Apples AirTag has come with its fair share of safety concerns, most of which have to do with problems like stalking. But now, the companys adding new warning labels after being hit with a violation related to its battery.New AirTag warning labels aim to protect childrenThe US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a press release today where it outlines Apples AirTag violation, and the fix that Apple has reportedly already implemented (via macReports).The CPSC notified Apple that AirTag was in violation of warning label requirements related to Reeses Law.Essentially the law requires products with button cell or coin batteries to include warning labels to protect children from life threatening ingestion.Here are the details:Apples AirTag, a popular tracking device, met the performance requirements for securing the AirTags lithium coin cell battery; however, the units imported after the March 19, 2024, effective date of Reeses Law did not have the required on-product and on-box warnings concerning the severe risk of injury from battery ingestion if these small batteries are not kept out of reach of children.Apple has now included a warning symbol inside the battery compartment and changed its box to include required warning statements and symbols. Because a number of violative units have been sold to consumers, and to assist consumers in the future, Apple has updated the instructions that appear in the Find My app each time a user is prompted to change the AirTag battery to now include a warning about the hazards of button and coin cell batteries.It is unclear exactly when the changes were made to AirTag hardware, but presumably there are AirTags available for purchase now that include the new warning labels on the box and inside the unit.Adding warnings inside the Find My app is a nice fix for everyone who has older AirTag devices, too. Perhaps they arrived alongside AirTags new iOS 18.2 feature.Have you seen the new warning labels on your AirTag, or in the Find My app? Let us know in the comments.Best AirTag deals and accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

A new year is here and we have afresh batch of deals to scope out too. Alongside ongoing price drops across the Apple Watch Series 10 lineup, we are also now tracking up to as well as even lower pricing on Amazon premium renewed iPhone 15 Pro units at up to $470 off the original price tag. Those offers join the OG Apple Watch Ultra at $380 under the original new price and the return of all-time low pricing on the wonderful Twelve South PlugBug USB-C Wall Charger with Find My. Everything awaits down below. more

The machines are fighting.Friendly FireA video shared on social media appears to depict the prelude to an inter-robot-species conflict. The belligerents? A Waymo robotaxi and a Serve Robotics delivery robot, according to TechCrunch.The footage, taken in Los Angeles from a dashcam, shows the Serve robot puttering along a crosswalk at night before stopping in front of a curb on the opposite side of the street, taking a moment to adjust itself so it can roll up the small ramp to get onto the sidewalk.Then a Waymo cab comes careening around the corner, T-boning the delivery bot right as it was making its final push. The fates, it seems, were feeling cruel that day.Curb StompOr were they? As it turns out, the impact wasn't too severe. The Waymo cab, to its credit, hit the brakes immediately and avoided knocking the poor little thing over. And moments later, while the robotaxi is still in a daze, the Serve robot drives away like nothing happened.Maybe it was fleeing guiltily. According to the person who shot the video, the Serve robot had run a red light moments before getting hit by the robotaxi.Still, you'd expect the Waymo cab to be on the lookout for such cases. Pedestrians will often cross the street regardless of what the light indicates, as any urban drivers know.The problem, apparently, was that the Serve robot wasn't a pedestrian. Waymo told TechCrunch that its driver system had seen the delivery bot and correctly identified it as an inanimate object and such is the disdain the autonomous vehicle harbors towards its Fellow Robot so it didn't exercise the level of caution it would around human beings as it's programmed to do.When the delivery bot unexpectedly stopped before the curb as the Waymo cab was rounding the intersection, it was too late to avoid a collision entirely. But Waymo says the driver system was able to apply hard braking before impact, so it only hit the Serve robot at four