A Gathering of Shadows is a stronger book than the first book of the trilogy. The writing is compelling, and I had no difficulty in speeding through the book in under 24 hours. 

Whereas in book one Kell was by far the most interesting and developed character to my mind, here there are four captivating main characters who all compel my attention in turn (though Kell is still be my favourite). The emotional heart of the book for me also came from Kell - his confusion over his status, feelings of guilt over events in the first book, worry for his brother, and pain at his treatment by the king and queen. 

Like book one, it's in the final third of the book that events really happen. As easy to read as the earlier part of the book is, there isn't a whole lot of actual plot. By contrast plenty happens in the final third, and while I can't pretend any real interest in the Element Games (tournaments have never been something I enjoy in fantasy), they lead to a lot of great character moments. At the end events are set up for the final book in the trilogy, with a cliffhanger that makes me want to continue onto book three without delay.