Thursday, August 23, 2018

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2)

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
 
by 

5705623
Final rating: 5/5 stars
“To clever plans,” said Kell, toasting his brother. “And dashing princes.”
“To masked magicians,” said Rhy, swiping the wine.
“To mad ideas.”
“To the Essen Tasch.”
“Wouldn’t it be amazing,” murmured Rhy later, when the bottle was empty, “if we got away with it?”
“Who knows,” said Kell. “We just might.”




Wonderful, just wonderful. This book suffered the second-book-syndrome, the one I usually just call bridge book - - BUT MILDLY because it had a point. It was more focused on characters themselves and then the actual story, but no worry, the story is there too, just takes around 50% for it to spring up. It's like the first book - slow pacing, but filled with character development, and then - BUM - fast pacing here we go.

I finished it in 2 days and I have never been more miserable. I just can't wait for it to continue. I need more of everyone, I need more of everything and this is the curse of ongoing series - when you actually love it, you will read all the books without stopping. And the third one is not yet here. Oh the suffering of the waiting. V.E. Schwab, if it is the last book, then make it a blast like these two.

I laughed, I smiled, I sobbed, I cried. This book is a roller coaster of emotions, all of them, but it is also fun and amazing and cool. I wish goodreads had 10 star system - because 5 is not enough :/

Now, onto the story and characters.

I believe the synopsis of the book itself tells you what the story is - it's very good and I don't know I can provide better story synopsis than that. So, I'm just gonna skip the story section. Sorry. Instead, I'll combine it with the characters.

► CHARACTERS:


◈ Kell: 
“Why am I the only one in this fucking world to be held accountable for my actions?”

Four months have passed, and all the blame of past events was on him - and only him. While the people once loved him and admired him, now they are scared of him. He gave up smuggling - it caused him enough grief, and dedicated to training his powers. He desperately needs an outlet or he will go insane.
Magic is tangled, so you must be smooth.
Magic is wild, so you must be tame.
Magic is chaos, so you must be calm.
Are you calm, Kell?(...)
Tieren’s soothing voice faded from his head, and Holland’s cold tone took its place.
Do you know what makes you weak?
You’ve never had to be strong.
You’ve never had to try.
You’ve never had to fight.
And you’ve certainly never had to fight for your life.(...)
But there were still more shadows. Always more.

But Holland's voice is not the only one which haunts him.... There is also Lila, who won't stop barging into his mind.
You could still run, said a voice in his ear. It sounded suspiciously like Lila.(...)
You could take what you need, said the voice.
It was a very big world. And he’d never even seen it.(...)
You could be free, insisted the voice.
But that was the thing. Kell would never be free. No matter how far he fled. He’d given up freedom with his life, when he handed it to Rhy.

He wonders what happened to her, what is she doing.
Delilah Bard. She did that, crept into his thoughts and robbed him of focus, like a thief. Which was exactly what she was. What she’d been, before he let her out of her world, and into his. Saints knew what—or where—she was these days, but in his mind she would always be the thief, stealing through at the most inopportune moments.

✕✕✕

When Kell thought of her, she was not one girl, but three: the too-skinny street thief who’d robbed him in an alley, the blood-streaked partner who’d fought beside him, and the impossible girl who’d walked away and never looked back.
Where are you, Lila, he mused. And what kind of trouble are you getting into?

✕✕✕

“I know it’s mad, but for a second I thought it was …”
“Saints, you’re seeing her in everyone and everything now, Kell? There’s a word for that.”
“Hallucination?”
“Infatuation.”
Kell snorted. “I’m not infatuated,” he said. “I just …” He just wanted to see her. “Our paths crossed one time. Months ago. It happens.”
“Oh yes, your relationship with Miss Bard is positively ordinary.”
“Be quiet.”
“Crossing worlds, killing royals, saving cities. The marks of every good courtship.”
“We weren’t courting,” snapped Kell. “In case you forgot, she left.”

And then, there is Rhy.
My life is his life. His life is mine. Bring him back.