miles per hour.Crisis AvertedSince both parties came out relatively unscathed, there probably won't be a lot of complications from the incident. But it could have easily resulted in a much thornier situation, and is a preview of difficult questions surrounding the liability for machine employees as more robots, fully autonomous or otherwise, hit the streets.What if serious damage had occurred? Which robot, and which company, would be to blame? And if humans were in the loop, what share of the blame would they hold?In this case, Serve told TechCrunch that the robot was under remote human supervision at the time. The Waymo was driving autonomously with no passengers on board, but it's unclear if remote teleoperators were alerted to the accident or took over following the collision.More on robotaxis: Hilarious Video Shows Waymo Self-Driving Taxi Stuck in RoundaboutShare This Article

Fight it as we might, the calendar has turned over once again. It is 2025.Crap.But hey! Look on the bright side. Its notallbad. (Oh sure, itsmostly bad, its just notallbad.) And one of the fewbest things left out there: The movies.In 2025, we can expect the returns of beloved directors and popular franchises. Were getting new animated movies, new sequels, new reboots, new remakes, several major new cinematic universes, and even the occasional original idea from a major filmmaker. (GASP can you believe it? I thought Hollywood had totally forgotten they could do that!)Seriously, though: 2025 is going to be a big year for cinema. Some of your favorite artists and actors will make much-anticipated comebacks; others are partnering together for the very first time. And yes, both Marvel and DC are releasing their biggest new tentpoles in years. (What phase of the MCU are we up to at this point? 14?)Plus,for you hardcore Payakan stans (you know who you are), theres even a newAvatarfor youjust in time for Christmas. And this one has fireandash. (Yes yes, both fire and ash, and in this economy, etc. etc.)Hereis ScreenCrushs list of 20 must-see titles in 2025, starting with stuff thats coming up in just a matter of weeks and going all the way through the big holiday releases that wont hit theaters or streaming forroughly 12 more months. The rest of the year might suck. But these films look so terrificthey give us a reason to look forward to the future anyway.The Most Anticipated Movies of 202520 movies we cant wait to see in 25.READ MORE: The 20 Best Movies of 2024Get our free mobile appThe Best Netflix Movies of 2024These are the Netflix movies worth putting on your end-of-the-year watchlist.Gallery Credit: Emma Stefansky

Shark pet cordless stick vacuum with XL dust cup: $179 Save $81 $179 at Amazon LG CordZero all-in-one: $450 Save $150 $450 at Best Buy Dyson V15 Detect: $61 Save $140 $610 at Walmart iRobot Roomba J7 Plus: $399 Save $400 $399 at Best Buy iRobot Roomba Combo Essential: $160 Save $115 $160 at Best Buy Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat: $650 Save $350 $650 at Amazon Bissell Little Green portable carpet cleaner: $88 Save $36 $88 at Walmart Hoover Wind Tunnel Rewind bagless upright vacuum cleaner: $130 Save $10 $130 at Amazon If you're tired of having to do multiple passes to get all the dirt, dust and hair out of your carpets, it's probably time for a new vacuum. You won't have to break the bank to snag a major upgrade right now. Retailers like Walmart, Best Buy and Amazon are offering plenty of enticing discounts on some of our favorite robot and cordless vacuums of the year, along with a few traditional corded models and even an all-in-one vacuum/mop combo for truly spotless floors. We've rounded up some of the best deals to shop right now below so you can grab a great model at an even better price. Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. We'll continue to update this page as offers come and go. So if you don't see the perfect model for you, be sure to check back soon, as new deals pop up frequently. Read more:Best Robot Vacuums for 2025Best cordless and stick vacuum deals Shark/CNET This Shark cordless stick vacuum is lightweight and made with pets in mind. It can stand on its own and has a dustbin that's easy to empty. Plus, it's quieter than average, so you and your pet will find vacuuming more bearable. $179 at Amazon LG/CNET Get this cordless LG all-in-one vac for $150 off at Best Buy. It sports an automatic emptying system, built-in mop, seamless dual-battery charging, telescopic wand, five-step filtration system and a smart inverter motor that creates powerful