Shades of Magic Series by V.E. Schwab -> Restarting January 1st, 2021

[Alaina]

It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift--back into Black London.

Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as 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.

And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall.

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Checking in so I can find the thread later. I will be starting book 3 as soon as I am done with my current reads 😀

[Anna]

I’m checking in too - just finished A Darker Shade of Magic so this pretty great timing!

[BabyLunLun]

about time. I didn't have much luck with Schwab lately. I didn't like a darker shade of magic and this savage song

But I would like to see this one through the end :D

[BabyLunLun]

chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ I am bored already (hide spoiler)]

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Started today

Currently reading part 3 (view spoiler)[

It’s scary how fast Osaron seemed to conquer the city. I was worried there for a m9ment when Rhy came back to life that maybe Osaron had possessed him, I w9nder how they are going to defeat Osaron? I also wonder what will happen to Holland? Will they kill him for bring Osaron here or will he ultimately help them defeat it.

Also I remember not liking Lila much in the last book but i am liking her a little more this book and hoping it stays that way.
(hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

16% (view spoiler)[I really loved the opening scene with Lila and the pirate ship heist. It was clever of her. It truly made me giggle. She is so ruthless. And then the scene where she takes on the pirates, or privateers, from the bar and earns her way onto the ship after killing one of them. She showed no fear after robbing a man and being confronted. It's so nice to see a different kind of female lead character. It's refreshing. Lila makes me smile.

I wonder if there is anything going on between Lila and Alucard, or if there will be at some point. It seems like he likes her or admires her, definitely. I can't tell so far what his true intentions are. It also makes me wonder if there will be a love triangle at some point? Lila and Kell both still think about the other and hear the other's voice inside their heads.

Lila has been practicing her magic and now she can summon fire! I wonder if she will be able to summon all of the elements like Kell.

Rhy really is such a bad boy. Always causing mischief. I adore him. Not as much as Kell, but still. He is certainly a lively character.

I wonder what Kell's newfound desire or pull to violence is all about. When he is training and then in the alley with the bar patrons. It seems to be changing him somehow. I am curious to learn more. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

36% (view spoiler)[Ned is really growing on me. I didn't think that he would be such a continuous character. I wonder if he will have more significance by the end of the series. He was able to tap a small amount of magic, so who knows?

I really like Alucard. I don't know what it is about him that makes him so magnetizing, but I think that he is going to play a significant role in the overall story. I am anxious to see him participate in the Essen Tasch. Though I wonder what Lila will do back in London. She keeps thinking about Kell, and he has been thinking about her. They are complete opposites, really. She is headstrong and reckless, and he is responsible and levelheaded. But deep down I think that they both have a sense of adventure. A desire to experience the world, or worlds.

I was a little surprised that Rhy orchestrated the deception of adding Kell to the Essen Tasch roster. And I am even more surprised that Tieren went along with it. Rhy just wants to help Kell though, so maybe this won't end badly?

I was kind of sad to see that the king had died. Kell really liked him and his genuine awe and curiosity for magic. And I hate how the king and queen are punishing Kell for what happened in book one. He is all but a prisoner and has guards on him every second of the day. He isn't allowed to leave and the act so unkind towards him. The air is different and it makes me sad. I don't want Kell to be sad. I adore him. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

50% (view spoiler)[I like the friendship that Lila and Alucard are forming. He keeps trying to get her to divulge her secrets and she still won't budge. I think that he suspects that she isn't from their world.

So Holland is now king of White London. I really like the gray area surrounding Holland. He is a bad guy, but then again he isn't. He was tortured and trapped by an evil king to do his bidding and then he almost died. And he sacrifices himself to the evil magic king from Black London to save his London. So he does some bad things, but deep down he's not that bad? Though I think that Black London king that is inside of him will either make him go mad or consume him in the end.

I was almost fooled to think that Alucard fancied Lila. Especially after he tried to seduce her. Though I think that, while he cares about her, he cares for her as friends. I think that Lila intrigues him. Not just because of her secrets, but because of how she is. I also smiled during that scene because after Alucard kissed Lila she was immediately comparing him to Kell and thinking of Kell. =D

Lila's conversation with Lenos was ominous. He said that she was different, aven. He said that there used to be different kinds of aven, not just Antari or priests. That there were people who could master only one element but so fiercely that they could change the elements. So it makes me wonder if Lila is an Antari, or if she may be something else entirely.

I wonder what interest the Veskan princess has with Kell? Is she attracted to him because he is the Antari, or is her interest more nefarious?

Okay, I definitely think that Alucard thinks she is Antari now. When he mentioned her eye it was a dead giveaway. They both shared their scars and I think that it brought them closer somehow.

