A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy | Release Date: February 21, 2017

☕ Quick Take:

Darkness threatens, kingdoms rise, and the fate of multiple Londons hangs in the balance in this thrilling conclusion to the Shades of Magic trilogy.

📖 Plot Overview:

The final installment of the Shades of Magic series sees chaos descend upon the Maresh Empire. With darkness sweeping through the Londons and magic surging into dangerous new territory, beloved heroes like Kell, Lila, and Rhy must rise to meet their fates. As old foes resurface and new alliances are forged, the battle for survival pushes the boundaries of magic, loyalty, and courage.

💭 My Thoughts:

I was incredibly excited to dive into this last book, and it delivered on its promise of action and high stakes. The pacing was relentless—almost too much at times—but it made for a gripping conclusion to the trilogy. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, I found it didn’t quite match the magic of the first two books.

One of my biggest critiques was Lila’s character. While I loved her in the earlier books, she felt a bit one-dimensional here, which was disappointing given how pivotal she is to the story. However, I continued to grow more attached to the relationships between the characters, especially Kell, Rhy, and Alucard, whose dynamics added so much depth to the narrative.

The ending was satisfying, tying up the series in a way that felt fitting and earned. That said, the book did feel long, and there were moments where it was a bit of a slog to get through. It wasn’t enough to dull my enjoyment, but it did make it feel like more of a commitment compared to the other installments.

🌙 Standout Moments:

The emotional stakes between Kell and Rhy were some of the strongest moments in the book, highlighting their brotherly bond.
The climax, with its massive magical battle, was a stunningly crafted and cinematic highlight.

🌱 Who Should Read This?

If you’ve already started the Shades of Magic series, this is a must-read to see how it all ends. Fans of immersive world-building, morally complex characters, and high-stakes fantasy will enjoy it. Perfect for those who loved Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo or Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.

📚 Final Thoughts:

While A Conjuring of Light wasn’t my favorite of the trilogy, it still delivered an epic and satisfying conclusion to this beloved series. V.E. Schwab’s world-building and knack for complex relationships shine here, making it a strong recommendation for fans of the series.