suction. $450 at Best Buy Dyson/CNET If you need serious cleaning power, the Dyson V15 Detect earned a spot on our list of the best cordless vacuums of 2025 thanks to its excellent suction performance. It boasts 240 watts of power and a maximum runtime of 60 minutes while still weighing in at less than seven pounds. $610 at Walmart Best robot vacuum deals iRobot/CNET One of our top contenders for the overall best robot vacuum of 2025 is the iRobot Roomba J7 Plus. We prefer the Combo model with mopping capabilities, but this deal on the basic configuration is too good to pass up. It features a powerful three-stage cleaning system with side brushes to clean out edges and corners, and it allows you to create a custom room-by-room schedule for convenient cleaning. It's also a top pick for pet owners thanks to its advanced pet waste detection and avoidance capabilities. $399 at Best Buy iRobot/CNET This Roomba robot vacuum falls on the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, and it boasts a pretty impressive array of features for less than $200. It's a hybrid model that can vacuum and mop. It has three different levels of suction power, and you can set it to clean on a custom schedule. The biggest downside is that it doesn't have a self-emptying base station like some other models do, so you'll have to remember to empty the dustbin fairly frequently. $160 at Best Buy Dreame/CNET Dreametech isn't the most well-known brand in the vacuum world. If you take a peek at thebest robot vacuums we've tested, you'll find one of its models on the list. This L10 model is a two-in-one vacuum and mop combo that's designed to work on just about all floor types -- from carpet to wood to tile. Just be sure to claim the on-page coupon to get the discount. $650 at Amazon More vacuum cleaner deals Bissell/CNET This compact carpet cleaner can wheel around the house and stamp out stains. The Little Green weighs less than 10 pounds and has spray, scrub and suction modes to rescue your carpets from the daily onslaught. $88 at Walmart Hoover/CNET With five levels of height adjustment, a 25-foot cord that rewinds back into the base and included tools to reach crevices and heights, this bagless upright Hoover is a great option for those who want to cover more surface area than some of the stick vacuums. $130 at Amazon

AI may have cracked the code to a long-standing question about a famous Raphael painting that has puzzled the art world for years.Part of Raphael's "Madonna della Rosa" painting may not have been painted by the Italian Renaissance master, according to findings published in Science Heritage Journal in December 2023, which are now resurfacing and circulating online.Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is widely considered one of the most renowned artists of the Renaissance period for his paintings and frescoes, including the "School of Athens" in the Vatican.But the "Madonna della Rosa," which is on display at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, has long sparked speculation about its attribution, with the image of St. John appearing inconsistent with Raphael's style and less refined compared to other elements of the painting. The painting shows Madonna and Baby Jesus alongside St. Joseph and St. John.Computer scientists at the Universities of Nottingham, Bradford and Stanford developed a specific AI algorithm to compare parts of the painting to other Raphael pieces.The team used pictures of verified Raphael paintings to "train the computer to recognize his style to a very detailed degree, from the brushstrokes, the color palette and the shading and every aspect of the work," according to Hassan Ugail, a computer scientist from the University of Bradford."When we tested the della Rosa as a whole, the results were not conclusive," Ugail said in a statement. "So, then we tested the individual parts and while the rest of the picture was confirmed as Raphael, Joseph's face came up as most likely not Raphael."In a press release, the computer scientists said it is believed one of Raphael's pupils, Giulio Romano, likely painted St. John's face. Although the findings aren't 100% confirmed, Ugail noted the computer model examines artwork on a microscopic level with a 98% accuracy rate.Christopher Brooke, honorary research fellow at the University of Nottingham who was also involved in the project, said in the press release the analysis "promises to be a useful, additional tool in future investigations of this nature, alongside well-established methods such as spectroscopy."

