Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
New York : Tor, 2016.
Pages
512
Description
"Four 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"--… (more)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2016-02-23
Physical description
512 p.; 8.7 inches
ISBN
9780765376473
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User reviews
LibraryThing member bookappeal
Four months after the end of the first book in the Shadows of Magic series, Lila has become part of the crew on what she thinks is a pirate ship, captained by Alucard Emery, a man with just as many secrets as Lila. In Red London, Kell and Rhy struggle with the aftermath of the Black Night. The city
Adventurous and fast-paced with deeper character development than the first, this second entry in the magical series sheds more light on the lands surrounding Red London, includes one LGBT relationship, and fires up the romance between dutiful Kell and headstrong Lila, just before it pits them against a seriously threatening obstacle.
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is healing but the now-bonded brothers feel a strange restlessness that Rhy hopes to alleviate by entering Kell in the Essen Tasch, a tournament of elements with competitors from Arnes, Faro, and Vesk to demonstrate strength but also political unity and harmony. Captain Emery sets the ship toward Red London to compete in the games which gives Lila a very foolish, mad, and reckless idea. Unknown to all these lands are developments in White London where the death of the evil Dane twins has allowed an even more dangerous being to rise to power. Adventurous and fast-paced with deeper character development than the first, this second entry in the magical series sheds more light on the lands surrounding Red London, includes one LGBT relationship, and fires up the romance between dutiful Kell and headstrong Lila, just before it pits them against a seriously threatening obstacle.
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LibraryThing member lissabeth21
Terrific follow up and a tantalizing cliffhanger, just what you want in a #2.
LibraryThing member ingrid98684
ACK!!! Finished in two days and now I have to wait for the next book to find out what comes next??? NO!!!!!
LibraryThing member JoshuaAtkins
CLIFFHANGER!!! GAHHH!!!
A wonderful book. Builds on A Darker Shade of Magic and definitely leaves you wanting book 3 RIGHT NOW.
A wonderful book. Builds on A Darker Shade of Magic and definitely leaves you wanting book 3 RIGHT NOW.
LibraryThing member semjaza
A great sequel... I found myself much more attached to the characters this time around.
LibraryThing member andreas.wpv
very much dislike the cliffhanger.
LibraryThing member dementomstie
This continues a great series, and it's really fun to see this world expand.
There's a pretty good chunk of this book that takes place on a ship that may(or may not) belong to a pirate, and there are some really fun pirate moments in this.
Also: There's a tournament for all the best magic users, and
And there's political and personal intrigue.
And there's the dark magic from the previous novel trying to get into the world.
There's a lot going on and it's all very good. I liked the intrigue stuff, it's well done and the personal drama is kept as close to a minimum as you can with characters that are very dramatic and it helps move the story along.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I think there was a big cliffhanger in this one and I'd really like to know how that all pans out. This is still full of the swashbuckling type fun that I got from the first book and I hope to see more of it in the near future.
There's a pretty good chunk of this book that takes place on a ship that may(or may not) belong to a pirate, and there are some really fun pirate moments in this.
Also: There's a tournament for all the best magic users, and
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that's a lot of fun.And there's political and personal intrigue.
And there's the dark magic from the previous novel trying to get into the world.
There's a lot going on and it's all very good. I liked the intrigue stuff, it's well done and the personal drama is kept as close to a minimum as you can with characters that are very dramatic and it helps move the story along.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I think there was a big cliffhanger in this one and I'd really like to know how that all pans out. This is still full of the swashbuckling type fun that I got from the first book and I hope to see more of it in the near future.
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LibraryThing member ladycato
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, A Darker Shade of Magic. I loved the idea of different worlds who overlap in one place, London, and otherwise are vastly different in their cultures and magic. Kell, one of the rare people born with mastery of all forms and magic and the ability to
This second book was more of a struggle for me. Many of the elements I loved in the first book weren't really here. There was very little travel between worlds, as the action remained in Red London and was largely interpersonal drama. The greater issue for me, though, was that Delilah began to grate on me because of her extreme compulsive, reckless actions. She also actively avoided Kell, so they were scarcely together; I think his presence helped to mellow her a lot in the first book. The stakes are lower here--the big bad guy is working off screen and comes in near the end--and the book is long.