I do like Calla. She seems very perceptive. There is just something about her I can't place. Though I do believe she is good-natured. I wonder what she sees in Lila? Their conversations make me smile. My heart raced when Calla told Lila that Kell comes asking after her each week. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

76% (view spoiler)[So Alucard is a Red London royal! That answers a lot of questions. I'm not surprised that he knew Lila had followed him. The more I learn about Alucard the more I like him.

Hastra seems like a good guy. Kell was surprised that he could balance.

Lila definitely has a death wish. While not completely shocked, I was mildly shocked that Lila actually took out Elsor. Also not surprised that Alucard had followed her and helped her dispose of him. I hope it doesn't ruin their friendship, but it seems like maybe it has? At least Alucard got one of his questions about her answered. Lila confirmed that she isn't from his world.

Oooh, Alucard and Rhy! That's steamy! Kell was so angry. He definitely hates that man.

Kell recognizes Lila's form while she is disguised as Elsor. It confuses him. I wonder what would have happened if Tieren hadn't found her first. I kind of wish that he hadn't because this book has gone on long enough without Lila and Kell getting to interact.

Rhy has definitely changed since the first book. He is trying to atone for his mistakes by being the best prince he can be and doing right by his country. He keeps beating himself up though.

Holland wants to force Kell into his place as the Black London king's vessel. He is willing to sacrifice him and Red London just to save his own. More gray area here, I think.

The king is confining Kell to the palace. Poor Kell. He is just a prisoner. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Finished! (view spoiler)[Ver-as-Is and his men overpowered Lila. She did a good job of getting free and then killing them all.

Lila and Kell finally figure out that they are both playing impostors. And they have to fight each other in the competition. Lila wins, even though Kell let her.

I was straight up shocked that Lila wanted to go to the ball dressed like a girl. And for Kell. It's quite a beautiful thought, really. They argued, of course, but they also kissed and it was delightful!

I have to say that when Kell explained that Queen Emira and Alucard's father are cousins it kind of made me wonder why Rhy and Alucard had a thing? Anyone else?

When Lila collapsed in the tournament I was touched that Kell raced right to her despite the king's orders. And the king was mad. I can't believe they arrested him when he returned from Gray London. Or I guess I can. They seem to be willing to make Kell a prisoner to protect Rhy.

Rhy admits to Lila that Kell cares about very few people and that she is one of them. It's sweet to see that Rhy knows his brother so well.

Kell tells the king that after the tournament he is leaving. I can't believe that he is so openly defying the king. Even more shocking is that the king doesn't have him locked back up after Kell storms off out of the jail cell.

Ojka manages to kidnap Kell and now Rhy is dying. Lila races off to try and get to White London but of course, it cuts off and we don't get to see if she succeeds. Though, I think we all know that she will. ;)

All in all, this one was a little slow for me compared to the first one. I think that one of the things that I enjoyed most was the relationship forming between Kell and Lila. I loved the parts when they were together in the first book. They were quite entertaining. And they are separated for the majority of this one so the book didn't feel as powerful to me. I did think that the last half of the book was great. I still love this book but loved the first one more. Now onto the last book to see how everyone fares. =D (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Attack Salmon wrote: "chapter 3 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[The beginning of this one was a little boring to me too. I think that most of the exciting stuff happens at the end. (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[ I’m enjoying it so far but the first couple of chapters were confusing, although I’m guessing with the flashback chapters they’ll start to make sense! Forgot how violent Schwab’s Londons were though, forgot how much murder gets committed. (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Vanessa wrote: "
16% I really loved the opening scene with Lila and the pirate ship heist. It was clever of her. It truly made me giggle. She is so ruthless. And then the..."

End of Part 2

(view spoiler)[ Just made it to this point and same, I’m surprised by the violent streak Kell is on.

I’m both hoping and not hoping that the love triangle happens, on the one hand Alucard Emery seems really cool and I already love his character, but also I feel like I just don’t want romance ruining or taking over the plot?

I’m liking Lila more as the series goes on but I still find her irritating at points, she just comes across as detached and selfish at times, but hopefully that improves over the course of this book. I love the fact that she’s a strong female character but I’ve found it hard to like her at times.

And Rhy, oh Rhy, I hope he makes it out of this funk - I feel so bad for him but I just wish he didn’t act out so much if only to protect him from himself! (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Vanessa wrote: "
36% Ned is really growing on me. I didn't think that he would be such a continuous character. I wonder if he will have more significance by the end of th..."

36% (view spoiler)[ Hi! Sorry if I'm slightly bombarding your notifications, it's just that this has been my first buddy read and I didn't realise how much more fun reading was when you're able to discuss with other people in real time!