CLOSE X By James Bickerton US News ReporterSearches for "VPN" (virtual private proxy) surged in Florida on January 1 after a number of leading pornographic websites blocked access to the Sunshine State in response to a new law requiring age verification.Newsweek contacted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for comment via email on Thursday outside of regular office hours.Why It MattersFlorida is just the latest in a series of states to implement a law requiring proof that users are 18 years old to access pornographic websites. Similar laws also took effect on Wednesday in Tennessee and South Carolina, meaning they now apply to 17 mostly southern states overall according to 404media.Under the terms of the legislation, House Bill 3, websites hosting pornographic content can be fined up to $50,000 for each violation, along with attorney fees and the potential for civil liability, if they fail to enforce the age verification requirement.Supporters argue the wave of legislation is needed to safeguard children, whilst critics have raised concerns around data security and the First Amendment. In response, a number of leading pornographic websites, including industry giant Pornhub, have blocked access to their content from the impacted states.What To KnowGoogle trends data published on January 2 showed a sharp rise in "vpn" searches beginning on December 31 2024 and continuing into the new year. VPNs allow computer users to disguise their locations and thus get around location-specific website blocks.While it doesn't give individual search figures, Google gave the value of 100 to vpn inquiries on January 2, compared to the level of 91 on January 1, 55 on December 31 and 37 on December 30.Searches for individual VPN providers as well as "Internet pornography" and "computer virus" were also categorized as "breakout" for Florida over the period by Google.Signs are displayed at the Pornhub booth at the 2024 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 25, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Searches for VPN's in Florida have surged after...Signs are displayed at the Pornhub booth at the 2024 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 25, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Searches for VPN's in Florida have surged after a new law requiring ID to access pornographic websites led to several, including Pornhub, blocking access to the state. Ethan Miller/GETTY Those attempting to access Pornhub from Florida are instead presented with a video by adult entertainment star Cherie DeVille, who says: "As you may know, your elected officials in Florida are requiring us to verify your age before allowing you access to our website."While safety and compliance are at the forefront of our mission, giving your ID card every time you want to visit an adult platform is not the most effective solution for protecting our users, and in fact, will put children and your privacy at risk."In a statement provided to Newsweek, Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, said: "Aylo has publicly supported age verification of users for years, but we believe that any law to this effect must preserve user safety and privacy, and must effectively protect children from accessing content intended for adults.""Unfortunately, the way many jurisdictions worldwide, including Florida, have chosen to implement age verification is ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous," Aylo continued. "Any regulations that require hundreds of thousands of adult sites to collect significant amounts of highly sensitive personal information is putting user safety in jeopardy."Moreover, as experience has demonstrated, unless properly enforced, users will simply access non-compliant sites or find other methods of evading these laws," the company added. What People Are SayingIn an article for the Palm Beach Post, writer Frank Cerabino suggested an alternative, commenting: "Instead of demanding documents from secrecy-prone viewers people who have their reputations to protect as kindergarten teachers, members of the clergy and elected officials you can simply ask visitors to the online site a bunch of screening questions that would accurately reveal their age in a less invasive way."What Happens NextGeorgia is due to become the 18th state to require age verification to access pornographic websites in July, with child safety campaigners hoping others follow suit. However pornography providers are continuing to argue these moves endangers viewers personal information and could lead some people to access more extreme content. fairness meterfairness meterNewsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.Hold us accountable and submit your rating of this article on the meter. Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.Hold us accountable and submit your rating of this article on the meter. Click On Meter To Rate This ArticleConfirm your selectionComment on your rating Share