He connected their lives in order to save him. Now they not only share life, they also share feelings, pleasure and pain. And the longer it goes, the stronger the bond becomes.
A languorous smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You chose it because you knew I would be miserable here and more likely to cave when you offered to take me someplace else.”
“And?”
“And you greatly underestimate my capacity for suffering.”

The bond between them is so strong, that they would do anything for each other, but the bond not only improves the situation with Rhy being alive instead of dead, but it put invisible shackles on Kell that he will never be able to be free from. Rhy is his damage control - if it wasn't for him, he would go insane. He is no ordinary magician and he can also use the forbidden bone magic.
But just because he could, because it felt good to be in control, to be the strongest, to know that when it came down to it, he would be the one left standing. (...)
They already thought he was a monster, and now he’d gone and given the fears weight, which would just make everything worse. But it didn’t matter; nothing he did seemed to make it better.

But the bond with his so called parents is as strained as ever. They threw of their masks and have shown their true faces - after all, they only have one son. The worst thing of all is that Kell wanted to believe in them, wanted to believe they considered him son too, but it was all just a mask and it hurts him too much. First, he was constricted to the city only - such a vast world he would never visit. And now he is constantly under guard, followed everywhere, monitored and controlled. And he hates it. Hates how they treat him like he is only a belonging, someone's trinket...
Kell used to feel like a possession. Now he felt like a prisoner.


Kell is also plagued by nightmares, but he is not the only one. Rhy has them too.
But when it came to nights and mornings and the dreams between, Rhy and Kell had quickly developed a silent understanding. After a bad night, one would give the other a small, consoling look, but it seemed crucially important that nothing actually be said about the nightmares that plagued them both.

And now, to keep them form going mad, Rhy got a crazy idea: one that will put them both into trouble - but the worst thing of all, for him was that he is excited and happy, even though its madness, insanity, dangerous. He needs a way out from being controlled.
Kell looked at his brother with a mixture of surprise and awe. “You know,” he said, taking up the mask, “if you can rule half as well as you can lie, you’re going to make an incredible king.”


◈ Rhy: 
It didn’t matter if it was true—their neighbors were always searching for a weakness, because ruling an empire was about strength. Which was really the image of strength. The Essen Tasch was the perfect pedestal for such a display.
A chance for Arnes to shine.
A chance for Rhy to shine, not only as a jewel, but as a sword. He had always been a symbol of wealth. He wanted to be a symbol of power. Magic was power, of course, but it wasn’t the only kind. Rhy told himself he could still be strong without it.

Rhy has a defense: everything he cannot do with magic, he can do with his charm and looks. The fact that he cannot use magic in full capacity pains him, and even more so that the only fact that he is royal saved him from being thrown away. The fact that some of his people hold against him. But, he is smart, quite capable to lead and charismatic. And then, there are things that bother him - the fact that he is the one who made even bigger mistake than Kell - afterall, if Kell didn't smuggle the stone, Astrid would still have had control over him. And he hates it. Hates how everyone blames Kell, when they should be blaming him too.
“Father,” said Rhy, “if you don’t forgive Kell, you will lose him.”

He most of all hates that his parents chose to forgive Rhy, but not Kell too.
Kell nodded. “You wanted strength.”
“I still want it,” Rhy whispered. “Every day. I wake up wanting to be a stronger person. A better prince. A worthy king. That want, it’s like a fire in my chest. And then, there are these moments, these horrible, icy moments when I remember what I did …” His hand drifted to his heart. “To myself. To you. To my kingdom. And it hurts….” His voice trembled. “More than dying ever did. There are days when I don’t feel like I deserve this.” He tapped the soul seal. “I deserve to be …” He trailed off, but Kell could feel his brother’s pain, as though it were a physical thing.
“I guess what I’m trying to say,” said Rhy, “is that I need this, too.” His eyes finally found Kell’s. “Okay?”
Kell swallowed. “Okay.” He took up the bottle.