To make it clear, the writing is strong. The characters are vivid (aggravating though Delilah maybe). It's a good book and I had no issue reading through it, though it made me impatient at times. It's easy to see why this book has been a bestseller and why it has--and will continue to have--such strong buzz.
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traverse worlds, was a fantastic hero to follow. Delilah Bard, from Gray London (our world), appealed to me less, but her banter and chemistry with Kell was wonderful. This second book was more of a struggle for me. Many of the elements I loved in the first book weren't really here. There was very little travel between worlds, as the action remained in Red London and was largely interpersonal drama. The greater issue for me, though, was that Delilah began to grate on me because of her extreme compulsive, reckless actions. She also actively avoided Kell, so they were scarcely together; I think his presence helped to mellow her a lot in the first book. The stakes are lower here--the big bad guy is working off screen and comes in near the end--and the book is long.
To make it clear, the writing is strong. The characters are vivid (aggravating though Delilah maybe). It's a good book and I had no issue reading through it, though it made me impatient at times. It's easy to see why this book has been a bestseller and why it has--and will continue to have--such strong buzz.
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LibraryThing member Iira
I wanted to like this as much as I wanted to like the previous one, and succeeded--or failed--similarly. The worlds, the Londons, the Colours, everything seems perfect, but somehow I'm not getting it. Perhaps I've grown out of the entire genre, although I'd hate that. This just seems so immature?
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The games and the crushes and that's all there is. No true politics or any serious business. Two was enough for me, unfortunately. Show Less
LibraryThing member Elysianfield
4,5 stars
I usually write the review right after reading the book and now it’s been some time I finished but still wanted to write few things about it.
First of all, that ending was evil! And it’s so long before book 3 comes out. I just hate cliffies…
I’m still not a huge fan of Lila. She’s
Rhy and Kell aren’t doing too well after the events in the last book. Kell is out of favor with the king and queen. I really wanted to hit them, king and queen I mean.
Rarely book 2 is as good as book 1 but this really was. Loved this and can’t wait for book 3. I need book 3!
I usually write the review right after reading the book and now it’s been some time I finished but still wanted to write few things about it.
First of all, that ending was evil! And it’s so long before book 3 comes out. I just hate cliffies…
I’m still not a huge fan of Lila. She’s
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bit less annoying here than in the last book but still. She’s arrogant and too reckless without thinking if anyone else gets hurt. She meets the pirate captain Alucard whom I liked. Hope we see more of him in the future. Rhy and Kell aren’t doing too well after the events in the last book. Kell is out of favor with the king and queen. I really wanted to hit them, king and queen I mean.
Rarely book 2 is as good as book 1 but this really was. Loved this and can’t wait for book 3. I need book 3!
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LibraryThing member mountie9
Ok this series so far is brilliant. The writing is par none and the world building is extraordinary. I am not going to lie, it is far above my head and more for the real Fantasy novel aficionado, but the characters and dialogue make it enjoyable for even someone like me. First off if you do not
Favourite Quotes/Passages
“The world is neither fair nor right, but it has a way of balancing itself.”
“If these men worshiped anything, they worshiped magic, which she supposed would be heresy back in Grey London. But then again, Christians worshiped an old man in the sky, and if Lila had to say which one seemed more real at the moment, she’d have to side with magic.”
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love Delilah Bard, I am afraid we cannot be friends. For those who know me, you won't be surprised why I love this feisty damaged heroine, she is such a little spitfire (Reminds me a little of Caelena from Throne of Glass series). This one will keep you on your toes as it is fast paced and leaves you on the edge of your seat on many occasions. Also, the author has a true gift for the unexpected. You are never going to know what is going to happen and that my friends is true talent. Often I know what is going to happen and in this case - nope, she surprised me on many occasions. And don't get me started on the dialogue between characters, true perfection. Favourite Quotes/Passages
“The world is neither fair nor right, but it has a way of balancing itself.”