Litter Leak?Forget the moon, an alleged GTA 6 leak might have revealed what the bins at Rockstar looked like about three years agoIf these pics are real, it's clear the developer has its its in-office waste disposal on lock, or at least it did post-Covid.Image credit: Rockstar News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 2, 2025 Yep, you've read the headline, this is serious stuff. Someone claims to have posted some images taken in a Rockstar office of GTA 6 playing on a monitor to Reddit, and it might have shown us what the developer's bins looked like back in 2021. That's assuming it's actually genuine, of course.The alleged leaked photo is the latest thing which have driven the hardcore Rockstar community into overdrive, after a lot of them spent the tail end of last month getting very animated about moons, playlists, and the number 27.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. As spotted by Eurogamer, the leak was first posted to the GTA 6 subreddit by a user with the handle JustLovett0. The post, titled "a photo from mid-2021. I think it's been long enough I can post this", has since been locked and removed, but subsquently uploaded in a bunch of other places."Someone I am close to took it when they worked at the Rockstar office for a few months," the poster claimed, adding that said mystery person is "super far from Rockstar now". So, what do these snaps they've seemigly risked a lot to show the world actually reveal about GTA 6, assuming they're real?Well, pretty much nothing about GTA 6, given all we've got is an alleged shot of it playing on a monitor that just shows Lucia standing about next to a wall, some blue shipping containers, and a few palm trees. Standing about in the vicinity of some things potentially confirmed as a GTA 6 feature, don't everyone cheer at once.Aside from that, unless you're interested in doing some detective work to try and work out if this is potentially a shot of the interior of Rockstar's San Diego office, as the layout of the building seems to suggest, or gawk at some dev kits, you're outta luck.Hang on a minute, how could we forget the most important detail! Look at that bin under the desk. You've never seen a cleaner or more evenly applied liner in your life, and there's no sign of a build-up of rubbish in the can. Even taking into account that it's potentially bin day in the photo - meaning the bin may just have been emptied - it's wonderfully smart. Black bin, white liner, properly formal. A bin you'd not mind allocating a seat at one of the main tables at your wedding.Are you envious that your bins potentially don't look as well-kept as this one here - regardless of whether it is or isn't a Rockstar one? Let us know below!

2XKO So Soon2025 is the sink or swim year for 2XKO, as my most anticipated game finally nears its release dateCan 2XKO make waves in a genre dominated by classic IPs? We'll not be waiting long to find out.Image credit: Riot Games Article by Connor Makar Staff Writer Published on Jan. 2, 2025 2025 is the year in which we'll finally, finally get to see 2XKO come out. If it feels like an age since whispers about Riot's in-house fighting game were floating around... you're right! The developers at Radiant were aquired all the way back in 2016 - roughly 8 years ago. This year we'll finally see just how big a splash Riot can make in the fighting game space.I for one think it'll be a big deal, and a game that has the potential to truly shift the genre in a few significant ways. It's rare a game can do that. Guilty Gear Strive was the straw that broke the digital camel's back during the height of the COVID pandemic, pushing developers to finally adapt improved network infrastructure industry-wide. Back in 2009, Street Fighter 4 kicked off a fighting game revival of sorts, introducing a new generation (including me) to the genre and igniting a spark that would lead to several major releases for IPs that had been hibernating. I have no doubt that 2XKO has the potential to be in the same boat in terms of impact.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. The reason why is clear. Riot Games has a particular approach to making new games in that when it does decide to venture into a new gaming scene, it wants to be a major player. Valorant is the prime example of this, adding a hero-style twist to a tactical shooter, bridging the gap between Counter Strike and Overwatch. It has proven impactful too, building a significant playerbase that brushes up against CS's popularity. But this has not always proved a guarantee of industry-shaking success. Legends of Runeterra still exists, but has certainly struggled during its life. Designed as a player-friendly online card game, the game was solid! However, in spite of a shift in approach, it failed to really take on the big hitters like Magic the Gathering Online or Hearthstone. Nonetheless, it still exists, but is likely far from the crown jewel it was intended as.2 Riot has already played around with 2XKO in competitive settings, albeit