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

by V.E. Schwab

It made her want to pick a fight.

Lila had never really bought into fate, but like most people who disavowed religion, she could summon a measure of belief when it was necessary.

“Too sharp. Too loud. Too reckless. I’ve heard it all. It’s a wonder I’m still alive.”

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.

reminded her of the sea and the night sky. It reminded her of sharp knives and stars and freedom. “That,” breathed Lila, “is perfect.”

“Everyone thinks I have a death wish, you know? But I don’t want to die—dying is easy. No, I want to live, but getting close to death is the only way to feel alive. And once you do, it makes you realize that everything you were doing before wasn’t actually living. It was just making do. Call me crazy, but I think we do the best living when the stakes are high.”