[Subdue] A Gathering of Shadows by VE Schwab

[Jen K]

Book 2 of the Shades of Magic series adds to the character development but definitely moves the characters to set up for the next book. I appreciated the fun international magic competition to get them all together. Lila has learned the pirating/ privateering business as well as adapting more to Red London. I really like the introduction of her captain Alucard. While quiet, I enjoyed hearing about her adventures on the sea. Kell and Rhy were not faring nearly as well, both overly sensitive and unhappy with the consequences of Kell sharing his life to save Rhy. The Kind and Queen didn't help and were overly irrational. Rhy organizes the magic games as a way to distract which kind of helped.

The first half of the book was slow especially the moodiness in the palace. I appreciated the new characters. I think I will take on the third book to see how it all resolves.

[Joanne]

I liked this series, Jen. I really like Lila, the strong woman that she was. All the books got 4 stars from me-hoping the 3rd one suits you.

[Jen K]

Joanne wrote: "I liked this series, Jen. I really like Lila, the strong woman that she was. All the books got 4 stars from me-hoping the 3rd one suits you."

I almost went 4 stars as I'm pretty sure that I liked it more than the first one. It is a fun series! Lila is great even if she doesn't always think through consequences.