very briefly. | Image credit: LouffyWhere 2XKO will land in the wider fighting game space as the new kid on the block remains to be seen, but with a forward-thinking network system, a cool lobby system that replicates the real life arcade and spectator experience, and a simplified approach to controls, it's clear the devs have made strides towards accessibility in hopes of opening up the game to those outside of the fighting game fanbase. Whether it'll work is the big question. During the alpha lab, we did see a portion of the playerbase fresh to fighters remain frustrated at parts of the experience. Perhaps we'll discover how firm the barrier to entry really is. It's not like games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Rocket League, and CS2 etc are particularly easy to pick up - maybe presentation and a big IP like League is what is needed. The game, despite not being out, already has its superfans. | Image credit: NittenIt's also the first traditional fighter to truly embrace the free-to-play model. While developers like Capcom and Bandai Namco have dipped toes into the live service world, Riot Games is built upon this model. If any company can take a proper crack at a free-to-play fighting game with this model, it's Riot, surely. The challenge will be convincing a userbase that perhaps isn't used to that kind of monetisation in their games. Still, we've seen big games like Tekken 8 and Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising shoot shots at the idea.While I'm optimistic, I do forsee a few roadbumps post-launch. For one, it's got to keep people invested. Assuming the game will hit the 10-character milestone, that's not a huge roster compared to other games, especially in a tag fighter. While the fuse system provides extra depth that'll surely mix up the experience for many, one hopes the game won't grow stale quickly. Then there's a current lack of single player content, and while I've never been convinced a big story mode or other single player activity really works at capturing hearts and minds in the long term, it remains a component many casual players value quite highly.Ultimately, I'm excited. If 2XKO drops and makes waves, we could see a wider growth in the genre. A rising tide lifts all ships, as they say. On top of that, a truly successful free-to-play model could push other developers to embrace it, and the huge number of curious players that comes with the deconstruction of a financial barrier to entry. I have no doubt that the development team are focused primarily on just making a great fighter - and having played it a few times over the past few years I feel they have. I do worry about the level of expectations placed upon this game from players, even as I write this article which arguably adds onto that pressure. Oops.With the game coming out this year, expect to see a lot of noise around 2KXO, especially here. There's a lot riding on the game, not just for Riot Games, but for fans of the genre as a whole. The team has been patiently tending the 2XKO garden for a while, but how sweet the fruits of this labour will be, and how many will hop over the fence to taste the juice, is the big question I'm keen to see answered in the coming months.

Were thrilled to offer some of New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab V.E. Schwabsbest novels in our latest book bundle, The Magical Worlds of V.E. Schwab!To help you decide if this bundle is worth cozying up for this winter, here is an overview of eachtitle included, including what readers like and dislike.The Invisible Life of Addie LaRueGood Reads Score: 4.18/5 Barnes & Noble Score: 4.5/5The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab is a captivating fantasy novel that exploresthe life of Addie LaRue, a young woman from 18th-century France who makes a Faustianbargain to live forever. However, bargaining with devils has consequences, and Addie is cursedto be forgotten by everyone she meets.Her existence is marked by 300 years of loneliness as she wanders the world as a vagabond,yearning for recognition and meaningful connection. But fate is a fickle fool, and when Addieencounters a man who remembers her name, her life dramatically shifts to explore unknownpaths.The story delves deeply into themes of memory, identity, and the human need for connection,woven together by Schwabs lyrical prose.The tale unfolds across two timelines, alternating between Addies past and present, providing arich narrative structure that enhances and strengthens the narrative. The novel also exploresprofound philosophical questions about existence, the quest for acknowledgment, and thelegacy you leave behind, adding layers of depth and self-reflection to Addies journey.Despite its many strengths, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has a few criticisms. Somereaders find the pacing slow, with certain sections dragging, while others feel that Addiescharacter development could be deeper, given her centuries of experience. However, theseflaws