Not only that, but he also has twisted nightmares - most of them related to Kell. He hates how it makes him feel - the fact that he is now Kell's chain and that his brother is falling more and more into depression. So he finds a way out - he devises a plan which will help Kell get his outlet, and be free for a while. Even if it hurts him. Even if they could both be killed. Even if they are caught, things would be bad. But he won't give up.
“Kell. My greatest fear in life isn’t dying. It’s being the source of someone else’s suffering. I know you feel trapped. I know I’m your cage. And I can’t—” His voice broke, and Kell could feel his brother’s pain, everything he tried to smother until dark and drown until morning. “You will do this,” said Rhy. “For me. For both of us.”
Kell held his brother’s gaze. “All right,” he said.

They will always be there for each other, no matter what happens.
Kell shook his head. “Come on, then,” he said, slinging his arm around the prince’s shoulder. “I’ll defend you.”
“My hero.”

{Rhy is honestly wonderful, with how thoughtful he is, how he cares about Kell, how he tries to kep them sane, and try to rule and show that he can be more than he is.}

◈ Lila: 
I am Delilah Bard, she thought. Pirate, thief, magician.
Her fingertips began to thrum.
I have crossed worlds and taken ships. Fought queens and saved cities.
Her bones shuddered and her blood raced.
I am one of a kind.

Lila built quite a reputation for herself - 4 months ago, she had went to pursue her dreams. To be a pirate. But to be a pirate you first need a ship. And that is how she met Alucard, Captain of the Night Spire.
“Ta vasar mas eran gast.”
You killed my best thief. (...)
Lila had an idea. It was a very stupid idea. But a stupid idea was better than no idea, at least in theory. So she dragged the words into shape and delivered them with her sharpest smile. “Nas,” she said, slowly. “An to eran gast.”
No. I am your best thief.

And that is how Lila became a part of the crew. And Alucard can help her - not only with Arnesian language, but also with magic. But from time to time, her thoughts wander to Kell. How would he react? What would he do? What is he doing?
The flames spread until they coated the blades from hilt to tip, burning with golden light.
This she hadn’t seen anyone do.
What am I? One of a kind.
They said the same thing about Kell.
The Red messenger.
The black-eyed prince.
The last Antari.
But as she twirled the fire-slicked knives in her fingers, she couldn’t help but wonder …
Were they really one of a kind, or two?

She doesn't know what is happening to her. She didn't change - no, she is still reckless, holds grudges and is perfectly capable of taking lives if provoked. But then again...
She wanted to know the truth. Who was Delilah Bard? What was she? The first was a question she thought she knew the answer to, but the second … she’d tried not to bother with it, but as Kell had pointed out so many times, she shouldn’t be here. Shouldn’t be alive, for that matter. She bent most of the rules. She broke the rest. And she wanted to know why. How. If she was just a blip in the universe, an anomaly, or something more.

◈ Alucard: 
“Then how did you escape?”
The sapphire winked above his eye. “Who says I did?”

Alucard is the captain of the ship Night Spire, charismatic, inspires loyalty and for Lila... mysterious. He is also a triad - he can use 3 elements of magic and is a mystery itself.
At the other end of the table, Alucard boasted and cheered and drank with his crew, and Lila marveled at the way the man shifted to fit his environment. She knew how to adapt well enough, but Alucard knew how to transform. Back on the Spire, he was not only captain but king. Here at this table, surrounded by his men, he was one of them. Still the boss, always the boss, but not so far above the rest. This Alucard took pains to laugh as loud as Tav and flirt almost as much as Vasry, and slosh his ale like Olo, even though Lila had seen him fuss whenever she spilled water or wine in his cabin.

And now, Alucard wants to participate in the Element Games. But that is not the only reason - there is someone he wants to meet again, even though they parted 3 years ago. Alucard is also person who wants to know as much as possible, manipulating people for information. He is also sarcastic and thoughtful. {Honestly, I really loved Alucard - he is interesting. Also, I saw that (view spoiler) coming (because I spoiled myself, I have no one else to blame but myself).}

◈ The King of the White London and his follower Ojka: 
“You will be fine, Ojka, so long as you are strong enough.”
And if I am not?
She didn’t think she’d said the words aloud, but the king heard her either way.
“Then you will be lost, and so will I.”