“If these men worshiped anything, they worshiped magic, which she supposed would be heresy back in Grey London. But then again, Christians worshiped an old man in the sky, and if Lila had to say which one seemed more real at the moment, she’d have to side with magic.”
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LibraryThing member capiam1234
Could've had a bit more intensity but with the world building and story this was great.
LibraryThing member MickyFine
Note that this review will contain spoilers for A Darker Shade of Magic
Four months after Lila walked away from Kell near the docks of Red London to hunt down her own adventure in a world completely new to her, she is about to return to the city. Having spent four months at sea Lila has begun to
I loved this second book in the Shades of Magic just as much as the first novel. The characters, world(s), and magic system remain fascinating and Schwab creates a truly entertaining magic tournament (and a much better one for spectating *looks pointedly at JK*). I'm so attached to the characters at this point that even if the plot were a little wobbly, I probably wouldn't care. However, be warned that this novel does end with a cliffhanger so you may want to have the third book at hand rather than having to wait for the holds queue like I do. Highly recommended once you've read the first book.
Four months after Lila walked away from Kell near the docks of Red London to hunt down her own adventure in a world completely new to her, she is about to return to the city. Having spent four months at sea Lila has begun to
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hone her magic wielding skills and the allure of the grand international magic dueling competition, the Essen Tasch is too great a temptation for Lila to resist. Meanwhile, Kell and Rhy are grappling with the realities of the bond created between them when Kell saved Rhy's life as they prepare for the tournament. And in White London a change is occurring that will threaten more than just that world.I loved this second book in the Shades of Magic just as much as the first novel. The characters, world(s), and magic system remain fascinating and Schwab creates a truly entertaining magic tournament (and a much better one for spectating *looks pointedly at JK*). I'm so attached to the characters at this point that even if the plot were a little wobbly, I probably wouldn't care. However, be warned that this novel does end with a cliffhanger so you may want to have the third book at hand rather than having to wait for the holds queue like I do. Highly recommended once you've read the first book.
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LibraryThing member infjsarah
I enjoyed this much more than the first book and finished it quicker. More background to the red world and a development of the main characters. Have the third book ready to read and will be reading it soon.
LibraryThing member Banoczi_Henrietta
WHAT KIND OF ENDING IS THAT WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK
this right here is why i avoid unfinished series
and now the actual review.
this is one of the few sequels which is just as good if not better than the first book. So many plot twists i absolutely was not expecting any of them. i got so absorbed in
once again, i didn't really care for lila's story, she kind of annoyed me?? the only thing i liked was that she provided a way for us to find out things about emery. emery is a very nice character i really really really liked him and the thing with him and rhy was unexpected I LOVED IT I WANT MORE but at the same time i really ship rhy and kell together oh god i loved the change in kell's character, how he didn't want to go against the king's word but he also needed some adventure, how he was dominated by conflicting feelings, i really liked how that was executed, i could feel what he was feeling, though for most of the time i just felt sorry for him, especially at the end.
and rhy. my precious little rhy. he is so amazing. i have no words. he is very important. and i feel very sorry for him because in the end he's the one who suffers the most. his parents are simply trying to protect him but chasing away his brother is not a solution and also what happens if something happens to kell???????????????????? who's going to save them after this ending.
and there is one little thing that kind of bothers me a lot. kell and lila. was that really necessary. why couldn't it be kell and rhy? why why why
overall this book is great and everybody needs to read it now AND I NEED THE NEXT ONE
this right here is why i avoid unfinished series
and now the actual review.
this is one of the few sequels which is just as good if not better than the first book. So many plot twists i absolutely was not expecting any of them. i got so absorbed in
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the world i did not want to put it down, especially during the last 10% that was a roller coaster. once again, i didn't really care for lila's story, she kind of annoyed me?? the only thing i liked was that she provided a way for us to find out things about emery. emery is a very nice character i really really really liked him and
and rhy. my precious little rhy. he is so amazing. i have no words. he is very important. and i feel very sorry for him because in the end he's the one who suffers the most. his parents are simply trying to protect him but chasing away his brother is not a solution and also what happens if something happens to kell???????????????????? who's going to save them after this ending.
and there is one little thing that kind of bothers me a lot.
overall this book is great and everybody needs to read it now AND I NEED THE NEXT ONE
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LibraryThing member melissarochelle
Wonderful. Magical. Amazing. Creative. Fun. I love this series and am so sad I finished this book. Does the next one come out next month? Could we rush the publication? Please?
