Black London is Calling...Or, Let the Games Begin!

Title: A Gathering of Shadows
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic, book #2
Publisher: Tor
Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

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—meaning that another London must fall.

I was afraid, after having loved A Darker Shade of Magic so completely, that A Gathering of Shadows might suffer from being a middle book and that I would be disappointed by it. I had an advanced copy, and yet I kept putting it off, for fear of what lie ahead. I should not have doubted. I should know from previous experience that this author never does anything by half. But I just wanted such great things from this sequel.

And I got them. I purposely didn't re-read the synopsis before starting because I wanted to be utterly surprised and captivated in turns by what was in store for Kell and Lila. For example, I did not expect the reception that Kell received from his adoptive parents after he saved Rhy's life. I also did not expect Lila to become such a badass thief aboard a pirate ship during her time away from Red London, though that really shouldn't have been that much of a surprise. I also did not remember that this sequel featured a game of epic proportions and featuring feats of magic. But it all came together so perfectly to become just the sequel I was hoping for.

There is nothing slow or methodical about this novel. It expeditiously carries the reader from one intense situation to the next, starting with the first glimpse of Lila at sea and onward. It's with Lila aboard a pirate ship that we first meet Captain Alucard Emery, one of the competitors in the Element Games. And I must say, I fell for his character immediately. He's rakish and full of secrets...just the way I like my pirates.

The interactions that featured Rhy, Kell, Lila, and/or Alucard were among my favorites. The banter and insults being flung around were the stuff of my dreams! And knowing how all four now fit together means that I'll just die if all four don't make it to the end. Especially because of how they all fit together. *insert kissy face here*

But Black London is calling, and he wants OUT. The Element Games themselves are awesome to behold, to watch as friends and foes battle it out, but knowing that a much greater peril is upon these characters made it hard to focus on just the games. I worry for them! And it doesn't help matters, Schwab leaving off where she did in this book. That was one hell of a cliffhanger.

I re-read A Darker Shade of Magic in preparation for this sequel, but I don't think it's completely necessary. It's just usually my policy to read all the previous books in a series again before the newest releases, just so I don't miss anything. But I think with Schwab's books, it would take many re-reads before I could confidently say I hadn't missed anything. She's such a master at world-building, and in this series, she's created four separate worlds, so there's a lot to take in.

If you're on the fence about this series, check out this excerpt from A Darker Shade of Magic. If, like me, you were uncertain of this sequel, here's an excerpt from A Gathering of Shadows that should set you right. I can't recommend this series enough, but if I haven't convinced you, the fact that Gerard Butler has acquired the series to adapt for television -- with Victoria Schwab writing the pilot! -- should.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say "tom-ah-toes," "like," and "y'all."

She also tells stories.

She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems.

Find Victoria:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | YouTube

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Labels: a darker shade of magic, beautiful covers, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, lgbt, magic, reviews, shades of magic, tor, victoria schwab

Waiting on Wednesday: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...








's Pick:

Title: A Gathering of Shadows
Author: Victoria Schwab, writing as V.E. Schwab
Series: A Darker Shade of Magic, book #2
Publisher: Tor
Publication Date: February 23, 2016

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—meaning that another London must fall.

I will absolutely read anything Victoria Schwab writes. Her writing is beyond my wildest dreams, and I can't wait to read the sequel to what was one of my favorite books this year. I was blown away by the magic and the characters, but it sounds like this follow-up is going to be even better, if that's possible. :) I just can't get enough of Kell and his fabulous coat or Lila and her ferocity. February can't get here soon enough!


 vs. 
I don't know which covers I prefer more -- the US versus the UK editions -- which is probably why I've already started collection both versions for my shelf. :P


What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: a darker shade of magic, beautiful covers, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, grabby hands, magic, must-read, tor, victoria schwab, waiting on wednesday (wow)

Judging a Book By Its Cover: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

We so borrowed this idea from Sara at Forever 17 Books, who got the idea from an article on Babble called Judging a Book by Its Cover: A 6-year-old Guesses What Classic Novels Are All About. Basically, it's about getting a child's perspective on the story inside the book based on just the cover art. It can be hilarious, but it can also be enlightening.









This week, the girls are working on the following book:

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic
Author: Victoria Schwab
Series: A Darker Shade of Magic, book #1
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

Behold, the girls' attempts at recreating A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab...

Aubrey's masterpiece & guess:

Aubrey says:

"I think it's about a man who makes Christmas Balls. And they are magic."

lol, This thought may seem off the wall to you all, but I totally got where she was coming from. One year we made these ornaments with yarn, balloons and glue.

