A gathering of shadows

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Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
2016.
Language
English

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab"Addictive and immersive, A Gathering of Shadows cements this series as a must-read." —Entertainment Weekly, grade AFour months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift, and into Black London. In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like 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.But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again-and so to keep magic's balance, another London must fall...in V.E. Schwab's A Gathering of Shadows.Shades of Magic series1. A Darker Shade of Magic2. A Gathering of Shadows3. A Conjuring of Light

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Contributors
Kramer, Michael Narrator
Reading, Kate Narrator
Schwab, V. E. Author
ISBN
9780765376473
9781427277039
9780765376480
9780765376497

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Also in this Series

  • A darker shade of magic (Darker shade of magic Volume 1) Cover
  • A gathering of shadows (Darker shade of magic Volume 2) Cover
  • A conjuring of light (Darker shade of magic Volume 3) Cover
  • Shades of magic: Vol. 1,The Steel Prince (Darker shade of magic Volume Prequel) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Boasting intricate plots and impressively detailed world-building, these fast-paced fantasy series follow their courageous (and conflicted) protagonists through a succession of alternate realities where varying levels of magic either aid or confound their efforts to carry out their important missions. -- NoveList Contributor
Vividly imaginative universes -- whether envisioning alternate versions of London (Darker Shade of Magic) or different historical time periods (Promethean Age) -- are peopled with bold characters throwing themselves into magic, politics, and adventure in these atmospheric fantasy series. -- Melissa Gray
The Dark Gifts trilogy imagines an alternate-reality Britain ruled by those with magical powers while Darker Shades presents a set of parallel-universe Londons, some with magic, some without. Both atmospheric fantasies feature intrigue, intricate plotting, and smart world building. -- Mike Nilsson
Rich world-building and fast-paced adventure make for compelling stories in these atmospheric gateway fantasy series. Engaging characters, including strong females, struggle with magic and complex politics that threaten to bring their worlds to the brink of destruction. -- Melissa Gray
Featuring interlocking fantasy realms, these fairy tale-like novels are notable for strong female characters and effective world-building. Although Darker is indeed darker than the more whimsical Wayward, both are descriptive, engaging, and deeply inventive. -- Mike Nilsson
Magic and politics collide in these fast-paced and atmospheric historical fantasy series, which feature likeable characters and detailed settings inspired by the British Empire. However, the Kingston Cycle is more romantic than the Darker Shade of Magic trilogy. -- NoveList Contributor
These series have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "court intrigue"; the genres "historical fantasy" and "gateway fantasy"; and the subjects "intrigue," "assassins," and "political intrigue."
These series have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "court intrigue"; the genres "historical fantasy" and "gateway fantasy"; and the subjects "wizards," "royal houses," and "imaginary empires."
These series have the appeal factors evocative, world-building, and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "court intrigue"; the genres "historical fantasy" and "gateway fantasy"; and the subjects "magic," "intrigue," and "enemies."

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Heroism and courage mark the strong female leads in these immersive fantasies that contain elements of romance, a building pace, and compelling stories that focus on a coming-of-age (Half the World) and a honing of personal skills (Gathering of Shadows). -- Jen Baker
Powerful women awaken monstrous enemies, both magical and human, in these fast-paced and gritty fantasy novels. Although the settings differ, both books emphasize descriptive world-building, have a compelling writing style, and feature likeable main characters that challenge genre stereotypes. -- Jen Baker

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Lynette Noni and Victoria Schwab are known for their fast-paced gateway fantasies for teens starring strong, complex female characters. Schwab also writes similar books for adults and older kids, sometimes under the name V.E. Schwab. -- Stephen Ashley
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Published Reviews

Booklist Review

In her second installment of the Darker Shade of Magic series, Schwab delights readers with deeper insight into characters Kell, Lila, Rys, and newcomer Alucard Emery, while continuing to world build the parallel universe Londons. The story picks up four months after Kell's tumultuous adventures with the shadow stone and Lila's fateful arrival into Red London. Kell has given up his smuggling ways, while Lila focuses on sharpening her pirate skills. Just as A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) had a slow plot build, so too does A Gathering of Shadows, in order to set the stage for an amazing crescendo that begins with the Element Games, a magical-abilities tournament. The story has beautiful language, strong characters, and a wee bit of romance, ensuring that fans of the series will not be disappointed in this sequel until they get to the white-knuckle ending and have to wait for the next installment. Full of magic, intrigue, adventure, deception, a bit of piracy, some epic throw downs, and one incredibly brutal cliff-hanger, this will engage both adult and young adult fantasy readers alike.--Fann, Kelly Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Schwab's fantastic follow-up to 2015's A Darker Shade of Magic returns to the linked alternate realities of London: Grey London, our own familiar magic-free city in its Regency era; Red London, where people and magic work in concert; White London, where people struggle for control of magic; and the memory of Black London, destroyed by terrible spells. Lila Bard, a cutpurse from Grey London, has found freedom on the high seas with a privateer who's more than he seems. Kell, a powerful magician with more than a little wanderlust, has given up smuggling between the Londons now that he's magically bound to his brother, the Red prince Rhy. Red London is about to host the Essen Tasch, or Element Games, pitting the most talented magicians against one another; this would be the perfect place for Lila to show off her burgeoning powers, if she can get in-and she's eager to see Kell again, in spite of herself. Meanwhile, in White London, a new king rises, and he will do anything, and sacrifice anyone, to make his London great again. Lila, Kell, and Rhy are complex, fully realized creations who challenge conventional ideas of what a hero should be made of, and the supporting characters feel just as real. New touches such as a bustling magical market enliven already-rich worldbuilding. Tensions rise steadily, culminating with the exciting Element Games, and the finale will leave readers breathless. This is how fantasy should be done. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