The world-building is excellent. The characters are so imperfect and real. They make rash decisions, sometimes quite stupid
The world-building is excellent. The characters are so imperfect and real. They make rash decisions, sometimes quite stupid
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and dangerous ones, and that makes me love them more. The end is an absolute doozy with lives hanging in the balance and a massive "will it work?" in play. Show Less
LibraryThing member imyril
Unusually, I loved the sequel even more than the first book - less world-hopping, but more world-building and more depth to the characters. We get to know Rhy, get a closer look at the demons that hound both Lila and Kell (not to mention the way they haunt each other; okay, so my romance-free zone
Expect hijinks, loving fan service, and full-hearted embracing of tropes in such a way that they feel inevitable rather than irritating.
...and a hint of consequences. I do like consequences. Sign me up for the final volume.
Full review
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was temporary but I can't resist the way they're orbiting one another's memories and I love that this is just one of many subplots) and meet the irrepressible, glorious, cooler-than-thou Alucard Emery of the shadowy past and broad appetites. HALLO SAILOR.Expect hijinks, loving fan service, and full-hearted embracing of tropes in such a way that they feel inevitable rather than irritating.
...and a hint of consequences. I do like consequences. Sign me up for the final volume.
Full review
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LibraryThing member BefuddledPanda
too long-winded and a bit repetitive.
LibraryThing member cecilywolfe
This is series is making me crazy - the intensity of EVERYTHING, on EVERY PAGE.
LibraryThing member pennma05
Omg that cliffhanger!!!! I am so glad that the final book has been released and I don't have to wait to find out what happens next! I absolutely love Alucard. He's definitely a new favorite of mine. While I loved Lila in A Darker Shade of Magic, she got on my nerves a lot in this book. She was so
4.5 Stars
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stubborn, almost to the point of stupidity and recklessness. 4.5 Stars
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LibraryThing member Aridy
Arg! Need the next one! Fantastic!
LibraryThing member nbmars
Note: Slight spoilers for the previous book in this trilogy.
This is the second book in the historical fiction/fantasy series that began with A Darker Shade of Magic. In that book, set in 1819, we learned there were four Londons in four separate worlds that could be traversed by magic only available
This book begins four months after the first book ends. Lila Bard, originally from Grey London, is now a member of the crew of the pirate ship "Night Spire" in the world of Red London. Out at sea, the charming captain, Alucard Emery, has been teaching her not only how to speak Arnesian, but how to conjure and control her magic.
Back in the city of Red London, Kell and his brother, Prince Rhy, are both adjusting to their new dependence on one another through the life-bond Kell forged between them when Rhy was at risk of dying. They are also preparing for the Essen Tasch, or Element Games, which is a yearly competition among magicians. Alucard, who hasn’t set foot in London for three years, is bringing the Night Spire back home so he can compete.
What none of them realize is that White London has a new king, and Black London is awakening.
Discussion: There is a lot happening in this second book, which is not a standalone but which also does not suffer from the “middle-book-of-a-trilogy syndrome.” It is every bit as engaging as the first, only with radically different emphases. The Essen Tasch games are described in such a way to get readers as excited as the fictional viewers in the stands.
The shades of the dynamic between Rhy and Kell are neatly explored; neither exists as a sole entity anymore, and they both struggle with gratitude, guilt, resentment, and crises of identity.
Alucard is a character whom only the resentful and protective Kell couldn’t like; in the rest of the world(s), as well as for we readers, he is hard to resist. Full of panache, he is dashing, loyal, generous, brimming with surprises, and more talented than anyone can guess.
As for Lila, she grows in confidence and skill, and never lets any impediment slow her down. When we first encounter her in this book, she is up to her neck in trouble, but she stays the course, repeating a mantra to herself:
“'I am Delilah Bard,' she thought, as the ropes cut into her skin. 'I am a thief and a pirate and a traveler. I have set foot in three different worlds, and lived. I have shed the blood of royals and held magic in my hands. And a ship full of men cannot do what I can. I don’t need any of you. I am one of a damned kind.'”
