Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Review: A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab


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

Author: V. E. Schwab

Rating: 5 Stars

You can read my review of the first book in this series, A Darker Shade of Magic, HERE.

A Conjuring of Light was everything I hoped for and more. For me, this series has gone from a whimsical, adventurous fantasy tale to a thrilling story with brewing darkness to, now, epic fantasy. Schwab has transformed her trilogy from a more light, exciting novel that is a pleasure to read and re-read to a darker, more serious tale where the stakes are high and the repercussions are higher. This final installment loses none of the charm, wit, or humor of the first two books but it is dark, throughout, which makes for a thrilling finale but A Gathering of Shadows nevertheless remains my favorite.

That being said, I loved this book. And I love this series. The first 10% or so is high tension, heavy action as Schwab picks up where her torturous cliffhanger left off. Then, the darkness settles as the Red London we've come to know and love is transformed. What I love about Schwab's writing is that she strikes the perfect balance between action and contemplation, darkness and light. We delve deeper into the minds of the King and Queen, Maxim and Emira, as well as into Holland's past and getting the chance to understand these secondary characters better was an unexpected treat. I didn't think I'd come to care for them as much as Kell or Lila or Rhy, but I did.

Schwab further challenges each and every one of her characters in this story. We've seen Kell put the test, time and time again over the course of this series, and Holland as well, but this time we see Lila and Rhy, Alucard and Maxim, Emira and Tieren, all put to the test. It's not easy but it's a worthwhile journey. Kell and Holland aren't forgotten for, as always, these two Antari are tried and tested. The challenges facing these characters in this finale seem insurmountable but the conclusion--the second half of this story--is all fast-paced action and sacrifices, grief and bloodshed, and I couldn't put it down.

I set out to devour this novel slowly, and to a large extent I did. But I sped through the last half of this novel and I feel bereft and strangely alone now that this seductive series is over. I will miss it, terribly. And while I will read and re-read these books again and again, nothing can compare to the feeling of first flipping through these pages. If you haven't already picked up these books, do it. They'll change your life and your heart will never quite be the same again; these books have replaced my prior favorite books--that's how good they are. Anoshe. 

11 comments:

  1. They are so good :) I need book 3

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  2. I hope to finally start this series this year. I’m really intrigued how the author managed to transform her series from light adventurous fantasy to dark epic fantasy. Wonderful review as always, Keertana!

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  3. Oh yes I heard great things about this author and the books, I need to try one day

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  4. I have this author on my must read list and I'll have to make sure it is this series on the top of the list. Since I think there are only two series out by this author... at least I'm not too far behind. :D

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  5. Ha this review reminds me of your reaction in Waterstones when you came across Schwab's books! Did you manage to get the U.K editions yet? Since this event, I still haven't managed to pick up a book by Schwab yet, but have managed to accumulate another one of her books, I actually have the first two books in this series now. From your rating here, I guess its high time I gave this series a go, so glad Schwab's books are still going strong for you Keertana! Fab review!

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  6. I've been meaning to try this author for a really long time now and reading your review and seeing those five stars has completely convinced me to buy this and move it up my pile. ;)

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  7. I think I have the first audio book, but I forgot about this series. It's all out? Yay! My memory did me a favor by making me wait to pick it up. Hearing that you plan on doing re-reads and your 5 start review are making me move it up in the queue! :)

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  8. I'm closing my eyes a bit because I've not read this book and I am so, so scared! I really just want everyone to be happy and everything to end well! HEAs are a requirement for me but not for every author. :O I'm so glad you loved this book! That definitely gives me hope. Not that I expect this book to be terrible or anything. Wonderful review, Keertana!

    Have a fabulous week. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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  9. I've a lot of catching up to do with this series. Even though I enjoyed the first book, I'm a little wary of the installment, tbh. Heck, VE Schwab's writing is intimidating af so I've been putting off reading the second book. LOL.

    I'm glad it's business as usual, though. Brilliant review, Keertana!

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  10. Wonderful review, Keertana! I've been meaning to start this series - it's gotten such great hype, enough that I may overlook how I didn't love V.E. Schwab's book Vicious. Thanks for your love for these books and for relaying that love to us. Also, ugh, I left a comment on another post of yours recently but I'm not sure if it actually published, so let's hope this one does. Hope you are well! (:

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