Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo
The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.
Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?
The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.
But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?
What were your overall thoughts?
Before I started reading Shadow and Bone, so many people told me that I simply had to read it. So many, in fact, that I almost didn’t want to. What if I disliked it? How disappointed would I feel? Bute, eventually I pushed my fears aside and decided to crack open my paperback copy of this gorgeous story. And, I am very pleased to report that I was the oppopsite of disappointed. I loved this book. I fell straight into the story, got truly addicted, and quite simply fell in love with Leigh Bardugo, Alina, Mal, and the Darkling. This story was absolutely brilliant and I am very glad I read it.
What was your favourite aspect?
It is incredibly difficult to choose just one thing about this book that I adored above all else because everything was so inspiring. The plot was detailed, heart-wrenching, and complicated. The characters were all three-dimensional, interesting and truly loveable. The world-building was also fantastic and written in a way that you could really imagine. I guess, if I had to choose, I really enjoyed the magical aspect. I loved the Grisha and all their powers and how unique they are to different characters. I also adore how they use it and the idea of the amplifiers. It definitely helped to make this book more enjoyable and entertaining.
Who was your favourite character and why?
Yet another difficult choice as all the characters were really easy to love but I think that my favourite character has to be Alina. I love that she isn’t this all powerful, all knowing character. She has flaws, weaknesses, and insecurities that her truly human and relatable. Yes she is strong, powerful and incredibly caring and protective but we are also able to see that she is so much more than that. Alina is a character that everyone can empathize with. Second favourite is definitely Mal, but I did, surprisingly, also like the Darkling. Looking forward to seeing what they get up to next!
Would you recommend this book?
Absolutely! I am certain that lovers of fantasy stories would devour this story. It is set in a unique world with amazing world-building and characters that could easily walk off the page and exist in this world. If you’re someone who loves books that are gripping, intense, stunning, and full of magic then you should read this book. It is also a book that is likely to really make you feel so if you like books that you can really connect with, then you must read this book. If fantasy isn’t your favourite thing, this may be a difficult book to start with but I’m certain you’d grow to love it eventually!
Summarize in one sentence. (Verdict)
Shadow and Bone is an adventurous story that is compelling, emotional, and has all the best qualities that make a brilliant fantasy.
Reviewed by Faye