Evaluation: I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I appreciate the originality of the author, and the characters are complex and engaging. As with the first book, the ending in this one also ensures you will want to continue the saga.
This is the second book in the historical fiction/fantasy series that began with A Darker Shade of Magic. In that book, set in 1819, we learned there were four Londons in four separate worlds that could be traversed by magic only available
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to a few.This book begins four months after the first book ends. Lila Bard, originally from Grey London, is now a member of the crew of the pirate ship "Night Spire" in the world of Red London. Out at sea, the charming captain, Alucard Emery, has been teaching her not only how to speak Arnesian, but how to conjure and control her magic.
Back in the city of Red London, Kell and his brother, Prince Rhy, are both adjusting to their new dependence on one another through the life-bond Kell forged between them when Rhy was at risk of dying. They are also preparing for the Essen Tasch, or Element Games, which is a yearly competition among magicians. Alucard, who hasn’t set foot in London for three years, is bringing the Night Spire back home so he can compete.
What none of them realize is that White London has a new king, and Black London is awakening.
Discussion: There is a lot happening in this second book, which is not a standalone but which also does not suffer from the “middle-book-of-a-trilogy syndrome.” It is every bit as engaging as the first, only with radically different emphases. The Essen Tasch games are described in such a way to get readers as excited as the fictional viewers in the stands.
The shades of the dynamic between Rhy and Kell are neatly explored; neither exists as a sole entity anymore, and they both struggle with gratitude, guilt, resentment, and crises of identity.
Alucard is a character whom only the resentful and protective Kell couldn’t like; in the rest of the world(s), as well as for we readers, he is hard to resist. Full of panache, he is dashing, loyal, generous, brimming with surprises, and more talented than anyone can guess.
As for Lila, she grows in confidence and skill, and never lets any impediment slow her down. When we first encounter her in this book, she is up to her neck in trouble, but she stays the course, repeating a mantra to herself:
“'I am Delilah Bard,' she thought, as the ropes cut into her skin. 'I am a thief and a pirate and a traveler. I have set foot in three different worlds, and lived. I have shed the blood of royals and held magic in my hands. And a ship full of men cannot do what I can. I don’t need any of you. I am one of a damned kind.'”
Evaluation: I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I appreciate the originality of the author, and the characters are complex and engaging. As with the first book, the ending in this one also ensures you will want to continue the saga.
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LibraryThing member Faith_Murri
The Writing
While I found many a typo (at least in my copy, idk about all of them), I was still very pulled in by Schwab's writing style, and she has definitely solidified a permanent place in my favorite authors list.
The plot was slower, a lot slower than A Darker Shade of Magic was, and that was
The Characters
Kell: As usual, he was my favorite character. His alterego as Kamerov was exciting and explored a whole new side of his character. The injustices against him by the king and queen, as well as Arnesian society as a whole, were very upsetting and I really empathized with him. It gave me some serious Jace in City of Ashes vibes.
Lila: I actually liked her in the first book, but she was just so dang annoying in this one. She was constantly doing things only for herself, without any regard for others (specifically Kell), and her recklessness and narcissism really got on my bad side. She did, however, get more interesting abilities and a more important role in the plot.
Alucard: Basically everything that was wrong with Lila was partially learned from him, and in case it isn't clear, I really don't like this guy. He's a douchebag.
Rhy: I loved getting to learn more about Rhy, with him finally playing an important role in the story. His struggle with the effects of the soul-seal was very well-executed and effective.
Holland: I had a dream while reading this book that I fell in love with him and he brought me to White London, so I think that explains how much I love this character. Everything that was effective in the last book was ten-times as effective in this one, and I lived for his perspective/the White London scenes!!! They kept me reading, honestly, when so much of the book was just Lila being a brat.
I am in everything. I am as old as creation itself. I am life and death and power. I am inevitable.