She said the cover looked like these yarn balls we made. I have to agree with her. I haven't read this book yet, but Jen has, and she loved it, so that will be another one added to my list. :)


Katie's artwork & thoughts:

Katie says:

"It kind of looks like the guy is falling. But I think the story has some magic in it, and it's dark magic."

Even before we talked about what the book was about, Katie was focused on that coat the guy on the cover is wearing…and with good reason. I think she did super awesome with it -- it's even more detailed in person. Kell does have magic of sorts, and there is definitely dark magic contained within the pages of this book, but one of my favorite aspects is still that amazing coat. I explained a little bit more about it in my review, but if you're curious, you should definitely check out this book. It's Schwab's second adult novel, and though I don't read all that much in the way of adult literature these days, I highly recommend it…plus all of her other YA books. They don't feel YA or adult…they're just books with great writing that speaks to you. =)


Have you read this book or do you plan to? What do you think of the girls' artwork and their thoughts on the story's premise?

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Labels: a darker shade of magic, adult, aubrey, beautiful covers, cover art, fantasy, favorites, judging a book by its cover, katiebug, magic, tor, victoria schwab

Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic
Author: Victoria Schwab
Series: A Darker Shade of Magic, book #1
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Source: ARC received from author
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

I knew going into this book that I was going to love it. I've loved everything I've read of Victoria's -- which includes The Archived books, Vicious, her Twitter feed and which is soon to include The Near Witch -- so I had a pretty good inkling that this book was going to be my cup of tea. But when you read a summary like that above, and see the author explain the book in her own words as "pirates, thieves, and sadist kings," you pretty much know you can't go wrong with said book.

And I am now ferociously, 100% in love with A Darker Shade of Magic. I feel like I'm cheating on Mac and Wesley and Victor Vale, but I'm only being honest in saying that this is my new favorite of hers. Some may find the pacing a bit slow in the beginning, but it's fantasy and the world-building is epic. It has to be, since V is paving the way for not one London but three -- technically four but we'll get to that -- and all three are vastly different and require so much descriptive text to make each one stand apart. If you're having trouble with that in the beginning, I suggest you read Victoria's post about laying the foundation of a fantasy story and her hopes that you'll find the build-up worth it in the end. I sure did.

"Bad magic, Kell had called it.

No, thought Lila now. Clever magic."

-- p. 152 of ARC

Then, of course, there are the magic systems. It's seriously amazing how much awesome Schwab can fit into her books and still leave you wanting more every single time. There's the magic that people like Kell possess and harness within themselves. Kell is only one of two Antari left with these powers, but others in Red London can manipulate the elements. Those in Gray London have no magic whatsoever, and the residents of White London who have magic to call their own wield it as a weapon. But worst of all is the black magic, the bad magic of the Black London that no longer exists -- or at least whose existence has been wiped from the other three Londons. It is truly a force to be reckoned with.

As are the characters in this novel. The complexity of her characters, and what drives them, is one of my favorite aspects of Victoria's writing. You can just feel her passion for her characters -- and their stories -- radiating off the pages. As with Vicious, there are some seriously blurred lines and tons of gray areas in ADSOM, where it's not necessarily about good and evil, right and wrong, but more about what one has to do to survive. And Schwab always makes it a struggle for her characters, which in turn makes for great reading.

"A lavish kindness, your highness, but I am better left a specter than made a show." Kell tipped his head so that his copper hair tumbled out of his eyes, revealing not only the crisp blue of the left one but the solid black of the right. A black that ran edge to edge, filling white and iris both. There was nothing human about that eye. It was pure magic. The mark of a blood magician. Of an Antari."

-- p. 22-23 of ARC

I am in love with Kell. There. I said it. He is beautiful and he is magical and he is a smuggler of artifacts. Also, he has the most amazing coat that is really several coats in one -- so many that even he doesn't know how many really exist in the coat's depths. Kell is the would-be hero of the story, with loyalties that run deep, even if he is disobeying the laws of every London by continuing to trade in goods from each, including his own. His ability to travel between the Londons is a freedom he deserves and craves, yet it only serves to add to his loneliness. Kell is determined and strong of character, but I liked seeing him in a more vulnerable state at times because it meant that he had to let someone in, that he might find an end to that loneliness.

"Looking for trouble, he's say. You're gonna look till you find it.
Trouble is the looker, she'd answer. It keeps looking till it finds you. Might as well find it first.
Why do you want to die?
I don't, she'd say. I just want to live.

