The present lives in the shadow of the past.

The present lives in the shadow of the past. Schwab’s characters in A Gathering of Shadows prove this as each approaches the present from different circumstances in the past.

Rhy survives by the graces of Kell. Had it not been for Kell grafting Rhy’s soul onto his own, Rhy would be dead. This creates a complex situation between the two at present, a situation with which both young men struggle. Rhy feels a burden to Kell; Kell, though glad that Rhy is alive, feels entrapped because he no longer enjoys the freedom he once did. This is because the King and Queen keep close tabs on Kell to protect Rhy.

Because of this complex, symbiotic situation, Rhy endeavors to sneak Kell into the Element Games. This will allow Kell some freedom and the ability to enjoy...