Osaron: Heck yeah, big bad's back and he's better than ever, this time with the name Osaron and even more magical schemes, as well as an entire burnt-out parallel universe he calls home sweet home, but he wants more! And he's gonna do whatever it takes to get it!
Ojka: She was so interesting to read. From the moment she appeared, I was totally invested in her. I'm so very excited to see what she does/becomes of her in the next book!
Hastra: My baby Hastra was so sweet and I just loved him so much. Kell needed him. Everyone needs a Hastra (an Hastra? idk English is weird).
Conclusion
It was a somewhat stormy ride, but I'm very glad I read it, because that last chapter was fantastic! This book really felt more like the first book in a series, with ADSoM its prequel, because of the pacing, the characters, and the conflicts. While I didn't like it nearly as much as I loved A Darker Shade of Magic, I still really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
While I found many a typo (at least in my copy, idk about all of them), I was still very pulled in by Schwab's writing style, and she has definitely solidified a permanent place in my favorite authors list.
The plot was slower, a lot slower than A Darker Shade of Magic was, and that was
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kind of disappointing and annoying at times, because the scenes I wanted weren't always the scenes I got, and the scenes I got likewise weren't always the scenes I wanted. However, the last part—and that cliffhanger!!!!!!!!!—really saved this book, as it brought together all the plot threads and reinvigorated me, definitely insuring I will be continuing this series.The Characters
Kell: As usual, he was my favorite character. His alterego as Kamerov was exciting and explored a whole new side of his character. The injustices against him by the king and queen, as well as Arnesian society as a whole, were very upsetting and I really empathized with him. It gave me some serious Jace in City of Ashes vibes.
Lila: I actually liked her in the first book, but she was just so dang annoying in this one. She was constantly doing things only for herself, without any regard for others (specifically Kell), and her recklessness and narcissism really got on my bad side. She did, however, get more interesting abilities and a more important role in the plot.
Alucard: Basically everything that was wrong with Lila was partially learned from him, and in case it isn't clear, I really don't like this guy. He's a douchebag.
Rhy: I loved getting to learn more about Rhy, with him finally playing an important role in the story. His struggle with the effects of the soul-seal was very well-executed and effective.
Holland: I had a dream while reading this book that I fell in love with him and he brought me to White London, so I think that explains how much I love this character. Everything that was effective in the last book was ten-times as effective in this one, and I lived for his perspective/the White London scenes!!! They kept me reading, honestly, when so much of the book was just Lila being a brat.
I am in everything. I am as old as creation itself. I am life and death and power. I am inevitable.
Osaron: Heck yeah, big bad's back and he's better than ever, this time with the name Osaron and even more magical schemes, as well as an entire burnt-out parallel universe he calls home sweet home, but he wants more! And he's gonna do whatever it takes to get it!
Ojka: She was so interesting to read. From the moment she appeared, I was totally invested in her. I'm so very excited to see what she does/becomes of her in the next book!
Hastra: My baby Hastra was so sweet and I just loved him so much. Kell needed him. Everyone needs a Hastra (an Hastra? idk English is weird).
Conclusion
It was a somewhat stormy ride, but I'm very glad I read it, because that last chapter was fantastic! This book really felt more like the first book in a series, with ADSoM its prequel, because of the pacing, the characters, and the conflicts. While I didn't like it nearly as much as I loved A Darker Shade of Magic, I still really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
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LibraryThing member jdifelice
Gah, this book was so good! I cannot believe that ending though! I have to wait an entire year to see what happens! Torture, just torture.
Yet again, V.E. Schwab captured my attention from the first chapter. This book was so intriguing and I never wanted to put it down. I liked that certain elements
I really liked Alucard, as a new character, he is intriguing and a little mysterious. I can't wait to learn a little more of him. Kell, Rhy, and Lila were awesome, yet again. I really enjoyed how they were portrayed and how they developed in their new circumstances.
This book was fantastic and I cannot wait for the conclusion!! :D
Yet again, V.E. Schwab captured my attention from the first chapter. This book was so intriguing and I never wanted to put it down. I liked that certain elements
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from the last book were weaved into the plot beautifully, but this instalment still had its own storyline and was pretty independent. The Element Games was really cool and I enjoyed that it wasn't super drawn out, and very entertaining. I really liked Alucard, as a new character, he is intriguing and a little mysterious. I can't wait to learn a little more of him. Kell, Rhy, and Lila were awesome, yet again. I really enjoyed how they were portrayed and how they developed in their new circumstances.