Former smuggler, dimension traveler, and adopted prince of Red London, Kell struggles with his guilt over the events that resulted in his foster brother's wounds, the Grey London thief Delilah Bard's disappearance, the death of White London traveler -Holland, and the dark magic stone found and lost back to its original dimension-Black London. Yet as Red London prepares for its international magic competition, the lost London is emerging from the shadows that consumed it. To keep magic in balance, the return of Black London means that another must fall. Verdict Schwab's picturesque and fascinating follow-up to A Darker Shade of Magic takes readers back to the worlds of alternate Londons, magic alive, dead, and resurrected, and characters who shine through all of their shadows. Fans of the first book won't be able to put this one down.-KC © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

An absorbing fantasy adventure set in a world where magic can be a giftor a weapon. It's been four months since Lila Bard, thief from another world, talked her way onto a ship called the Night Spire and sailed away from Red London with an enigmatic captain named Alucard Emery, in search of adventure. She's been absorbed in learning as much as she can about the magic that's everywhere in this new world. Meanwhile, Kell is struggling to deal with the aftermath of the battle in which he and Lila saved the world, in particular, the magical bargain he made to save his adoptive brother Rhy's life, the bargain that links their lives and means they share each other's painliterally. Along with the rest of Red London, Rhy and Kell are getting ready for the upcoming magical tournament called the Essen Tasch. But there are deceptions lurking beneath the glittering surface of this festive event, and there are old enemies waiting for their chance to strike. This sequel to Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) expands the world beyond Red London and deepens the appealingly unconventional people that populate it. These rich, lifelike characters draw the reader in and make this well-realized fantasy impossible to put down. Fans of A Darker Shade of Magic will love its sequel, and fantasy fans who haven't yet read the first book in this series should hurry to catch up. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

In her second installment of the Darker Shade of Magic series, Schwab delights readers with deeper insight into characters Kell, Lila, Rys, and newcomer Alucard Emery, while continuing to world build the parallel universe Londons. The story picks up four months after Kell's tumultuous adventures with the shadow stone and Lila's fateful arrival into Red London. Kell has given up his smuggling ways, while Lila focuses on sharpening her pirate skills. Just as A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) had a slow plot build, so too does A Gathering of Shadows, in order to set the stage for an amazing crescendo that begins with the Element Games, a magical-abilities tournament. The story has beautiful language, strong characters, and a wee bit of romance, ensuring that fans of the series will not be disappointed in this sequel—until they get to the white-knuckle ending and have to wait for the next installment. Full of magic, intrigue, adventure, deception, a bit of piracy, some epic throw downs, and one incredibly brutal cliff-hanger, this will engage both adult and young adult fantasy readers alike. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

Former smuggler, dimension traveler, and adopted prince of Red London, Kell struggles with his guilt over the events that resulted in his foster brother's wounds, the Grey London thief Delilah Bard's disappearance, the death of White London traveler Holland, and the dark magic stone found and lost back to its original dimension—Black London. Yet as Red London prepares for its international magic competition, the lost London is emerging from the shadows that consumed it. To keep magic in balance, the return of Black London means that another must fall. VERDICT Schwab's picturesque and fascinating follow-up to A Darker Shade of Magic takes readers back to the worlds of alternate Londons, magic alive, dead, and resurrected, and characters who shine through all of their shadows. Fans of the first book won't be able to put this one down.—KC

[Page 75]. (c) Copyright 2016 Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright 2016 Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Schwab's fantastic follow-up to 2015's A Darker Shade of Magic returns to the linked alternate realities of London: Grey London, our own familiar magic-free city in its Regency era; Red London, where people and magic work in concert; White London, where people struggle for control of magic; and the memory of Black London, destroyed by terrible spells. Lila Bard, a cutpurse from Grey London, has found freedom on the high seas with a privateer who's more than he seems. Kell, a powerful magician with more than a little wanderlust, has given up smuggling between the Londons now that he's magically bound to his brother, the Red prince Rhy. Red London is about to host the Essen Tasch, or Element Games, pitting the most talented magicians against one another; this would be the perfect place for Lila to show off her burgeoning powers, if she can get in—and she's eager to see Kell again, in spite of herself. Meanwhile, in White London, a new king rises, and he will do anything, and sacrifice anyone, to make his London great again. Lila, Kell, and Rhy are complex, fully realized creations who challenge conventional ideas of what a hero should be made of, and the supporting characters feel just as real. New touches such as a bustling magical market enliven already-rich worldbuilding. Tensions rise steadily, culminating with the exciting Element Games, and the finale will leave readers breathless. This is how fantasy should be done. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary. (Feb.)

[Page ]. Copyright 2015 PWxyz LLC

Copyright 2015 PWxyz LLC
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