I agree, I'm upset for Kell - he's been so caged up since the first book and I miss his carefree days, I hope the king and queen loosen up soon! I am loving that we're getting more Rhy though, I remember that being one of my critiques of the first book, and I'm finding his character to be a lot more complex than I thought. This bond between the two of them is fascinating to watch but I'm so worried about the destruction it might cause to both of them in the long run.

Also Alucard, there is definitely something about him - I'm not quite sure what it is but he's a compelling character and I want to know more. It might just be because he has great chemistry with Lila and that's usually a sign of a great character.

And yes that bit with Ned really threw me, I can't tell if this means that magic is coming back to all the Londons? There was that bit when Holland made the new Antari in Black London so it sounds like magic is slowly making its way back to the four worlds. I assume Grey London therefore is getting magic back? Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
(hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

50%ish (view spoiler)[

Firstly, I think I might be in love with Alucard, turns out he's part of the Red London Royal Family and he loves his family and he's charming as hell. I still can't place what the relationship between Lila and Alucard might be but I kind of ship it. I'll probably be back on the Lila/Kell ship once they finally reunite though and I cannot wait for that to happen!

Also, Holland, my heart. I feel so bad for him and I can't see any of this ending well for him and it makes me so upset. I just read Carrie and while they aren't the same character or anything, the tortures soul aspect definitely resonates. I'm hoping he has a better ending than I'm envisioning atm.

Bring on the Element Games - I can't wait to see where Schwab takes this, I'm liking this even better than the first book. So much more world building, developing all these complex amazing characters, adding in the intrigue of corruption and royals and I'm living for it. (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

95%ish (view spoiler)[ Sorry I have to write this here before I get any further with the book. I'm getting a very bad feeling about King Maxim - I feel like Astrid and Athos are operating in him and Emilia or whatever Rhy and Kell's mother is called. Or at least he's working with Holland in some way - wanting to get rid of Antari or something? I'm probably completely wrong but just had to put this down somewhere! I feel like my heads gonna break from the suspense (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Finished!! (view spoiler)[ I actually found this reading experience much more absorbing than when I read 'A Darker Shade of Magic' but that might have been because I'm avoiding doing my work and it being my first buddy read! I really really enjoyed this one. I am all in for Rhy and Alucard and I can't wait to see Lila's badassery in White London. It has taken me almost two books to warm up to her but I think I'm a convert now.

As expected my prediction was completely wrong. I just can't fathom the actions of Maxim and Emira, they've literally raised Kell like a son for going on 15 years and this is how they treat him? I just need them all to be ok.

Also I don't know why but I'm still rooting for Holland. I hope he finds his way out of the darkness because he's been through enough crap. I also don't know what to make of Ojka but I assume we'll find out more in the final book. It's going to be painful having to wait two weeks for that book to come through from the library but I am so so excited for it! (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Parts 1-3: (view spoiler)[ oh man this one just jumps you right in. So much has already happened in such a short amount of time I'm scared of what's to come. This fog is taking over London and I'm not sure how they can beat it back. Thank god Rhy is ok. Watching him fade was horrible and why can't the queen just talk to Kell?? I feel so bad for him.

Also I'm not hating Lila in this book so thats amazing (hide spoiler)]

Pt 4-6: (view spoiler)[ sooo much is happening! Now Kell is off on a pirates adventure with Alucard so you know this will end well. Alucard breaks my heart. He's literally lost everything at this point. Another one who breaks my heart - Holland. He's fallen so far but i feel so bad for him (hide spoiler)]

Parts 7-9: (view spoiler)[I'm loving all of these Holland flashbacks even though they make me sad. He's such a complex character and it's nice to see why he is the way he is. Also, Alucard's freaking brother!! Ugh! And I want to know what the king is up to with his secretive magic. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ Poor Holland! I'm glad he seemed to find peace but I am sad he died. He was such a fascinating character. I felt the ending was very open ended which in some cases is good but here I just wanted more! And because I'm me, I wish Kell and Lila had parted as well but eh, that's about the only bad thing I can say (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

@Anna Kell and Holland are my faves with Rhy not far behind <3

[Anna]

Jenn wrote: "@Anna Kell and Holland are my faves with Rhy not far behind <3"

They are fab characters aren't they! Honestly I'm literally counting down the days until I get 'A Conjuring of Light'. I saw you rated it 5 stars and now I'm even more psyched!! Also I am so happy to find a fellow Hufflepuff 😂

[Alaina]

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RESTARTING JANUARY 1ST, 2021
  

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[Aly]

25% (view spoiler)[ I like the different Londons and that Kell differentiates them by color. Lilah is an interesting character (hide spoiler)]
50% (view spoiler)[ Oh no Baron! I liked him :(
Lilah can be stubborn and frustrating, but she's pretty smart and now she gets to see Red London (hide spoiler)]
75% (view spoiler)[ I hope Rhy will be okay, being possessed by Astrid. And that Lilah will be able to help Kell (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I'm so glad Rhy is okay, though I wonder what the consequences of his and Kell's bond will be. And Lilah is staying in Red London and has some power. I look forward to seeing what she's capable of. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Starting book 1 now!