This book was fantastic and I cannot wait for the conclusion!! :D
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LibraryThing member Calavari
After finishing the first book in the Shades of Magic, A Darker Shade of Magic, I jumped right into this one. As mentioned before, I loved the characters and this one not only introduced a few new ones, but let us see some more of my favorite second tier characters.
*Some spoilers for the first
Kell and Lilah are still the main characters and we learn early on that Holland survived his time in Black London and has returned to White London. He continues to be our main protagonist, along with the being that was inside the black stone and who we definitely get to know much better. This time, though, Rhy is much more interesting as he attempts to come out of the shadow of the spell Kell had cast to save hime. Kell, on the other hand, is not for much of the story out of concern for what his own risks could cause to the crown. The king and queen mostly annoyed me but their responses to the whole crisis between this book and the last is well founded and I would have done the same as a parent fully knowing and not caring that I was annoying the crap out of everyone who was just trying to live their lives.
Lilah gets much more interesting here, though. She isn't so much paired with Kell in her adventures anymore, but with a new character Alucard Emery. I love him too. He's a bit of a scoundrel but in a very Rhett Butler kind of way that I've always loved. I don't want to give away too much of his involvement in the story, as I had gone in not knowing much more than that beautiful title and the events of the last book. I will say, though, that he is much more fun than Kell had been in even the first book and gives Kell a run for his money in ways not necessarily associated with Lilah.
I also loved that there continued to not so much be a love triangle or love story of any significant sort in these books. There's plenty of making out, but nothing that distracts from the actual plot. I can't possibly express how much I miss reading books with no romantic subplots. Aside from that, there are plenty of loyalties forming and testing in this one that does propel the story in a similar fashion that a romantic subplot does.
Again, the world building is spectacular. We do get to see a little more of it as Lilah has traveled some by the beginning and we get to meet newcomers from other places for the Elemental Games that the plot surrounds. It's not so much about the Games as what happens when the Games are in town, if that makes sense. The Games themselves are quite a bit like the Olympics here rather than the Triwizard Tournament of Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.
*Some spoilers for the first
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book, and maybe a small one for this book*Kell and Lilah are still the main characters and we learn early on that Holland survived his time in Black London and has returned to White London. He continues to be our main protagonist, along with the being that was inside the black stone and who we definitely get to know much better. This time, though, Rhy is much more interesting as he attempts to come out of the shadow of the spell Kell had cast to save hime. Kell, on the other hand, is not for much of the story out of concern for what his own risks could cause to the crown. The king and queen mostly annoyed me but their responses to the whole crisis between this book and the last is well founded and I would have done the same as a parent fully knowing and not caring that I was annoying the crap out of everyone who was just trying to live their lives.
Lilah gets much more interesting here, though. She isn't so much paired with Kell in her adventures anymore, but with a new character Alucard Emery. I love him too. He's a bit of a scoundrel but in a very Rhett Butler kind of way that I've always loved. I don't want to give away too much of his involvement in the story, as I had gone in not knowing much more than that beautiful title and the events of the last book. I will say, though, that he is much more fun than Kell had been in even the first book and gives Kell a run for his money in ways not necessarily associated with Lilah.
I also loved that there continued to not so much be a love triangle or love story of any significant sort in these books. There's plenty of making out, but nothing that distracts from the actual plot. I can't possibly express how much I miss reading books with no romantic subplots. Aside from that, there are plenty of loyalties forming and testing in this one that does propel the story in a similar fashion that a romantic subplot does.
Again, the world building is spectacular. We do get to see a little more of it as Lilah has traveled some by the beginning and we get to meet newcomers from other places for the Elemental Games that the plot surrounds. It's not so much about the Games as what happens when the Games are in town, if that makes sense. The Games themselves are quite a bit like the Olympics here rather than the Triwizard Tournament of Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.
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