do not detract from the books emotional resonance and thought-provoking exploration ofimmortality and identity, making it a worthwhile read for fans of introspective and literary fantasy.The Fragile Threads of PowerGood Reads Score: 4.29/5 Barnes & Noble Score: 4.6/5The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab is an engaging sequel to her Shades of Magictrilogy, set seven years after A Conjuring of Light. The novel expands on the world of theLondons, introducing familiar characters like Kell, Lila, Rhy, and Alucard. Alongside fan favoritesemerge new faces like Tes, a young woman with the ability to manipulate the threads of magic,and Kosika, the enigmatic Queen of White London.Akin to much of Schwabs writing, the worldbuilding remains a standout feature. Rich cultures,layered magic systems and evolving political dynamics create page-turning immersion.The plot is filled with political intrigue, dangerous quests and unexpected twists, creating asense of depth and complexity. However, some readers have noted that the pacing is slow,particularly in the early chapters, which might detract from the overall momentum.Despite these criticisms, the novels open-ended nature left many readers eager for the nextinstallment, with new questions arising as some old mysteries are resolved.Overall, The Fragile Threads of Power is a worthy addition to the Shades of Magic universe.While its pacing and familiar elements may not appeal to everyone, Schwabs intricatestorytelling and the blend of old and new characters make it a rewarding read for fans of theseries.A Conjuring of LightGood Reads Score: 4.31/5 Barnes & Noble Score: 4.8/5A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab is the thrilling and emotional conclusion to the Shades ofMagic trilogy. Set across the parallel Londons, the novel follows Kell, Lila, Rhy and Holland asthey battle Osaron, a dark force threatening their world.Schwabs rich world-building, with its intricate depictions of the distinct Londons and their uniquecultures and magic, continues to captivate readers. The novel deepens the magical lore andhistory from the previous books, adding complexity to the narrative. Similarly, she weavessignificant character development to amplify the emotional depth of the story.The emotional relationships, especially between Kell and Lila, are poignant and authentic,though some argue that their romance overshadows other important elements. While the novelfeatures thrilling action sequences and intense battles, some readers note pacing issues,particularly in the slower, introspective sections.Despite these minor flaws, A Conjuring of Light delivers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Itsstrong world-building, character development and emotional depth make it a compelling andimpactful read for fans of fantasy and romance.A Gathering of ShadowsGood Reads Score: 4.21/5 Barnes & Noble Score: 4.5/5A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab is the second book in the Shades of Magic series,continuing the adventures of Kell, Lila, Rhy, and other beloved characters across parallelLondons.The novel delves into the aftermath of the first book and introduces the Element Games, amagical tournament that brings competitors from various realms, adding vibrant new elementsto the world-building and complexities for the characters to face. Throughout the book, Schwabs engaging prose further develops her intricate magical universe,balancing action with deeply introspective moments.As with most of Schwabs novels, the book raises thought-provoking themes about identity,power and self-mastery, further developing her characters, like Rhy evolving into a moreresponsible leader and Lilas self-discovery journey.However, some readers have pointed out pacing issues, particularly with the buildup to theElement Games, which takes up less narrative space than expected despite significantmentions. Additionally, the novel ends on a cliffhanger, leaving some plot threads unresolveduntil the third book.Overall, A Gathering of Shadows is a captivating continuation of the series, with rich world-building and compelling characters, though its pacing and open-ended conclusion may leavesome readers wanting more.ViciousGood Reads Score: 4.2/5 Barnes & Noble Score: 4.7/5Vicious by V.E. Schwab is a dark and thought-provoking novel that explores the morallyambiguous side of heroism. Set in a world where individuals gain extraordinary powers throughnear-death experiences, the story follows Victor Vale and Eli Ever, two college roommateswhose shared ambition for power transforms their friendship into a toxic rivalry.Their intense and manipulative relationship, filled with betrayal and love-hate dynamics, drivesthe narrative forward, making it a captivating exploration of toxic friendships and the blurredlines between good and evil.Schwabs morally gray characters, particularly Victor and Eli, are complex and difficult tocategorize as purely good or evil, making the story all the more