A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)

by V.E. Schwab

“How many will go?” Lila wasn’t about to miss this. She raised her hand. So did Alucard and Lenos. And so did Kell. He did this while holding the king’s gaze, as if daring the monarch to say no. But the king said nothing, and neither did Rhy. The prince only stared at his brother’s raised hand, his face unreadable. Across the room, Alucard folded his arms and scowled at Kell. “This can’t possibly go wrong,” he muttered.

In an AGOS note, I pointed out that ensemble scenes involving characters that intensely dislike each other are my favorite to write because of the inherent tension. Still true. When I was plotting this book, I cackled at the idea of putting all those characters on a boat together. And then I knew I had to do it.