Wow! 
 This book....this book....was such a ride! My head is still spinning! 
 Please note: this review is going to be brief not because I did not like the book but because I'm reading A Conjuring of Light and I cannot stay away from it for far too long xD 
 Now... 
 The writing: I don't believe in perfection but Schwab's writing is the closest thing to it that I have read so far. She has such a wonderful way with words,the images so vivid that it feels like watching a movie and better yet like you're breathing and living in the world she has built. (And YES I'd totally live in the Shades of Magic's multilayered world...if only to steal Kell's coat ha ha ha!). 
 The ships: 
 Oh there are so many lovely ships around here...*smirks*(and I'd like to steal the Night Spire from under Alucard's nose lol). 
 One of which (view spoiler)[ Alucard x Rhys (hide spoiler)] I didn't see coming...not at all! So I was left pleasantly stunned. 
 The other one (view spoiler)[ ( Which one? Kell x Lila, obviously!) (hide spoiler)] I was insanely happy to see finally sailing! FINALLY!! (view spoiler)[ Dear Victoria, thank you for having suffer until the almost very end for a kiss....and oh boy what a kiss!! The whole ballroom & balcony scene was a masterpiece that had my heart singing of joy...which is an exceptional feat. Of course, things went fast downhill from there...*cries* (hide spoiler)] 
 The characters: 
 I read the book two times, the first one I got to half of it and then read the end (I know....I'm such a terrible reader) and the second...the second I finally found enough time to read this book properly. Now during the first sitting Lila scraped on my nerves a lot, especially at the beginning but on the second sitting I was totally fine with that. Still I rejoiced when finally Alucard tells her to mind the consequences of her actions (*pats Alucard on the shoulder...*) 
 Similarly, at first (view spoiler)[ when Kell goes willingly with Oijka (hide spoiler)] felt slightly "off" (I'm nitpicking here!) but the second time around it actually made sense (view spoiler)[ with Kell in an emotional turmoil after being imprisoned,the constant torment of his guilt and so on ... (hide spoiler)] (I know from experience that yes when you're angry and emotionally stressed you do tend to make crappy choices and take even shittier decisions....) 
 But let's back to more lighter topic...for example the Alucard Vs Kell, I mean those two....I had so many laughs thanks to their "squabbles". And let's not talk about the constant banter between Lila and Alucard...*snickers* 
 I also loved the ever deep relationship between Kell & Rhy....it just melted my heart. *My babbieees!* 
 And talking of relationships... even I don't know how but Kell & Lila, by the end of A Gathering of Shadows managed to become one of my few favorite OTP ever. I mean how? when? was it real magic or what?....but It is okay!! No worries, I'm happy this way!!! 
 Last but not least ...I loved Jinnar and I oh-so-wanted to throttle the King & Queen--- 
 And I'll leave the review at this since ACOL is currently calling my name ha ha ha...sorry, not so sorry!!