This book is part 3 of a series. Check out the first review here.
We all have a moment in our lives when we are forced to grow up. For some of us, it comes earlier than others. It’s not always fair, but it’s true. Sometimes it’s dramatic and obvious, and other times we only recognize the moment for what it was years later. Sometimes the moment conforms to cultural milestones (graduation, job, marriage, house), and other times it may be uniquely personal.
In A Conjuring of Light, the third book in the Shades of Magic series, our protagonists must grow up. It is time to set aside the selfish decisions of A Darker Shade of Magic and the intense but ultimately lighthearted fun of A Gathering of Shadows. Things are happening, and it’s time to get serious.
The Basics:
Title: A Conjuring of Light
Author: V.E. Schwab
Genre: High fantasy, epic fantasy, action, adventure, drama
Published: Tor, 2017
Spoiler-Free Summary:
When the tournament ended, Osiron arrived. The dark lord trapped in Black London for eons, who attempted to take Gray London by manipulation and force, invades his true goal: Red London, where magic still flows freely. He overwhelmed the minds of most, turning them into possessed marionettes for his will.
Kel, Rhy, Alucard, Delila, and yes, even Holland (can you say ‘redemption arc’?!?) must push magic to previously unheard-of boundaries to defeat the formless, practically omnipotent, virtually omnipresent malevolent force threatening their world. Their journey takes them across the ocean, braving sea monsters, pirates, enemy navies and more, all the while knowing their city is on the brink of destruction, both from the dark lord without, and from political enemies trapped together in a too-small bubble of safety.
Simultaneously, each undergoes a personal journey of discovery where they finally confront their inner demons and grow in ways they have resisted for two books. Well, most of them. I would bet decent money readers of this series could guess which character largely sticks to their guns and refuses to change for anybody… but telling you here would be a spoiler.
Why This Book Is For You:
I have a confession to make: This is young adult fiction. As a man in his mid-30’s, this series is about a 3.5/5 for me. It’s good. Very good. But, it doesn’t quite resonate with me in the way other books have. However, I can put myself in the shoes of its ideal reader, as I always try to do in this space. If I was 21 years old, the themes of self-discovery, bucking tradition and authority to find your own way in the world, and creative self-expression would certainly move me deeply. Schwab is an incredibly talented author with beautiful line-level writing. For me, it pulls me into the action, drama, and another time in my life in a way I deeply appreciate and respect.
A Conjuring Of Light continues to offer the blend of exciting sword-and-sorcery action with soapy romantic drama so iconic of the Shades of Magic series. The pulse-pounding page-turning wizard duels are well worth the price of admission. Do yourself a favor, and check it out.
Where Can You Learn More:
You know how we roll here. Check out the author’s website for their catalog and updates.
Happy Reading, Folks.
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