Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
An orphan and a soldier in the army of Ravka, Alina is just like every other Ravkan citizen. But, when her regiment is tasked with going across the Fold, chaos ensues and a dormant power within her springs to life. This new power sends her mundane life spiraling out of control and away from everything she knows. She must now train with the Grisha, the magical soldiers that are led by the mysterious Darkling, to possibly become the savior of her war-ravaged country. She must face down enemies from within and without all while navigating her own emotions and desires.
When I picked up Shadow and Bone, I was mostly inspired to do so because I wanted to read it before I watched the series on Netflix. I had Just recovered from having my tonsils removed and I was still moving a bit slowly so I was looking for a restful activity to focus on. I read the first couple of chapters and I was sucked in immediately.
The book is very fast paced and it is a quick read, I flew through it in less than 2 days. By the end of the second chapter, blood was already being shed in the darkness of the fold. The country has a dark history that unfolds as the story does and it keeps you engaged. I liked the characters and the ways that Alina interacted with many of them.
I didn’t love the relationship built between Alina and the Darkling, and I wish it would have been a bit more platonic. I personally would have loved to see a mentor or a fatherly relationship with him rather than a romantic one, but that is just me. It did slow a bit in the middle while Alina navigated all of her studies, but it did give me a chance to fully fall in love with some of the side characters.
I would recommend this book to any reader who loves fast paced young adult fantasy. There are so many YA fantasy books out there and this one manages to stand out with unique characters and intricate world building. I really enjoyed the ride and didn’t even take a breath before picking up the second book.
I rate Shadow and Bone 4.5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐✰
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Format & Source: Paperback from Main Street Books
Publishing Info: Macmillan Publishing Group 2012
Books and Magick 