A Gathering of Shadows
📘 About This Book
Kell is plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, he is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila. As Red London prepares for the Element Games - an extravagant international competition of magic - a certain pirate ship draws closer. But another London is coming back to life, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning. Black London has risen again - and so to keep magic's balance, another London must fall.
📖 Summary
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab is a compelling work of fiction published in 2016 that spans 466 pages, continuing the intricate and imaginative saga of parallel Londons. In this gripping sequel, the narrative plunges back into a world where magic flows through different dimensions, each designated by a color and defined by its unique relationship with the arcane arts. At the heart of the story is Kell, a talented magician struggling heavily with lingering guilt. Having given up his past life of dangerous smuggling, Kell finds himself restless and unsettled. His nights are haunted by vivid, ominous dreams of magical events, while his waking hours are persistently consumed by thoughts of Lila Bard, the daring thief who left a permanent mark on his life. Red London, the vibrant and magic-rich version of the city he calls home, is currently consumed by the excitement of a massive upcoming event. The city is preparing to host the Element Games, an extravagant international competition of magic that brings together powerful contenders from far and wide to showcase their extraordinary abilities in a grand display of skill and spectacle. However, beneath the festive surface of the games, darker currents are stirring. On the horizon, a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying individuals whose motives and actions threaten to disrupt the delicate peace. Meanwhile, a far more sinister development looms over the entire dimensional tapestry. Another London, one that was thought to be safely locked away and forgotten, is coming back to life. A shadow that was previously believed to be gone in the night reappears in the morning, signaling the terrifying return of Black London. As this malevolent force rises once again, the fundamental rules of the universe dictate that to keep magic's balance, another London must fall. This impending catastrophe forces Kell, Lila, and a complex cast of allies and adversaries to navigate treacherous political landscapes, master their own inner demons, and confront unprecedented magical threats. Schwab's masterful world-building deepens in this installment, expanding on the lore of the parallel cities and raising the emotional and physical stakes for every character involved. The interplay between personal ambition, lingering regret, and the overwhelming weight of cosmic destiny drives the narrative forward at a breathless pace, offering readers a rich exploration of power, consequence, and resilience.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Imaginative and richly detailed world-building across parallel dimensions
Engaging character development and emotional depth
A thrilling blend of high-stakes competition and dark fantasy elements
Pacing that keeps readers hooked through multiple intersecting plotlines
⚠️ Cons
Middle-volume syndrome can make some plot threads feel transitional
Complex magical rules and multiple settings require careful attention to follow
✍️ About the Author
V.E. Schwab (b. 1987) is an American author known for genre-blending fantasy, including 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' and the 'Shades of Magic' series.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who is the author of A Gathering of Shadows? +
The book was written by V.E. Schwab.
When was A Gathering of Shadows published? +
It was published in 2016.
How many pages are in the book? +
The book contains 466 pages.
What major event is Red London preparing for? +
Red London is preparing for the Element Games, an extravagant international competition of magic.
What major threat returns in this installment? +
Black London has risen again, threatening the balance of magic across the realms.
