Ve Schwab's Shades of Magic series has been a highly acclaimed and highly popular fantasy series. The fourth book in the series, titled "A Conjuring of Light," continues the thrilling and magical journey of Kell, Lila, and other beloved characters. In this installment, the multiple Londons that exist parallel to each other are in more danger than ever before. The power-hungry and dangerous White London, ruled by the ruthless Dane twins, threatens to invade Red London and take control of all the remaining magic. Kell and Lila, along with their allies, must find a way to stop this impending catastrophe and save their beloved city. As the story unfolds, the characters are faced with difficult choices and formidable challenges.
So we’re getting a little more info on precisely what separates regular magic from Antari magic, particularly in how words use magic to bind. So for your average person in Red London, using incantations is a way to focus. Antari commands are genuine commands. There are scrying tables, which allow people to see what you’ve seen. Fantasy narratives love this particular device, though they’re often a little different in terms of function, like the Pensieve in Dumbledore’s office and Galadriel’s mirror. So obviously that’s going to come into play at some point.
In addition, the people who live in White London have a very clear hierarchy in terms of weakness if you have more scars it s an indication that you re trying to bind more magic to yourself. Though he reckons it would make him feel less alone, he knows that people don t like to know things they cannot use or experience for themselves, so he leaves it be.
As the story unfolds, the characters are faced with difficult choices and formidable challenges. Kell, who possesses a rare and coveted magic, struggles with his identity and the weight of his responsibilities. Lila, a former thief turned powerful magician, continues to navigate her newfound powers and navigate her complicated relationship with Kell.
A Gathering of Shadows - (Shades of Magic) by V E Schwab (Paperback)
Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift, and into Black London.
In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like 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.
But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again--and so to keep magic's balance, another London must fall.
Other books by V. E. Schwab
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Shades of Magic series
A Darker Shade of Magic
A Gathering of Shadows
A Conjuring of Light
Villains Duology
Vicious
Vengeful
Review Quotes
"This is how fantasy should be done."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Rich details illuminate every dimension of an extravagant city flooded with magic, and intriguing personalities evolve into complex characters. between [the characters those] the vivid setting, and the climactic cliffhanger, Schwab already has us anticipating the rest of the series."--Entertainment Weekly, Grade A on A Gathering of Shadows
"Feels like a priceless object, brought from another, better world of fantasy books. Schwab's writing is engaging and vivid. kept me engrossed by its story every bit as much as I was fascinated by its complex, multilayered world." --io9.com on A Darker Shade of Magic
"All the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy. Schwab has given us a gem of a tale."--Deborah Harkness, New York Times bestselling author of The All Souls trilogy
About the Author
VICTORIA "V.E." SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including the acclaimed novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, the Shades of Magic series, Villains series, This Savage Song, and Our Dark Duet. Her work has received critical acclaim, been featured in the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post and more, translated into more than a dozen languages, and has been optioned for television and film. When she's not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
Shades of Magic series
A Darker Shade of Magic
A Gathering of Shadows
A Conjuring of Light
The world-building in this series is intricate and vibrant, with each London having its own distinct characteristics and atmospheres. From the opulence and enchantment of Red London to the darkness and desperation of White London, readers are transported to different realms and immersed in their unique dynamics. Schwab's writing is vivid and engaging, capturing the reader's attention from the very beginning. The pacing of the story is intense, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The emotional depth of the characters is also a highlight, as readers become deeply invested in their individual journeys and relationships. Overall, "A Conjuring of Light" is a satisfying conclusion to the Shades of Magic series. It offers a thrilling and magical adventure filled with complex characters, high stakes, and dazzling world-building. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers to the series will find themselves captivated by the world Ve Schwab has created..
Reviews for "The Power of Magic: Themes Explored in Ve Schwab's Shades of Magic Book 4"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Ve Schwab Shaeds of Magic Book 4". The plot felt forced and rushed, with the characters' actions not making much sense. I also found it hard to connect with any of the characters, as they lacked depth and development. Overall, the book failed to live up to my expectations and left me underwhelmed.
2. Mark - 1 star - I didn't enjoy "Ve Schwab Shaeds of Magic Book 4" at all. The story felt disjointed and confusing, with random plot twists that didn't add anything meaningful to the overall narrative. The pacing was off, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Additionally, the dialogue was lackluster and lacked the wit and charm that I loved in previous books. Overall, this book was a letdown for me.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Ve Schwab Shaeds of Magic Book 4" didn't live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. The world-building, which was once captivating, felt flat and lacking in this installment. The plot felt predictable and uninspired, leaving me uninterested in the outcome. I also found the romantic subplots to be unnecessary and forced, adding nothing substantial to the story. Overall, this book was a disappointment and didn't offer anything new or exciting to the series.
4. Alex - 3 stars - While "Ve Schwab Shaeds of Magic Book 4" had its moments, I ultimately felt let down by the overall execution. The pacing was uneven, with certain parts dragging on while others felt rushed and lacking in detail. The character development also felt lacking, with some of their actions and motivations feeling inconsistent. Although there were some interesting twists, they weren't enough to redeem the overall flaws of this book.