After the fall of the Dane twins, a new King claimed the throne of the White London((view spoiler)). He has a goal - restore the White London, so that it doesn't die, and so that his people won't suffer - he of all knows how cruel they were, and they all had enough of suffering. And with the outsider's help, he can do it. But at a cost, he needs to fulfill it or all will be lost.
What do you want, [Antari (hide spoiler)]?
He tried to steel his mind against the question, but answers poured through like smoke. To live. To be free. And then he thought of his world, starving for power, for life. Thought of it dying—not like this place, but slowly, painfully.
What do you want, (view spoiler)?
He wanted to save his world. Behind his eyes, the image began to change as London—his London—came back to life. He saw himself on the throne, staring up through a roofless palace at a bright blue sky, the warmth of the sun against his skin, and— (...)
Would he never be free?
He closed his eyes, and he was back on that throne, gazing up at that wondrous sky.

{Spoilers: [I like him too much - I knew I was right about him - he only wanted to be free, and his world safe. But he just changed one master for another. The only way he can be free is either to die, or be free of everything, go anywhere and start again. He makes me really, really sad. I don't condone his actions, but he has a motive - and freedom is a big one when he had spent 8 years being a slave... but the worst thing is that he is slave again, but this time, willingly. And to make things even worse, he brought it upon himself because he wanted to 1) stay alive, 2) be free, 3) save his world.... I don't know, i really love how complex he is. He was a slave for 8 years - and he dreams of freedom, only for it to be taken from him again at the very end. (hide spoiler)]}

Ojka, however, is his new and most loyal follower - and she believes that her (their) new King is perfect. She is dedicated, believes that she was chosen by him with a reason, and above all, she trusts him, no matter what he asks her to do. She believes that he can save them all.
He had chosen her, and she would not let him down. Just like in the prophecies, their savior had come. And she would be there at his side.


◈ Others: Vis & Tolners and Staff & Hastra are new bodyguards of Rhy and Kell. The worse thing being that Staff blames Kell too, but Hastra is eager, hyperactive and cheerful. On the other hand, Vis and Tolners don't have the same bond Rhy shared with Gen and Parrish. And so on and on...

► OVERALL:


Fantastic sequel, I loved every moment of it, every page of it. And then, there is that cliffhanger. Save yourself the trouble and don't read it until the next book. I'm not fond of cliffhangers, especially when the series is ongoing. But, this was masterpiece cliffhanger, and not just on 1 side, but 2 sides (aka two cliffhangers). To be honest, this cliffhanger is how I decided that this should be my priority (among my friend's reviews) so I knew in advance (in first book already) who is gonna make chaos. But that didn't stop me, in fact, it only made me eager to read more. In any case, you have been warned. If you hate cliffhangers, don't read yet. Also, about the cliffie, I understand [ why he went with Ojka - he desperately wanted to get away, anywhere, just to be anywhere else, and she was there, but instead he went into a trap (hide spoiler)]...


Run.
Run home.
Run.
Run home.
Run.


P.S. Did anyone notice this?
[
“For the Essen Tasch,” said the prince under his breath.
“Competitor?” asked the shadow with a voice like stones.
“Kamerov Loste.”
“To win?”
Rhy shook his head. “No. Only to the nines.”
(hide spoiler)]


OTHER IMPORTANT INFO: 
⚠ Standalone: No. Part of a series.
⚠ Point of View: Third POV, multiply characters.
⚠ Cliffhanger: YES.
⚠ Triggers: [self harm, willing; torture (hide spoiler)]
⚠ Love triangle: No
⚠ Angst: Yes
⚠ Supernatural: Yes, mages: blood and elemental magic etc, parallel worlds
⚠ Explicit content: No
⚠ Recommended: YES

► REVIEW(S) RELATED TO THIS BOOK:


◈ A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1) 
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