[Aly]

Yay!

[Alaina]

I totally forgot about this series lol

[Alaina]

29%: (view spoiler)[Oh hello Kell and Lila! I have missed you both so much. First off, I love both of them. Like so much. Lila just seems like the female version of Robin Hood in a way and she is a badass. Then there's Kell who has an interesting magic but I feel like the King and Queen are really fake. They are just acting fishy right now.

Since I haven't read this book since 2018.. I'm intrigued to see what I will remember.. and what I will learn. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Aly wrote: "
25% [spoilers removed].."

Comment @ 25%, yes - it is so cool seeing all the different places/colors.

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "
29%: Oh hello Kell and Lila! I have missed you both so much. First off, I love both of them. Like so much. Lila just seems like the female version of Ro..."

I like the comparison to Robin Hood!

[Alaina]

57%: (view spoiler)[DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN.

I also love Lila. The whole, "it's my stone" and he's all like.. no, it's not. WELL IT IS RIGHT NOW BITCH! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "57%: (view spoiler)[DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN.

I also love Lila. The whole, "it's my stone" and he's all like.. no, it's not. WELL IT IS RIGHT NOW BITCH!" (hide spoiler)]

Haha finders keepers?

[Alaina]

Aly wrote: "Alaina wrote: "57%.."

HAHA yes of course. As it should be.

[Alaina]

71%: (view spoiler)[WHAT THE.. HOW YA GONNA END THE CHAPTER LIKE THAT? Ugh, I'm hooked. I can't wait to see how this is all going to end. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "71%: [spoilers removed]"

It hooks you in!

[Alaina]

Aly wrote: "Alaina wrote: "71%: [spoilers removed]"

It hooks you in!"

Yes, and the audio is pretty good.

[Aly]

Agreed! Too bad the next book is a different narrator, hopefully they're good

[Alaina]

93%: (view spoiler)[LMAO. I knew it wasn't you because she said please. I died. I'm still dying. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "93%: [spoilers removed]"

Burn!!

[Alaina]

100%: (view spoiler)[Ahh so freaking good! I'm beyond excited to dive into the next book! I'm completely intrigued by Kell and Rye's bond BUT I'm super excited that Lila has powers now. Heck yes. Give me the next book STAT! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "100%: [spoilers removed]"

Yes! I'm starting book two today

[Kelly]

I need to start this asap or you'll be done with the series before I pick up book one ^^

[Alaina]

Kelly wrote: "I need to start this asap or you'll be done with the series before I pick up book one ^^"

lmao.. I can try to hold myself back. I don't know about Aly though..

[Aly]

They go by quickly, especially the audio

[Aly]

Alaina wrote: "Kelly wrote: "I need to start this asap or you'll be done with the series before I pick up book one ^^"

lmao.. I can try to hold myself back. I don't know about Aly though.."

Haha it's the only audiobook buddy I have so I'm super on top of it. Maybe I'll see about reading one of the BOTMs

[Kelly]

I don't have the audios - just the paperbacks so it'll take me extra time to go through them. And no need to hold back for me lol read at your pace

[Alaina]

Kelly wrote: "I don't have the audios - just the paperbacks so it'll take me extra time to go through them. And no need to hold back for me lol read at your pace"

I just got the audio in my library app - overdrive! Haven't even looked for the next book yet lol

[Aly]

Reading book 2 now

[Aly]

25% (view spoiler)[ Lilah is still up to no good, tricking people and stealing. I'm glad she landed on this crew, it could be good for her. Kell is moping and Rhy is trying to cheer him up. (hide spoiler)]
45% (view spoiler)[ I'm so looking forward to Rhy and Alucard's reunion! Now that I know their backstory, I'm really shipping them. Also hope Kell and Lilah's reunion makes them both happy after 4 months (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

75% (view spoiler)[ Okay finally we reunite characters and get to the tournament! I want Kell and Lilah to talk and get together and Rhy and Alucard to reunite now that he's strong and hopefully won't be bullied by his brother anymore (hide spoiler)]
Finished (view spoiler)[ Oh no Kell! I hope Lilah can get him back somehow. I need the last book! (hide spoiler)]