A Gathering of shadows is a imaginative fantasy with a flawed but lovable cast of characters and beautiful world building. V.E Schwab has a talent for balancing character development, world building, and romance (thank god). 
 ROMANCE 
 I love how the romance (s) in this book didn't take over the whole story and was developed enough that the reader would still find chemistry between the two characters. I ship Kell and Lila so hard! 
 CHARACTERS 
 The characters were developed more in this book. We saw more of Rhy and the things he regrets. I love Kell and Rhy's interactions and how they both would sacrifice so much for each other. It really showed in this enstallment. 
 Meanwhile, Lila has gotten into more trouble (as expected). I loved her character in this book, whereas in the first book I had a difficult time connecting with her. She is a bold and clever theif/pirate. We saw more of her in this book than just the typical strong heroine. Underneath, she is a caring (in her own way) person with flaws. 
 WORLD BUILDING 
 Since the first book, I have fallen in love with this unique and fascinating world Schwab has created. I like how the world was showed to us in different ways rather than just info-dumping. This tournament was a creative way to introduce us to the rest of the world rather than just London and brought our characters together. 
 Overall, I would give this book five stars because in the end I just cried. Everything started to fall apart and the characters were put to more challenges. ( That cliffhanger, it can really get to you. )This book was powerful enough to get me to feel emotion. This is why I think it deserves a place on my favorites shelf.