit and the 12-week wait for a copy of the third book!

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yananhai's review against another edition

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medium-paced

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 really liked that in this book we got to know more about the other kingdoms in red London.
I hope it would somehow be relevant in the third book.

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yilliun's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

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

I would say 60% of the book reads as filler setting up the final showdown. The plot drags until it reaches the actual Essen Tasch.

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robin_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

V. W. Schwab did it again. Usually the second book in a trilogy is weaker but I can’t say that about this book.
Pirated, tragic love, a magical tournament, unexpected twists and deceptions. What more can one ask for?

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agiraffereads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Lila bard is pretty awesome lol

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valerian_honeybee's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

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

4.25

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lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

I picked this up because I have had this trilogy on my bookshelves for years.
"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.

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