compelling. The world-buildingis dark and atmospheric, though some readers may feel it lacks depth, leaving them wantingmore immersion in the setting.Despite these minor flaws, Vicious remains a captivating and complex tale of ambition, revengeand the moral ambiguity of power, making it a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and antiheronarratives.VengefulGood Reads Score: 4.14/5 Barnes & Noble Score: 4.7/5Vengeful by V.E. Schwab is the gripping sequel to Vicious, continuing the exploration of morallyambiguous characters and complex superhuman abilities. The story picks up with Victor Valesresurrection and his ongoing rivalry with Eli Ever. New characters, particularly Marcella Riggins,bring fresh dynamics and complexities to the narrative. Marcellas pursuit of power and hertransformation into an ExtraOrdinary (EO) adds an intriguing subplot, making her a captivatingfigure as she embarks on a vengeful, glamorous path.One of the novels strengths is its exploration of the toxic and complex relationship betweenVictor and Eli, which continues to be a major highlight. Schwab uses this relationship to explorethemes of power, revenge and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, evoking acomplex quandary about the nature of good and evil.As with many of Schwabs novels, her unique power system, where abilities are gained throughnear-death experiences, adds an extra layer of intrigue and danger throughout the tale, keepingyou wondering if characters will escape near-certain demise.However, the novel does have flaws. Pacing issues arise, with some sections feeling uneven,and while the plot twists are engaging, they may be seen as excessive or predictable. Marcellascharacter, though compelling, is underutilized, and the non-linear structure and multipleperspectives may disrupt the narrative flow.Overall, Vengeful is a thought-provoking continuation of the Villains series, offering suspense,betrayal, and a deeper dive into the complexities of its morally gray characters. While it may notsurpass its predecessor, it remains a captivating read.A Darker Shade of MagicGood Reads Score: 4.05/5 Barnes & Noble Score: 4.6/5A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world of parallelLondons, each with a unique magic system. The story follows Kell, one of the lastAntarimagicians who can travel between these worldswhose role as an ambassador andoccasional smuggler intertwines with that of Delilah Bard, a daring thief from Grey London.Together, they embark on an adventure filled with magic, danger, and political intrigue.Schwabs world-building is a major strength, with each London offering distinct cultures andrelationships to magic. The creation of Red, Grey, White, and Black Londons provides a richand imaginative backdrop for the story. The characters, particularly Kell and Lila, are well-developed, and their dynamic partnership adds depth to the narrative. Kells enigmatic natureand Lilas fierce independence make them relatable and memorable protagonists.However, some readers have pointed out pacing issues, as slower sections interrupt theotherwise fast-paced action. Additionally, while the romance between Kell and Lila plays asignificant role, it may overshadow other important plot elements. The magic systemsinconsistencies have also been noted, potentially undermining the stakes and tension of thestory.Overall, A Darker Shade of Magic is an engaging and well-written introduction to the Shades ofMagic series, with an imaginative setting and compelling characters, despite some pacing andplot clarity concerns.Warm UpGood Reads Score: 3.76/5 Barnes & Noble Score: N/AWarm Up by V.E. Schwab is a chilling prequel novella to her Villains duology, offering readersan intriguing glimpse into the world of ExtraOrdinaries (EOs) and the dark side of superhumanabilities. The story follows David, a man who gains the power to manipulate shadows aftersurviving a near-death experience. Initially exhilarating, his new ability soon becomes a burden,isolating him from society.Schwabs evocative prose and atmospheric world-building create a gripping narrative,immersing readers in a dark, gritty world that sets the stage for the Villains series.The novella delves deeply into Davids internal struggle, exploring themes of isolation, identityand the blurred lines between hero and villain.Schwab effectively develops Davids character, making him both sympathetic and menacing.However, the novellas brevity is a double-edged sword; while it provides a concise andemotionally resonant story, it leaves certain plot points unresolved. The short length limits the exploration of supporting characters and the broader world-building,which may frustrate some readers.Overall, Warm Up is a compelling prelude that enriches the Villains series, offering valuablecontext for the main duology. While it may not stand alone as a fully satisfying read, itshowcases Schwabs ability to create complex, morally ambiguous characters and sets the tonefor the dark world of EOs.