-- p. 62 of ARC

I don't think there ever was a quote that embodied a character more than that one. If I'm in love with Kell, than I want to be Lila Bard. Wanna-be pirate. Thief. All around badass. Yep, it sounds like a pretty awesome existence to me, especially once she meets Kell and forces him to take her on his adventure, even as he tries to convince her of just how dangerous a trip it is. Plus, she gets all the best lines. =) Though Kell can be pretty fierce, too, when the situation warrants.

"It's because you're a human," he snapped. "Because you may be the bravest, boldest soul I've ever met, but you're still too much flesh and blood and too little power. Astrid Dane is made of magic and malice."

-- p. 325 of ARC

They may have started out as thief and smuggler and altogether reluctant companions, but an uneasy alliance soon grows into something akin to friendship and possibly something that borders on more. This is an adult novel with quite a bit of violence but very little in the way of romance, though. I'd be fine with keeping Kell all to myself, but I wouldn't be put out to see something more develop between him and Lila.

Kell threw his arms around her. And for a second, only a second, she didn't pull away, didn't threaten to stab him. For a second, and only a second, she hugged him back.
"What are you?" he asked, amazed.
Lila only shrugged. "Stubborn."

-- p. 387 of ARC

Basically, this book was everything I was hoping for and more. My review could never do it justice, but I think the fact that I flagged the hell out of my ARC might give you some indication as to just how much I loved this story, if my words don't. I pretty much wanted to highlight everything as I was reading, and when I was done, I was left with this feeling of utter satisfaction, like I'd just read a story that was written just for me, that hit all the right notes, and that I ultimately know I'll end up reading again and again. I've already pre-ordered both the US and UK finished copies, and if you've loved any of Victoria Schwab's previous books or you just love a really well-written fantasy novel with epic world-building and characters, I suggest you do the same. You do not want to miss this book.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

I am the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, I have been known to say “tom-ah-toes”, “like”, and “y’all”. I also suffer from a wicked case of wanderlust, made worse by the fact that wandering is a good way to stir up stories. When I’m not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, I’m usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

My first YA novel, THE NEAR WITCH, a dark original fairy tale, debuted with Disney*Hyperion in August 2011, and is now out in paperback.

My next YA novel, THE ARCHIVED, is the first book in a new supernatural series about a world where the dead are shelved like books, and it hits stores January 2013, also with Disney*Hyperion.

My first adult novel, VICIOUS, about two brilliant and highly disturbed pre-med students who set out to generate their own superpowers and end up mortal enemies, is out in hardcover from Tor September 2013.

I have more books coming out in 2014, but I’ll get to those later.

These days, when someone asks me what I do when I’m NOT writing, I just kind of laugh nervously. But in truth, on the odd occasion I’m not typing away, I’m probably baking cookies, or watching BBC shows, or wandering. (See how we came full circle, there?)

Find Victoria:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | YouTube

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Labels: a darker shade of magic, beautiful covers, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, must-read, reviews, tor, victoria schwab

Waiting on Wednesday: Talon & A Darker Shade of Magic

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selections are...








's Pick:

Title: Talon
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series:  Talon  #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: October 28th, 2014

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

I've always had a thing for Dragons. When I saw Julie Kagawa was writing about them, I danced a little. There isn't a book that woman has written that I didn't love, so I'm anxious to get my hands on this one! :)

's Pick:

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: A Darker Shade of Magic, book #1
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: February 24, 2015

From V.E. Schwab, the critically acclaimed author of Vicious, comes a new universe of daring adventure, thrilling power, and parallel Londons, beginning with A Darker Shade of Magic.

Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes—as such, he can choose where he lands.

There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there’s Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne—a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London...but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see—a dangerous hobby, and one that has set him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations, who first robs him, then saves him from a dangerous enemy, and then forces him to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—and that is proving trickier than they hoped.

Ah! Another book from the awesome Victoria Schwab!!! I read both of the books in The Archived series -- and I'm praying there will be a third! -- and Kristen and I buddy-read Vicious, which turned out to be even more delightfully villainous than I'd been hoping. And I have The Near Witch on my shelf, waiting for me to give it a chance. What I'm trying to say is, I will read anything Schwab writes because each book I've read of hers has far exceeded my expectations, and I have no doubt that A Darker Shade of Magic will be the best yet. I mean, c'mon...you read that synopsis, right? ;0)


What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: a darker shade of magic, adult, dragons, julie kagawa, magic, talon, tor, victoria schwab, waiting on wednesday (wow)