Welcome to my re-read of A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. This is the 12th part of my weekly re-read posts. If you have read ADSOM, come re-read and discuss it with me. If you never read it, I highly recommend it especially if you like fantasy books, sarcastic protagonists, kick-ass heroine, and fabulous coat. Even though it’s a re-read, I will do my best to avoid spoiling future chapters in the post itself, which is quite easy because most of the time, I didn’t remember what happened. So even though this is the first time you read ADSOM, you could follow along. However, please note that although the post itself is spoiler-free from future chapters, the comments section are spoiler zone, where you can talk about anything including the plot twist and the book conclusion. Without further ado, let’s sail through A Darker Shade of Magic. All aboard!
This week, we’re going to cover Part XII Sanctuary & Sacrifice.
SPOILER WARNING FOR PART I – XI
Last week, we left Kell, Lila, and a very bloody Rhy at the palace. Kell was using his magic to lead them to a safe place. That safe place turned out to be London Sanctuary, a place for scholars and masters to learn and connect with magic. Here, Kell realized that Rhy has became awfully quiet and dying. His magic has failed somewhat. Lila thought that it’s already too late to save the prince. OH NO, YOU DON’T RHY! It seemed that Kell is with me on this one. He wouldn’t let Rhy go, no matter what. He asked Lila for the black stone. BAD IDEA KELL. Don’t do it. Whatever it is you think you’re doing, it’ll end up badly for both of you. 🙁
Kell, however, won’t listen to reasons. He bound his life to Rhy and brought his brother back using a soul seal and magic he deemed ‘impossible’. Well, nothing it’s impossible for the black stone… Okay, here’s a question. How does a soul seal work? Because it seems that the one Kell gave to Rhy is quite different from Athos’ seal on Holland. From what I understand, it’s unbreakable, unlike spells, but technically does it enable the creator to control the receiver (ala Athos and Holland)? Because I don’t think Kell would want to control Rhy.
Right, back to the book.
Rhy, still very much hurt and in pain, was left in the hand of Master Tieren, Kell’s mentor, while Lila finally convinced Kell to take her along to Creepy London. The two made their way to the spot where they could ‘safely’ travel to Creepy London. But when they travel, a force pulled Kell back to Kell London, ripping him from Lila’s hands.
Lila was forced to fend off several thugs all by herself with Kell MIA. Meanwhile, back in Kell London, Kell found out what has pulled him back. It was not a what, but rather who. Holland was there, trying to take the stone –which has now bound itself to Kell’s hand—and Kell because Astrid wanted him as her pet. Holland, obviously, didn’t listen to the second request and try resolutely to kill Kell. Kell, however, has learned his mistake and he didn’t hesitate at all. Using his own power as well as the stone’s magic, he incapacitated Holland (okay, incapacitated is probably not a correct word for ‘stabbing someone using a heavy metal pillar’) and set off to Creepy London using Holland’s token and dragging him along.
Kell arrived in time to save Lila. Actually, scratch that. I fully expected Kell to turn his Hulk mode on and show them who’s boss and warn them to not mess with his lady, but they were surrounded and had to save their energy for the Danes. So… they ran. Yeah, I settled for that. Much more practical. Kell, still carrying Holland, and Lila arrived at the castle to meet the Danes and the other half of the black stone.
Well then, next week should be fun! And by fun, I mean bloody!
Only two parts to go!
Favorite Quote
“… or perhaps I will go with you to the end of the world. After all, you’ve made me curious.”
Favorite Scene
Tieren saying to Lila that she has unawakened, unnurtured power. YAS to that.
INDEX
Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII | Part IX | Part X | Part XI
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